Tree Hugging

Walked round Rectory Park today, revisiting all our favourite trees. When we got to the hazel, Allegra ran up and hugged it. Must admit, I felt a lot of affection for these trees that we've seen develop from their naked winter selves into these glorious green giants while we've been taking our two grandkids on daily Nature walks during lockdown.

We've learnt so much. Amazing to think that when we first saw this tree, we thought the dried out bracts were the leaves - see extra for the fresh ones - and the leaves - covering the tree now.

All of you with little children... take them somehow into the country among green grass and yellow wheat - among trees - by hills and streams, if you wish their highest education, that of the heart and the soul, to be completed. Therein shall they find a Secret, a knowledge not to be written, not to be found in books. They shall know the sun and the wind, the running water, and the breast of the broad earth. Under the green spray, among the hazel boughs where the nightingale sings, they shall find a Secret, a feeling, a sense that fills the heart with an emotion never to be forgotten. They will forget their books (not sure I agree with this bit!) - they will never forget the grass fields.
                                                                                     - Richard Jefferies

Gratefuls:
- the oak, king of the forest; the beech, queen of the forest; the horse chestnut, small green conkers already developing; the dainty silver birch; the white birch, lady of the woods... and so many more
- not too hot, not too cold, and dry - just right for a wander
- Mike's good sourdough bread, a fresh loaf day after day