I don't know why but i guess i have a soft spot for macro photos! I love the details on that "thorned" flower.
And i would love to own such a nice stone house. Every time i have a chance to live for a couple of days in such a house. I can't believe the "climate" those walls are producing. I remember my summer vacation when it was 25°C in a stone house without the AC and the outside temperature was way over 30°C.
Yeah, I love this "thorned flower", too. Actually it's the fruit of the scottish thistle. Here is a pic, while it's blooming:
And yep, these houses are amazing. Most are more than a hundred years old.