As I expected, the really lovely weather this morning made it possible for me to go off on my annual Holly Raid. I’m not sure for how many years exactly I have been going to this particular place, which has an almost guaranteed opportunity to gather foliage with good berries. Today, however, was an experience quite unlike any other. The profusion of berries was astonishing, beyond anything I have ever seen. The sun shining on them made for an absolutely glorious spectacle.
Whereas in the past, on some years, I have had to struggle to gather enough for my needs, even to the point of having to climb the tree on occasions, this year all I needed to do was to clip one easily accessible branch to satisfy my requirements.
As I walked back up the lane to where I had left the car it struck me that it was rather like receiving an apology from Nature for the others things that have been inflicted on us this year. It was as if I was receiving a lovely bouquet of flowers from somebody who had dented my car. I’m still having to cope with the damage, but it is nice to know that Nature regrets the inconvenience.