twelve months

It is just over a year since the creation of cannonhill chronicles. I have had so much enjoyment sharing our lives and re-living our experiences and it never ceases to amaze me how many corners of the world this simple little blog reaches. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, you are my inspiration.

One of my early posts introduced you to my spring garden. After a long, cold, wet winter, I had forgotten how beautiful and renewing spring can be. The days are warming, the sun is shining and the evenings are longer. The daffodils are in decline

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but there’s no stopping the lilies

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and irises.

The crocuses are appearing in places new

as are the clivea

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and Queens tears.

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The orchids haven’t disappointed this year.

The bees are enjoying the diosma

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and the waratah is in full bloom.

The first rhododendron has flowered

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and nearby was my greatest surprise. The previous owners had planted a camellia in a very narrow bed against a shed wall. Rather than risk transplanting, I espaliered it a few years ago. Although it has thrived, it has never blossomed….until now.

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Just the one so far but it is perfect.

Cilgerran Castle

There are many medieval castles throughout Britain but Cilgerran Castle is unusual in that it was built with one side directly onto a cliff face.

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The existing ruin dates back to the 13th century, although there was first mention of a structure on this site as early as 1165.

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Having withstood many battles and changes of ownership, the castle was left to ruin in 1400.

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The castle is in a stunning position high above the Teifi Gorge.

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We spent some time wandering around, admiring the workmanship of a past age.

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We could almost hear the clamour of chain mail echoing from the stairwell.

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The views over the Pembrokeshire countryside were spectacular.

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Across the gorge, Coedmore Mansion rested peacefully within the woodland.

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The gorgeous early 19th century country house was, sadly, divided into flats in 1990.

Standley Chasm

A short drive from Simpsons Gap, in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is Angkerle Atwatye, as it is known by the local Aborigines. The European name was given in honour of the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914, Mrs. Ida Standley. The walking track follows a creek

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dotted with spring fed pools.

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Ferns and cycad palms are a reminder that this arid region was once lush

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and the gum trees thrive in the moist gully floor.

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The red quartzite cliffs are magnificent,

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formed over millions of years as flood waters have cut their way through the Chewings Range.

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We finally reached the spectacle that is Standley Chasm,

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the 80 metre high walls guarding the natural alleyway.

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As we moved closer, the majesty beyond was revealed.

Benabbio church

The Benabbio church, Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, was first opened in the year 1336.

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The beautiful stone buildings grace the piazza of the same name.

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There is a monument commemorating a thousand years from 983 to 1983.

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Behind the church is a former chapel which has been converted to a museum

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housing religious objects hundreds of years old. One evening before dinner, we were privileged to have a guided tour of the museum, not normally open to the public.

This statue was carved out of a hollow tree trunk in the 13th century

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and the back of this one is an old wooden door.

These two wooden statues, representing the annunciation, were carved in 1394 and are in surprisingly good condition.

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Some of the expressions on the faces within this altar were quite disturbing.

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I like the floor tiles with reference to brothers and sisters.

The church was beautiful with the late afternoon sun creating a peaceful ambience.

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The carved and painted triptych hanging over the altar was made in 1469.

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The church is floodlit at night, a tradition in Italy even out in the countryside and mountains.

well I’ll bee….

One evening recently, as the sun was sinking, Michael saw a bee on our back verandah looking a little worse for wear. He recalled reading that sugar water can revive a struggling bee. He brought it inside, we mixed a potion and offered it on a teaspoon.

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It wasn’t long before the bee caught the scent and tucked in.

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She soon revived and we kept her safe until morning and released her back to the garden.

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