THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

9 September 2013

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.


46 comments:

  1. I am trying to think of some new words to say about your photos besides fabulous !
    Yes, Jack is still young and now the training will really start.
    My Square Ones have been together for over 10 years and the younger one, thehamish still pushes in if he sees Watson getting some attention.
    They never grow out of that.
    Watson doesn't really mind just as long as there are chicken strips to share.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. It's easy to forget how young he is because he came to us so advanced in terms of house training and sitting to command. Frankly, I don't care if he sits or not, as long as he leaves those woolly ones alone!

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  2. Lovely photos, Em! I especially like that last dramatic one, but the sight of your garden toads playing peek-a-boo in random places always makes me smile too.

    Not many dog owners would think of their little companion as being "rightly" shot for harassing sheep. I highly admire your principles there and respect to other people's stock and livelihood. I'm sure Jack will get the hang of things sooner or later!

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    1. He will have to or he'll be on his lead for the rest of his life whilst Snippet gambols on ahead! He will get it but it's frustrating when he appears to be taking a backward step. So many sheep get mauled here by irresponsible tourists letting their dogs pick them off; they then leave them to die slowly and don't inform anyone - unbelievable. Rant over - sorry!

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  3. Yes, lovely photos! I'm particularly jealous of your toad. I haven't seen a frog, toad or tadpole (or spawn) all year. Something has just got to change ...

    What a curious chrysalis, too! And poor caterpillar ...

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    1. I'll swap you some toads and frogs for your lizards Caroline!

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  4. Love all your photos as always. I really like the birds and berries one.

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    1. I think I could have done with fiddling with that one a bit - it's rather flat. Oh well...another time.

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  5. I always spend a long tie here strolling , so enjoyable .
    Great to see the kestral, just to know that they are there is amazing !

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    1. I've never seen a family like that before - it's wonderful. I hope they stay around the area and I might be able to get a bit closer.

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  6. Lovely photos and hard to pick a favorite! But I always enjoy seeing your Robins. They are so different than our Robins, and have a bit of charm I think!

    Sorry its not been a good dog day for you--We have those too, and with our one dog CarrieAnne now deciding to chase trucks coming up the new driveway, it's really unsettling. Here's hoping BOTH our pups can comply to our wishes.

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    1. Glad to hear any stories of other doggy problems Kim - thank you!

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  7. Your caterpillar is sitting on parasitic wasps. They take the pillar over until they've got what they want from it then it dies. Horrid, but nature in action.

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    1. Nice. Fascinating though that is, I kind of wish I hadn't asked! I'll have to get on the step ladder and have a really good, magnifying look at that little mass of parasites; they look so innocuous. The husk of the caterpillar was delightfully embedded in the doormat yesterday.

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  8. Lovely photos - really like the last one. Well done to OB - you must be so proud :)

    Sorry to hear about problems with Jack and his training - do so hope things improve soon.

    I think the yellow flower may be Coreopsis. I've grown them before - they are so pretty but plants rarely last more than a few years.

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    1. I think you're right...that rings a vague bell from the labels that came in the tiny plug plants! Some of the other ones are unidentifiable too, but have yet to flower. Who knows if they'll survive, but if they do, you may be able to help me next year.

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  9. Well done to your Maths Star for being selected to sit his exam early and for coming up through the ranks so well.

    Sorry about Jack chasing the sheep. I remember having my old dog Tara down on Dartmoor and she was on a lead, but pulled me over to chase sheep - fortunately our mate Stu launched himself and grabbed the lead as she shot past him . . . He MUST learn his lesson, smartish, or as you say, stay on a lead always.

    Lovely photos, as always, and even better now I can envisage you all out together!

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    1. I'll be off out again in half an hour to try again with the sheep. It's a little disheartening but I must be patient and vigilant. Not a lot of photography going on, in case I miss an unsuspecting sheep behind a gorse bush!

