Inspired by Dee at Red Dirt Ramblings, I’m offering a brief post to tug at the heartstrings on Valentine’s Day—a sweet memory and surprising gift of love.
The photo below, made last July at Dalemain Estate & Gardens in England’s Lake District, shows the happy welcome provided by the Scottish gatekeeper. Now retired from more strenuous work, he fills summer days reveling in his passion for nature and sharing that gift with others.
Is a bird in hand worth two in the heart?
For those who traveled with me on this long-planned tour, it was one of the great highlights of our journey. Today, though, it brings to mind a quote from John Muir ~ Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
Happy Valentine’s Day to gardeners and nature lovers everywhere!
Thanks for the lovely Valentine’s thought!
So lovely! And a Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too!
Thanks for the lovely post Marian! I haven’t been abroad in a while, and treasure those wonderful little markets, flowers pots & window boxes tucked…. well just about everwhere!
Looking forward to seeing you @ Davidson!!!
Jayme–hooray!!! Looking forward to our time together at the symposium in Davidson!
Thanks for the heart lifting picture and warm,loving quotes. Happy Valentines Day to you , Marion.
Claudette Pfeifer
It was a lovely day at Dalemain, highlighted by that sweet gentleman and his so very colorful garden and birds! Happy Valentines to everyone!
What a wonderful story and a lovely photo to go with it. Belated Happy Valentine’s Day.
Lovely post Marian.