Sunday 29th December 2013

Hardest overnight frost of the year created some beautiful images of the back garden. Rest of the day chilly and very sunny.
Lazy day watching bird activity in the back garden before packing for the impending Peak District trip.
Warm sun made for some interesting bird activity, pair of Doves and Robins clearly pairing up. Pair of Starlings now roosting day and night in the Swift nest box, Male/Female Woody very active this afternoon. All good fun, Spring can't come soon enough. 
Pictures 1 - 12 - Frosty images captured at 10am this morning.
      "           13 - Starling in the Swift box.
      "           14 - Female Woody in the Silver Birch Tree.

Saturday 28th December 2013

After a hard frost overnight the rest of the day was chilly with plenty of sun.
Awoke at 9am (did not set alarm), was pretty tired following yesterday's drive home. Fully relaxed now and ready for the next outing to the Peak District in a couple of days.
After a small shop at Morrisons it was time to deal with the bird feeders, a good clean and top up. A Starling and Blue Tit amused me taking it in turns to squeeze into a fat block holder to enjoy the last remains of the fat block. It was fun to watch.
Noticed today the number of bulb tips now showing through along with the Witch Hazel now in flower.
Picture 1 - Spring Bulbs just showing.
     "     2 - Witch Hazel.
     "     3 - Starling in fat block holder.
     "     4 - Blue Tit  "  "     "       "
     "     5 - Tufty ready to jump (the bird feeder in his sight).

Friday 27th December 2013

Again a good weather conditions, chilly with plenty of sun.
After a good breakfast of scrambled egg it was sadly time to say our good byes. We were well looked after, great atmosphere, we will sure return.
Down to earth with a bang - arrived home late afternoon having taken nearly five hours for a two hour trip. The A43, M1, M25 & M4 were at first gear pace only. Think the lack of planes and trains had an impact on the amount of traffic on the network.
Many thanks to Marianne and Julian for feeding us on our return.

Thursday 26th December - Boxing Day

Another beautiful winters day, hard frost overnight and chilly with plenty of sun during the day.
After another good breakfast it was on with the walking gear for a five mile walk around the Hambleton Peninsular following a very informative map. Amazing how quickly weather conditions change, blinding sun at breakfast then within an hour you could not see five yards in front of you. Then again, within an hour the sun was out, mist had cleared and the views were there to the delight of many walkers out this morning. The walk included crossing a sheep pasture before reaching the waters edge where you picked up a well worn path to Armley Wood. Weather had brightened up at this point giving us fantastic views over Rutland Water.
Through Hambleton Wood now and open views of the southern stretch of Rutland Water. The path meandered close to the water's edge back to the village and Finch's Arms for a good Boxing Day lunch. A superb walk but at five miles it was a tad to much for my groins! Three miles is comfortable for me these days. Still we did it and enjoyed it.
Rested the afternoon before once again it was time for more food and Rutland Bitter. With the Pub closed again for the evening it was another cosy evening.
Picture 1 - Start of the walk in heavy mist.
  "   2 - 4 - Sunny conditions for rest of the walk.

Wednesday 25th December - Christmas Day.

After a hard overnight frost the rest of the day was chilly, dry and sunny.
Following the opening of a few presents (strange not being at home for this) it was champers again, this time with breakfast. Scrambled egg and salmon was just perfect to start the day.
After a change into walking gear we set off to Normanton. Normanton made famous for the Church half submerged in the reservoir. With a false floor the church now houses a museum. Walked 3.5 miles round trip to the dam which originally was the village of Nether Hambleton.
Returned in time of course for the Christmas Day lunch. Turkey with all the trimmings you would expect plus more. Christmas Pudding, an orange, mince pie and coffee finished the lunch. OMG were we full?
After a couple of hours kip I decided to opt for a late afternoon/early evening walk before the evening buffet. 
Leaving Lorna with her kindle I set off but had to settle for hard standing paths as fields were rather muddy, was only wearing my best shoes. Still a good walk however with excellent views over Rutland Water, just loved the sunset.
I was ready for the buffet by the time I returned. With the Pub closed to the public for the evening it created a cosy evening around the open fire with just the nine residents. A few Rutland bitters, a wicked buffet, an open fire, chestnuts warming my BBC Wildlife magazine.........what more could I wish for? A great day/evening.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Mr & Mrs. T enjoying Christmas Day fun!
       "            3 - Half submerged Normanton Church.
       "            4 - Rutland Water at Normanton.
       "            5 - Evening walk at Hambleton.
       "            6 - Sunset over Rutland Water taken from Hambleton.

Tuesday 24th December 2013

What an horrendous night, gale force winds & heavy rain. Major flooding in the area, Arborfield Road now closed. Nothing new here, I have photographs from the late fifties/early sixties of flooding in this area.
Only damage in the garden was the destruction of the tomato greenhouse. Nothing compared to families that have flooded homes.
                    After a garden clear up, righting chairs etc we set off for a few days based in Hambleton for the Christmas break. Arrived mid afternoon in mild, sunny conditions with beautiful views over Rutland Water.
We were welcomed with champs and canapes followed by a candlelit supper with festive carols. What a brilliant start to the holiday.
Picture 1 - View from the bedroom overlooking Rutland Water.
      "    2 - Finch's Arms , Hambleton Peninsular.
      "    3 - Destruction of Tomato Greenhouse.

Monday 23rd December 2013

Chaotic conditions, very heavy rain and gale force winds all day/eve. Not seasonal weather.
Despite appalling weather I washed car and cleaned inside ready for our impending trip.
With the wind becoming ever stronger I had no option but to support the Dovecote with stout timbers this afternoon.
Looking foreward now to getting away for Christmas but not so sure about the travel plans, watching the news at the moment it is not looking good for tomorrow. What a contrast to 2012 when the conditions were cold & frosty.

