Dry, windy and mild but very overcast.
Most of the day spent at the Whitley Museum. Enjoyed a very interesting and informative presentation by Mark an ex pupil of Ashmead. Had no idea for instance the importance of Whitley Village during WW1 and 2. The discussion after the presentation proved there are a lot of stories out there by people who remember those times. Important now for the museum to record some of these stories. Really was an interesting morning.
I have been in discussion with Trish the custodian for some months now but did not realise the significance between her hubby and myself until we met today. It was goose pimple time. Trish's hubby and I looked at one another open mouthed, speechless for a moment. The story goes back to the 1970s when we worked at the Council. I was supervising the home improvement scheme and he supervised the building department workforce who were working on the scheme. We had not seen each other since the mid 70s. We could have talked all day.
It was a great day for many reasons.
Thankfully a dry day, still mild and a fair amount of sun.
Day spent with Jill & Vic. Recently retired and following a major clear out I was offered some items that were of interest to me so was in my element sorting through Vic's junk! Finished with a meal and a pint at the George. Cheers Vic.
Arrived home to see a squirrel had started bringing twigs into the box and the mice also starting to nest build, getting ready for the colder days ahead no doubt.
Picture 1 - Squirrel Drey?
" 2 - Mice nesting?
" 3 - Male great spotted on the peanuts.
Another good day. Mild, sunny and dry but oh gosh what a change tonight. A mad storm at 11pm. Gales and monsoon like rain.
Morning spent collecting up more leaves, thought I had finished but still there is more to come. With the heavy wind tonight I am hoping now this is really it for this year. Wildlife will benefit from all the leaves, should be warm and cosy this winter.
This afternoon through to early morning I watched specialists preparing steel beams that will form a new bridge over the M4 at Shinfield. Five sections in total with the last two biggest and heaviest at 70 tons each being lowered tonight. They formed the sides of the bridge so extra steelwork was required for the balustrades. To see these monsters dangling over the motorway before being lowered into position was something else. My thanks to the team for allowing me access and talking me through the procedure, a most interesting aft/eve.
On the way home at 1.15am I came across a major car crash in Hartland Road, two cars upside down and another smashed in some ones garden. Police arrived as I was positioning myself to turn around so thought best not to get involved. How can these accidents happen for goodness sake? Although not involved it did shake me up.
Another sunny and dry day. Nice.
Most of the day spent shopping. Morrison's weekly shop this morning then Locky Farm this afternoon to order the Christmas Turkey and Henry Street for coal. Main ingredients for a good Christmas?
Not much time to see what was happening in the garden. Did see the male great spotted in the silver birch tree, loads of goldfinches and blue tits. A blue tit still roosts every night, mice are also seen every night still in their respective habitats.
Looking forward to a day in the garden tomorrow. Have started planning my next garden project which I will commence in January. Going to create an alphine house in a disused greenhouse. Got the idea from RHS Wisley and Harlow Carr. More on this another day as still in my planning head at the moment.
What a great day. Sunny, mild and dry. Loved it.
Day spent with Jane and Colin exploring the delights of Savill Gardens in Windsor Great Park.
It was stunning, great reflections, good fungi, moody trees in their winter starkness. Even all things winter dead in the park there is a beauty to be witnessed. I love days like today.
Finished the day with an afternoon tea and bun in the farm shop. That was of course after we had enjoyed a spud and a pint at lunch time.
All photographs were captured in the gardens.
Not sure what went on at home today as regards wildlife. Plenty of food eaten that's for sure.
After 3mm of overnight rain the day was mild, dry and overcast.
That time of year, day spent in town Christmas shopping. Nuf said about that, getting a right scrooge in old age.
Before leaving for town the heron flew over and landed on the bandstand roof, was there for some while before I spooked it as I moved forward for a better photograph. Not bad on what I achieved considering the distance.
My old mate I spoke about last week is still in a coma after a massive stroke as confirmed today. Dreadful news. I still can't take it in.
Damp, windy and overcast day.
Day spent finalising the importing of my old 60/70s slide photographs. Considering age and storage conditions they have all imported pretty well. Slides vary from courting, wedding, first house, birth of Louise, construction of M4 through Reading, holidays with the lads, 479 and loads more. May post a few on the blog some day.
Good to see the great spotted and jays about again. Managed a poor photograph of the great spotted in the silver birch tree. Hawky also turned up but for some reason decided not to stay long. Foxy about again last night, seems to like the egg I put out for him each night. He is burying more than he eats however.
Picture 1 - Male Great Spotted Woodpecker.
" 2 - Foxy on the back lawn.
