Hill o’ Fare

Last weekend, hubby and I woke up early (6am on Sunday…and we don’t have kids.  Ouch.), saw that the sun was shining and decided to go hillwalking — something we haven’t done for months and months and months and possibly over a year ago.

By the time we arrived at Hill o’ Fare, the sun had scarpered, but it was still lovely and warm, so we pushed on and it was well worth it.  Not only did we find out just how out-of-shape we truly are, but I found ACRES of blueberry bushes.  See all those young-green bushes?  Yep.  Blueberries.

How happy will I be come blueberry season?

Then halfway up the hill we came across a slow stream that pooled and there we discovered that rabbit tails actually grow on reeds.

And, at the top of the hill, not only could you see the whole of Garioch (pronounced GEAR-ee — don’t ask me why — with an almost rolled ‘r’), but there was also a plinth!

Today’s fun: Aberdeenshire spelling vs. pronunciation – Doric Call Centre

 

Lilacs…

…are my absolute favouritest spring flower…

…and I’m so glad they’re finally here.

 

Not Sumac

A couple of people suggested that the nameless ‘brain with wings’ tree is sumac. I’ve just done a google search and that’s not it. Keep the ideas coming, though, please. Sumac does pretty, fall-colour stuff and my tree doesn’t. Also, although my tree’s berries hang out with each other, like sumac’s does. My tree’s berries hang out in round bunches rather than pillar-shaped berries.

Sumac:

Our tree:

And here’s a picture of the beautiful Aberdeenshire sky.

 

Spring Swells III

Still haven’t looked it up.

Sycamore

Rowan

Plum

Lilac

Holly

 

Put the Lime in the Gorse Bush…

Did you know that coconut smells of gorse flowers? It’s true.

(For those in the more tropical climes, it’s the other way around.)

 

Spring Swells II

Photographed 18th April (For the photos taken on the April 8th, go here.)

Sycamore

Rowan

Plum

Brain with wings

Blue-flowered weed of some ilk
(Bob has told me the name, but I have forgotten it.)

And does anyone else think this thsitle resembles a spider?

 

Spring Swells

Sycamore

Rowan

Plum

Lilac

Beech

Goodness knows what. Beautiful red berries in the autumn, though.

 

Spring has Sprung

 

Under Cover

It looks like our snowdrops may have peaked their little heads above ground a wee bit early. Of course, the freshly laid snow nicely hides them from the scary monster that has appeared in the corner of the garden.

(Hmm…I smell the beginnings of a children’s story…)

 

Which Month Is This?

The Snowdrop
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)

Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid,
Ever as of old time,
Solitary firstling,
Coming in the cold time,
Prophet of the gay time,
Prophet of the May time,
Prophet of the roses,
Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid!

That’s right, my friends and family. Snowdrops. The final week of January and we have snowdrops. In fact, I would have to say that these snowdrops first peeped their heads out during the penultimate week of January but had gone unnoticed due to their demure countenance.