Happy May Day.

Out for a walk with Thud, I spotted this seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) loitering around on a hedge of common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) that enclosed a newly ploughed field.  One would be forgiven for thinking this a very pastoral, appropriately spring-like image, except for the fact that it was rather chilly on our ramble. This is spring English-style after all.
The ladybird seems to have an extra half-spot on it's right wing (only I could find an abnormal ladybird to photograph), so it's really a seven-and-a-half-spot ladybird.
Mutant insects and cold spring weather...there's no place like home.

A common weed.

I was happy to see Common Vetch growing vigorously on my recent ramble with Thud. It made me think of my little vineyard almost 6,000 miles away. Of course, the entire state of California won't be looking quite as green as this right now as they are having slightly higher temps than Blighty. You also won't see the Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) growing alongside the vetch stateside. How English!