Identification Please

I have been watching this field for a couple of weeks now.

It is beautiful with acres of lilac/purple flowers.

As excited as I am to see some blue sky,

I would really love to know what 

this farmer is growing here.

I can identify those pretty red poppies.

Any ideas what those delicate lilac flowers are?

Participating in Skywatch Friday and Ein Stück Himmel.

Have a sunny weekend!

Thatched Roof Thursday #22 - Brandon

This thatch roof cottage has the curious name of Everton Manor. It is so tiny.  The sight of it always turns my head when we drive by.  I found a conservation report for Brandon Village and it describes this cottage, as follows:

'The building with the oldest origins in the village is Everton Manor, which dates back to 1550, now with a brick skin covering the original wattle and daub exterior.' 

Oh, 'wattle and daub'....??? Good old Wikipedia has can enlighten us here. So it looks like that brickwork is actually covering some rather old building material. Surprise!

The photos I have used for the last 3 days have all come from walking distance of each other. 

I mentioned last week that I was going to show you the home next door to last week's thatch.  I seem to have run out of time. I haven't forgotten :).  Better do that Monday.  Cheers!

I Is For Inquisitive

...and, please note the 'Ice' (ok, snow) on this sweetheart's coat.

Day before yesterday, I was taking pictures and couldn't help noticed some horses sheltering from the wind and snow in a field between Brandon and Wolston villages.  The minute I started snapping away, this one came straight over.

Obviously, I am supposed to produce an apple.  I wonder if that would be okay?  I will find out, because this is another horse that deserves a treat.

Aw....!  I know this isn't quite straight.  It would have been an interesting photo of me trying to take this shot in gusty, cold wind.  Totally amazed I didn't fall over :).

For more letter 'I' photos, just click on this link - ABC Wednesday.

Brandon Castle - What Remains

When I took this photo I was not sure if I was in Brandon or Wolston.  To my surprise I discovered that beyond that group of trees once stood medieval Brandon Castle.   Oh my goodness.  How exciting.  I will be doing a little reading about this site.  I wonder if I can get a closer look.

The photo was taken yesterday just after a very light dusting (as they call it here) of snow in below freezing temperatures. Horses live in this field and they are just out of sight to my left - sheltering.  The microscopic  speck on the horizon to the right is a sparrow hawk (says Mr. LOL).  I thought it was a helicopter.  But then I would have noticed that for sure when I was taking the photo.  A train was going pass just then too.  If you click on the photo you will see it.  

Tomorrow, I will swing around a little to the left to see those horses - one in particular.  I must say, I feel rather excited.  All in one day having snow and discovering a castle.  Fabulous!

Taking part, with pleasure, in Our World Tuesday.  Click this link for more photos from around the world.

Thatched Roof Thursday #19 - Brandon

We drive past here at least 3 times a week to go swimming at the Brandon Hall Hotel located at the end of this road.  On a very sunny day last week, I took this photo.  I thought you might like to see a village main street.  Most villages around here seem to have a 'Main Street'.

Earlier today, I drove past the cottage that is being re-thatched. They were covering it with wire netting.  I took a photo with some of the roof uncovered.  It looks good.  Now we just need another sunny day so I can get a nice final photo of it.

It was cold today.  So we did go to the cinema and saw 'Django Unchained'.  I had to close my eyes quite a bit because it was way over the top with violence, a la Quentin Tarantino.  Those parts were not my cup of tea but the rest of it was ok.  If you go to see it, it has good acting, amazing scenery, but just be prepared for....well, be prepared.

Instant Fog

Brandon Hall Hotel

I am definitely an amateur photographer.  Here is proof.

This is were my husband and I go for a swim (not as often as we should).  The other day there was a rare moment when no one was in the pool.  I rushed to our car (fully clothed), got my camera and ended up with only a couple of  photos. Something to do the camera being in a cold car and suddenly indoors in a nice warm environment.  Within in seconds - Instant Fog!  All part of the learning curve :).

PS.  For you local folks.  Brandon Hall offers yearly gym and pool facilities for local residents.  All sorts of memberships available.

Thatched Roof Thursday # 8 - Brandon

I have been waiting for ages to photograph this thatched roof in the sunshine.  (Did that at weekend.)  This cottage dates back to about 1640 and is described as a large, light framed Grade II listed cottage.  Pretty big for a cottage, I would say.  I love the detail around the chimney.  Looks as if the thatch has been turned back.  Lovely.

When I was in Rugby yesterday, I got so cold that I got a cold :(.  Hope you all out there are keeping well.  Cheers!

Thatched Roof Thursday #1 - Brandon

I got lucky this morning driving through Brandon.  This 1600's thatched cottage is a classic in itself, but to add a 1937 Austin 7 to the frame is a bonus....not to mention a 1961 Massey Ferguson tractor as well.  For you car buffs, here is a closer look at that Austin 7.

Hey! A Bale Race

Brandon Lane, Just outside Coventry

Do I miss the Olympic?  You betcha!

Have a look at my posting on Saturday, 11th August, of the horses beyond the bridge.  The scene above was taken of the hay fields directly behind me.

No Joking...Two Minutes From Coventry

Brandon Lane

These are untouched photographs.  I could not see the horses with my naked eye.  What a delight when I downloaded the photo on my PC.  Oh, (below) that is the mainline to London.  Off to the penultimate day of the Olympics 2012 for some, I expect.

Five Minutes Outside Coventry

Bretford, England

This is just one of the many beautiful sights this morning between Brandon and Bretford, quite near Coventry.  It was a bit windy out but the clouds don't seem to be swirling.  Hard to believe that a village just to the south of his hill was hit by a small tornado last night. No one was hurt.