A stunning day. Very warm and sunny.
Called into RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford on the way home from SoS. A much smaller centre than Wisley, Rosemoor or Harlow Carr but superb all the same. Hyde Hall has been created at an original farm and farmhouse. With lakes, ponds, woodland, fields and numerous walks what more could you wish for on such a stunning summers day.
Arrived home late this afternoon after a most enjoyable 24 hours away.
Monday, 29 June 2015
Sunday 28th June 2015
Mixed weather today. Left home in warm sunny conditions but sadly by the time we reached Southend on Sea it was still warm but pretty wet.
In SoS to see the last of the Lord of the Dance shows. Thankfully weather was warm and sunny for the evening so was able to enjoy a pre show meal overlooking the stunning coastline.
The show was awesome, not experienced anything like it, nothing in comparison. The story, the energy, the lighting effects, the singing - everything about this show was magnificent. The five minute standing ovation was well deserved.
In SoS to see the last of the Lord of the Dance shows. Thankfully weather was warm and sunny for the evening so was able to enjoy a pre show meal overlooking the stunning coastline.
The show was awesome, not experienced anything like it, nothing in comparison. The story, the energy, the lighting effects, the singing - everything about this show was magnificent. The five minute standing ovation was well deserved.
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Saturday 27th June 2015
Yet another stunning day. Warm and sunny all day.
Relaxing day, fixed up a standard Victorian lamp on the lodge decking area.
Big news today was the finding of hundreds of bees on the bed, in the bed and littering the floor. Can only assume they flew in when the window was open for swift call. Checked tonight and more have appeared on the bed. Think may have a problem?
Enjoyed a bbq and a few pints tonight, relaxed mood now for trip to Southend tomorrow.
Relaxing day, fixed up a standard Victorian lamp on the lodge decking area.
Big news today was the finding of hundreds of bees on the bed, in the bed and littering the floor. Can only assume they flew in when the window was open for swift call. Checked tonight and more have appeared on the bed. Think may have a problem?
Enjoyed a bbq and a few pints tonight, relaxed mood now for trip to Southend tomorrow.
Friday, 26 June 2015
Friday June 26th 2015
Sunny and warm all day, threat of showers did not materialise.
Day spent working on the final finishing touches to project 2015. Finished the guttering and installing the 230 ltr water butt. Have created a home for mice in the base of the butt. Filled with straw and cutting a small opening. Hopefully photographs soon once computer up and running.
Swifts appeared an hour ago, loads of them swooping around 483 (two doors down).
Mr. Computer installation man completed the setting up of the desk top tonight so fingers crossed I will be conversant enough to post photographs etc early next week.
Day spent working on the final finishing touches to project 2015. Finished the guttering and installing the 230 ltr water butt. Have created a home for mice in the base of the butt. Filled with straw and cutting a small opening. Hopefully photographs soon once computer up and running.
Swifts appeared an hour ago, loads of them swooping around 483 (two doors down).
Mr. Computer installation man completed the setting up of the desk top tonight so fingers crossed I will be conversant enough to post photographs etc early next week.
Thursday 25th June 2015
Another very warm and sunny day.
Most of the morning taken up with shopping. Screwfix for guttering bits, Lavers for more trellis batten and John Lewis to collect new desk top computer.
During the afternoon I finished the job of making and fixing trellis to the fence in the Square. Project 2015 coming to and end now. Just some further guttering and water butt work to sort.
Still no sighting of swifts despite the warm weather conditions. Plenty of butterflies about today and a cinnabar moth that had recently emerged from pupation, thanks Boyo for the info'.
Bad news however was finding a hedgehog that had been dragged out of hibernation in the pile of leaves. My guess it died during hibernation and the fix has only just found it.
Tonight Mr. Computer installion man turned up to set up the new desk top. Was due next Tuesday so lucky I was in tonight. Most of the software was installed, office and adobe elements still to install. Should be tomorrow.
On my last walk around he garden tonight I was stung by a bee that had become trapped in my shoe. How can a sting be so painful. A right swallen foot now.
Most of the morning taken up with shopping. Screwfix for guttering bits, Lavers for more trellis batten and John Lewis to collect new desk top computer.
During the afternoon I finished the job of making and fixing trellis to the fence in the Square. Project 2015 coming to and end now. Just some further guttering and water butt work to sort.
