January,2014 was a month of devastation.
Our hopes for the imminent return of one of EJ's chicks were shattered when we learned of the death of Caledonia. She had been doing so well in Seville, Spain - our "City Girl". We were so proud of her. Then with shocking suddenness, her body was found, still bearing positive identification. No doubt about it, our Caledonia was dead.
Then only approximately a week later, Oighrig was reported very likely dead as well because of her stationary tracker, although her body was never recovered. Our hopes now are centered on Breagha, the only remaining tagged offspring of EJ.
The weather didn't help any, with many suffering damage from floods and heavy winds in the UK, and near record cold and snow and wind in the USA, including Ohio and Indiana. Even a music night failed to bring us together and cheer us up. The "Winter Wonderland" theme proved to be the gloomiest and shortest Music Night in Gabfest History.
Then the month drew to a close with 5 plus days of no access to The RSPB Forum and Threads. January ended with several of us finding our way back to the Gabfest and the various threads after several days of experimentation and searching our ways. What more could one month throw at us?
But a new month brings new hope! FEBRUARY is still the midst of winter, but each day brings us more daylight time than the day before. Surely the USA and UK will get a break soon from the nasty weather each has experienced. February is also the month of Romance, a cheerful subject if ever there was one. So we will hope for good things. February is much too soon to expect the actual return of EJ or Odin or any of the osprey to any of the nests we follow. Even so, hope and anticipation are in the air as we start the countdown for the return of EJ and Odin to their Lock Garten nest..
Tiger has posted the guessing EJs arrival thread! We are already in March!! I shall post my prediction tomorrow as have to have a think!
Oh yes I will take a pic of them soon tomorrow! They have been totally water logged but despite this they have little green sprouts emerging! They look a little wretched at the moment but have a lot of faith in them! I believe Karen is growing an Autumn fruiting variety. I was really impressed with hers and a tough act to follow!
I don't have much faith in my future raspberry attempts, but I'm anxious to give it a try and see what happens.
Ihave never grown Raspberries before, but its fun trying to grow different things. The two varieties i have are "Glen Moy" and "Autumn Bliss" 3 of each. I look forward to seeing your raspberries too!
I've just remembered almost anything is available on line, so I looked for growing raspberries in containers and sure enough I can get lots of good tips, especially selecting varieties. But I am anxious to see how many choices I have. Not many, I'm thinking.