The greyhounds' magnolia

Magnolias love the chalk downs here in east Kent and are at their peak just now. We took J and her nurse and care assistant up to the top of the downs across the valley to see the bluebells; they will be more fully opened and bluer in another week, but the weather this weekend was perfect and the wood anemones shone between the bluebells. J can't really get into the wood in her wheelchair, but she can look in between the trees from several points along the lane; we would have to drive a lot further to reach a wood accessible enough for us to walk into with her. Neither of her two companions had seen a bluebell wood before, having grown up in the urban heat of Johannesburg and Accra and now living in built-up areas closer to London, and they enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to take selfies. We paused for eggs at the usual farm, then stopped in the narrow lane outside the home of a friend from P's walks. J has waited a long time to meet his two rescue greyhounds, former racing dogs retired with injuries after four years. They are beautiful, friendly and gentle dogs and J was delighted with them; she enjoyed them laying their heads on her lap, trying to climb into the car and responding to our strokes. I also loved seeing the wonderful magnolia tree outside their home and the expanse of primroses on the petal-strewn lawn. S was warm, friendly and easy to talk to as well; I hope we visit again.

I've just back-blipped Friday's photos too; today's will have to wait, as my nights have been far too short recently.