Very warm and sunny with a light shower earlier this evening.
Morning taken up with food shopping as a little low on food and milk a little solid after the holiday.
This afternoon mooched about the garden for a while, topped up the bird and hedgehog feeders and watered the pot plants. Clearly windy here during the week as most pots had fallen over.
Managed to look at nearly 3000 trail camera images, some cracking shots of three hedgehogs now. Will start posting photographs hopefully tomorrow.
Friday, 30 September 2016
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Thursday 29th September 2016
Overcast in Jersey this morning, sunny in Southampton this afternoon.
Departed the hotel this morning ready for the flight home.
Arrived home at 8pm after a delayed flight due to a medical emergency which required emergency vehicles on the runway so planes were unable to land or take off.
Other than that it was a superb holiday, loved Jersey for its history, beauty and laid back approach.
Can see why it is a retirement paradise Island.
Can't wait now to catch up on the garden wildlife as captured (hopefully) by the trail cameras.
Departed the hotel this morning ready for the flight home.
Arrived home at 8pm after a delayed flight due to a medical emergency which required emergency vehicles on the runway so planes were unable to land or take off.
Other than that it was a superb holiday, loved Jersey for its history, beauty and laid back approach.
Can see why it is a retirement paradise Island.
Can't wait now to catch up on the garden wildlife as captured (hopefully) by the trail cameras.
Wednesday 28th September 2016
What a cracking day, hot and sunny all day, as at 17.30 still very sunny and warm.
Today was a trip to the more rural areas of Jersey, stopping at one of the bay's for a morning break. The view was spectacular, so many contrasting colours of blues and green. During the afternoon visited the Glass Church, leave aside any religious beliefs, the glass workmanship was something else.
Enjoyed an ice cream at Liberation Square as a final goodbye to the area before walking back to the hotel to pack cases.
The hotel have organised a pub crawl of the Island tonight, should be good, more on this tomorrow of course.
Today was a trip to the more rural areas of Jersey, stopping at one of the bay's for a morning break. The view was spectacular, so many contrasting colours of blues and green. During the afternoon visited the Glass Church, leave aside any religious beliefs, the glass workmanship was something else.
Enjoyed an ice cream at Liberation Square as a final goodbye to the area before walking back to the hotel to pack cases.
The hotel have organised a pub crawl of the Island tonight, should be good, more on this tomorrow of course.
Tuesday 27th September 2016
More overcast today but still very warm.
A history lesson today. This morning spent at the Jersey war hospital tunnels. Interestingly was never used as a hospital during the occupation. Even now after seeing yet another labyrinth of war tunnels I can't believe the amount of physical work involved.
This afternoon took the amphibious vehicle over to Elizabeth Castle at St.Helier. Another masterpiece of work carried out during a much earlier period.
So much history still to read and understand about this Island. I was surprised how little I knew about the more recent history, the occupation during WW2.
A very interesting day.
A history lesson today. This morning spent at the Jersey war hospital tunnels. Interestingly was never used as a hospital during the occupation. Even now after seeing yet another labyrinth of war tunnels I can't believe the amount of physical work involved.
This afternoon took the amphibious vehicle over to Elizabeth Castle at St.Helier. Another masterpiece of work carried out during a much earlier period.
So much history still to read and understand about this Island. I was surprised how little I knew about the more recent history, the occupation during WW2.
A very interesting day.
Monday, 26 September 2016
Monday 26th September 2016
Another very warm and sunny day. A little overcast first thing.
Morning spent at Jersey Zoo. Not such an interest to me Zoo's and today once again confirmed why I do not like perhaps even approve of such ventures. Can fully understand the breeding of such endangered animals but feel the breeding programmes should be all about the countries the animals originally came from.
That said I was impressed at the living conditions at this zoo.
This afternoon more my cup of tea. After a light lunch of crab cakes at St.Hilier we visited the harbour area of St.Aubin, beautiful in the full afternoon sun. Not much else to say as just sat and chilled before making our way back to St.Hilier late afternoon then the short walk to the hotel.
Have enjoyed another good meal, now enjoying some 60's DJ entertainment!