Sunday 22nd December 2013

On the chilly side today, heavy showers in Reading but dry in London.
Day spent in London, the highlight being the Cristmas Carol Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. A sell out concert, with the London Concert Orchestra, Capitol Voices, Anton & Erin and Lance Ellington performing it made fore a mind blowing show. Really in the Christmas mood now.

Saturday 21st December 2013

Very wet and strong winds all day and evening. Floods now at Arborfield, just hope the Magpie is not drowned out this Christmas. Have seen this Pub flooded so many times since I was a boy living close by.
              Exchanged presents with Lulu this morning, a scary drive over to Rotten Green with the high winds and flooded roads.
Afternoon spent chilling with a couple of beers and mincy pies. Let Christmas commence.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Rudolph resting after a very busy day yesterday. Pictured at Henry Street.

Friday 20th December 2013

Mild, heavy showers, windy. Not at all seasonal.
Delivery of Christmas presents to my Sister this morning for distribution to her Grandchildren. Will miss the customary Boxing Day party this year but look forward to 25th January for a late Christmas party.
During the afternoon made last visit to Henry Street of 2013. Father Christmas and Rudolph were still very busy, busiest time of year for them!
              Leaping Frog held the annual Christmas Party this evening, a very successful evening spent eating, drinking and playing charades. The new Observatory came into its own tonight.

Thursday 19th December 2013.

After yesterdays appalling weather it was good to wake up to a dry, mild and sunny day.
                           Spent two hours at Lavers this morning, two years today I retired. Good to see everyone and catch up with gossip and latest joinery news. Heartening to understand Joinery is still a large part of the business at the Reading Branch. 
Rest of the day spent in town for the last minute purchases. Mostly magazines to take away with us. Something to read if the weather is wet and curtails any walking.
Picture 1 - Christmas Cactus, for once out for Christmas!
      "    2 - An unusual affect, photograph of the inside of a cracker end.

Wednesday 18th December 2013

What a day, gale force winds, heavy rain. Was very mild however.
Arrived home from the weekly shop to find my Birds of Berkshire book had arrived. What a book, one of the best I have seen with an incredible amount of information. I will be making a lot of use from this book. If interested check out http://berkshirebirdatlas.org.uk
               Enjoyed an evening out with Nick and Vonny at the New Inn. On tap tonight was Badger Beer's winter offering - Tawny. Good, but not the best I have tasted from Badger.
Drive home was something else with roads flooded and trees down in Swallowfield. One tree down right on a bend, thankfully Police were there as a warning. Surprised no one had driven into the tree before Police arrived.
Photograph is the cover of the book mentioned above.

Tuesday 17th December 2013

Another very mild and overcast day. Very wet conditions after overnight heavy rain.
Day spent wrapping presents, all ready for delivery now. What a performance, I must be getting old!
So grateful to Neil for handing over the wasp nest found in his roof. It is the most amazing work of art I have ever seen. Gob smacking actually, can you imagine the number of flights the wasp has made to create this masterpiece.
The last photograph is a rock hard ball of shredded cushion fluff created by Bees in a football I had hanging in the Lilac tree. Amazing eh?

Monday 16th December 2013

Mild day, very overcast. Dry most of the day but heavy rain during the evening.
Drove Lorna to the Queens Head where she met University Friends from the period she worked in the Statistical Department. By all accounts it was a good get together with good food and wine, of course!
I  visited Christopher who is now home after his recent operation to repair MSSA damage. It has been two weeks since I last saw him, I was sadly surprised to see how bad he is having to learn to walk again as the infection has damaged/killed muscles in his leg. Get better soon Chris.

Sunday 15th December 2013

Mild but a wet and miserable day, just the sort of day to deal with the Christmas decorations.
All sorted now, good to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in the Observatory over a pint of NQB and listening to the Scots Dragoon Guards.

Saturday 14th December 2013

Very mild, dry but overcast. In fact miserable.
All camera cables now buried or encased in hosepipe. Twenty foot up a Silver Birch Tree was not my idea of fun, just hope Woody nests in the box now?
During coffee breaks I had the pleasure of watching the Squirrel, Sparrowhawk and Heron all competing for food. 
Picture 1 - Tufty on a bird feeder.
      "    2 - Sparrowhawk in the Bean Tree.
      "    3 - Heron at the top of the Leilandi Tree.

Friday 13th December 2013

Very mild, overcast with showers during the afternoon.
Enjoyed a lunchtime meal at Strada Italian with Nigel and Lyn. Change from Real Ale to be drinking Peroni, good drink though.
How easy and unexpected accidents can occur however. On opening a bottle of Champers the cork flew off with a piece of glass which hit a diner on the side of his face. With blood running down his face the waiter led him away for a clean up and assessment. In the circumstances Strada took this incident very seriously and all the right things, in fact the diner in question thanked the waiter for his kindness.

Thursday 12th December 2013

What a change in weather conditions to yesterday. Dry, overcast and very mild.
Day spent in London visiting Somerset House shopping arcade and the ice skating rink during the morning into the afternoon. Enjoyed a snack lunch at Tom's Kitchen before moving on to the West End and admiring the shop and street Christmas Lights. Amazzzzzzing. The snow globe over Eros was something else.
Moved on to Festival Hall for 17.00 hrs where we boarded the London Rose for a two hour cruise up and down the Thames enjoying the reflective lights from a different perspective. Being such a mild evening I was one of only five people who chose to sit on the open top deck. What an evening, unable to describe, it was just so good.
All photographs from the day out in London.