Still no sighting of swifts despite the warm weather conditions. Plenty of butterflies about today and a cinnabar moth that had recently emerged from pupation, thanks Boyo for the info'.
Bad news however was finding a hedgehog that had been dragged out of hibernation in the pile of leaves. My guess it died during hibernation and the fix has only just found it.
Tonight Mr. Computer installion man turned up to set up the new desk top. Was due next Tuesday so lucky I was in tonight. Most of the software was installed, office and adobe elements still to install. Should be tomorrow.
On my last walk around he garden tonight I was stung by a bee that had become trapped in my shoe. How can a sting be so painful. A right swallen foot now.
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
Wednesday 24th June 2015
A stunning day. Warm and sunny all day.
Shopping at B & Q and Screwfix this morning. Collected a 250ltr water butt and my replacement trestles from SF and Strimmer line from B&Q.
This afternoon fixed up more trellis to the end of the lodge. Just an area in The Square to deal with now and project 2015 will be finished. The water butt is for the lodge so this will require connecting from the guttering at some point.
Spent a few hours in the hide tonight, good to see mouse activity in critter cam. Was a little worried as cats had made a good attempt at entering the hide out. Thankfully mouse survived the attack.
Not seen swifts for three days now, very strange behaviour this year.
Shopping at B & Q and Screwfix this morning. Collected a 250ltr water butt and my replacement trestles from SF and Strimmer line from B&Q.
This afternoon fixed up more trellis to the end of the lodge. Just an area in The Square to deal with now and project 2015 will be finished. The water butt is for the lodge so this will require connecting from the guttering at some point.
Spent a few hours in the hide tonight, good to see mouse activity in critter cam. Was a little worried as cats had made a good attempt at entering the hide out. Thankfully mouse survived the attack.
Not seen swifts for three days now, very strange behaviour this year.
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Tuesday 23rd June 2015
A cracking day weather wise. Warm and sunny all day.
In town again this morning to order a new desk top as a replacement for my laptop. What a performance, I arrived home completely drained. Talk about the 'computer said no'. It will wind me up if I was to start reporting here on my experience today so will just add - somehow a desk top has been ordered.
Plumber turned up as promised to replace the upstairs wc which fell apart last week. What an expense this year has been. Gas leak, Saniflo now the upstairs wc. Need a holiday.
This afternoon I managed to create a trellis to the long side of the lodge so bee friendly climbers can be grown and encouraged.
I need a beer.
In town again this morning to order a new desk top as a replacement for my laptop. What a performance, I arrived home completely drained. Talk about the 'computer said no'. It will wind me up if I was to start reporting here on my experience today so will just add - somehow a desk top has been ordered.
Plumber turned up as promised to replace the upstairs wc which fell apart last week. What an expense this year has been. Gas leak, Saniflo now the upstairs wc. Need a holiday.
This afternoon I managed to create a trellis to the long side of the lodge so bee friendly climbers can be grown and encouraged.
I need a beer.
Monday 22nd June 2015
After a morning of showers the afternoon returned to more settled weather.
Morning spent in town making sense of technology on offer to help me in understanding what is required as a replacement to my laptop. It appears I should know what I am talking about when it comes to hard drives, soft drives, graphics card, Giggy bites, Rams, Intels etc...give me a wood problem any day!
Arrived home more confused than ever but thankfully my IT consultant helped me out. Thanks Jeannie.
Cleared my head by working on the final stages of project 2015 linking the lodge to the bandstand.
What a day.
Morning spent in town making sense of technology on offer to help me in understanding what is required as a replacement to my laptop. It appears I should know what I am talking about when it comes to hard drives, soft drives, graphics card, Giggy bites, Rams, Intels etc...give me a wood problem any day!
Arrived home more confused than ever but thankfully my IT consultant helped me out. Thanks Jeannie.
Cleared my head by working on the final stages of project 2015 linking the lodge to the bandstand.
What a day.
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Sunday 21st June 2015
A very warm day, garden certainly benefitted from last nights heavy rain.
Up at 4am to enjoy the summer solstice at Fobney Nature Reserve. Was not disappointed. Coupled with the dawn chorus it made for a magical morning walk.