Morning spent at Jersey Zoo. Not such an interest to me Zoo's and today once again confirmed why I do not like perhaps even approve of such ventures. Can fully understand the breeding of such endangered animals but feel the breeding programmes should be all about the countries the animals originally came from.
That said I was impressed at the living conditions at this zoo.
This afternoon more my cup of tea. After a light lunch of crab cakes at St.Hilier we visited the harbour area of St.Aubin, beautiful in the full afternoon sun. Not much else to say as just sat and chilled before making our way back to St.Hilier late afternoon then the short walk to the hotel.
Have enjoyed another good meal, now enjoying some 60's DJ entertainment!
Monday 26th September 2016
Another very warm and sunny day. A little overcast first thing.
Morning spent at Jersey Zoo. Not such an interest to me Zoo's and today once again confirmed why I do not like perhaps even approve of such ventures. Can fully understand the breeding of such endangered animals but feel the breeding programmes should be all about the countries the animals originally came from.
That said I was impressed at the living conditions at this zoo.
This afternoon more my cup of tea. After a light lunch of crab cakes at St.Hilier we visited the harbour area of St.Aubin, beautiful in the full afternoon sun. Not much else to say as just sat and chilled before making our way back to St.Hilier late afternoon then the short walk to the hotel.
Have enjoyed another good meal, now enjoying some 60's DJ entertainment!
Morning spent at Jersey Zoo. Not such an interest to me Zoo's and today once again confirmed why I do not like perhaps even approve of such ventures. Can fully understand the breeding of such endangered animals but feel the breeding programmes should be all about the countries the animals originally came from.
That said I was impressed at the living conditions at this zoo.
This afternoon more my cup of tea. After a light lunch of crab cakes at St.Hilier we visited the harbour area of St.Aubin, beautiful in the full afternoon sun. Not much else to say as just sat and chilled before making our way back to St.Hilier late afternoon then the short walk to the hotel.
Have enjoyed another good meal, now enjoying some 60's DJ entertainment!
Sunday, 25 September 2016
Sunday 25th September 2016
Hot and sunny all day. As I write this at 9pm the hotel doors are wide open and tourists are still happy eating outside.
A fantastic day, the tour taking in the cost road around the Island was full of history and beauty. Reminded me so much of the Isles of Scilly in both history and scenery. The war defences, which go back to 1814 are something else with much still intact including the machinery.
The rugged beauty of the Island was also as spectacular with the history of Jersey potatoes, Jersey cows, Jersey lilies and sunflowers all creating such wonderful views. Had never heard of Jersey black butter before, still can't take it in!
Arrived home just in time to shower before enjoying another very enjoyable dinner. Really do rate this hotel.
Tomorrow have decided to visit the Jersey wildlife zoo. Not particularly interested in zoos, in fact no interest at all but the Jersey Zoo is supposed to be rather special. The views of the coast at this point are apparently breathtaking . Will be a good day out I am sure.
Night night.
A fantastic day, the tour taking in the cost road around the Island was full of history and beauty. Reminded me so much of the Isles of Scilly in both history and scenery. The war defences, which go back to 1814 are something else with much still intact including the machinery.
The rugged beauty of the Island was also as spectacular with the history of Jersey potatoes, Jersey cows, Jersey lilies and sunflowers all creating such wonderful views. Had never heard of Jersey black butter before, still can't take it in!
Arrived home just in time to shower before enjoying another very enjoyable dinner. Really do rate this hotel.
Tomorrow have decided to visit the Jersey wildlife zoo. Not particularly interested in zoos, in fact no interest at all but the Jersey Zoo is supposed to be rather special. The views of the coast at this point are apparently breathtaking . Will be a good day out I am sure.
Night night.
Saturday 24th September 2016
A cracking day, left sunny Reading at 7am and arrived in a very sunny Jersey at 11am.
Arriving at 11am meant we had most of the day to explore locally to the hotel. Just a 15minute walk from the hotel to St.Helier harbour and sea front. First impression, superb. If weather holds it is going to be a belta of a holiday.
Norfolk Lodge Hotel gave a good welcome with a chat from the manager tonight on what to expect from the Island and details of trips we can book if we wished to have a guide. Booked two trips in the first instant, first one tomorrow which is a full day out covering the complete Island coast road.
