We are looking for snowdrops!!

Where are they, what are they and can I eat them?

We went over to Easton Lodge, near Dunmow this afternoon to see the snowdrops. There was good turnout of people and a few dogs, in spite of the freezing cold day.

The history of this former estate is fascinating and if you are into social history details are on this website.

To tempt you to look, the early history starts in 1590 and one of the most interesting periods covers the life of Daisy, Countess of Warwick. Her links with royalty, the establishment and socialism!!

In 1939 the War Office requisitioned the Estate for the army and in 1943 the 386th Bomber group, the 'Crusaders' of the US Air Force with their Marauder aircraft, took up residence. When they left the RAF 190 and 620 Squadrons who flew Stirlings were billeted throughout the estate. The next occupants were the 21 VRD RASC who at one time had up to 34,000 vehicles parked on the Estate. They stayed until 1950, when it was returned to its owner.

Back to the purpose of the visit to see the snowdrops. I bought some "in the green" and hope to be able to grow them on in our garden.

It would be good to go back on a warmer day and sit with a coffee and cake to think through the history and the people who have lived here over the years.

PS I met our neighbour who owns the visiting cat from Thursdays blip . Her name is Millie and she is really timid. She runs away from any stranger, not just me!!