Enjoyed another afternoon entertaining 14 oap's from around the town. Lorna made sure they were all fed and watered with a wonderful array of sarnies and home made cake. Only three of the visitors were able to take a walk around the garden but at least the afternoon was sunny and were able to enjoy the garden view from the observatory.
Look forward to meeting up again next year.
Up at 4am to enjoy the summer solstice at Fobney Nature Reserve. Was not disappointed. Coupled with the dawn chorus it made for a magical morning walk.
Enjoyed another afternoon entertaining 14 oap's from around the town. Lorna made sure they were all fed and watered with a wonderful array of sarnies and home made cake. Only three of the visitors were able to take a walk around the garden but at least the afternoon was sunny and were able to enjoy the garden view from the observatory.
Look forward to meeting up again next year.
Saturday 20th June 2015
A very warm day but oh dear what an end to the day. A thunderstorm with heavy rain. All good for the garden and topping up the water butts. Also was a good test for the guttering...
Day spent fixing guttering to the Lodge, next job is to obtain 3 No. water butts so these can be connected to said guttering.
With day taken up working on the guttering I sadly am unable to report on any garden wildlife that may have been about.
Day spent fixing guttering to the Lodge, next job is to obtain 3 No. water butts so these can be connected to said guttering.
With day taken up working on the guttering I sadly am unable to report on any garden wildlife that may have been about.
Friday, 19 June 2015
Friday 19th June 2015
Another very warm day, delightful.
Collected guttering from screwfix this morning my next job on the lodge. Rest of the day spent on the final clear up. Planted rockery plants in the new planter finishing off with a layer of course gravel.
Enjoyed a bbq tonight then a couple of hours over at the Mullens enjoying a few more pints and putting the worlds to right.
Collected guttering from screwfix this morning my next job on the lodge. Rest of the day spent on the final clear up. Planted rockery plants in the new planter finishing off with a layer of course gravel.
Enjoyed a bbq tonight then a couple of hours over at the Mullens enjoying a few more pints and putting the worlds to right.
Thursday, 18 June 2015
Thursday 18th June 2015
A very warm day, close to being hot.
What a day, not the day I chose. Car booked in for 10am on recall work. Allow three hours they said so chose to accept a lift into Wokingham. After four hours wandering around the town I rang to be collected also asking why taking so long? Not the news I wanted to hear, car not even worked on. Eventually arrived home at 4.45pm.
Not the best blog I have ever written...
What a day, not the day I chose. Car booked in for 10am on recall work. Allow three hours they said so chose to accept a lift into Wokingham. After four hours wandering around the town I rang to be collected also asking why taking so long? Not the news I wanted to hear, car not even worked on. Eventually arrived home at 4.45pm.
Not the best blog I have ever written...
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
Wednesday 17th June 2015
A very warm day again just slightly more breezy today.
Started the day with a very early morning walk to Southcote. Beautiful morning, birds in full song making it a joy to be out.
Day spent clearing, all timber now moved just the bricks and paving slabs to shift now.
No swifts today which surprised me somewhat. After my comments last night on lack of moths this year I had a bucket full tonight.
Good to see blackbirds being fed, some good photographs.
Sadly unable to blog in detail due to serious computer issues. Parts ordered so hopefully will be back in action properly next week.
Started the day with a very early morning walk to Southcote. Beautiful morning, birds in full song making it a joy to be out.
Day spent clearing, all timber now moved just the bricks and paving slabs to shift now.
No swifts today which surprised me somewhat. After my comments last night on lack of moths this year I had a bucket full tonight.
Good to see blackbirds being fed, some good photographs.
Sadly unable to blog in detail due to serious computer issues. Parts ordered so hopefully will be back in action properly next week.
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
Tuesday 16th June 2015
Another very warm day with again temperature reaching 23c this afternoon.
Swifts once again very active. Still flying about at 9.30pm tonight.
Day spent constructing a squared area around the oak tree ready for a rockery. Original timber frame rotted belong use hence replacing. A good tidy up is required now before I commence the next stage of the project.
Thames Water spent day dealing with a leaking water main, thankfully was within 25mtrs of stopcock so no cost. Very neat job, most impressed.
Good to sit outside tonight listening to the birds and scratching of mice in the Woodstock. Just loves the few peanuts I put out every night. Trail camera picked mouse out last night on the outside of the Woodstock. Lucky, as so any cats about.
