SHEEP AMONG HEADSTONES, SUSSEX

I thought I might have more to say about this picture; at the time I took it, that is. The black sheep looked more menacing then than it does now. As if he was going to contest our right to go any farther. But like most bullies, gave way when we challenged. A doubly biblical image: sheep and the dead. We were on a walking tour in Sussex. Later some of the sheep became quite impertinent, when we settled down to have a churchyard lunch. Nearly snatched a sandwich out of my hand, one of them did.

IT'S 9th FEBRUARY AND ROSES ARE BLOOMING. WHAT???

While the rest of Europe, including the UK, is in the grip of ice and snow, the western half (at least) of Ireland is mild and damp. I did a bit of a double take this morning when I looked out at the garden and saw the rose bush below beginning to bloom. Is this Climate Change or am I a Dutchman?

Perhaps my brother Donal, a keen gardener, would care to comment? Or anyone else for that matter.