***  CHRISTMAS  TIME  IS  HERE  ***

A Time when Yearly  ‘Traditions’ come fourth, a scented Chimney smoke fired by ‘Ash’ gives off an aroma so delightful.....nodoubt my family from way-back used this and thats why it has such poignancy to me for those chilly cold winter nights....to snuggle-up by a Warm, glowing Fire !

Its a moment for those to come close to relatives or friends, to share their festivities of Good Hope and Joy but please spare a thought for those who are desperately ‘alone’, without the necessary Foods, warmth and shelter.  Take a look around.....just Stop a moment in your tracks “Are we living in an Artificial World”?  Be far More Aware and Less Self-indulgent....Just that Hug or Smile can be  All it takes !  We certainly need to reconnect with each other.......throughout the years to come, otherwise we are a ‘Lost’ society without a decent ‘cause’ !

Sunday 27^th Nov  -  A vicious wind was circulating around the house.....

2.40 p.m   As the Weather turns it’s change of direction We wrap-up and drink those delicious Hot Chocolate drinks with a chocolate stirrer for a treat -  And most welcome whilst the elements outside are brrrrr !

Monday 28^th Nov  -  Made another batch of ‘Christmas sized muffin cakes’no need to use a huge amount of fruit - makes them as  'light' as a feather !Link http://binnie-scrapperdosrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas.html

Full details on how to make - ScrapperDo's Recipe link

Tuesday 29^th Nov  -   Ferocious gusts returned through the night , then poured down most of the day...the Rivers were Running high !

Wednesday 30^th Nov  -   A sky of delight today...phew couldn’t stand that other we had yesterday !!!

No School today for our lovely Son as ‘Teachers’ were on ‘Strike’

***  DECEMBER  ***

Thursday 1^st Dec  -   And so the darkness still hangs around at 7.45 a.m

“Well....if you could see ‘Sneg’ on his perch doing the ‘Swan Lake’ wonderful  dance movements” ! 

Was rummaging amongst the back of my cupboard upstairs and came across a ball of yarn, it wasn’t doing anything so made it totally useful and turned it into *winter jackets* for naked little hens.

Friday 2^nd Dec  -  As I opened the back door I was greeted by the smell of  *Winter*....the cold air touched my face and almost took my breath away !

The Sky was black as black could be with millions of ‘Stars’ who had arrived to ‘dress’ it up, their twinkling sparkles gave great excitement that Christmas was almost here....made me feel like a youngster.

‘Narcissus’  family of ‘Five’ were all sitting right on top of a hedge across the road, surrounding a field, happily chattering about their business. Link> http://binnie-binnieslifespan.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

Sunday 4^th Dec  -  Folds of Clouds surround our Sky this morning, quite dull but not too cold thankfully.

'Sneg'

At this moment in time has switched himself off and snuggled his head into his fluffy body...has many forms of expression.

2.43 p.m  The Sky is giving us a ‘Hail’ storm out the front of house whilst round the back it’s bright sunshine with a double ‘Rainbow’ !

Monday 5^th Dec   -  The Wind is definitely arriving from the *North*  brrrrr

Tuesday 6^th Dec  -  Seemed to go by with a great looking sky until mid morning when it started to throw down ‘icy-rain’ brrrrr  very cold once again and so changeable.

Wednesday 7^th Dec  -  Very dark this morning......trundled out with the rubbish...couldn’t see a thing  oops trips over stones  ouch !

Having finished the first lot of chores and seeing our lovely Son off to School I can relax just a bit....my saved porridge in the pan has gone all cold n hard (like glue) so I add a drop of milk as I stir to warm it up (did’nt want to eat in a hurry – first time around.)  Sitting in the chair enjoying my porridge ‘Chuckie’ arrives with a gift ‘a biscuit’.....he wants to swap......”No good for your tummy ‘Chuckie’ the milk does something to your insides”.....sorry little chap !

Thursday 8^th Dec  -  The day Scotland received 165mph Winds!  We're not used to these Climate Changes,  I do hope Scotland's people are Safe! Link> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16079849

The ‘Witches Cottage’ news link> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-16066680 

Our nearest Town 'Cardigan' holds a tremendous amount of History.  'Custom House' as it is Now.... first Row of Houses ever built alongside the Castle and during the process of renorvating came across a 'Dead Cat' within a wall ....people used to put a 'Live' Black Cat built into the walls to 'Ward off Evil Spirits'. 

Link>  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHjb09j-M-w

Duke Always pleased to have his picture taken

Friday 9^th Dec  -  A quiet Sky above....perhaps I’l l take a wander around to the ‘Post-Office’ then on to the ‘Wasteland’.   I got as far as the Post Box and the ‘heavens’ opened-up, freezing rain , my little ‘Lumix’ camera doesn’t like the wet so abandoned the wander and any hope of a photograph.

