Sun Set Over Porlock

The light summer evenings are an ideal time for Derek and myself to take the dogs out as it so much cooler and the air is heavy with the heavenly scent of honeysuckle. There are more deer to be seen at this time of day as they come out of the shade and graze in the fields. Derek has seen some calves but was too far away to get any decent pictures so I think he is planning to go out on the horse as he can get so much closer. We were driving over towards North Hill the other evening and the setting sun over Porlock bay was breathtaking – a ball of red with a perfect reflection. Needless to say Derek didn’t have his camera!

We had thunderstorms on Thursday with two storms meeting overhead. The dark skies over the moor just seemed to be so heavy and brooding and it was a spectacular sight with both fork and sheet lighting. The warm, heavy rain was just what Derek wanted for the plants in the new beds (the downside is that the grass needs to be cut every other day)!

As the week went on we got busier and busier with people taking advantage of the lovely weather. Ron came up for the weekend and we went to Dunster for the afternoon. There is so much to see - castle and grounds, beautifully restored tithe barn, dovecotes and yarn market. The shops are interesting as well selling a whole range of things including pictures, clothing, jewellery, goods made in New Zealand, second hand books, gifts and even one that sells chandeliers! Dunster makes for a good afternoon just pottering!

We have been so busy that today is the first day that Derek has had to start paving up the steps with natural stone – I can’t wait to see them complete. The garden is really coming into its own with all the plants and flowers looking so colourful and with Dunkery Beacon in the background, it is the most perfect setting.