Weekly Chat Sunday 26th June

Hi, all.

We had a storm last night, and a giant old tree came crashing down across my driveway lane. I don't know what happened. I slept through the night, and I didn't think the storms were that bad. I was vaguely aware of thunder at one point, but not severe enough to fully wake me up. Maybe lightening hit it, although it doesn't look like it. Very strange.

Anyway, I have to make some decisions. Fire up a chain saw, cut it up, and try to move it myself? Contract someone else to remove it? Find someone with a stove who will remove it for the wood? The tree was on my neighbors' land, so I could demand that they clean up the mess, but I like them and don't want any ill will between us. This is a 3-day holiday weekend here, and the temperature is predicted to be  95 F (35 C) tomorrow. I may just have to wait until next week.

Anyway, plenty of sweary words echoing through the forest this morning. I won't be posting or answering emails until I figure out what to do and improve my attitude significantly. LOL!

Everyone have a nice weekend.

OG: I loved the photo of the duck with the green bill. Facinating. Could it be a Khaki Campbell duck? Beautiful duck, no matter what it is.

Also, Alan, loved that new Shelduck photo.

Welcome back, Margo. Hope things improve for you.

Lindy: Loved the photos of Tomasz. He looks so intelligent. Glad you can spend time with family.

Catch up with everyone later.

No time for replies right now - but just seen current position in tennis - Murray v Nadal.  Forget "Murray Hill" - the boy from Dunblane has given himself a mountain to climb!!

I've been watching, OG - and Murray started out well, winning the 1st set and looking very determined - but now is trying to keep up with the Champion - lets face it, Nadal is no pushover.

Oh Diane - so glad that the tree at least missed the house!  - you are allowed lots of 'swearywords' now!  - hope it can be sorted.

Sadly, Murray couldn't keep up his early lead.  A good Final is something to look forward to nevertheless, on Sunday.  We have had a pleasant day today, weatherwise - sunny but not hot.

Mia's had the all clear.  We just have to use the cleanser regularly now to prevent any further build up.

Great shame about Murray.

Well that's it from me.  I am switching off now.  See you all in 2 weeks after our Scottish adventure.

Great to hear that Mia's OK, Trish - have a wonderful holiday, all of you.

‘Evenin’, all.  Phew!  Tis hot!  Been watering garden, it is all drying out quickly – where did all that rain go?  Planted more Salads this afternoon, and think we shall have our own Carrots tomorrow.  Some Tomatoes formed but will be a while yet, but Cucumbers have been supplying our needs for about four weeks now – lovely small and tender ones.

Joan and Sandy – I think I got scale and perspective wrong on the small Wader – first thought was Common Sandpiper, but body looked too heavy, so I changed it to Dunlin, although I thought there was no black belly patch which I would expect in the breeding season.

Diane – sorry about having more storms, and the tree down.  Sad to lose an ancient tree, but ******* that it fell across the driveway, and just before 4^th July hols.  You are allowed as many sweary words as you like here – in fact, I’ve said a few for you!!  Please don’t hide away while you have sweary words to say – come on here, girl, and let it all out!!!  Mallard crossed with a farm duck such as Khaki Campbell is one possibility re that Duck – but I love him anyway!

Trish – so pleased Mia’s ears are clear now and hope you can keep them that way.  I hope you have a great holiday in Strath Spey.  Give my love to anyone who knows me!!

Evenings are lighter now than they were around the longest day last week!  Makes it difficult to know when it’s getting late, so have been staying up far too late at night and consequently not getting up in the morning.  Will try a bit of time-shifting tonight, I think – should be tired enough after all that fresh air in the garden!

Missing Lynette's late night posts - when is she due back?  Did she say Saturday or Monday?  Not sure whether she went for a few days or a week.

Cirrus is having computer problems and cannot post just now.