Feathers in 'Action' spectacular to see 'Red' flying very close to house this morning No Cam, was mesmerised by its preying actions Link> http://www.redkites.co.uk/

10.54 a.m  I was just hanging the clean clothes on the dryer next to the small bedroom window....thankfully a glimpse of movement outside caught one of my eyes..... ‘Red’ his ‘Talon’s were sharp, poised ready for a catch....was hovering low.  A Flight with  ease just above our garden but near enough to notice it’s ‘All’ and intentions....WoW this was close !   Each feather using precision direction for that change of Air-flow....sadly nothing was caught on our Patch today.

I’d been hoovering in the lounge and was just about to......... as I thought there was a ‘Chuckie’ biscuit on the hearth rug.......he’d been and rescued it...... he knew I was known for sucking them up the hose.  It must have been his last one and wanted to hang onto it for a bit longer, just incase of a ‘swap’ later in the day.

Volunteers brave the elements in an attempt to save a Dolphin Link> http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/9412056.Volunteers_attempt_to_save_stranded_dolphin/

Saturday 10^th Dec  -  A WoW sort of sky today.....LOOK >  

a little Rain later....Cold  !

Sunday 11^th Dec  -  And so the Rain came beating down,  being pushed along by strong gusts in a manic  urge to fill all the dips and grooves on the ground.

Monday 12^th Dec  -  A beautiful morning arose for All to see....so I went a-wandering to the ‘Wasteland’.    As I entered the gateway, all seemed quiet and very still but a little further in was greeted by a group of ‘warblers’ who seemed to be feasting on insects and then a Burst of vibriant red caught my eye on the opposite side.....just above a tiny stream what looked to be a rather larger than life character....the male ‘Bullfinch’ flew towards me with confidence,  he gazed to check who had called.  I quietly aimed the camera...sadly with it’s noise the ‘Bullfinch’ had disappeared.    A little further on now and could hear the faint trickle of water.......the tiny ‘stream’ was 'Singing' ..... met by an incoming stretch of water created a natural sound of rhythmn.

Reed Warbler link> http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/reedwarbler/index.aspx

BullFinch link> http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/bullfinch/index.aspx

As I sauntered back home.......there on the windowsill were three members of the ‘Narcissus’ family having a good stare in the bedroom, are the Relatives taking on the 'Family Traditions' of 'peeking-in' ?  So here we are on the dish (which I have to say,we don’t use-we gave up on Sky T.V. along time ago.)

2.p.mish ‘Himself’ and I spent an hour or so in the ‘Woodland’,  nothing was going to escape the cold  whistling Wind getting into each nook and cranny. 

Strolled up towards the ‘Top field’ with our faithful friend ‘Duke’ , not much wildlife exposed today but did notice evidence of ‘Rabbits’ by way of their little deposits strewn across the very wet grass and lichen.

Tuesday 13^th Dec  And it’s *Snowing* ,  was fine  an hour earlier.... clouds did look full of fluff !

8.45 a.m SCHOOL just rang and Son has rescued a 'Jack-Daw' Dad's going to fetch it - how sweet of him,  always thinking of Wildlife.  Seems to have  natural instincts - if can help he will. Was very thin and Crop was empty.... is eating now, so hopefully will regain some strength.  Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_anatomy & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_(anatomy) &
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Jackdaw

Thursday 15^th Dec  -  A #Flash of light lit-up the whole bedroom, I looked outside.....nothing.....thought it was a security light from an opposite house....so went to bed...as this  happened last night.

 A loud rumbling  echoed  it’s terror , ripping through the sky of dark with excitement and fascination.... 'A Storm had arrived'.

Sun has been trying to reach the surface and then an outburst of hail storms arrived down from the looming cloud cover.

Interesting skies we're receiving , whilst trying to dodge the ‘hail storms’  outside.

Friday 16^th Dec  - 8.30 a.m  This mornings 'bright-eye' just having a peek (the sun) 

9.10 a.m  it was an ‘eye-opener’ and in full swing  by 9.30 a.m.

'Sneg' was heading for the back door and So the Dogs followed, Freezing experience for  bi-stander (Me)  they seemed to enjoy.   He climbed the back-door Step for the first Time.  1.07 p.m

Sunday 18^th Dec  -  The Sunshine was streaming through the fine curtains in our bedroom whilst the ‘Narcissus’ family were manoeuvering things.....perhaps they thought ‘Spring’ had arrived.  A cluster of words came to mind whilst still lying in bed at 8.49 a.m “late for Me”  and with No Pen or Pencil by my side decided to get up and express those thoughts.

Theres a Red Jumper I'd been wanting to wear but was covered in White Paint so am "right Now" wearing it inside-out !   Almost like New.....another trick to save on pennies !

                     “We must learn from our Past to Live today and for Our Future" 

Tuesday 15^th Nov  -  9c with a great looking sky.....a rising mist was carried across the low Valleys by the gentle breeze with the odd glint of sun and “yes” by 10.a.m the Sun was in full-strength!

I can tell this is 'Chuckie' by his ears

Been decorating our Son’s bedroom......didn’t take long as he has been sleeping in small box room for this moment....

