Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2015

A pretty dismal bank holiday, wet all day.
Despite the weather the moth trap and table provided me with a fair number of moths last night.
Day indoors, now have a front door bell connected to most rooms of the house and also connected a phone which has an answer machine. Have caught up with technology at last.
On such a wet day not much else to report....
Pictures of moths from last night.

Sunday 30th August 2015

A reasonable day, very mild, a little sun, chilly evening.
Enjoyed a morning pond dipping and finding another 27 dragonfly larvae. As have said previously many will be predated but surely will see a % of dragonflies emerging in next two years?
Foxy out last night, appears to be only the one each night now and pretty sure it is the cub.
               Enjoyed an afternoon with Julie, Darren and the girls. Was to be a bbq but with weather unsettled it was a roast. Pretty good Julie that and of course the crumble. Well done Holly.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Dragonfly larvae.
       "             3 - Foxy feeding on spilt bird food.

Saturday 29th August 2015

A pretty good day, mild and sunny until evening that is. Might have been a wet evening but a brilliant sunset.
A project day today - Project 1 was creating a hedgehog home from an insulated meat box. Our meat arrive in insulated boxes which are sturdy and won't rot of course. Have removable lids so ideal for inspecting. Receive on average five a year of these so more homes in the future?
Project 2 was creating a bee/bug box using clear plastic tubing. Thought I could have a nosey when tubes are in use. Might work might not?
Another good night for moths although most what have seen before. The hedgehog food was eaten outside the kennel so look forward to checking the camera tomorrow.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Moths rom last night.
      "              3 - Project 1.
      "              4 - Project 2.
      "              5 - Sunset despite the rain.

Friday 28th August 2015

A pretty good day, warm and sunny most of the day. Yellow warning out for tomorrow however for heavy rain.
              After a morning in town to sort my phone out it was back home for a pottering afternoon in the garden.
Not a good month for me and technology. Phone refused to work last night informing me memory and card were full and no room for messages. Transpires my messages were left in draft format and messages in were not received. Mobile man said, you got lots of friends in France and Germany? Non said I. Well this is a lot of your problems, you have the phone set for English, French, German and Japanese. Could only laugh.
                Highlight of the afternoon was finding 31 dragonfly larvae while pond dipping. Only managed a 50% sweep of the pond so could be many more. A lot will be predated by the fish of course. Would love to think I have 31 dragonflies emerging in the next two years?
There was a happening in the dog kennel (hedgehog home) last night. A large proportion of straw had been dragged out. Hole only just the size for a hog so fingers crossed. Have left food out and set the camera tonight.
Moth trap had blown over or pushed over last night leaving me with a table covered in moths. Surprised they stayed so long but the position does catch the early morning sun.
               Sunflower competition closes on Sunday so have ordered Google Earth to help me out with measuring this weekend!
Pictures 1 & 2 - Moths on table.
       "             3 - Hedgehog maybe?
       "       4 - 7 - Dragonfly larvae.
       "            8 - Am I the winner, again?

Thursday 27th August 2015

A much improved day after early morning showers. Mild and sunny most of the day.
Most of the day spent in town sorting out my 8GB of photographs stuck on a hard drive in John Lewis. Appears to be ok but the task now is to re-import on to the replacement desk top. That I am not confident in carrying out and JL not prepared to help. Will never purchase another product from them, never.
              Another night of rain and another good night for moths. Despite the rain moths were flying about the ivy hedge early this morning so managed some photographs once settled on leaves.
Trail camera captured the fox cub and a squirrel last night. Thought we had seen the last of the squirrels, not seen all spring/summer.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Foxy.
      "              3 - Me, just received a call from John Lewis or do I always look like this?

Wednesday 26th August 2015

Very mild, very wet morning, in fact heaviest rain fall I have seen for a long time. Much improved afternoon with sun and clear blue sky.
This blog comes from my replacement HP 23 Intel Core 15, Windows 1 - 11 Desk Top Computer. Can only hope this one lasts longer than the previous. Received a call from John Lewis at 4.45pm today to confirm they were still trying to retrieve all my photographs from the hard drive of the dodgy desk top.Will know tomorrow. At least now they acknowledge a huge problem in their organisation but is rather a long story to relay here. Just to say it has been the most agonising purchasing experience I have ever encountered. Not over yet as have to write a full report to the Chairman.
                Now to better things and hopefully a more reasonable daily blog. As 99% of my photographs are still in the hands of John Lewis I can only show a few taken in the last few days.
Exciting times ahead in critter cam as mice have taken it over and starting nest building last night. This morning however the building project was flattened so can't wait for tonight. Was up until 2am watching the initial build, fascinating.
Despite the rain there has still been a fair few moths about, finding them hidden mostly in the eaves of the bandstand and studio. So well camouflaged. Butterflies are thin on the ground this week however. This defo' down to the rain.
Pictures 1 -3 - Osprey (young) at the Rutland Osprey centre. Two young bred this year.
       "          4 - Mouse and two slugs.
       "          5 - Mr & Mrs. Mouse.
       "  6 - 10 - Moths, bugs etc.
     " 11 & 12 - Sunflowers.
     " 13 & 14 - Flock of spiders!