Had already pre-booked the tour covering the infamous war tunnels.
Meal tonight was excellent watered down with a few pints of Mary Ann local ale.
Night night.
Arriving at 11am meant we had most of the day to explore locally to the hotel. Just a 15minute walk from the hotel to St.Helier harbour and sea front. First impression, superb. If weather holds it is going to be a belta of a holiday.
Norfolk Lodge Hotel gave a good welcome with a chat from the manager tonight on what to expect from the Island and details of trips we can book if we wished to have a guide. Booked two trips in the first instant, first one tomorrow which is a full day out covering the complete Island coast road.
Had already pre-booked the tour covering the infamous war tunnels.
Meal tonight was excellent watered down with a few pints of Mary Ann local ale.
Night night.
Friday, 23 September 2016
Friday 23rd September 2016
Very warm and sunny all day, beautiful.
Morning spent on the cable project. All but done now, just need to tidy and secure the cables in the hide now. Most vulnerable now covered.
This afternoon cut the lawns, topped up all the feeders and packed the case ready for the birthday celebrations in Jersey. Early start tomorrow for the flight over.
Tonight Neil and Sarah popped over for birthday drink and spike feeding instructions for the period we are away.
Picture 1 - Moth on the front door frame this morning.
" 2 & 3 - Fungi on the lawn today.
" 4 - Still some colour in the garden.
" 5 - No sign of the cables now.
Thursday, 22 September 2016
Wednesday 21st September 2016
A very warm day but somewhat overcast.
Under the weather today as this morning endured an hour in the dentists chair after a crown that was being fitted failed to work. Had a further injection in order to start again which involved inserting a pin which in theory would keep the crown in place. Thankfully this procedure worked. Left with a very numb face and not a happy face at that. Hope the fitting of my hearing aids tomorrow fairs better.
Not the best night to be out eating but managed by eating pasta and ice cream! Good to catch up with Nigel and Lyn, 70th birthday celebrations now sorted, a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth in August 2016. Am I really heading for 70?
Under the weather today as this morning endured an hour in the dentists chair after a crown that was being fitted failed to work. Had a further injection in order to start again which involved inserting a pin which in theory would keep the crown in place. Thankfully this procedure worked. Left with a very numb face and not a happy face at that. Hope the fitting of my hearing aids tomorrow fairs better.
Not the best night to be out eating but managed by eating pasta and ice cream! Good to catch up with Nigel and Lyn, 70th birthday celebrations now sorted, a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth in August 2016. Am I really heading for 70?
Thursday 22nd September 2016
Very warm and sunny, summer has returned.
This morning spent working on the cable project, another couple of days and this project will be completed.
A good morning for wildlife, hedgehogs, moths, insects and a blackbird rowan berry feeding.
Really good news re the hedgehogs as two were spotted again last night feeding from the same bowl.
This afternoon spent at the hospital having my latest hearing aids installed. Now classed as severely deaf I required a major upgrade. At the moment not good as part of the settling down is the echo of my own voice. Most off putting, will take six to eight weeks to settle. On the plus side it is good to hear birds singing again.
Picture 1 - Spike home for the night.
" 2 - Blackbird feeding on rowan berries.
" 3 & 7 - Insects.
" 4 - Spider, love the detail.
" 5 & 6 - Moths.
" 8 - Hedgehog Poo.
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
Tuesday 20th September 2016
Another very warm day but still overcast.
Morning spent at the Coley Park Community History event. I gave a brief talk on the importance of collecting archive material on a local and national as I did in the sixties while working for MERL.
Talks also by MERL and the Reading Food Growing Group. The Mayor gave an opening speech on the importance of keeping local history groups alive as in Coley and Whitley.
Was a good morning.
This afternoon it was back to more encapsulating.
Picture 3 - Opening of the Coley event by the Mayor.
" 1 - Reading Grow Food Group's table of local produced goodies.
" 2 - Local residents looking at photographs.
" 4 - Old Village Life photographs on the MERL table.
" 5 - More old photographs of Coley.
Monday 19th September 2016
A very warm but overcast day with showers late afternoon into the evening.
Day spent on hosepiping the camera cables, fingers really rather sore now. 25% encapsulated today so hopefully finished before the start of our holiday.
