Spitting Image!

Is this the spitting image of Queen Elizabeth II wearing her crown? I keep finding shells in the gravel in the garden and so I thought that I'd photograph one. I couldn't believe it when I saw the shadow.

I had a fantastic walk with the dogs this evening. The excitement started when I discovered that the field by our house was full of cars belonging to a group of metal detector enthusiasts. No idea what they were all looking for but hopefully the lady in the local shop (who is the fountain of all knowledge) will know and will enlighten us.

I hadn't gone more than 50 yards when I spotted a male hen harrier. I was so excited that I didn't see the deer on the other side of the hedge but Fionne had and she took off after it. I nettled and scraped my legs on brambles trying to get into the next field to shout her back. She was a little dot in the distance and I must admit that I panicked. She was eventually lured back with the promise of treats, that I was waving frantically in the air. I had to keep her on the lead as I then came across three other deer.

I did get some photos of the hen harrier but not good enough to blip. We followed it for over an hour as it made it's way backwards and forwards over the fields. We were out for over two and half hours and I also managed to pick some enormous sloes for the gin and a box of brambles for a crumble for Mr E tomorrow.