Tuesday 25th August 2015

Another wet and dismal day in keeping with my mood.
John Lewis rang me this morning after receiving my email and asked me what the next step should be. Very politely I suggested they contacted the engineere pretty damn quick. 
He did ring but read me the riot act and blared out he had carried out the work of transferring data and not his problem the unit didn't work.
Back to JL I trot.......saying nuffin else tonight.

Monday 24th August 2015

What a day, wet all day. Sunflowers happy!
After two most enjoyable days at Rutland Water it was to reality big time.
Desktop failed to work so back to John Lewis I trot. It was suggested I took the unit into the store do could be sent away to Exeter for assessment. Without relaying the full story this was not going to happen as still had the original with stuff on the hard drive to be transferred. Have never come across such an inept company in my life. I left the store having insisting an engineer rang me by 6pm.
It did not happen of course, what a wasted day.

Sunday 23rd August 2015

After heavy overnight rain this morning did not fair much better. First wet morning for an age, bit of a rude awakening.
         After three days having a wonderful time in an area I love it was back to reality - tried the desk top and as one would guess it didn't work. Message confirmed 'system failed'. That's tomorrow sorted then, another trip to John Lewis.
           Enjoyed an afternoon garden tea party celebrating Tony's 70th birthday. Thankfully rain had stopped by mid afternoon do was able to enjoy their wonderful garden.

Saturday 22nd August 2015

Another hot and humid day.
Arrived at the Osprey centre early this morning and what a result. Armed with my new binoculars I was able to see clearly one of the two chicks still on the nest. This pair that I have followed for four years had two chicks this year. This is some 100 chicks bred now on the reserve since the mid seventies. Wonderful result.
Left at 11am for the drive home after a most enjoyable couple of days at Rutland Water.
A 2.5 hour trip home took over four hours. Hot and sticky or what. 
Brilliant weather still on arriving home so cooked a BBQ and spent hours telling Lorna how good the Birdfair was!

Friday 21st August 2015

Hot and humid, not comfortable for spending a day in various marquees on the Birdfair site.
Despite the heat it was a great atmosphere at the fair, spent a fair amount of time looking at binoculars before deciding on a pair of Bushnell Legends. Well pleased, look forward to trying them out at the Osprey centre tomorrow.
Also bought the latest in swift call technology, not sure it will work as well as my CD swift call however? Stand was well supported and very busy all day.
The bat association confirmed the white bat seen at home for four years was indeed an albino without question. Great interest was shown in the photograph (your photograph Doug) and was shown around the stand. Sadly not a lot of information on bat detectors.
Attended a moth trapping seminar and met up with Georgia Locock, Wildlife Kate and other less well known like minded visitors.
Altogether another cracking show, roll on 2016.
Look forward now to visiting the Osprey centre tomorrow.

Thursday 20th August 2015

Very warm and muggy day.
Can't believe it happened only techno chap from John Lewis turned up this morning to install data to the replacement desktop.
Unable to retrieve photographs and suggested I take the unit into the store, really? Due to downloads taking four hours he was unable to hang about so explained what I was to do once this process was completed and promptly left.
Hope all works then on return from Birdfair?
             Watered plants and topped up feeders to cover time being away. Lorna agreed to feed slug and the mice.
Left home at 3pm for the two days at the Rutlant Birdfair. Arrived at the hotel in good time to enjoy a good steak and pint of local ale. Roll on tomorrow.

Wednesday 19th August 2015

Bit cooler today but still warm enough to sit outside. Not sure what happened tonight however, it is pouring and have just realised my moth trap is outside. Oops.
              Another good night for moths, looking back it has been a good year although some new ones seen nothing scarce.
Amazing to watch slug eating a fat stick in critter cam. Would not have believed they could eat like that. Only one mouse out tonight, watching this monitor is so much better than any television program.
A great tit spent time tonight flying in and out of the squirrel box. Winter roosting home perhaps?
The squirrels have not been seen now for five months. Unusual none have been seen...
            Enjoyed afternoon tea in the garden with Nigel & Lyn. Celebrating Lyn's birthday.
Big day tomorrow, I wonder? Will John Lewis turn up this time, doubt it. Watch this space.

