Red field 2

Today in 1916 was the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Over 19,000 British soldiers died in just one day. I heard on the radio this morning that it was today it started but the timing is so linked to the flowering of the poppies that every year once the red fields start appearing the battle is remembered.

The red poppy is used for Remebrance day, not only because of the timing of the greatest casualty in British army history but also because apparently once the battle is over one of the first plants to grow on the ruined land is the poppy.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— John McCrae

Summer read

Spent yesterday out the back with OK, Hello and books. And Jenny. And food. And wine. And tea.

I think you should all go out and get 'World War Z'. Its great. Am halfway through the book, EL bought it for me when she was over the other week and I am trying to ration my reading to make it last longer.

Highs and lows

Ah I have just been told that the luggage handling is delayed. I guess its because they had two flights landing at the same time and the morons at BAA are unable to plan, work at pace and probably all are on union enforced break.

At least I had time for another ice cream before leaving Rome, stracciatella and malaga (rum and raisin). And I got upgraded to business! First time ever. I celebrated with some New Zealand sauvignon blanc in a proper glass.
Will soon be off home I hope.

Rome

Rome is lovely but a bit hot. 30 degrees at midnight last night. Am glad I am working in an air conditioned office. The Romans are cool though, all well dressed and with high heels, suits, ties and snazzy sunglasses.

Have done some sightseeing after work - walking down (via Bata and other shoe stores...) to Campo di Fiore then on to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Fontana di Trevi and Spanish Steps. Its still way too hot for sighseeing but the considerate romans have left these handy little watering fountains along the way which is nice.

Last night after we missed the last train from Cinecitta (suburb where office is) we had to take the night bus into town as the taxi number I had been given didnt work. Well that was interesting. Once back we strolled down to Colosseum and Forum Romanum, looking lovely in the night. Slept like a baby after that walk.

Red field

The field by the A27 on way to work has just turned red with poppies. Lovely!

Midsummer pole

CIMG0353
Originally uploaded by evafritz

JD made the may pole and raised it all by himself. With a bit of help from Jenny and admiring cheers from the rest of us.

Chickens

My sister are raising a pair of chickens. They are lovely but such scaredy cats they refused to do most of the rides at Grona Lund yesterday. Karin did come with us on the new ride 'Witches broom' which was excellent but too short.

Does spinach make you brave as well as strong? If so I recommend a few kilos a week til next summer when we repeat the visit.