Where Pine Cones Come From

It never occured to me until today how pine cones begin life. Well I found out today whilst I was taking pictures of wierdy spikey things in a tree - took a while to dawn on me what they were and what they are going to grow into.

Had nice chilled day horse riding this morning, then had friends round for lunch as they have been house hunting and it all got very exciting as they think they have found one and it looks lovely. Then we went to buy midge nets and a new tent this afternoon and then went to friends for dinner. I washed the duvet cover and sheets off our bed this morning and now it's late and I have to make the bed up :0(