Friday 16th November 2012

Early morning mist/fog never really cleared all day. Also bit of a winter chill with showers during the afternoon.
                      Morning taken up by 3.5hrs of British Gas surveying for a replacement boiler and temp' valves. Staggered to find the quote total of £4111p. A cost I was not expecting.
                       Afternoon spent filling a further 5 sacks of fallen leaves.

Thursday 15th November 2012

Another good, mild Autumn day.
Day spent on the WDP. Hedgehog House (with camera) re-sited away from the Rat Run. It was clear Rats had intentions of making it their home!
A  Fox entrance now in place, just the Fire Pit to sort before the last joist are fixed. Have also created a Bee entrance in case we have further Bee activity. 
Fingers crossed for a dry day tomorrow.

Wednesday 14th November 2012

What a brilliant day, mild, sunny, dry with a good blue Sky.
Day spent working on the WDP. Hard work as fixing the 225 x 75mm Timbers between the Posts. Can't face another Hernia Operation so under orders to rest tomorrow, we shall see!
                 Have agreed to help with a certain amount of re-planting work on the Fobney Lakes Project. A task I will be carrying out towards end of the month. Sadly a fair number of newly planted Shrubs died during the Summer due to the very wet spring/summer.
Picture 1 - Still leaves to fall from the Ash, Oak, Silver Birch and Bean Trees.
      "    2 - What a contrast - no leaves left on the Robinia Tree with all leaves still to fall from the Bean Tree.
Picture 3 - Looking up into the Front Garden Acer Tree.
      "    4 - Acer and Bay Tree in the Front Garden.

Tuesday 13th November 2012

Mild but a miserable day with showers during the afternoon.


Day spent at the Care Home. Social Services looking at the possibility of Financial help due to the rapid deterioration of Mother's condition with no prospect of improving .

Monday 12th November 2012

A right miserable day, light rain all day.
Morning spent sweeping leaves in the front garden. Managed to fill seven sacks today. That is twelve in total so far.
              Afternoon, I managed to fix a further four posts to the WDP (despite the wet conditions). The large Drainage Pipe is now in place as the 'official' Fox Entrance. Positioned where Foxy used to dig.
The next stage now will be to fix the Posts to the east of the project, at this point there will also be an entrance to the wooded walk.
                 Jays were particularly busy today based on the amount of Monkey Nuts they were chomping through. During my two hour lunch break I watched four Jays (two pairs?) enjoying the MNs. Not burying in the lawn today but flying to the large tree growing on the green opposite 479.
                  Lads at ALT found a Locust on a Timber Stack this afternoon, they appeared on the doorstep with it wondering if I wished to photograph? Thanks Lads for giving me the opportunity to see/picture the Locust.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Capturing latest work on the WDP.
       "     3 - 5   - Locust as found by the Lads at ALT.
       "     6 & 7 - Egret at Fobney Lakes.
                   

Sunday 11th November 2012

After a hard overnight frost the day turned out just perfect.
Day spent walking the Kennet & Avon Canal from Fobney Lock to The Cunning Man Pub at Burghfield with Cath, Steve and Mrs.T.
The walk between Southcote Lock & Burghfield through the woods had to be aborted after a Warden suggested we turned back due to flooding.
The tow path walk was not a disapointment  with brilliant Barge and Tree reflections to be enjoyed.
Picture the atmosphere, Sun, Chill, Smell of Barge Chimney Smoke, Reflections and the anticipation of a Pint of Real Ale! 
After a two hour break over a Roast Dinner at the Cunning Man we made our way back enjoying the Sunset and watching the Rooks flying back to roost for the night.
It has been a brilliant weekend, walk at Dinton yesterday and the walk today.
All pictures taken on the walk today.

Saturday 10th November 2012

 After heavy overnight rain the day turned out mild & sunny, ideal conditions for walking.

A very enjoyable day spent walking the two lakes at Dinton Pastures with Alec, Callum, Emma and Mrs.T. 
The Boys are so interested in Wildlife, it is a pleasure to be out with them. DP did not dissapoint with plenty of muddy puddles, climbing friendly trees and an abundance of Wildlife. Callum was delighted to spot a Heron hiding in the Bushes, he is already using his 'eyes'.
All pictures taken at Dinton Pastures between 10.30am & 3pm.