3.20 p.m with a hop down the back-doorstep ‘Sneg’ ventures off.....close to the house and particularly close to the dogs.....No predator will swoop down when a couple of hounds around., sensible ‘Bird’  gaining knowledge everyday now.....am impressed !

We’ll be walking into the lounge area and ‘Sneg’ sneakily and speedily goes between your feet to get there first !   Now how slick is that !!!

Wednesday 16^th Nov  -  A little bit colder today !

‘Chuckie’ had kept my cushion warm for me...”what a polite little chap” !

2.57 p.m And I was just having ten minutes lie down on settee before Son arrived home from School...when a little friend ‘Chuckie’ jumped- up with me, he had a soggy biscuit between his teeth....and with a type of grin still clenched the biscuit as if to say....“here ya”   he says.....I replied “No thanks...I’d rather not have a second-hand one” ! (Dog Talk)

Moved Son's bedroom furniture around......On his return home from School  a *B e a m* stretched across the otherside of room.....*smiles* all round...so pleased !

Friday 18^th Nov  -  Strong gusts have returned once more and feels warmer outside than in.  I sit with my lap-top next to the boiler but theres one thing wrong with this picture.....a gaping hole delivers  cold air directly in from outside, so feeling the chill brrrrrr

                                  The Wind doth Howl so horribly wrong

And enters every nook above and below

It enters the Sea to give it a stir

Where No Man would dare to enter

Lashing and thrashing against the ragged rocks

Is only the place where Birds will flock

'Sneg' is sat on a nasty cold floor....his little feet won't stay warm if he continues this.  At 12.24 p.m

‘Chuckie’ has just made the sweetest noise....sounds like he’s dreaming in his sleep upon a cosy cushion.....just  other side of dining table chair.

4.01 p.m ‘Sneg’ has fluffed himself up as it’s brrrrr .......c o l d    !!

Sat 19^th Nov  -  A grey sky with a flicker of sun peeking.   Sun has arrived 9.53a.m a bit hit n miss so far...lets enjoy what we have for now.

‘Sneg’  Has taken a wee bit longer for lad to grow-up.......seems able to fly down from higher heights....now!

At 9.27 a.m   A very good friend on tweet, Sophie said “Look at Sneg, he's doing great!  "Have told him" whilst he's preening his magnificent coat of feathers.  And around his neck have grown ‘New coloured feathers’ magnificent !

Was hanging white School shirts out and a deep buzzing sound passed me by, with a huge body...biggest I’ve ever seen !    Landed on the sleeve of one.......So ran for the camera but by the time arrived back it had gone, I listened for it’s return.....but nothing.

By the afternoon the weather turned for the better !

A family of  ‘Sparrows’  were trying to make their way into a  ‘Blue-tits’  box in our back garden, they had no hope of succeeding as they were too round.  I wonder if they were anything to do with the ‘Narcissus’ family ?  If you are a ‘new’ reader- this info. can be found   22^nd May ‘ 11....’Narcissus’ is peering into our bedroom window fascinated by ‘what ! we just don’t know ! or click here  >

http://binnie-binnieslifespan.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

7.15 p.m   I put some tuneful Christmas carols on for ‘Sneg’ ,  as he seemed to like music.

Monday 21^st Nov  -  And so the Wet daggers of Rain penetrate through your clothes....no chance of a dodge.......Son was waiting for a gap to dash for the School Bus, there was thankfully....he had just four  minutes till the next lot  (we guessed)  “Still quite dark”

3.51 p.m   Everything outside seems to be coated in a ‘green fungus’ “Are we next” ?

4.07 p.m   Sneg now sounds like a 'car hooter' voice breaking into something - hopefully a coo !   He has just asked for more seeds and stands well back whilst I root about in the cupboard for them.  He whizzes to the bowl.....infront of me,  as I said “go on then”.....how sweet !

Tuesday 22^nd Nov   -   Weather was disgusting once again with more rain and totally wiped-out our view outside.

By the afternoon the Sun decided to explore and what a warm feeling.....so ventured into the back garden area  to find the ‘sumac Tree’ stark naked as only the day before was Full of leaves.....so it was quite a 'shock' to see a total wipeout ! Link> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumac

4.05 p.m    Caught ‘Sneg’ listening through a closed door.....he then dashed off in another direction as he knew I’d seen him up to something.........and we can’t do with his little ‘deposits’ everywhere !

Wednesday 23^rd Nov  -  The sky floated by...so caught it in a picture... And just behind this Cloud came another dragging with it some fine mist to moisten the Valley below.

Was whizzing around having just washed my hair and found ‘Sneg’ listening behind the door.....I closed it straight away, he stood there waiting for me to go through it once again to sneak through my legs......”I knew his plan”  sorry ‘Sneg’ it failed !

‘Narcissus’ and family have made an appearance......the extended juveniles have grown-up and moved to   other end of our ‘eaves’ ,  so not far to visit ‘mum and dad’.

Thursday 24^th Nov  -  “And did it howl “ ........ “yes” ! 

