The Yellow’s on the Broom

Is the title of a great old traditional Scots folk song, by Adam McNaughton, about the Travellers (sometimes called Tinkers or Gang-aboot folk) who lived a nomadic life, but settled for a short while in the winter months. They were always anxious for spring to arrive so they could get out travelling again when they say the Broom flowering.
The gorse in Hamilton wood is dying back now, but the Broom is taking over. It’s great to see the bright yellow on an overcast day like today.
There were lots of bluebells out, and we startled a Roe deer lying in the undergrowth quite close to the path. I’m not sure who got the bigger fright, Geordie or the deer.
On the way home we stopped at the Road End, a farm vending machine which sells the farm’s produce. We got a punnet of delicious strawberries. They had eggs, tatties, and packets of small tart cases and strawberry syrup so you can make your own strawberry tarts. A great idea.
It’s Suzy’s birthday today, so we’re off to see her after the girls get home from school. Hopefully there will be birthday cake :-D