Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 30 April 2023

Thanks for the photos Lindy. The blossom really is beautiful this year I think.

I have been to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this morning. The bluebells in their woodland are wonderful. You can see them as you drive in. I didn’t have time to walk in there to take a photo after my birdwatching as I needed to come home for lunch so that I can cut the grass this afternoon. Very chuffed though as I saw the one of the yellow wagtails. I have never seen one before. They are scarce up here.

Here is the photo of our local post box topper as promised. It’s actually a different one from the one I mentioned last week.

Thanks Dibnlib. We enjoy it but it's only for a while. The apples themselves taste good, but are the kind which go to mush as soon as they're cooked- they make good apple sauce!

The sun came out here, and we were supposed to visit Sue today, but she has her schedules mixed up so it may have to be tomorrow. I'm hoping to pass her some blouses which may suit her but which have been hanging in my wardrobe for ages, unworn. Time to bite the bullet - another two blouses are already in the charity bag.

The other day I was in Tescos and as I pushed my trolley around, I found 2 of the staff talking in the aisle. The younger one was saying " What you just said made me feel old!" The other girl said "Well how old are you, then?" The answer: "23!". As I passed them it took all my strength not to say "I've got T shirts older than that!"

Rusty, love the postbox topper! How good to see a yellow wagtail- I've never seen one. Love wagtails.

Hi all .
In a spinney near to my house there's a tawny owlet very young not feathered yet. Its at the foot of a tree i beleive where nest is and has been there all day. Any advice?

Lindybird :-)) (T-shirt comment)

Rusty: I assume patriotic locals are responsible for giving the mailbox the royal treatment.

Nice to see Freebird and JillR on here and to know someone's looking out for the owlets.

Annette - post box toppers are a “thing” throughout the country. They just appear. No special occasion is required. I guess whoever did the one by me was feeling the area should join in the coronation spirit. Mind you, here in Wales, there isn’t much sign of anything. I certainly haven’t heard of any street parties round me and, as far as I know, we haven’t got bunting in town. (I will look when I go tomorrow).
It is lovely and sunny so I am off to play golf. I am glad I feel well enough to do 18 holes. I think my head is now just full of hay fever caused by the tree pollen.
I hope everyone has a good day. I am going to catch up with all the osprey webcams now. It takes ages. I am too invested in them all!!!

There is a Facebook page (UK Post Box Toppers) and a Wikipedia page about post box toppers. I can’t work out how to send a link but I am sure anyone interested can find them.

RUSTY - so good to read that you are feeling better.
LINDY - I have one apple tree and one pear tree. After my OH died I thought that I was being sensible and got a few fruit trees cut down. Now, I think it was a mistake as apparently they need other trees to cross pollinate ? The pears and apples are quite small. Unfortunately, there are no gardens near me with fruit trees. Just one example of things done without researching first...

Good that you feel better, Rusty.

There is quite a bit of bunting up around here, I put a full sized Union Jack in our window on Monday and now there are many houses with red white & blue fluttering outside. There is going to be a sort of Street Party near us, although sensibly they're having it indoors in a local building lent to them.

Sunshine here, and my OH has been back to his sisters to cut her many hedges for her.