Preparing to Leave England

I am on the return path, via assorted family members, and not happy about leaving full-blown spring here for wintery Maine, but I suppose the upside is that I get two full spring seasons in one year.

I was planning a learned exposé on then state of English agriculture (the current fashion for ‘regenerative’ farms seems to focus on ‘rewilding’ large sections and returning them to nature, with the possible inclusion of some forest pasture for cattle, rather than developing sustainable ways to produce food crops). To that I would add an angry rant about Big Banks (I have spent 6 weeks in unsuccessful pursuit of access to my small beer-and-cream-bun stash at Barclays) but I haven’t the heart!

I shall comfort myself with the anticipation of getting back to our Farmers Market, where amazing people bring us the best food in the world, and to Bangor Savings Bank, where a person can still walk in to the local branch (with their small dog) and be recognized, helped and given treats (for the dog).

Time here in England has been great. It is the landscape of my childhood and I don’t think that ever leaves you. So I will attach pictures of:

* Ludford Bridge in Ludlow - built in the 1400’s.

* A small participant at a local pony club rally.

* A pork roast done right - with crackling - ready for huge greasy sandwiches.

* Narcissus pseudonarcissus - the wild Lenten Lily.

* An impossibly twee café in Ludlow with a welcome cup of tea.

* Lunaria annua - Better known as ‘Honesty’- would that there was more of it.