Hmmm.... bit patchy, but then what do you expect for a picture that was painted around the year 1200 and has been covered up for centuries?

So today we went to visit our good friends near Tring, and took them to see some Medieval paintings in local churches. This picture is, I think, St. Helen being taken by the angels at her death. I just love the idea that it was painted so long ago.

Both friends were very interested in the work in Tanzania and wish me luck. They also asked for a leaflet on my proposed Fundraising activities, so they can see what they can attend.
Note to self - make a Fundraising Events leaflet!

John continues to amaze me with his Good Works and I was delighted to hear about the sheep he has to look in on. It seems that there is a legal requirement to look at sheep everyday. (Perhaps you do more than just look at them? any fool can do that. I am sure there are serious sheepy-type things you have to do as well). Anyway, he volunteers for a local Trust that uses Shetland sheep to graze the land (voracious appetites) so that there is very little fauna growing thus allowing the moths and butterflies to breed. It has been very successful, but the sheep need to be seen.

So on this particular occasion, John strode into the field as per usual, and called out Shee-eep! in a tone that usually has them running from far and wide. But on this happy juncture - no response. He tried again (and John has a Good Voice, he has sung in Operas) but with no success. What is more, far off on the horizon he could see some antlers moving hither & thither. Are Deer carnivores? Hurtling up the hill he finally saw the sheep in the far corner, under the watchful eye of a random sheep dog (?) Not only had it assembled all the sheep, it had managed to round up a deer as well. Needless to say the dog was dispatched with a flea in its ear and the deer leaped off into the middle distance. The sheep just baa'd.

Well it made me laugh.