For those of you who might have been following the fortunes of the fledgling blue tits, I am writing a very short letter post haste to tell you that they will be flying within days such has been their rapid progress and transformation, these may well be the last images I will be able to send you. You will notice how the shape of their beaks is changing and because the little birds are so much larger, the parent birds can now easily detect their beaks for feeding. Very many thanks to the clever photographer for supplying us with these marvellous images. To have seen such a wonderful display of pictures showing their progress from egg to adulthood has been a rare and special privilege.
Not forgetting crop circles - to the best of my knowledge only one may have been reported to date and that was possibly a single simple one in Italy (as yet still to be confirmed). I remain convinced that several lie undiscovered in our fields and until we regain some of our freedom and are allowed to take to the air once more - may remain so - as the general relaxing of the most stringent rules are being very slowly relaxed. As long as there is no upsurge in virus infections, I am hopeful that this day may not be too far ahead.
As previously mentioned, I am definitely planning to take my tours: one in late July and the second in August.
The hedgerows are burgeoning with flowers, wild foxgloves, stitchwort, ragged robin, buttercups and Queen Anne’s Lace. An ancient countryman once told me that it was not wise to plant out my runner beans until Queen Anne’s Lace was in bloom. Beloved by bees, wasps and ladybirds, it is a most invasive plant, so beware. We are told that: ‘The plant is said to have obtained its common name from a legend that tells of Queen Anne of England pricking her finger with a drop of blood subsequently landing on the white lace (similar looking to the flower) she was sewing. Queen Anne's lace is also frequently called wild carrot (Daucus Carota), and it is just that.’ Contrary to common belief, Queen’s Anne’s lace is not poisonous and was used for medicinal purposes such as when brewed into a tea; it was in demand as a diuretic to prevent and eliminate kidney stones, and to rid individuals of worms. ‘Its seeds have been used over the centuries as a contraceptive and physicians prescribed it as an abortifacient, a sort of “morning after” pill.’
Once again my most enormous thanks to all who have already generously donated so wonderfully towards my expenses.
I am overjoyed.
My love and best wishes
Lucy.