7.15 a.m  Thirty minutes before Son leaves for School bus and darted outside to take this dramatic picture just beyond the fields. ^

10 a.m ish   Spoke to my Dad and he was telling me how their local Bakery made ‘Christmas Puds’ ...still leaving cloth tied around top for the following festive season, allowing them to mature.

Cleared the Pond in the garden of it’s devilish ‘Duck-weed’ also known as ‘Jenny Greenteeth’.

Link> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Greenteeth

3.20 p.m  And it’s turning dark already with gusts still blowing so strong !

‘Sneg’ is still giving his usual ‘Wing practice’ sadly getting know where L( Oooo he’s just got  a different word out.....wonderful little Bird !

My poor attempt at taking 'Red'-Kite'

Friday 25^th Nov  -  Lovely Sky “thank you” !

Walked  to ‘bottle recycle’ .....posted a letter, met a friend  on the way to ‘Wasteland’ where I was happily greeted by ‘Mr.Robin’ ..........seems he was the ‘gatekeeper’ and checking out on who was entering his territory.  He was all puffed-up with his bright coloured breast and a little tuft of white.  I stood still to admire him and waited to be shown around his grounds.

Mr.Robin sits guarding- left middle of picture

I hadn’t walked far before the ‘Black birds’ gave out there Call and the ‘Willow Warblers’ darting from one tree to another.......nice to see their busy little lives.  I turned back and there was a flicker of browns, deep reds and cream n white above.......‘Red’ the Kite was circling his area for a tasty morsal.  The beam of light from the Sun had outlined and captured each feather on it’s underside......just had to stand still to enjoy this moment of excellence.

The ground had recent wheel marks....too big for a cycle, more like a motorbike.....fortunately not churned-up and the rain from recent days had left it boggy with water-filled holes of all sizes.  A few ‘Red berries’ were still hanging on as though had a fright and left an almost  empty bush.

12 noon Am So glad I went for that early morning walk.......it’s now teeming with rain !

4.36 p.m   And ‘Sneg’ has switched himself off and gone to sleep.....tucked his little head into his puffed-up body to stay warm.

Link > http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/r/robin/

5.22 p.m   ‘Sneg’ has switched himself on again from his deep slumber....jumped down from his chair-back and promptly zoomed into the lounge to watch T.V.......”very active now” that his discovered t.v.

'Himself'  has handed ‘Sneg’ more seeds before his ‘Shut-down’ he is ‘Hooting’ as he eats.....must be enjoying it.

Wing stretching !

Saturday 26^th Nov  -  A bright sunny day so off early to do food shopping at 9.ish

And it’s ‘National Tree Week’ 26th Nov - 4th Dec'11

Link> http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/community-action/national-tree-week

Thank You for Calling

xXx

Wednesday 2^nd Nov  -  Strong gusts have found the inside of our bedroom chimney...making it sound all eerie and creepy at 4.33 a.m..I got out of bed to look around for a noise that was only caused by the wind.
  

Our Son leaves the house with a heavy School bag to keep his feet firmly on the ground !

Sneg was asleep at   6.oo p.m  - seems to do a lot of this, perhaps it helps him grow because the day is taken up with plenty of eating.

Thursday 3^rd Nov  -  It was a nice dry start to the day, until moments after our Son left for the School bus ...........and the rain came down......just hope he made it to the Bus Stop... dry.  With so much rain we’ll all grow another layer on our skin called ‘fungi’ think I’d prefer ‘lichen’ don’t you teee hee

 And so the Gusts blew and howled through the village trying to shuffle through a gap where the key fits....on our front and back doors !

And a very good friend tweeted same forecast > 12.13 p.m  I've just arrived in from same Howling gusts over in France.

I had taken pics of Red kite being chased by gulls and crows, then Red decided to swoop down in it's spectacular move ....fab ....just fab.

Weather change> http://uk.news.yahoo.com/new-weather-forecast-launched-by-met-office---in-percentages.html  &  http://www.livescience.com/16904-warm-oceans-stall-storms.html

Wetland Birds being 'Frozen out of Britain'> http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/wetland-weather2011.html#cr

3.17 p.m   I'm speaking bird language now...Sneg asking for crumbs in morning/afternoon, didn't want to eat on own either...I am understanding now.... Sneg, bless.

3.42 p.m  And Sneg’s voice is breaking...could be ‘Cooing’ soon....how lovely !

'Rookie' Life Savers in half an hour.....the 'leakeee' pool has relived it's trauma of a repair...for swimmers to enlighten their spirits !

Friday 4^th Nov  -  To see our Son off to School each day feel a little apprehension but also excitement and as I watch the back of him disappear, out of sight....am hoping he’ll have a good day and feed his brain with knowledge.  

And whilst still outside had carried my camera because the sky looked utterly 'amazing'.

I love the early morning sky....it’s ever changing hue and form.

9.43 a.m  And ‘Sneg’ is still fast asleep, being quite young he still requires plenty of rest.