Tuesday 18th August 2015

A pretty good day. Mild but lacked the sun which kept the temp' down a tad.
A lazy day, this morning spent at Henry Street for lunch and a spot of garden retail therapy.
This afternoon cut lawn and tidied up a little.
         Was another good night for moths, still seeing moths unseen in the garden before. I do have a problem identifying however despite my reference books.
Interesting night watching the mice monitor. Two large slugs invaded the habitat. Mice not bothered and just walked over them.
Sadly still no photographs as still awaiting connection of the replacement desk top. Will never shop at John Lewis again.

Monday 17th August 2015

Week starting good with the day warm and sunny. Great evening for moths and a great day for butterflies.
What a day this turned out to be. JL were due today to install the replacement desk top. Will not rant on this blog but suffice to say it did not happen.
No option now but to contact the chairman of John Lewis. I have all his details and will be taking this up with him tomorrow. Keep calm I keep telling myself.
            Have enjoyed watching the mouse monitor tonight as two mice have now appeared. Exciting days ahead I hope.

Sunday 16th August 2015

A cracking day, warm and sunny all day.
Being the last day of the holiday we relaxed in the garden during the morning before enjoying a good roast dinner.
Once dinner had settled Peter joined me at the Mad' Stad' for an afternoons football between Reading and Leeds. No score and game played a little safe but was a good atmosphere and a good way to end the week.
Sadly come 6pm it was time to say bye bye as they started their long drive back to Leeds. It was a great week and look forward to meeting up again in the Autumn when we visit Leeds.

Saturday 15th August 2015

Again, another warm and sunny day.
Today was the two yearly family party day. Pre-booked some months ago and certainly had not predicted Jeans untimely passing. Family agreed the party went ahead. Was good to see everyone after a sad and difficult month.
Thankfully with the weather being kind to us it was picnics on the back lawn.
Brilliant for Dom who has an interest in wildlife to spot a southern hawker emerging. He was a happy bunny taking home the larvae for his private museum collection.
Lulu sadly was unable to make it this afternoon but popped over with Clive in the evening to catch up with Tan and Co.
Another good day. Holiday almost at an end.

Friday 14th August 2015

Mixed weather today, showers during the morning but sun was out giving us a great afternoon.
With Liz meeting a friend in London tonight we drove her to the station and made sure trains were running and she was settled before moving on to the Thames at Caversham where we boarded the Caversham Princess for a most enjoyable trip to Mapledurham and back. Family loved it.
Finished the day with a meal at the Cunning Man.
On arriving home and nothing worth watching on TV we sat with some drinks and watched mouse on the monitor. Better than any telly?

Thursday 13th August 2015

What a contrast in weather. Wet all day, in fact very wet, it poured. Stopped eventually by late afternoon.
Stayed in all morning but by afternoon we were itching to get out and chose the Hollywood Bowl in Bracknell. It was actually a great, fun afternoon. Shocked them all at my skill of obtaining 9 strikes during the two games. Was well and truly the winner. Enjoyed it!
Finished the day with a take a way and a few drinks in the Leaping Frog.

Wednesday 12th August 2015

Another very warm day, is tomorrow really going to be wet?
Called in on Checkendon Church this morning as Tan and family wished to lay their own card and flowers on Jeans grave. Flowers picked from the garden which was Jeans wish.
From here drove the short distance to Nuffield Place which was the home of Lord and Lady Nuffield of the Cowley Motor Works fame.
Very modest house, albeit large but with a wonderful garden and woodland walks. Was keen to see Lord Nuffields workshop which I read had not been touched since the day he died.
How astonished was I to find the workshop was in fact built into his wardrobe. Amazing.
On way home called into the Whitehart in Nettlebed for a spot of lunch.
On arriving home it appeared we were all pretty tired so snoozed for a couple of hours before getting ready for a night at the New Inn.
What a day, good start to the holiday.

Tuesday 11th August 2015

A very warm day, not likely to last however looking at the forecast for the rest of the week.
This morning JL were due to install the replacement desk top, with no sign of techno man by 11.30am I rang to be told said techno man called on JL to collect the DT and was told the order was cancelled. There was not the need to collect as DT is here, I collected it. A further date was made for the 17th as on holiday this week. Am I seething or what.
           Tan, Pete and Liz arrived at 4pm so all the family are now together hopefully for a good week. After a welcome cuppa it was time for the customery tour around the garden showing off the latest addition to the garden, the lodge.
Once settled and unpacked we enjoyed some drinks while preparing for another BBQ.
Whilst enjoying the BBQ a southern hawker emerged from the pond in the evening sun leaving the larvae on a marigold leaf.
What a way to end the day.

