We were up long before the Lark. Not that I’ve seen or heard a Lark so I’m not sure what time he rises. The Woodpeckers have to have sun on their backs to be bothered to decimate my feeders.
We were out, back for breakfast and I was half way through a bowl of porridge before the first Woodpecker deigned to visit. Mrs Woodpecker is back but very wary or maybe camera shy. I really want a picture of her now. Little minx eats the food I give her and buggers off as soon as I focus the camera.
Yesterday afternoon I had a small flock of very polite birds visit. They queue in an orderly way in the Elder behind my feeders and pop down to eat a few at a time.
Long Tailed Tits. A gregarious but gentle bird. Unlike the Starling and the Jackdaw. One of the latter being brighter than the rest has learnt to unhook this feeder . All his mates line up on the fence waiting for it to hit the ground. It is great to watch as he defends his prize against all comers till he has had three or four uninterrupted pecks. Another forty pence in a birds tummy.
This morning I brushed the dogs at half nine…..I was already sparkling bright and smelling of roses.
Off we set for Morrisons to buy a bottle of wine.
I’ll be blowed! It was eight ponds fifty nine ponce. I am far from clear how many units of alcohol there are in a bottle of wine with a dinted bottom and a cork but I seem to remember Dithery Dave promising me drink at fifty or forty five ponces a unit. It may not have become a law yet. Precious little else he has promised has. Gave my ponces, dubloons and ponds to a bemused cashier. Shouldered my bottle of myrrh.
Off we toddled to the bus stop…..I needed a number 12 but a number 11 came along just as I’d fired up a rolly. The number 11 goes to town and in roughly the right direction so pinching out the fag, on we hopped. I didn’t have much choice. In dangerous places I clip the dogs together and then have them on a lead that reels in and reels out. It has a lock but it wasn’t locked so they were already halfway down the bus before I’d extinguished my smoke. They are a pair of petrol heads. Anything with wheels, an engine and an open door they are in and quick sticks.
We had a good half hour to kill in town. Sunday morning in town is paradise for dogs. Bits of kebab, cold chips, the wee puddles of half dried sick, pools of blood from a broken nose or stabbing, the odd trainer and policeman's boot…..takes five minutes a yard to get anywhere so despite only having to wander quarter of a mile to catch the number 12 we only just made it. What I call perfect timing. I would have been standing around in the cold if it weren’t for the dogs and their revolting propensities.
I am just back from my Christmas lunch. The hostess not only cooked a wonderful roast beef dinner with perfect veg, Yorkshire Puddings, Yorkshire Salad (a new one for me too) and gravy but limited herself to one glass and a bit of my contribution. After a quick and slip slidey walk with the dogs she then drove us all back home with some pressies for Christmas day. What a star.
There was me feeling sorry for myself. I am a miserable, grumpy old devil. But I had a wonderful time. I am tempted to do Christmas next week as well.
All the very best for the coming week.
Those Long Tailed Tits are the politest birds I know. Always a pleasure to have them visit, and to see them when I'm out.
ReplyDeleteGlad Mrs Woody is back, and OK.
I hope Dithery's law doesn't come in. My tipples are going to cost a fortune. A stealth tax by this bunch of cretins!
Glad you enjoyed the meal; and pressies too! Blimey, you lucky man.
Keith even sparrows squabble but the LTTs never seem to. I wonder where they live in summer.
ReplyDeleteGood job Dithery wasn't called Walter or Matthew! Good job his dad was a master stockbroker and not a baker. Or a pity.
Pressies? I'm well made up! A made up man am I.
Somehow i can't imagine you with make up adrian.
DeleteNothing wrong with a bit of rouge or whatever it's called.
Deletehere (USA), it's now called blush! :)
DeleteBrilliant Adrian. You deserve a good day for once.
ReplyDeletePenny is the same. Whenever we pass a vehicle, especially small vans, she is all for getting on board. Probably similar vehicles took her to the race track.
LTTs are so gentle and refined, so different to most others when in a crowd.
Of course our ruling class of rich posh cretins won't notice whatever the price of a tipple. I bet it won't apply to the subsidised booze in Parliament's bars - another stealth tax.
John I take the dogs everywhere. They love it, I try and make them behave! I shout 'Get The F..k Under'.
DeleteYou had best get a van. She will miss her previous life. You have a gentle minded dog.
Alf was a horror for sheep chasing so I tied him to a working Collie. He now looks after sheep, hens, ducks and cats. Except for one black cat whose days are numbered.
I did enjoy today......Thanks.
Dithery is a real disappointment he's too stupid to be entertaining. Sorry I mentioned him. I do quite fancy his paramour Rebekah or however she spells her name.
Extremely cool birds you have on your blog. The long tail and woodpecker are new ones for me. Love those feeders. Do you puppies go crazy?:) Gotta love holiday time meals:)
ReplyDeleteChris, the dogs are barking mad. I am not a fan of Christmas but really enjoyed the meal.
Deleteyou had a great day with birds and a great Christmas lunch. Pretty rich!
ReplyDeleteRed, it really was a red letter day.
DeleteI'm still cackling about the dogs' revolting propensities - and they look so sweet, too. Glad you enjoyed your dinner. Better watch it, you might start enjoying Christmas if you aren't careful!!
ReplyDeletePauline, one reindeer doesn't make a Christmas but I had a good time. Our Hostess would not have been as keen as she was to kiss and cuddle the dogs had she witnessed their passage across town.
DeleteI don't think I've ever seen a Long Tailed Tit or if I have it's been a fleeting view. Rather envious am I.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I never see them in summer. In winter they are infrequent visitors. Always welcome though.
DeleteSounds like a good day for you and the dogs... Strange isn't it (or perhaps it isn't strange at all) that however used one is to being in one's own company one often feels lonely just after parting from a good time with friends.
ReplyDeleteMonica, I enjoy company but am fortunate to be generally happy on my own.
Deletesuch cute birds! Not sure if they are native to Indiana. gotta love the bold colors of the male woodpecker! It is easier to laugh about someone else's pets and their antics than to put up with it yourself.
ReplyDeleteNorma, I have become used to the filthy little devils.
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