Today I cleared-out the ‘Duck-weed’ from our Garden Pond....so lay it alongside just incase someone was still hanging on and could go back into the water.

The dreaded 'duck-weed'

Link: Folklore> 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_Greenteeth

Saturday 5^th Nov  -  Today is quite bright and sunny...so must make the most of it......

 One of our Dogs left a biscuit deposit for ‘Sneg’....how kind, he won't want to eat it as it's not to his tastes.

‘Sneg’ is stood on Himself’s  shoulder peering over to look at lap-top.....’Techno Pigeon’ !

Monday 7^th Nov  -  Our first show of Frost and with it’s light covering gives off a sparkle which takes  me back to being  a child once more.....I still get excited !

1.30 p.m ‘Sneg’ is whinning to go into lounge but door is closed.....he does like being with us, trouble is he just can’t get used to so much heat...he won’t survive outside !

Pigeon droppings were once considered a semi-precious commodity. In ancient Egypt it was highly prized manure, and for centuries in England pigeon feces were declared property of the Crown. The valuable dung was used to manufacture saltpeter, a critical ingredient for making gunpowder.

Unless forcibly separated, pigeons mate for life.

Male pigeons have the rare ability to lactate, producing milk for the babies just like the females do!

Newborn pigeons weaned on the “pigeon milk” of both parents, double their weight in the first two days!

A grown pigeon has nearly 10,000 feathers.

Pigeons have been known to live over 30-years!

4.05 p.m    Rain drops pretending to be *Snow-flakes* shivery and cold brrrr !

Tuesday 8^th Nov  -  And so the mornings of Autumn/Winter create a delightful change.

'Sneg' is still sleeping at 7.54 a.m amongst the early morning commotion around him.....am beginning to think he's mid-night snacking again......with this late rising.

I prepared a collection of dried fruits to soak overnight in rum......and would be ready to add to the Christmas Cake mixture the following morning.

My 'Trio bone china set' 

Wednesday 9th Nov  -  And so the Recipe for 'Christmas Muffin Sized Cakes' is here> http://binnie-scrapperdosrecipes.blogspot.com/

Thurs 10^th Nov  - A dry mixed sky above our heads.....could do anything

 Sneg is shaking his head as though saying No ! ......how sweet.

ARMISTICE  DAY 

Friday 11^th Nov  -  The Young Men 'who some only a boy' Will Live on as we Remember the hardship they toiled for Our Freedom !

1918  Was the final push of ‘young’ Soldiers and..........many were just ‘Boys’......So very Sad..and extremely ’Heartfelt’ at just how this War started and what they All had to go through !

My Great Uncle Cyril had just had his 18^th birthday and sent to the Battle of the Somme, he had been training to become a Solicitor and sadly died the same day arrived.  Nobody could fined him and still to this day - don’t know where he lies.... along that horrendous, bloody battle-line !

Wars are a disgrace to ‘humankind’

A 'Mother' who lost five Sons during WW1 > http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2060179/Armistice-Day-2011-The-mother-lost-sons-WW1.html?ITO=google_news_rss_feed

 Gusts are arriving from unusual direction this morning 'East' but So incredible to see !

‘Sneg’ was still awake at 8.51 p.m enjoying the odd preen in between looking around the place.

Saturday 12^th Nov  -  Could hear the rain beating down hard outside...whilst lying in bed...Oh !  it wasn’t for long, only a burst......  A collection of layered  ‘Columbus’ clouds were moving fast....appeared weird looking as not seen this before.

Many dark grey ‘columbus clouds’ hover infront of the sunshine which gives off a little rim of hope.

Sneg has moved up in the ranks to the chair-back...he can now see over and beyond the windowsill....outside is fascinating but also dangerous !

He is still awake...grooming every now and then...think I must be keeping him up whilst on tweet-deck !

Sunday 13^th Nov   - Temp. 15.9c  The Sun is as round as it can get this morning giving off some hope for a nice day.......although an ‘old tale’ tells me that if ‘Sun shines before 11 a.m’  we’re in for trouble later !

We have a Sky thats holding hope 'the Sun'giving us it's best beam of warm light....now it’s past 11.a.m with a warm feeling of late Summer.

Have handed ‘Sneg’ some breadcrumbs on top of chair-back perch....he must be full already...doesn’t want them.

Someones' been on my chair 'who could it be' ? "I think it was 'chuckie'" left evidence teeehee , this is our little dog xXx “Nope ....found out it was ‘Snooty" caught her doing it -  ‘Biscuit deposit’

Whilst the food for the evening meal was being prepared “just look who was wearing a ‘sneg’ feather” .........’chuckie’  All go arrhhhhh" !  So sweet.  He must have been sniffing the floor of discarded feathers and was stuck to his ‘cold wet nose’.   Now young ‘Sneg’ has been molting feathers around the floor and doing much more preening these days.  

Monday 14^th Nov  -   A proper November temperature outside today...brrrrrrr! It’s 8c  but the Sun is hopefully going to show itself off......it’s shaded behind  cold misty clouds.

