A couple of evenings ago I was treated to the sight of this wonderful rainbow.
It stretches right along the old disused railway track
which borders the barley field.
It was magical.
Within moments it had disappeared.
The old Bramley apple tree is beginning to unfurl its beautiful pink blossom,
and
our little woodland
is full of Queen Anne's Lace, or Cow Parsley.
This froth of tiny white flowers grows to a height of five or six feet and completely swallows up cats, hens,
and grandchildren.
Scattered on the woodland floor are these - Arum maculatum -
Lords and Ladies and Cuckoo-Pint
are just two of the common names for them.
In autumn they form a cluster of bright red berries which are poisonous.
Our grandchildren must learn to avoid them, for there are
far too many to eradicate.
The bluebells are blooming.
Don't you just love that colour?
Our long hours of work out in the vegetable garden are giving us some reward for our efforts.
These radishes are crisp, hot and peppery.
Lettuces are crisp and flavoursome...
...and the first strawberries are ripening.
* * * * *
Imagine my surprise, when a few nights ago I was browsing the pages of some dog rescue charities and found this mug shot.
He is an unclaimed stray,
less than two years old, and was saved from death row
simply because a kennel had become available at the charity.
How could I resist the appeal in those eyes?
Especially as he, quite coincidentally,
comes with the name 'Toby'...
can you believe it?
I have been to visit him a couple of times and taken him for a good long walk.
He is a real sweetie.
He is not my old Toby, but he is a dog who needs the love that I can give him.
He is coming to live with us on Friday.
His name is Toby Too.
I haven't forgotten my darling old boy, he is irreplaceable.
However, this boy needs a home
and I need a dog.
x
Aw - what a sweetie! I'm sure that he's going to love his new home. Jx
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan. It will definitely be different, having a young and energetic dog around the place. I think the cats may sulk at first!
Delete*Gulp*...I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat...I can't think why.
ReplyDeleteJane xxxxxx
Hello Jane, It has certainly helped me to get out of the doldrums. It has also put a smile back on Harry's face.
DeleteThat is such wonderful news Elaine. You must feel as though Toby Too coming to live with you was meant to be. Much love. x
ReplyDeleteHello Scarlet, As soon as I spotted his face and those eyes I was smitten...when I saw the name 'Toby' I almost cried. I do think he was meant to come to us. x
DeleteIt's so heartwarming that you have found another Toby to accompany you on your walks. I look forward to hearing about your young, new Toby. Your photography is just stunning! It must run in the family.
ReplyDeleteHello Ms Sparrow, Fingers crossed, he should have a wonderful life - as long as he enjoys walking as much as I do. I was feeling very happy when I snapped those photographs - perhaps that is what comes through. I am still very grateful to Jonny for trusting me to play carefully with his cameras! He'll be home with Ming Ming in about nine weeks time.
DeleteOn the verge of tears here. I think Toby has sent this dog to you. You know, they never really do stop looking out for us. I guess the only way you were to really know it was to be was for the dog to be named Toby. I'm so happy for both you and the new family member. Hugs
ReplyDeleteHello Deb, I was feeling very guilty about looking - until I saw those beautiful eyes. It felt as though I was looking into the eyes of my boy, when he was young...I couldn't believe it when I checked out the name. My husband said "Well, that's it then, you'll have to have him..".
DeleteI'm so pleased that you have come along for Toby Too and TT for you - you're made for each other - he'll have such a lovely life with you just like Toby One did.
ReplyDeleteHello Molly, Oh I do hope so! The Edge of Nowhere is perfect for dog walking, and our place was designed with dogs in mind and feels so odd without one - even if the floors do stay clean for longer.
DeleteI'm glad you did find another dog to give your love to, good for both of you! Your garden is doing very well. This year DH started with an allotment, we already did get asperges from the previous owner. Tasted delicious. Love that blue color from the bluebells!! groetjes, Gerda
ReplyDeleteHello Gerda, How exciting about the allotment. Home grown vegetables taste infinitely better than shop bought and are well worth all the effort. Asparagus is a wonderful seasonal treat, how lucky you were to inherit some. We have been finishing off the fence around the vegetable garden - just in case Toby Too turns out to be a 'digger'!
DeleteEvery dog is special and I know you will find lots to love in Toby Too, and he will be so happy to be part of your family:) He will soon meet Arnold! and visit all your favourite spots.
ReplyDeleteHello Jenny, I know you are right and I am sure that Toby Too will soon begin to show his own special qualities. He has so many wonderful adventures waiting for him, new walks to be learned - and a couple of cats to charm!
Deletesigh ... this post did my heart good. virtual hug being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, Hug received - with thanks! Those beautiful brown eyes just melted my heart.
DeleteYou lifted my heart. Well actually, Toby T did it. I am so happy for both of you. Enjoy the radishes, too. All of them.
ReplyDeleteHello Joanne, I must admit that I am getting very excited about Toby Too's arrival. His bed, bowls, leads and toys are ready and waiting. The radishes were lovely and peppery.
DeleteSo good to hear - no wonder you couldn't resist the look in those eyes.
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, I walked him for an hour the other day and he was every bit as sweet and eager to please as his eyes would lead you to believe. Now I just have to convince the cats.
DeleteOh dear - we are trying to convince our cats to tolerate a labrador.
