I have only given simple accounts of my few days in Somerset. This is much to do with tiredness after very full days, not through lack of things to write about.
Some of the missing details concern:
The new Lunar Year.
Thirteen stones in a recently built stone circle in a nearby piece of private woodland, each stone representing one of the New Moons of the year.
The planets, stars and satellites, so clearly seen on clear nights.
The lost cricket field on Wild Lea, now with an Oak circle where the square was positioned.
The Cedarburg Mountain Cedar tree.
The colours of Spring emerging and the first Bluebells.
Maintaining and repairing machinery and tools.
The local shop situation.
Lardy Cakes (small).
Fungi.
Bladder Wrack and other seaweed as fertiliser for Asparagus.
Honeysuckle’s tenacious endeavours.
The constant sound of running water.
I had slept long and well last night, yet feel incredibly tired this afternoon. Low-altitude military helicopters are droning around and the birds have been particularly tuneful today. A Wren, a Thrush, a pair of Gold Finches, a Great Tit, a Green Finch and a Jay have all expressed themselves in song and calls in the clear air.
Today, after retrieving the pull-cord handle from Wild Lea, where it had been forgotten after becoming separated from the hedge-cutter, I spent much of the day cutting wild roses down to hedge level, using clippers. This work should only ever be done when gloves are worn and eye protection is in place. I got through most of the day unharmed, but was still grateful for the PPE when one long rose stem whiplashed as I pulled it from the hedge. My right ear lobe and top of my head were caught, but there’s no other damage to report.
Last week was schools’ half-term, so with their return to work today, local traffic has been much heavier. The area has seen a lot of new housing built since my last visit, with the resultant additional car movement. It is harder and harder to escape the noise of motor vehicles in this part of the country, because if you live in villages, or down lanes, a car, or van, or tractor, is essential. Yesterday, for much of my walk on Polden Way, the background hum of cars was something that the birds had to compete with as they enjoyed the sunshine. The sunshine was very welcome and persuaded a bank of daffodils near the permaculture garden to open up in full.
The outdoor work was drawn to a close at around 4 p.m. when the rain set in for a spell.
Tonight, I am a guest at Dan and Maya’s caravan for a chicken curry dinner. I don’t think it is one of their chickens this evening, although it has been known, when one has had to be despatched, then it is likely to be a cockerel.
I have got one more day’s work here, before I catch an evening train back to East Anglia. I’ll be home by midnight.
~
CLP 23/02/2026
Journey of Words 
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