 Snegs been side-stepping early this morning at 7. a.m and have asked him if he knows what the weather is going to do today? 

He says "he knows nothing of such things" !

And here is where I shall leave till next time

Thank You

xXx

We’re half-way through 24^th Oct  -  and it’s 1.14 p.m ‘Sneg’ just landed on his feet...having flown down from his basket,  for the first time.  He’d always fallen on his chest so this is an improvement!

Sumac Tree in our Garden

He seems to be giving ‘social’ grooming and handing over the odd crumb....which is so nice of him.

Tuesday 25^th Oct  -  ‘Himself’ is putting some food together for us humans and ‘Sneg’ has decided to go around with him travelling on his right foot....feeling very attached.

I have noticed one difference on ‘sneg’...his feet have grown....bit like us  as teenagers growing in fits and starts !   He is a very good listener and shows this by putting his head on one side.

Sneg ran up to the lounge door and had the sense not to step any further into the lounge as seemed to know “it was Dog territory” and stood watching the Dr.Who programme on t.v.   His personality is showing day by day and what a joy to rescue such a beautiful, intelligent, loveable species such as him.

Wednesday 26^th  Oct  -  Dark heavy Clouds lurk across the early morning sky...so not much to look forward to, hey but we have the pleasure of our Animals!

Link for Sumac Tree > http://landscaping.about.com/od/weedsdiseases/ig/Poison-Sumac-Pictures/Non-Poison-Sumac-Seeds.htm & http://landscaping.about.com/od/weedsdiseases/ig/Poison-Sumac-Pictures/

Sneg is always pleased to see us in the mornings and promptly gives  us the usual greeting of flapping of wings and squeaking.

3.25 p.m  Sneg turned himself around in a reverse style, as though to say “please pick me up “?  He doesn’t like being detached from us......”What an honour it is little guy” to share your homely thoughts....I can’t say Nesting.....he hasn’t got one now.

Thursday 27^th Oct  -  Another grey sky hiding the hazy looking blur of sun.

Lots of really nice peeps have been asking about ‘Sneg’ and all the good wishes sent have been passed on to him because he does listen, good and clear.   Good friends: hen4, Val, Jane, Glo_man  Freyjasgal , LoPelYr  and many more kind peeps have been asking how he’s doing.

He is quite a character and follows or scoots alongside wherever we walk in the kitchen/dining area, would scoot straight past if could but keeps his speed to ours, sort of comes to a skid.

He was up late tucking into a ‘latenight’ snack at 10.p.m....think we must have been creating so much activity  downstairs that he wanted to be a part of it !

Link for:  if you find an injured Pigeon >  http://www.pigeoncote.com/vet/recovery/recovery.htm  but if your unsure about their situation always contact an Expert.

Friday 28^th Oct  -  It’s well and truly fab outside today, although had to clean a little ice off the car windscreen before driving off for a Dentist appointment.

Arrived back from the Dentist having had a clean and brush-up for myself and Son .  It’s 11.35 a.m and ‘Sneg’ is sat on the third stair up from the bottom and with the front door open he soaks up all the goodness from the natural sun.   3.37 p.m  he has crossed the front door step to outside...just for a quick glance.... then headed back in like a frantic ‘penguin’.....must have seen a predator out there! 

'Stood on 3rd stair'

Link:Pigeon Post> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigeon_post#Early_history    &
Homing Pigeon > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homing_pigeon

We were all snug in the lounge this evening  all except 'Sneg' who was fast asleep.  Then  a sudden squeal from a  log in the woodstove startled both ‘Snooty’ and ‘Chuckie’ who promptly turned to look at each other (as they were lying alongside one another) they seemed to say  “Was that you”?  then they realised everything was fine because the ‘Beings’ would have said....and continued to lap-up the heat.

Saturday 29^th Oct  -  Yep!  Its fine Rain......no it’s not fine, we’ve had too many days of it !

‘Sneg’ was sat on Himself’s right shoulder at 9. a.m and showed great excitement by squeaking as loud as he could for quite some time.

Oh no !  ‘Sneg’ is becoming a t.v. addict....watching Live n Deadly ‘Mantis Shrimps’ and knew not to cross onto the Dog’s territory......perhaps a mind thing going on here via the dogs.   After a few minutes he scoots off to do some more of that eating and is followed by ‘Snooty’ who goes to check his bowl and what exactly it was he was given ., aren’t they funny - she spat the seeds out after her one and only lick.

Link:Mantis Shrimp > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis_shrimp & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ahuZEvWH8&feature=related

He has no parents to explain about the dangers of life and so must learn in other ways.

The Clocks go back an hour. Link> http://road.cc/content/news/47129-clocks-go-back-double-summer-time-debate-hots  & http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/ & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_Mean_Time

Sunday 30^th Oct  -  A dry day at last !

HALLOWEEN

Monday 31^st Oct  -  Bloweeeeeee Rain in every corner !

Arrived downstairs to see ‘Sneg’ fast asleep and ‘Himself’ had already spoken to him earlier.  He soon awoke once again with the sound of my voice, then gave himself a jolly good preen. 