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  10. Dear Em,
    love going out for 'nature study' with you! -something we are a bit lacking round here.
    Yes, Jack had better learn about the sheep or else it could be a disaster for Jack/sheep/everyone.
    Poor Snippet feeling left out. I'm sure he will recover.
    My son's dog has gone from being king of the castle to #3 since the 2 children came along.
    He is not a happy camper!

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    1. I think Jack is becoming more of a threat as he gets bigger. Sorry about your son's dog!

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  11. You did well to get that close Em .......i love the last photo of the dog against the sky in the last pic.

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    1. Assuming you mean the Golden Ringed dragonfly - I think I was just lucky it was eating at the time!

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  12. Brilliant photographs Em - I particularly like the toad.
    As far as chasing sheep is concerned - we have sheep here on the farm and we find that walking amongst them with a new dog, with the dog firmly on a short lead and making it quite clear that any sheepy overtures are not on usually works after a week or two. Maybe it wouldn't be quite as easy for you though as our sheep are confined to fairly small fields and I suspect your sheep on Datmoor are widely spread out.

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    1. I had to do that with him today Pat; a huge flock just standing there staring at him and then trotting off in an enticing way! He'll get there. Snippet did eventually and now he runs off rabbiting in Trigger's field which also contains sheep, and doesn't give them a second glance.

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  13. HI Em Love the shot of the Toad and the Migrant HAwker. also love the foals and calves. Your young dog will improve.

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    1. So pleased to have the toads - that's one in the small back 'garden' with the vegetables and this one in the larger front garden.

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  14. Puppy training isn't fun but I think he will do better now that OB is back in school and you will have a chance to work with him. It has been a long time since I have had a puppy but I remember all the work!

    Love the foal photos! They are at that stage you really don't know what color they are.

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    1. Absolutely Gail. Things are improving already and he's only been back at school two days!

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  15. The toad is an award winner , you clever sausage

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    1. Pride of place on the mantle piece....if we had one.

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  16. Snippet looks so different post hair cut. The short look suits him!

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    1. Cutting off the hair covering the infected cheeks really changed his shape and I'll continue to do it as a certain smaller dog is still hanging off them by his needle teeth.

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  17. Cute foals, pretty chrysalis and lovely robin photos :) Bracken is allowed on the sofa because sometimes we have such lovely cuddles, but then he gets all playful and a bit over the top. We should probably dismiss him to the floor, but those puppy dog eyes!!

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    1. It took us three years to allow Snippet up but Jack may persuade us sooner! He'll be too big for my lap soon so we'll have to cuddle somewhere.

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  18. Loved the landscapes - quite a contrast to our Yorkshire moors and coastline. I am a retired primary school teacher and Year 6 were my favourite ages. One book which was my all time favourite was "The Daydreamer" by Ian McKewan (Atonement fame) You will enjoy it as much as your son - it is about an 11 year old growing up. Fantastic - last chapter apart. Nice to meet you - am adding you to my bloglist as I enjoyed your blog so much.
    Denise

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    1. Hi Denise and lovely to have you visiting. I will look up 'The Daydreamer' and see if it can persuade him away from his Alex Rider books!

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  19. Enjoying your photos as always, took me two years to get Moss trained, terrible teenager years ;)

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    1. I think it was about the same with Snippet, fine tuning!

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  22. Well done to OB on his maths exams....it's so important. I fear we will have a generation who are mostly unable to 'do sums'...so sad.
    I hope with time Jack will train nicely and you will be able to enjoy your walks out without sheep chasing fears.
    Lovely pictures Em, wow a double rainbow!

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  23. You're so right about the maths. Almost every book or TV program for kids goes on about how difficult/boring maths is so most of them don't stand a chance. Maths should be COOL. Perhaps the unctious Brian Cox could do something?

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  24. I laughed out loud when I saw the bovine posing as a secret agent! Great pics Em. Hope you are well and enjoying the season!

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    1. It was just one of those photo moments that worked. The season has definitely changed!

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