Wold’s Diary: Nature’s innocent awakening

Steep sides covered in gorse, which framed the green of the valley bottom was contrasted by a bright blue sky with white clouds high above.

My geography teacher at school, many years ago, taught me the phrase: “When the gorse fails to bloom then love’s out of season.” If that is so then it’s a very affectionate time of year!

I spent a glorious hour or so and the dogs had a great time too. Earlier in the week I had gone on one of my regular walks and my Staffie emerged from the undergrowth covered in some sort of sticky slime, which didn’t seem to bother her but before she was allowed near my bedroom I had to bath her.

It isn’t just the gorse that is in bloom. Everywhere the hedgerows are laden with white blossom. The fruit trees in my garden are also covered in bloom. On a windy day it looks as if it is snowing as the petals swirl around.

The fresh green of emerging shoots on the shrubs and trees portray a great variety of shades, from the almost red and brown of some leaves, mainly on the chestnut trees, to the palest delicate sage colours of other shrubs.

Even the grass is sprouting forth with great vigour. I have some shrubs in my garden that are a block of bright vibrant yellow. So are a lot of dandelions; I must get round to sorting them out.

I planted several varieties of mint and some other herbs in my herb garden only to discover the dogs can get in there, so I have had to barricade it better.

In all the fields with stock the young are present. I saw a mare in a field with the cutest pair of foals, not long born, obviously twins. Lambs are everywhere and they have got to the cute stage of running round in gangs.

I have also seen quite a few deer, mainly fallow, as I have driven around. One I spotted was quite heavily pregnant, but they all looked to be in excellent condition.

I have also spotted a few stoats as I walked around and even a couple of weasels. It would seem that animals are coming out of hibernation. Certainly hedgehogs are. I also spotted a polecat, to my surprise.

I’ve been to York a couple of times this week, and the daffodils on the green verges are splendid. York is always spectacular, but now it is pretty as well.

One of these visits was to have a scan at the hospital. The outcome was very good and put my mind at rest.

On my way out I met the most charming black Labrador guide dog called Captain, whose owner was fascinating to talk to, and was there to support a charity stall.

I decided to walk back into the centre of York from the hospital and as I passed under one of the gates a woman demanded money from me, quite aggressively wanting me to give her my change. She picked the wrong person to try and bully and I politely told her to get a job, and she was most irate at this. I had seen many advents for all sorts of job vacancies as I walked through the city. She came towards me but rather wisely decided not to take me on.

I reported the incident to a Police Community Support officer I met soon afterwards. Such incidents do nothing to portray York in a good light.

I was invited to speak to the Ladies Luncheon Club at Driffield, at the Rugby club, on the Thursday. Not only were they a great group but the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding was delicious as well. Then came an even better apple pie with custard, one of my favourites. Once again I had to put the diet on hold. One lady had even come with a bag of ties for me, for which I thank her. I enjoyed the afternoon and was in splendid company while I was there.

I returned to Driffield on the Saturday and it was very busy. There are some excellent shops there and I enjoyed the morning. Then a quick dash back to York to pick up a friend from the station and then home.