BITS AND PIECES 6

So school is back at last and my walks can start in earnest again. OB is actually in the correct class at last with some of his peers and the year six children, rather than with those a year and two years older than him. He and a couple of others will be working towards taking a level six maths SATS paper in May; we're so proud of him. 

I struck out today with the dogs after lunch, only to have a very unfortunate incident involving Jack and four sheep. I fear a nine year old's over enthusiasm shouting his name at every opportunity has resulted in desensitisation - he completely ignored me as he careered after the woolly ones, and was on his lead for the rest of the walk. He eventually reacted to my frantic whistle blowing but, unless he learns fast, he'll run the risk of being shot, and rightly so. He was doing so well up till now and OB and I had a little chat tonight about calming down in his presence. I'm sure he'll get there and I'm also sure my memories of Snippet's training are somewhat rose-tinted. 

So, this lot of bits and pieces starts with the yellow flower above - the result of a Guardian free plant offer in spring. I brought them on in pots inside and eventually planted them out, losing the labels somehow and am now mystified as to what they are. Any offers please?

The next few are of a group of previously black foals that have turned bay. The last two were taken in low light yesterday evening so are a bit grainy. 

This chrysalis has appeared in the porch, about and inch long with beautiful golden flecks and a black sea-anemone attached to its bum. Any ideas?

This calf was mooing plaintively the other day. Its mother came galloping down the hill a few minutes later - an ungainly sight but a sweet reunion.

This caterpillar sat on these eggs for nearly a week before falling off, dead. Very strange. CT tells me they are parasitic wasps, sucking it dry - lovely. Thanks CT!

A juvenile Robin has been visiting the seed feeder - what a scruff. Since we were away and they weren't getting their porridge, most of the birds seem to have forgotten my bowl clinking signal and have given up on us. I hope they'll be back soon.

A toad found in one of our seasoning wood piles. 

The Rowan berries are at their best but will soon all be eaten by the birds.

There are three Kestrels living up at Kestor Rocks. Presumably they are a pair and their offspring, but I can't get close enough to be sure, as you can see from this extremely blown up picture. I've seen all three hunting together which is a beautiful sight.

A Migrant Hawker dragonfly.

Double rainbow on Saturday.

Snippet....

.........and Jack........

Bedtime is looming, so I'd better go. Snippet is on the sofa; a recent privilege not bestowed on Jack yet. There is a lot of low level jealousy going on with Snippet at the moment. I think it's sunk in that he isn't going home and starts whimpering if Jack is getting attention. It's not been a great dog day so, until next time, here he is again in a dramatic pose in the evening light.