Sunday 9th August 2015

A very warm day. May it continue for this weeks holiday.
William has settled, met the girls and sorted out the BBQ for tonight. Chilled most of the day catching up with news on his impending start at Chester University.
Enjoyed the BBQ late this afternoon and the Mullens company tonight. A good few pints were drowned, feels like it anyway.

Monday 10th August 2015

A very warm day with a few showers thrown in for good measure.
Very interesting day spent with William at Stonehenge. Most interesting exhibition, despite all the objections since English Heritage took over the running of the site it has been vastly improved and would recommend a visit.
On returning home we popped into the Poachers for an evening dinner.
Was a good day out.

Saturday 8th August 2015

Another hot day. Hope it lasts for at least for another week while visitors are with us.
Met William from the station at lunchtime after his trip down from Leeds. Once home and settled we spent the afternoon catching up with family news over a couple of pints sitting in the garden. Celie and Leilani joined us having not seen William for two years. Look forward now to the week ahead and the family party next Saturday.
            A good night for moths and a good day for butterflies. With the butterfly count this weekend I should by all accounts have a few to record.
Foxy out again last night, think it may have the start of mange. Have re-set the camera so can keep an eye on him or her. Will let nature deal with it however, will not interfere.

Friday 7th August 2015

A hot day. Sun out from dawn to dusk.

RIP Jean. You would have been proud of your children and grandchildren today. Was a sad and difficult day but lovely at the same time.
Still can't believe only three weeks ago we were enjoying afternoon tea with Jean and Doug.

Thursday 6th August 2015

Another very warm and sunny day.
Collected desk top from JL this morning. Fingers crossed techno man turns up on Tuesday.
          General tidy up of the garden rest of the day to impress the family visitors. Lawns cut and borders weeded. To be fair hardly any weeds due to the heavy mulch covering from shreddings in the Autumn.
            Young great spotted returned again today, not seen adults for a while however. Brilliant photographs of moths and butterflies today. Foxy clearly about with two large offerings left. Have set the cameras again tonight.

Wednesday 5th August 2015

A very warm and sunny day.
Not the best of mornings having to return to John Lewis having slept and thought about what was said to me yesterday. I paid good money for a product that does not work. Could not believe that because Windows 10 is being rolled out that Windows 8 just stops before 10 has been installed. Different person today and response completely different. A straight replacement and installation as the original.
I am to collect replacement tomorrow so ready for technician to install on Tuesday. Not ideal as from Friday we have Tan, Peter and family staying with us for a while.
Fingers crossed it all happens.
             Collected our pottery pieces from the Leaping Frog Ceramics this afternoon with the Girls. What a result, they all look brilliant. Shame I am unable to show photographs.
               Loads of moths and butterflies flying about, more than I have seen for a long time. Bees also still very busy, weather is helping of course.

Tuesday 4th August 2015

Another very warm day. Loving it.
Not my kind of day, pretty irritated now.
Morning shop this morning then John Lewis this afternoon to sort out the malfunctioning desktop.
I am beside myself with anger, having been in sales a large proportion of my working life I am qualified to know what customer service should be. Customer service should be just that. Apparently not. Matters not a jot you have a product just a month old and is not working.
No, it won't work said Mr. Techno man. All to do with update 10. Six million customers are in the queue for windows 10. So what does one do then? Nothing, you have to wait. So unable to do banking or other personal work one uses a desktop for? Correct he said.
I am gobsmacked, once I have calmed down and slept for six hours I will be ringing head office tomorrow.
With the mood I was in it was a good time to visit Fobney and litter pick.
Nuff said tonight.

Monday 3rd August 2015

Enjoyed another warm and sunny day.
Internet is getting to me now, another day off line.
Spent the day mooching - started with 45 fuchsia cuttings, been such a good display this year thought would try growing a load for next year. Not on the scale when I grew them back in the 80s but non the less a fair few.
                Moths and butterflies were busy today, nothing in the moth trap but plenty flying about. A 14 spot ladybird made its way into the moth trap last night.
                  Enjoyed a late evening walk at Fobney tonight with the RBC bat man. Very interesting evening with 5 different bats recorded. Apparently there are 8 known species of bat at Fobney.
A bat detector is on my 'to buy' list now.
Sadly no photographs still as still without the internet.

Sunday 2nd August 2015

A very warm day, bootiful.
Visited Martin & Marion at Hartley Cottage today. Good to see Doug coping with the stress but oh boy the cottage appeared empty without Jean. To see the empty chair.....

Saturday 1st August 2015

By Jove what a hot day. 
Day spent with Emma, Phil and the boys at Wisley. Taking a picnic was ideal on such a glorious day. After a walk around the arboretum and lake we played a couple of outdoor games before setting up the picnic. A little hot for games I might add.

For some reason unable to import photographs today or use the Internet hence to using the iPad again.