Thinking about my father

While sorting my computer files I came across 2 poems which were written by my father whilst he was serving with the British Army in India during World War ll. Thought I would share them with you.

I don't think he wrote any more as far as I know. My grandmother gave these to me many years ago and my mother didn't even know about them.

Unfortunately my father died in 1969 at the age of 49. Had he lived he would have been 88 next week (13th May).

Sadly he died before my children were born. They certainly missed out as I am sure he would have been a wonderful grandfather.

This photo of my parents was taken in 1967 on the ship when they emigrated to Australia. Not quite the last photo I have of him but the one which is how I like to remember him.

Cyril Squirrel

Bird Casualty

Birds in my garden are forever flying into the window with a thud. More often than not they shake themselves and get up and fly away. I thought this little greenfinch was dead as it wasn't moving. When I touched it it closed its spread wings and stood up. It remained in a dazed state for about 20 minutes and I was just going to move it to the hedge where I though it would be safer when it spread its wings and flew off.

A couple of days ago there was a louder thud than usual and when I went in the kitchen to see what is was I was surprised to see a kestrel sitting there with a blackbird in its talons. I rushed to get the camera but was too late. It had flown off with its prey leaving a mass of feathers. I think it must have hit the window as it swooped for the kill.

Moleman

My daughter Sophie lives directly opposite this man's house.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7348949.stm

Another jonquil

A lovely white one with lemon and white trumpet.

Interesting find

Found lying on the lawn this skull measures 5 cm in length. Where has it come from? Probably the skull of a grey squirrel as that is the only small mammal we have that is about the right size. A strange place to find it. A bird or other small animal must have dropped it there. But what could they be doing with it? It must be quite old as it is very dry and delicate so they couldn't have been thinking it was food.

More Jonquils and other signs of Spring

Comma butterfly warming itself in the midday spring sunshine.

Ladybird on lupin leaves

Double white daffodil with small orange trumpet

Multiple flower head white with orange trumpet