It's damp and gloomy here today and I have much to do and I didn't feel that much like taking the dogs for a walk but once we got to Iron Hill, as always, I enjoyed my hour communing with nature (and other dog walkers). Basil and Polly did too. The rhododendrons are really vibrant at the moment and light the whole place up even on a day like this.

Interesting rhododendron fact: honey made from rhododendron pollen or nectar can cause hallucinations, loss of coordination and vertigo, but only if it has been made by the bees very recently. This is known as mad honey disease.

....they might as well try to stop the sun from rising tomorrow the sun shines for you he said the day we were lying among the rhododendrons on Howth Head in the grey tweed suit and his straw hat the day I got him to propose me... (from Ulysses by James Joyce)