Rosebay Willowherb 2

Jonas Kaufmann was magnificent at the Royal Festival Hall last night. The audience were very enthusiastic (lots of sophisticated "bravos" greeted each of his arias) and we just wouldn't let him go at the end. He gave six encores and got more like an excited teenager, along with the conductor, with each one. I'm sure they were just winging it for the last few.

I've been thinking about this. Jonas is a big star here and all over the world, but this was his first recital in the UK. He's usually part of a full opera cast, along with divas and stars like Angela Gheorghiu etc, and the applause is of a more general and formal kind. Last night was showing what music lovers thought of HIM - and he responded marvellously.

Back home, I went for a shorter walk (minus a stick of any description - the next stage) and found the late afternoon light on the wood was stunning. I went through Pipe Hill Heathland - an area now reclaimed since the building of a new roundabout that diverts the worst of the traffic.

I think this rosebay willowherb is actually better in the larger version

If you live in our area, this is worth a visit although it's only a small area.

Pipe Hill Heathland, in the Forest of Mercia

Final poppies