Also created a makeshift moth trap umbrella which will save me packing the trap away at every sign of rain.
Thankfully the rain had stopped for the bat walk tonight at Fobney Reserve. Giles Sutton lead the walk again this year giving a brief presentation about bats before we set off. Although a damp evening we did obtain some good results which included seeing a Noctule, Pipistrelle and a Daubenton's. A good show of people as well so pretty pleased with how tonight turned out.
Picture 1 - Hosepipe all cut down the length to take the cable.
" 2 & 3 - A good start but making fingers sore.
" 4 - Moth trap umbrella.
Monday, 19 September 2016
Sunday 18th September 2016
Dry, overcast and very warm.
Made a good start today on encapsulating the camera cables in hosepipe. A long, sore and laborious job, but it has to be done so do not get a repeat of chewed cables in the future.
Nearly 4000 trail camera images to look at with one surprise. Two hedgehogs at the house end of the garden eating from the same tray of food. Really pleased about this. Foxy also about of course enjoying what is left of the hog food. Hedgehogs also making good use of the fence cut outs on both sides of the garden.
Spike also spotted in one of the homes a few times, also good news as hopefully will hibernate there.
Tomorrow will try and sort photographs to upload.
Made a good start today on encapsulating the camera cables in hosepipe. A long, sore and laborious job, but it has to be done so do not get a repeat of chewed cables in the future.
Nearly 4000 trail camera images to look at with one surprise. Two hedgehogs at the house end of the garden eating from the same tray of food. Really pleased about this. Foxy also about of course enjoying what is left of the hog food. Hedgehogs also making good use of the fence cut outs on both sides of the garden.
Spike also spotted in one of the homes a few times, also good news as hopefully will hibernate there.
Tomorrow will try and sort photographs to upload.
Saturday 17th September 2016
Dry, overcast and very warm.
Good to welcome Julie, Darren and the Girls today. Not visited for some time now so lots to catch up on in the garden. Enjoyed a welcome drink out on the decking before a visit to the Old Bell for an early evening meal.
What a week, look forward now to tomorrow and catch up on garden wildlife through the lens of the three trail cameras. Been set all week so guess there will be a few thousand images to digest?
Good to welcome Julie, Darren and the Girls today. Not visited for some time now so lots to catch up on in the garden. Enjoyed a welcome drink out on the decking before a visit to the Old Bell for an early evening meal.
What a week, look forward now to tomorrow and catch up on garden wildlife through the lens of the three trail cameras. Been set all week so guess there will be a few thousand images to digest?
Friday 16th September 2016
Dry and warm but much cooler after last nights rain. Summer over?
Treated Margaret and Paul on a visit to our local garden centre, Henry Street. They were pretty impressed buying in fact some bulbs to plant back at their Leeds garden.
Home to a light lunch and a goodbye drink before cases packed and the drive to Enfield. It was a good couple of days, pity it was not for longer.
Arrived in Enfield in good time to explore Richards garden, my first visit. Stayed for dinner before making our way home late evening.
Been a hectic few days but most enjoyable.
Look forward now to our impending holiday to Jersey.
Treated Margaret and Paul on a visit to our local garden centre, Henry Street. They were pretty impressed buying in fact some bulbs to plant back at their Leeds garden.
Home to a light lunch and a goodbye drink before cases packed and the drive to Enfield. It was a good couple of days, pity it was not for longer.
Arrived in Enfield in good time to explore Richards garden, my first visit. Stayed for dinner before making our way home late evening.
Been a hectic few days but most enjoyable.
Look forward now to our impending holiday to Jersey.
Thursday 15th September 2016
Another hot day.
This morning visited Jeans grave at Checkendon Church where the headstone had recently been erected. Time also to reflect on our marriage at this church 45 years ago, my word.
Good to see Doug in fine form at his new home (former family home Hartley Cottage now demolished) at Goring. Settled in well, certainly has picked a good spot just by the river. Enjoyed a meal with him at the Catherine Wheel, Goring. Jenny joined us so a good family gathering for those of us retired!
Once home we once again settled down to a beer/wine in the shade of the bandstand. This was until 5pm when we were forced indoors by the sudden burst of a rain cloud.