Swifts once again very active. Still flying about at 9.30pm tonight.
Day spent constructing a squared area around the oak tree ready for a rockery. Original timber frame rotted belong use hence replacing. A good tidy up is required now before I commence the next stage of the project.
Thames Water spent day dealing with a leaking water main, thankfully was within 25mtrs of stopcock so no cost. Very neat job, most impressed.
Good to sit outside tonight listening to the birds and scratching of mice in the Woodstock. Just loves the few peanuts I put out every night. Trail camera picked mouse out last night on the outside of the Woodstock. Lucky, as so any cats about.
Monday June 15th 2015
A very warm day with temperature reaching 23c his afternoon.
Finished the decking this afternoon and fixed back the iron fence. Just the rockery area around the oak tree now to finish the project. Trellis work will be the next stage. Need a good clear up first however.
Swifts returned again today from early morning until late evening.
Despite the warm evenings I am disappointed at so few moths about this year. May try another position in the garden.
Finished the decking this afternoon and fixed back the iron fence. Just the rockery area around the oak tree now to finish the project. Trellis work will be the next stage. Need a good clear up first however.
Swifts returned again today from early morning until late evening.
Despite the warm evenings I am disappointed at so few moths about this year. May try another position in the garden.
Sunday June 14th 2015
A very warm day. Water butts empty now. Will have to resort to using water from the well if this heatwave continues.
A day spent again on the decking patio, looking good. A good decision. Should finish this part of the project tomorrow.
Swifts about again today, not attempting to use the box but happy they are flying around the house.
A day spent again on the decking patio, looking good. A good decision. Should finish this part of the project tomorrow.
Swifts about again today, not attempting to use the box but happy they are flying around the house.
Saturday, 13 June 2015
Saturday 13th June 2015
Despite being very warm it was overcast all day.
No swift sightings today, sadly.
Good night for moths again last night, having a large number of shield beetles in the trap this year. A little unusual?
Day spent decking the patio area in front of the lodge. 25% finished. Weather looking dry for tomorrow so hopefully this time tomorrow it will be 50% finished?
Hard work but I am enjoying this phase of project 2015.
No swift sightings today, sadly.
Good night for moths again last night, having a large number of shield beetles in the trap this year. A little unusual?
Day spent decking the patio area in front of the lodge. 25% finished. Weather looking dry for tomorrow so hopefully this time tomorrow it will be 50% finished?
Hard work but I am enjoying this phase of project 2015.
Friday 12th June 2015
Very much an overcast day with a slight shower first thing.
Painted fence, all electric wiring and hose pipe connections now secured - all part of project 2015. Now ready to start fixing the patio decking.
Plumber returned this morning to reconnect the saniflo. All working now but ouch, what a cost. Rest of morning spent making good where new connections were made under ground.
Despite the overcast conditions swifts were out on display from 8.30am. Were still ducking and diving at 6.30pm. Really hope weather conditions improve for the return of the swifts next year.
Enjoyed an evening out at the New Inn with John and Hilly celebrating his retirement. Anyone who remembers John will know he was the most amazing joiner, his last job before retiring was producing a two floor oak staircase for the Tower of London. What a job to finish on.
Painted fence, all electric wiring and hose pipe connections now secured - all part of project 2015. Now ready to start fixing the patio decking.
Plumber returned this morning to reconnect the saniflo. All working now but ouch, what a cost. Rest of morning spent making good where new connections were made under ground.
Despite the overcast conditions swifts were out on display from 8.30am. Were still ducking and diving at 6.30pm. Really hope weather conditions improve for the return of the swifts next year.
Enjoyed an evening out at the New Inn with John and Hilly celebrating his retirement. Anyone who remembers John will know he was the most amazing joiner, his last job before retiring was producing a two floor oak staircase for the Tower of London. What a job to finish on.
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Thursday 11th June 2015
All about swifts today. Swarming today with displays outside the nest box, just as they did this time last year.
Great to watch, let us hope we have better luck next year as regards nesting.
Today finished laying the joists for the patio decking outside the lodge. Sadly still unable to post any photographs. This one took over an hour to download.
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Wednesday 10th June 2015
Very warm day, a little breezy still at times.
What a month this is turning out to be. sadly another day when I could not concentrate on the garden or garden wildlife.
