The swallows are home

I have been leaving the top door open at the workshop for the last couple of weeks for the return of the swallows.When I took on the workshop last year there were a pair nesting at the top end of the space above some old milking pipes.I worried at the time I might disturb them,but they didn,t seem too bothered about me or the sounds of me working,or my music.They raised a healthy brood and the sight of them at the end of the summer darting about the sky above the yard,fattening up for the long journey ahead was joyful.

Last week I noticed one on an old weather vein above one of the barns,but wasn't sure weather it was come home or passing by.This morning I noticed on arrival some fresh droppings in the corner by the nestand my hopes were confirmed when I looked up from wiring in my new stereo at some cheeping and there on the wire near the nest was a swallow,I remain hopeful it will have a mate and I will have the joy of having a new brood raised alongside me this year.I will keep you posted.I took a couple more pics inside the workshop and have put them on even though they are not that good.The table and benches you can see are off to a new home in Cornwall on sunday which will free up some space again.

I forgot to take the camera to the workshop today, so i'm afraid its words not pictures tonight,hope you dont mind.


the crows are shiney
grown fat on roadkill
the grass blades
over hang the molehills
although i'm moving
it all seems still
I'm on my way to work

The hedgerow flowers
patterns changing
Growing budding
flowering ageing
seeding dying
all the stages
on the way to work

the yellowhammer
always singing
From the same post
music ringing
wondering what
the day is bringing
on the way to work

Workshop pics

A couple of pics of the workshop,hopefully I will take some more today and put on tonight.

Well that was a year that was,

Lots of creations and a beautiful workshop better off than last time I posted,I am back in the blogosphere and internet land in general.Here to carry on where I left off with pictures poems and some laid back country living.Every morning when i see the view from my window and Drive through the beautiful winding lanes to the workshop I feel lucky,then i touch wood all day.

This 5 foot tall cross carved by hand in Holly has kept me busy for a good part of the beginning of this year.I had been promising myself some carving time since taking on the workshop early last summer.

After making a couple of Holly thrones with small carvings on (pictures will follow some time soon) among other things and getting the workshop up and running, I decided this is alovely wood to carve with a natural density, paleness and lovely finish not too unlike ivory

and wanted to make a versiopn of a Celtic cross with creatures I encounter regularily at the workshop on it.

I see the hawks in the valley by the wood,where the wood peckers call and are answered from drumming on the dead branches of the ancient oak behind and above the workshop,while rabbits play below in the orchard.The wren hunts for spiders in the nooks and crannies of the wall behind my bench and the swallows were raised and have flown and should return anytime to the nest above some old milking pipes at the top end of the workshop.

I am pleased with the result and only the other day turned to see a robin sitting on it where it stands near my bench.I like to think it approved even though it left a calling card over some of the knotwork. I love this place,it is my creative heaven.

bloody compooters

I have lost all internet connection,a problem with one of the phone companies or a lead somewhere.Either way I will not be on much till i get it sorted,hopefully this won't be to long.I am actually sitting in front of Dougs pooter at the moment,waiting for him to finish tea so we can go make some loud rock noises over the jam room.We have a gig in sandford on sunday night and a craft fair to exhibit at the same day.Dougs just said we need to be there at half nine in the morning,great!!?Bye for now be back as soon as possible

Old is good

The way up to Hameldown tor from Grimspound
One of the views from the top


Molly and Albert on top of the world

DARTMOOR

Rolling jays on rolling hills
In misty places topped with tors
Walking dogs, talking kids
Moorland cattle, moorland horse-s

Giants games from long ago
Created scattered, sculptured stone
Ancient homes still in their shade
Reminding me of where I come

If ever there was such a place
Where pixies dance to solstice dreams
It’s here with twisted lichened trees
Between the tors and tumbling streams

A distant memory arises
Sitting cushioned on the moss
Remembering another time
All we had all we lost

The big picture, the big sky
Endless clouds, endless green
Split by distant ravens cries
The highest of the devon scenes

The granite rocks and clear running streams are a feature in Dartmoors ragged beauty.This is half way from the road to the early iron age site of grimspound. One of the many hut remains within the outer wall of the settlement.because the top half of the dwellings would have been made of wood and mud and the roof thatched so only the stone lower walls remain.
unfortunately the picture doesn't show the curved entrance into this hut designed to keep out the dartmoor winds.
Albert and his cousin Joel guarding the ancient entrance into the compound

here you can see the whole of the compound from Hamel down tor.
The fete went okay,met some interesting,interested people ,gave out a few cards and will be appearing in the local paper again,always a good advert.

Doug thanks again Buddy.