With messages on twitter and facebook it was clear we missed the worst, Woodley, Arborfield and Newbury experienced some horrendous conditions which appeared to miss Reading.
Tomorrow will be a local visit somewhere as taking Margaret and Paul over to son Richard in Enfield late afternoon.
This morning visited Jeans grave at Checkendon Church where the headstone had recently been erected. Time also to reflect on our marriage at this church 45 years ago, my word.
Good to see Doug in fine form at his new home (former family home Hartley Cottage now demolished) at Goring. Settled in well, certainly has picked a good spot just by the river. Enjoyed a meal with him at the Catherine Wheel, Goring. Jenny joined us so a good family gathering for those of us retired!
Once home we once again settled down to a beer/wine in the shade of the bandstand. This was until 5pm when we were forced indoors by the sudden burst of a rain cloud.
With messages on twitter and facebook it was clear we missed the worst, Woodley, Arborfield and Newbury experienced some horrendous conditions which appeared to miss Reading.
Tomorrow will be a local visit somewhere as taking Margaret and Paul over to son Richard in Enfield late afternoon.
Wednesday 14th September 2016
A very hot day.
Day was spent at Waddesdon Manor, should not complain but it was a touch hot for such a visit. Managed to walk a little of the gardens and woodland after a guided tour of the house. I was expecting an English Country Manor so was disappointed it was built French style furnished with French, Italian and German furniture. Ok in their respected countries but not here.
Think we were pleased to arrive home and settle for a relaxing beer in the shade of the garden, wine for the ladies of course.
Relaxing in the observatory tonight, Paul having a good look at my book, a large moth appeared. On catching it in a glass we were chuffed to see it was a Silver Y. Looked superb and what a way to end the day.
Tomorrow a visit to Checkendon Church to see the headstone recently erected for Jean then a visit to Doug.
Day was spent at Waddesdon Manor, should not complain but it was a touch hot for such a visit. Managed to walk a little of the gardens and woodland after a guided tour of the house. I was expecting an English Country Manor so was disappointed it was built French style furnished with French, Italian and German furniture. Ok in their respected countries but not here.
Think we were pleased to arrive home and settle for a relaxing beer in the shade of the garden, wine for the ladies of course.
Relaxing in the observatory tonight, Paul having a good look at my book, a large moth appeared. On catching it in a glass we were chuffed to see it was a Silver Y. Looked superb and what a way to end the day.
Tomorrow a visit to Checkendon Church to see the headstone recently erected for Jean then a visit to Doug.
Tuesday 13th September 2016
Very warm and sunny all day, a good welcome for Margaret and Paul.
After a terrible journey from Leeds Margaret and Paul finally arrived at 3pm after two trains cancelled. Virgin laid on a train from Leeds to York which was the only way they could clear the backlog of passengers waiting at Leeds. It was then a train from York to London. Just what Paul didn't need was this stress.
Despite all the delays they were in fact only an hour late into Reading.
With the weather so good it was a pleasure to welcome them to 479 with a glass of wine outside on the bandstand where there was some shade.
Rest of the day spent catching up on news, eating and enjoying a couple more drinks.
Looking forward now to a day at Waddesdon Manor tomorrow.
After a terrible journey from Leeds Margaret and Paul finally arrived at 3pm after two trains cancelled. Virgin laid on a train from Leeds to York which was the only way they could clear the backlog of passengers waiting at Leeds. It was then a train from York to London. Just what Paul didn't need was this stress.
Despite all the delays they were in fact only an hour late into Reading.
With the weather so good it was a pleasure to welcome them to 479 with a glass of wine outside on the bandstand where there was some shade.
Rest of the day spent catching up on news, eating and enjoying a couple more drinks.
Looking forward now to a day at Waddesdon Manor tomorrow.
Tuesday, 13 September 2016
Monday 12th September 2016
Hot and sunny, loving it but trees and shrubs are sadly suffering.
Started the day with another dawn walk at Fobney. A stunning walk but did miss the atmosphere created by the mist as yesterday.
Day spent on Autumn clearing and the planting of 100s of Spring and Summer bee friendly bulbs. Can't wait for Spring now.
