Remember

Walking with Chum in the woods yesterday it struck me just how lucky we all are to live in this country. We have no greater hardship to moan about but the weather most of the time and even that has its rightful place within the seasons. We should celebrate each month as it comes around and look for the highlights instead of bemoaning the loss of other seasonal delights. When all the flowers are gone, smaller things come to the fore like this beautiful lichen, it caught my eye with its intricate pattern so I looked it up, it is a source of an acid which is used in the production of antibiotics and is also the preferred nesting material of long-tailed tits, I'm glad I stopped for a closer look! The dying autumn foliage also cheers the heart as it glows amber in the dank November light. Making our way home, whether from a walk or a long day at work, each of us can look forward to a safe and comfortable home to return to, taking our ease in front of the fire as the dusk gathers outside. We must therefore remember that were it not for the sacrifice of many other people, our little country might not afford us these privileges.
Today's blog is dedicated to the memory of my grandfathers.

"All we have of freedom, all we use or know, this our fathers bought for us long and long ago"
Rudyard Kipling