So whats been happening in my life since I last dropped in here, well been pretty busy with the garden and trees in between the rain showers and high winds that we have been having throughout the Summer, can’t really say I’ve felt as though we’ve had a Summer yet, but as mentioned in the last blog, the nights are drawing in, the Geese are flying over heading towards the grain fields which is always a sign that Harvest is well and truly started and Autumn isn’t far away…

The title of this post is Small Things because I’ve noticed how much pleasure I get in looking at the detail in a tiny wild flower or the beauty and intricate patterns of an insect when you get up close to it. Having a camera with a good lens helps you do this, you can zoom right in without disturbing it giving you time to take the shot. Also just looking at a small simple section of where you might be sitting..the other evening I was looking out over the fields as the sun was setting with a glass of wine, and a movement caught my eye, it was a dandelion seed head caught up in a spiders beautiful web, fluttering in the breeze, the spider had spun its masterpiece between rusty bars of an old iron gate that I had propped up against the fence..I wouldn’t have noticed it if it hadn’t moved. It looked beautiful in the dusk light with all the contrasting colours so I took a photo of it…

Other happenings…by sheer fluke I switched onto a tv channel which I normally never watch, a selling channel, but it had Bargain of The Day am not one to be sucked into all that…but it was for an electric bike. I had been thinking about this and had been doing some research on them, but they are expensive and buying second hand not recommended because of the battery. But here was one at a reasonable price, the programme was in its last 10mins, they were showing it going up hills which looked a breeze, also it was a folding bike, always handy…it did 22mls on one charge and zipped along at a 15mph! Hmm I thought I could get over to Compton and walk along the beach..which I’ve been missing and maybe even have a swim before the Summer is over!!

Its impossible to get to Compton by bus from here, tortuous cycling as there are very steep hills en route. I tried once several years ago..never again!! The bikes were selling fast. I did a quick google search and read the reviews for this bike..they were good. Also they offered a 14 day trial. It was live online as well, the black had now sold out, and only two remaining for the Dolphin blue colour, perfect whats not to love.

Three days later it arrived..seriously packaged, sturdy and very well made. I charged the battery and pumped the tires up, was too late to take it out. Next day was raining…following day fine. What can I say..it was quite a thrill, once you click on that power button the surge in speed is quite surprising for a little battery! It has three speeds, low, med, high. On the first spin out I only used the low speed as that was all that was needed to get up the nearest incline here, which has me out of breath on a push bike. A racing cyclist past by..all in lycra, lean and mean… he said looking perplexed as he passed me at the top of the hill, ‘ I’ve been trying to catch you for the last 10mins he said puffing, that has to be an electric bike!’ No I said I’m just fit’ and laughed..

Then yesterday I took it over to Compton, it was a beautiful day, with a stiff cool breeze. Now there are two steep hills one on either side in order to reach Compton, so you can’t avoid them, no matter which route you take. The bike did it, I had to put some effort into it too, but wasn’t out of puff when I reached the top, there is no way I could have got up that hill on an ordinary bicycle! Parked the bike feeling great, and walked down to my favourite beach, was wonderful to be there again, first time this year. The water was FREEZING so no going in for me, but paddled and took some photo’s. So I think I will be keeping this bike.. well we’ve bonded and he’s called Fungie ~ wonder why… Certainly an unexpected delight, am sure my fingers were guided by my dear Mum!

Will finish this post with a beautiful small thing..he was in my makeshift pond..upside down and obviously in distress..got a twig and he clung on to it..thereafter he dried out in the sun, wiping his eyes, then sprung off…all good and adding to the beauty of nature.

**Magnificent Grasshopper: Exquisite..I love his bright yellow hood..here he is wiping his eyes..and drying off.**

Bye for now..