 He asked me for some of those tasty homemade breadcrumbs of which he seems to have taken a liking .  Its 8.07a.m and ‘Sneg’ is chasing me into the kitchen for more breadcrumbs....demands are great for a little fellow !  He’ll venture off up to the number three stair for a bit of ‘Wing’ practice, then settle himself down to rest or listen to his surroundings.

He has hot breath when up close and warm feet. 

 I call his name, he arrives scooting across the floor towards me  for his treats of crumbs!

‘Snegs’ Best moments yet to arrive !

‘ Flying ‘

We have turned another corner and fold into the month of  ‘NOVEMBER’

Tuesday Nov 1^st  -  A treat to wake-up to a really light morning at 6.45 a.m, even though the hour has been put back an hour.  And our comfort foods are gathered into our cupboards ready for the chilly days.  With the many days spent ' hot stoving'  for those ‘Wild fruits’ stored into jars for jam and freezer full of ‘homegrown’ veg. gives us the feeling of satisfaction.

A Bright Sunny Day Ahead

Have just let the dogs outside for a few minutes and ‘Sneg’ has been caught going into the lounge....so he thought all was safe when they were out of the way...hey !  Cute Bird! He's got more about him than just poo !

1.10p.m  ‘Sneg’ decided, now that he was upon ‘Himself’s’  shoulder... once again... to go one step further down his back and of course this made it difficult for him to leave....eventually hopped off after being lowered down, more like wearing a large ‘insect’ ! 

My ‘wish-full thinking’ of a Pigeon’s Antics

 I do believe he’s giving a helping-beak to clean around.....WoW !  as I’ve just been round the house with the hoover again, I sincerely hope he doesn’t think that’s all there is to Life....as beyond the external doors lies a whole new type of living for a Pigeon’s ‘Adventures’.

A little Bird that fell from a great height, high up from the rafters in a Jewson’s Wood Store.....kinda took over the blog spot and why not.  He is recovering nicely after the bruised left foot and a slightly crumpled wing....a true survivor, I’d say !  Still a way to go yet and as his wing recovers he’ll soon find that flying skill, afterall it's what his Life is all about !!!

It’s  3.50 p.m and he’s waving with one wing....wanted to go up on the old chair arm where he has his snooze nowadays, he is still asleep at 5.10 p.m with a quick peek every now and then so as not to miss a thing.

Until  Next Time

Thank You

xXx

Friday 14^th Oct  -  Let’s get it said “yes, Wild sounding weather and can’t see a thing at 5.40 a.m !

‘Sneg’ was having a lie-in as he was up rather late the previous night.

2.40 p.m   I’d whisked around quick with the hoover, sadly ‘Sneg’ didn’t take to all the commotion, so made sure wasn’t near him.  He promptly went to sleep on the rug in our dining-room but not for long as a kind friend Lisa was asking how he was from tweetdeck.....my reply was “Plopping nicely around the dining-room floor in between sleeping and a bit of preening.”  Am following around with a piece of kitchen paper to collect his remnants of uneaten seeds and PooP and all looks healthy from his end ! ! ! tee heee   

Saturday 15^th Oct  -  A day to be outside with the sun aglow giving us a chill in the air, Autumn has finally arrived......weatherwise.  It’s cold brrrrh !!!

‘Sneg’ was put to bed early at 7.09 p.m as he wasn’t rising until 8 a.mish...(which was late for a 'bird')

Sunday 16^th Oct  -   Couldn’t of had better weather, fab ! 

Link > http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Common_Pheasant

The moment we turned into the lane heading towards the wood, four male ‘pheasants’ wearing stiff white collars...the appearance of ‘Office Clerks’ and three skinny females strolled their walk on this glorious bountiful countryside day !  ‘Pheasants’ were on the  ‘Acorn’ trail.

Two silhouette ‘Buzzard’ shapes sat in a tree further up the lane and a ‘Red Kite’ flew out from our woodland with it’s impressive majestic size was disturbed by the sound of our car's engine.  And as we parked safely it flew just infront of us...so we followed it....as it’s flight took it into our Woodland entrance.    It was two foot from the ground, with each tip of it’s wings almost touching the growth of bracken growing along both sides of the lane.   Such a smooth flight, then turned into our ‘top field’.   I followed quietly...the trees were crackling with many fallen leaves and the heavy bounty of acorns falling continuously. The ‘squirrels’ had gone foraging  on the ground and could see at least six scampering up up and out of my way!   I’d almost turned into the top field and could hear a ‘Crow’ then saw it’s disapproval of the ‘Red Kite’ in it’s zone.......'Red' took flight almost immediately in one direction then turned with ease and returned to scan the perimeter once again., almost oblivious of the frantic crowing sound.

I stood overlooking the Valley from the high Bank, could see ‘Red Kites’ flying around another of their haunts...I waited for a while just to catch another  glimpse and sure enough they made an appearance with the glow of sun catching their magnificent Red feathers gliding and surfing the breeze.