Somewhat noticeable birds are in short supply in the garden. Not refilled the feeders for three weeks now. Probably due to the abundance of berries at the moment?
Spike used its home again last night, never there in the mornings so leaves in the early hours I guess?
Making my coffee tonight I spotted this delightful moth on the wall. Seeing more moths in the house or garden than in the trap this year.
Tonight I attended a meeting at Trooper Potts re the future of Men's Sheds. I have pretty strong views on this venture which smacks in the face in what they wanted to achieve when the idea was first muted. I was never part of that team and only recently have they approached me for help. Surprisingly they all appeared to agree with my thoughts and suggestions so now back to the drawing board.
Looking forward now to the visit by Margaret and Paul tomorrow, staying with us for a few days. This is Pauls first venture outside Leeds since his stroke in the Spring.
Started the day with another dawn walk at Fobney. A stunning walk but did miss the atmosphere created by the mist as yesterday.
Day spent on Autumn clearing and the planting of 100s of Spring and Summer bee friendly bulbs. Can't wait for Spring now.
Somewhat noticeable birds are in short supply in the garden. Not refilled the feeders for three weeks now. Probably due to the abundance of berries at the moment?
Spike used its home again last night, never there in the mornings so leaves in the early hours I guess?
Making my coffee tonight I spotted this delightful moth on the wall. Seeing more moths in the house or garden than in the trap this year.
Tonight I attended a meeting at Trooper Potts re the future of Men's Sheds. I have pretty strong views on this venture which smacks in the face in what they wanted to achieve when the idea was first muted. I was never part of that team and only recently have they approached me for help. Surprisingly they all appeared to agree with my thoughts and suggestions so now back to the drawing board.
Looking forward now to the visit by Margaret and Paul tomorrow, staying with us for a few days. This is Pauls first venture outside Leeds since his stroke in the Spring.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Sunday 11th September 2016
Started the day with a misty dawn walk at Fobney Nature Reserve. Superb, love mornings like that. So annoying I am unable to hear the bird calls at the moment. Only another two weeks before I have the speakers fitted.
Once home I spent the time on some Autumn clearing ready for the planting of spring bulbs.
Not much in the way of wildlife today, just two moths and a rather large slug to report!
Pictures 1 - 6 - Fobney at dawn.
" 7 & 9 - Moths.
" 8 - Slug.
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Saturday 10th September 2016
Very warm but sadly also very wet. Showery all day.
This morning Dom popped over with 7 year old Maddie and 2 year old Albert all mad keen on all things wildlife. Despite the weather we fed mice, watched activity in the pond from the hide camera and studied the fine detail of a dragonfly. With a mini museum at home they were pretty excited about the nymph I gave them in a magnified pot.
Amazing at the transformation in Albert after his recent liver transplant. Only a few months ago it was touch and go if the poor lad would survive then the chance of a transplant was offered. An amazing story, the family have been through on incredible journey but look at the lad now.
This afternoon enjoyed an indoor BBQ with Graham, Trish and the rest of the Mullen family. Shame it was so wet as it is another wonderful garden created to enjoy amongst wildlife. Graham has just the one camera covering the garden but with some great results. Only last night two hedgehogs fighting over a food bowl was recorded.
Good to catch up with Mark, not seen for a while, great to catch up on the Tornado and Flying Scotsman news. Ian, his brother has just finished another re-paint job on the Scotsman. While talking a message flashed up on Mark's phone about a steam train crash on the Hythe line after hitting a tractor this afternoon. Mark was saying the driver must be pretty traumatised as was the first week in the job. Reports coming through this afternoon suggested there were no life threatening casualties.
Shocked Mark a little as knew the driver very well.
This morning Dom popped over with 7 year old Maddie and 2 year old Albert all mad keen on all things wildlife. Despite the weather we fed mice, watched activity in the pond from the hide camera and studied the fine detail of a dragonfly. With a mini museum at home they were pretty excited about the nymph I gave them in a magnified pot.
Amazing at the transformation in Albert after his recent liver transplant. Only a few months ago it was touch and go if the poor lad would survive then the chance of a transplant was offered. An amazing story, the family have been through on incredible journey but look at the lad now.
