Heartsease

 

This simple flower has a choice of names: the Latin Viola tricolor as well as the more endearing Cats'-faces and Love in Idleness. I wonder why the folk terms are so varied and whether or not they say something about different localities. Perhaps, somewhere, love is perceived as being possible only in leisure moments! Somewhere else people feel the need for solace after an unhappy affair whereas others are more concerned with their pets.

Happiness for all

There are not many news items that can - and perhaps should - make everyone feel cheerful. Yet here is one that does just that. The weather this year has been particularly favourable for butterflies and there is a large increase in their numbers. The gorgeous Red Admiral is now plentiful and lifts the heart with its colour and lively flight.

Horse-fly

Why on earth did I decide to paint a horse-fly?  Out of a kind of superstition in fact. One day, as I was setting out to walk round the estuary in Newport, Pembrokeshire, one settled on the inside of my wrist and started to have its lunch. Quick as a well-trained Girl Guide, I brushed it off, sucked the spot and spat enthusiastically. Despite this, I developed a large, hard, red swelling that looked unsightly for days. I though the way forward would be to create an image of the insect and flick at it to act as a deterrent by proxy. This technique has worked and the little menaces are now eating someone else. I hope it isn't you but, if it is, you know what to do.

GOTCHA

I baited the humane trap with their favourite cheese, put my expensive chocolates on a high shelf and went to bed secure in the certain knowledge I had won at last.




 

 

Self-heal

The Latin name for this plant is Prunella vulgaris which makes it sound too common. I love the older folk term which suggests something of its character, in this case the use as a general cure for minor diseases.  We can imagine the Friar from Romeo and Juliet gathering Self-heal in his basket, recognising it as one of the earth's "precious-juiced flowers."

Strumble Head Lighthouse

On the more northerly stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is the Strumble Head lighthouse which seems  potentially stormy whatever the weather.  Nearby is an old World War Two lookout station which adds another dramatic element to this isolated place.