Week 27 of Darcy's Postcard Challenge
This week Lady Ophelia is visiting the Isle of Man. This is an island in the ocean between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It has it's own parliament and is self governing, but for international relation purposes, it is allied to England.
The National flower is the Cushag, which is a member of the Aster family :D
"My dearest Lillian,
Richard says "BRAVO". and to tell any one who tries to slight your good name to see him about it! After all. it is nearly the 20th Century, and a more modern approach needs to be embraced by all.
We are just off the coast right now, on the Isle of Man. Did you know they rule themselves? They are not even counted as part of the United Kingdom! It is unlike anywhere else I have been. There are strange looking sheep, and cats with no tails, and the menfolk play a game in winter called "Cammag", which involves a bent stick, a little ball, and however many men you can muster!
I don't want to appear snobbish, but I was rather disappointed when Richard took me to visit Lady Isabella. I was of course, expecting some genteel lady and afternoon tea...not a huge metal monstrosity. I for one would not be flattered to have a water pump named after me. Richard says I will soon be as large as that myself...Miss Francesca had to refrain me from chasing Richard with a bent stick!
By far the most popular native flower here is the "Cushag", that grows in lovely golden bunches everywhere one looks.
Your affectionate friend, Ophelia xxx"
" My darling Ophelia,
I do not wish to cause offence, but please tell me you haven't sent me any of these "Cushag". I would be forced to destroy them immediately, as the local landowners and farmers despise this plant with a vengeance unrivalled. It is known to be poisonous to livestock, especially horses. We know it as "Ragwort". It is a terrible shame, as it hosts a most fabulous creature. namely the "Cinnabar Moth". Their caterpillars are orange and black striped, while the adult is a glorious crimson and black, quite magical to see. I do have a small patch in the corner of my garden that I ensure does not spread, just to prevent these moths disappearing from our area altogether.
Your devoted friend, Lillian xxx"
Images on my page;
The Manx coat of arms, The Laxey Wheel aka "Lady Isabella", a 19th century maternity smock, a Loaghtan sheep and a tail less Manx cat.
...and just in case you've never seen one, this is a pic of a Cinnabar Moth caterpillar I took a couple of years ago in my garden :D
Enjoy :D XXX