This afternoon enjoyed an indoor BBQ with Graham, Trish and the rest of the Mullen family. Shame it was so wet as it is another wonderful garden created to enjoy amongst wildlife. Graham has just the one camera covering the garden but with some great results. Only last night two hedgehogs fighting over a food bowl was recorded.
Good to catch up with Mark, not seen for a while, great to catch up on the Tornado and Flying Scotsman news. Ian, his brother has just finished another re-paint job on the Scotsman. While talking a message flashed up on Mark's phone about a steam train crash on the Hythe line after hitting a tractor this afternoon. Mark was saying the driver must be pretty traumatised as was the first week in the job. Reports coming through this afternoon suggested there were no life threatening casualties.
Shocked Mark a little as knew the driver very well.
Friday, 9 September 2016
Friday 9th September 2016
A stunning day, warm and sunny most of the day. Very breezy by late afternoon.
Day spent trimming and shredding the bay tree and the ivy hedges. Can't believe the amount of growth this year the shrubs and trees have made.
Shame I was disturbing so many moths while cutting the ivy hedge, hopefull all back settled again now?
Spotted a fair few ladybirds about today mostly on the sunflowers, talking about sunflowers the squirrel has chewed off all the sunflower heads, just the stems left now. Not my year fro sunflowers that's for sure.
Picture 1 - Ladybird on the fence.
" 2 - Foxy after spikes food.
" 3 - Spike just leaving its headquarters last night.
" 4 - Trimming and shredding the bay tree.
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Thursday 8th September 2016
A stunning day, very warm and sunny well into the evening.
Today's blog is all about the guided walk with a group of local residents organised through the Community Centre.
I am also posting all my photographs of today in preference to any of garden wildlife.
I did not know any in the group and was not even aware of how many would in fact turn up. I could not have wished for more, a group best described as vulnerable and what a tale they told. They were over the moon to be walking in such beautiful surroundings (Island View Nature Reserve) and feeling at ease in friendly company.
The stories I was told today was heartbreaking in how they have had to cope in life in fact still having to cope as almost on a daily basis they are abused in some way. I would like to write more and more publicly but I have to recognise these people are still to this day very vulnerable.
It was a pleasure to be out with them and hope to repeat this walk on another occasion. I will add, being vulnerable does not mean these people do not have certain skills, one chap pulled out a note pad and drew an amazing picture of what interested him today and another chap took great pleasure in naming every spider and insect he spotted and also named every tree.
It really was an enlightening day.
Wednesday, 7 September 2016
Wednesday 7th September 2016
Another scorcher of a day, will not like it when the weather changes this weekend.
Not the best day of my life, started with an 8am appointment with the dentist for a filling and the creation of a mould for my my replacement crown. Next visit on my birthday, thanks!
Then a visit to the solicitor and the weekly Morrisons shop.
Was glad to get home. Afternoon just chilled as mouth still numb making me feel rather lethargic.
Two moths in the trap last night, a record for this year. More spiders about with their respective catches.
Cameras confirmed foxy, spike and mice were about last night. Spike entered a house but did not stay. A bit warm I guess.
Looking forward to tomorrow now and my first guided walk for folk from the community centre, looks as though the weather will be kind for us which was always a bit of a worry.
Picture 1 - Shield Beetle on the window cill.
" 2 & 3 - Spider with ones catch.
" 4 - Shield Beetle on a sunflower leaf.
" 5 & 6 - Moths from last nights trap.
Tuesday 6th September 2016
A very warm and sunny day, like it.
Today was all about Mapledurham Golf Club House and our annual cousin get together. A stunning day to appreciate the rural surroundings. A little different to last year when it just poured for the day soaking us big time.
Good to catch up particularly with David and Christine as not seen for some time. Memories of my nights with David back in the early 70s came flooding back with talk of Isopon high on the agenda! How many cars did we repair with that stuff I wonder?
Back home late this afternoon and was surprised to see the number of spiders that had appeared clutching ones meal for the day.
Not good to see how birds eating blackberries has stained the wooden furniture. Not just the furniture but also the decking.
Picture 1 - Blackberry stained chair.
" 2 - Spider with a fly.
" 3 - Spider with a wasp.
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