In other news

The sun has been out for the last week or so- after a month or more of solid rain, this is a very welcome sight.

So, at least the hay crop will be brought in.  There was great concern that there would be no hay, nor any other harvest for that matter, this year.

This also means that going out walking is pleasant, and the views are fantastic.

Not that views up close are always that nice.  A field of wheat edged with muddy tire tracks and hedge of nettles and thistles is a field of wheat edged with muddy tire tracks and hedge of nettles and thistles.

This is farming country.  I do have to remember that cereal grains around here are called "corn."  I was hopelessly confused the first few times I was told the "corn looks just about ready for harvesting, if it would stop raining."  Actual corn is called "maize."

There are also many farm animals, although fewer than I saw in Scotland, I would hazard.  The house is the manor house for the owner of Kirklington.  Most of the village houses still belong to them and are rented out, although many fewer than in decades past.

The town owns the phone box, it cost £1.  They keep it around as a point of pride and town history.

Huw lives right next to the pub.  I must say that the pub is the town gathering place, and many people can be found there on an evening, mainly just to chat.

On the other hand, it can also be nice to have a much more formal get together for the town on the Old Rectory lawn.  Here we have almost finished cleaning up from Jazz Night, which was quite the black tie affair.

And, if that wasn't enough, you can go next door the following day for a christening, and then cure your hangover at the after party.