Bracken (the pony) was shooing Duke out of his paddock, as dog poo was an obnoxious substance near to where he ate...... and couldn’t stand the thought of it near his luscious grass !!

Monday 17^th Oct  -  A sky of menace and hope mixed together..unsure what we’ll get....... 4.00  p.m A frisky wind brought rods of rain......the type that penetrates whatever one wears ! 

4.40 p.m  ‘Sneg’ has been Scooting around the floor,.....so we have to watch where we place our feet,  ‘ Himself’  put him upon the edge of the ‘Creel Basket’ and sure enough he even surprised himself...took off to the ground with no trouble at all !  Won’t be long now until he’s flying....not sure if we have room.....we’ll see.

Tuesday 18^th Oct  -  Woke-up at 1.04 a.m wandering around the bedroom peeling back the curtains to peek...at what !  don’t know.  Took ages to get back off as could hear the creaks and groans of the house

.

I would say it is colder than yesterday with various types of clouds, an explosion of different types !

‘Sneg’ woke at 7.35 a.m and took off on his run around dining-room and kitchen  “I wonder if he knows he has wings.” ???

I could hear him doing a ‘tap dance’ of slap slop slap flippin slap’ and givin it ‘5’ then scooted back in dining-room choosing a snug sun-spot just enough for him.

I wasn't gone long to wash my hair and came downstairs to find 'Sneg' had disappeared, Himself and I searched everywhere for a good ten minutes. ,  there he was....hidden next to the boiler.....an out-of-the-way-spot......meant for him, with the bonus of some concrete grit for his needs.

'Jack'

'Nippy'

On our return home from food foraging we drew-up outside our Woodland Gate......sadly disturbed two pairs of ‘Red Kites’ sat in an ‘Oak Tree’ opposite......what a spectacular  picture that would have made, will remember this for next time and creep up from further up the lane.  They all headed into our Woodland, am not surprised as its brimming over with wildlife !.......this was at 1.20 p.m

5.34 p.m and Himself returns to tell me that eleven  ‘Red Kites’ and  seven  ‘Buzzards’ were sat in the farmer’s field all glowing in the sunshine.....incredible !

Wednesday 19^th Oct  -  And we’re getting hail, Sun, Strong wind with heavy freezing rain !  not something would want to hand around, so I ought to say it quietly.

Sneg went to bed at 8.25 p.m

Thursday 20^th Oct  -  Sneg rose to a dark morning at 7.20 a.m....the sky was trying to tell us something but “what” ?

'Picked today'

Never thought the tomatoes would ever turn red !

8.27 a.m  And Sneg seems to be partial to affection, which he gets an awful lot of.  8 p.m  he was asleep !

Friday 21^st Oct  -  HALF – TERM  HOLIDAY     YIPPEEEEEEeeee !

Saturday 22^nd Oct  -  A dark heavy thunderous sky which made one feel even colder !

‘Sneg’ had eaten his breakfast early and with a squeaky noise seemed to be asking “whats next”?   I have also noticed he is growing into his ‘beak’, perhaps the tap tap tapping on the concrete corner is helping reshape it !

I washed the kitchen and dining-room floors and ‘Sneg’ came on around with me....seems to like the company, I take that as a compliment......coming from a ‘pigeon’.

6.06 p.m   Well.....I do declare that ‘Sneg’ has performed a style of flipper dance just for sound effects...testing out the clean surface....way...hey.

This is Sunday 23^rd Oct.....

For the last couple of nights ‘Sneg’ has been sleeping on the ‘edge’ don’t mean in a bad way....it’s how they sleep at night.....perched on the edge of his basket.

Sleep 'tight'

It rained all night long and looking out at the Crows appeared to be having a jolly good time of testing their flying skills...like a celebration !

Can feel a warm summer breeze...a total contrast to yesterday’s weather ‘Calm before the Storm’ as bad weather was predicted !

 We’d been out for a good couple of hours having left the dogs incharge of the lounge and ‘Sneg’ took charge of the kitchen/dining but when we returned...’Sneg’ was squeaking continuously upon our return..... for at least half-an-hour, pining for company......poor little mite didn’t like being left !

‘Sneg’ was nudging Himself’s hand begging for food ‘pigeon milk’ as it’s called.... both parents do actually 'lactate'. 

Link > http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2039303/Milking-pigeon-Birds-lactate-feed-chicks.html    & http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f20/found-a-pigeon-here-are-some-basic-needs-8755.html

Extra interest > http://www.factsnfacts.com/living_beings_facts/birds_facts/pigeons_facts/

Monday 24^th Oct  -  An awful long night of what sounded like a hurricane blustering down the bedroom chimney and whisking everything about outside! 'Calm before the Storm' was so right !!!

It was  8. a.m there wasn’t a bird in sight ...could just make out a  flickering light through the thick mist half-way up the mountain.....perhaps a farmer’s headlamps gone to check on his livestock. 

The Thrills of country living !!! 

 'A Way of Life'