Horse Chestnut Candle

We've had this tree in our garden for around 5 years. We are pushing our luck trying to grow a horse chestnut this far north, but global warming is here so we may as well use it.  The tree has steadily grown and each year it has more leaves and branches.
Today we noticed that it has one solitary candle of blossom, waiting to flower.  This is the first time we've had blossom, maybe we'll even get a nut this year!
Other news...
Went swimming for the second time this year, after a very sweaty and buggy day in the garden. The water didn't feel cold at all, in contrast to a couple of days back, when it was a quick dip only - in and out!

Another raised bed completed, this one ordered by Jan, behind Betty's, for flowers.  The earth was totally dry all the way down to rock.  We need rain, and the forecast is for a little rain tonight and then another totally dry week.
All the overhanging branches taken down from the drive and our parking place are now either mulch or logs. The mulch will be used for paths in the garden, the logs are tucked away in a dry but well aired space, so they will be ready for burning next winter.
About a hundred bites on the legs from small black flies that seem to gnaw holes without causing pain. A certain amount of swearing occurred.