MONBRETIA

My sister died 40 years ago this month.  I can never remember the date, but I think it was around the 21st.  There is no sadness now, but I always remember her when the Monbretia flower.  As we drove north after she died, these flowers bloomed everywhere. It was the first time I noticed them.   They are the wilder version of the garden Crocrosmia, which means 'smelling of cinnamon'  - apparently they smell of cinnamon when the roots are crushed.  I didn't know that, did you know that?  I tell you, every day is a school day. 

Sometimes I photograph a flower and later spot an intrusive insect in the frame.  This time it's the Royal Navy. 

Happy gentle day with the Professor by the sea, then home to help a couple of lads with their homework.  Oh, and somewhere in there I managed to complete writing a new course. 

Now drinking a strong cup of ginger tea and telling myself it's much nicer than the two slices of buttered wholemeal toast with hot chocolate that I would really prefer.