After six months found a plumber to deal with the issues concerning the downstairs wc. No wonder the unit was not working. The camera showed up over 100 years of scale build up. A 100mm pipe reduced to 12mm in sections of the pipe.
More work to do so still in a bit of a mess. Hopefully when plumber returns on Friday he can complete the job.
What a month this is turning out to be. sadly another day when I could not concentrate on the garden or garden wildlife.
After six months found a plumber to deal with the issues concerning the downstairs wc. No wonder the unit was not working. The camera showed up over 100 years of scale build up. A 100mm pipe reduced to 12mm in sections of the pipe.
More work to do so still in a bit of a mess. Hopefully when plumber returns on Friday he can complete the job.
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Monday, 8 June 2015
Monday 8th June 2015
Very warm day.
Henry Street for cushions.
Another good night for moths.
Lots of damselflies about this afternoon.
Henry Street for cushions.
Another good night for moths.
Lots of damselflies about this afternoon.
Sunday 7th June 2015
Very warm day.
Day spent putting together lodge furniture.
Lots of Damselflies about.
Good night for moths.
First bbq of the season.
Day spent putting together lodge furniture.
Lots of Damselflies about.
Good night for moths.
First bbq of the season.
Saturday 6th June 2015
Very warm day.
Day celebrating Russell and Mariah's wedding at Sonning golf course.
Friday, 5 June 2015
Friday 5th June 2015
Another day spent working on project 2015. Internal glazing bars fixed and floor trims also fixed. On Sunday will attempt to make up the furniture and then I can safely say, job done (apart from the patio).
Lots going on in the garden, swifts were about in large numbers most of the time flying around 483 but late afternoon appeared around 479. Pretty exciting, just need them to find the box now. Appreciate a bit late for any breading this year but just to find the box (as last year) would be exciting enough.
Picture 1 - Damselfly in the conservatory.
" 2 - Damselfly on the pond hosta.
" 3 - Young robin.
" 4 - Another visitor to the conservatory.
" 5 - Colorful fly on a plant tub.
" 6 - Can you believe there is a coffee table, 2 armchairs and a settee in this box.
Thursday, 4 June 2015
Wednesday 3rd / Thursday 4th June 2015
Frustrating time still dealing with plumbers. Have found yet another plumber who did in fact turn up today. Has agreed to carry out the work on Tuesday. We shall see?
Lighting connected to the lodge now, just need to clip the cable now. tomorrow I should finish all the internal work to the lodge.
Damselflies still attracted to the conservatory, none around the pond. Starlings driving me mad now with their screeching. Twenty one on the lawn this afternoon.
Picture 1 - Damselfly.
" 2 - Lodge lighting.
Tuesday 2nd June 2015
Day spent laying rest of the oak flooring and grouting the tiles in the lodge. Skirting also fixed so hopefully by this weekend I will have finished all internal work and I can start on the lodge patio.
Lots of damselflies about today, a fair few ending up in the conservatory. Some interesting looking flies also fancied the warmth of the conservatory. Camera still picking out the mouse in the wood stack. Last night in fact there were two so think this is the camera to watch now.
Good to see Lulu and Clive tonight. Over to see the lodge, they appeared pretty impressed.
Picture 1 - Coming into land...
" 2 - Foxy ground feeding on spilt bird food.
" 3 - Mouse out for evening feed.
" 4 - Fly in conservatory?
" 5 - Damselflies in the conservatory.
Monday, 1 June 2015
Monday 1st June 2015
Spent today making a start on laying the oak flooring in the lodge. Should finish this part of the project tomorrow.
Miss watching the antics of the blue tits, concentrating now on watching the mice in the wood stack. Pretty active tonight.
No sign of the swifts again, a week now since I last saw them over the house. Will continue to play the swift call but my guess is it will be a disappointing year.
Picture 1 - Sunflower border.
" 2 - Young Crow feeding from the blue tits feeding bowl of dried bugs.
" 3 - Last feed for the last blue tit. All now fledged, not 100% successful as two died.
" 4 - Dragonfly nymph from the pond.
" 5 - This spider was so small it was lucky it was spotted.
" 6 - Delivery of decking for the patio around the lodge.
" 7 - Floor tiles in the lodge finished, just the oak flooring now to finish the job.
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