DeleteWhy is it that we all get so damned emotional about dogs. That is wonderful news, and we've all met him together. He looks gorgeous (a bit like my Bok, who passed his 10 metre swimming badge yesterday).
ReplyDeleteHello Cro, Well done Bok! He will have his Lifeguards Badge before you know it. Toby Too had a little operation yesterday, got micro-chipped, etc. Now there is just the paperwork and the fee to pay on Friday and then the adventure can begin.
DeleteElaine, that's exactly how I felt when I found Rosie after Bailey passed. She was 8 1/2 years old and I tried to tell myself it was silly to take on an older cat, but I love her and she needed us. I think Bailey knew I needed a companion and brought us together, just like your Toby bringing this sweet boy, XOXO
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, I think that is wonderful - and I am so glad you opened up your home and your hearts to Rosie. I really do feel that Toby approves. He was very cued into my moods and I know he would have hated to see me so sad.xx
DeleteHi Elaine. I've had some trouble getting into your blog but have finally made it today. I think I need to refresh the link on my blog for some reason. I'm so glad that you have found a new fur baby to keep you company on your walks and at home.
ReplyDeleteHello Maa, Sometimes Blogger does play up, let's hope it is resolved now. I think this young man will probably walk the legs off me, but that is not a bad thing; there are lots of wonderful walks around here which had become too far for my old Toby to walk. It will be nice to share them with TT!
DeleteWell done
ReplyDeleteBroken hearts need a dog
Hello John, It is so true! My heart is still aching, and the tears do still fall, but I am really looking forward to caring for Toby Too. He will have so much fun and love.
DeleteI can't believe you had a rainbow. That's a sign from your beloved Toby I'm sure. He is telling you he is fine. Your new Toby is as handsome as all get out. Wonderful news all around.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help getting teary eyed when I saw the rainbow!
Hello Susan, In all the years we have lived here I have never seen a rainbow like that - it looked like a rainbow bridge... I had just been looking at the photograph of Toby Too, debating whether it would be disloyal to have him so soon after losing my Toby. I got my answer in that rainbow.x
DeleteYour photos are magical and so is Toby Too. He may not be your old Toby, but he's going to be so loved and so are you.
ReplyDeleteHello Mitch, You are right, he is going to be so much loved - well, maybe not by Bennie and Sparky - but certainly by me. The cats definitely loved old Toby and I am sure that in time they will relax and build a good relationship with the new boy. Isn't he gorgeous!
DeleteLoved your photos, brilliant clarity. . . I was over the moon learning about Toby Two! You warmed my heart . . .
ReplyDeleteHello Lynne, He is home with us now - a bit sore after surgery (neutering) but doing OK! I'll post an update soon. I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
DeleteOh, Elaine....it makes my heart happy that you are calling him Toby Too. What a sweet face....he is so lucky you have chosen him. You did good!!
ReplyDeleteHello Meggie, Young Harry cannot get the hang of the 'Too' bit. He is convinced it refers to Toby's age and wants it to change each year! So far, apart from a few minor problems, he seems every bit as wonderful as I hoped. Someone had begun some serious training with him on the basics...not recall, unfortunately!
DeleteCow Parsley and Arum lilies - two of my all-time favourite plants - though not in the same bit of garden. Six months ago I planted a dozen small arum lilies in a shady corner and they are coming along nicely. At our old house I had a garden colonised solely with them and they looked beautiful, especially in moonlight. I am still looking for somewhere to plant the cow parsley here - and I think I may have found a space for it to grow and spread :-)
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, I hope Toby settles in nicely with you. Years ago we had a rescue black lab bitch called Bessie and she was so loyal and loving that, in my mind, there was no doubt she understood how happily things had turned out for her.
Hello Lynne, Our little woodland is something which was already established when we moved here - and I can well remember how thrilled I was when I saw the froth of Cow Parsley that first spring. I hope your Arum lilies and Cow Parsley really get going.
DeleteToby has been with us for a couple of days now and so far he seems to be settling in well - very eager to please and willing to learn. The only trouble is that our two cats have decided to decamp to a building in the gardens rather than share a home with him!
I skipped through the photo's to get to the part about Toby, thinking sad, sad thoughts for you Elaine. Then imagine my surprise to see a new rescue, rides to the rescue. My heart is full, for you, that your heart can find a place for Toby Too. I applaud you.
ReplyDeleteLLX
Hello lettice leaf, Toby Too is a real treasure - he is lying on his back, snoring his head off right now. He has to learn a few manners, but so far (touch wood) his behaviour is far better than I could have hoped for. He is painfully thin, but we'll get that sorted.
DeleteI still find myself visiting Toby's grave (he is in our little woodland) and having the occasional sob - then I give myself a bit of a talking to and march on, with Toby Too trotting at my side. Fourteen years are not erased that quickly, but Toby Too is definitely doing his best.
Its hard to try to replace a dog you have loved for so long but Toby will be glad I think to know Toby too is around and keeping you all company in his absence. (he has such a lovely face...very trusting) x
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, He is settling in very well - willing to learn and eager to please, which bodes well for training. Our four hens attack him on sight, which is good - he is no longer trying to chase them. I wish the cats would do the same. They have definitely turned their backs on the house and the poly tunnel is their home at the moment - with a daybed in the log store!
Delete