April 21st – Another wonderful spring flower coming into bloom is the oilseed rape in the fields. All across the rural landscape this vivid yellow brassica is turning the landscape yellow.

The smell is wonderful and it’s just started. The fields are alive with bee buzz and birds come for the feasting bugs. 

I love the drama and beauty of this curious crop

April 5th – I wasn’t terribly well, so with a heavy heart and bad stomach I left in the afternoon for a ride to Lichfield. As often happens, I was on my cyclic antidepressant, and after 30 minutes of riding, felt better. The ride to Lichfield became a ride through Huddlesford, Wetleyhay, Roddige and Croxall. Back to Elford, Whittington and home, it worked out to a nice 45 miles, and I felt loads better for it. It was a gorgeous day.

Early oilseed rape is coming into boom at Elford, where I noticed the stone guy with the club I’d never registered before. The Tame looked peaceful at Whitemoor Haye, and pheasants pottered at field margins. 

The posh house at Thatchmoor had peacocks and other fancy fowl roaming the lawn; anyone know what the peculiar-looking black and white bird is, please?

A great ride that perked me up no end.