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

7 March 2015

FROG FRENZY AND FEBRUARY BITS AND PIECES


What a crazy couple of weeks it's been. So much has happened I will doubtless forget most of it until I'm out walking and then will have forgotten again by the time I get home...that's being over 50. Anyway, the first thing to talk about is these frogs, who were having a whale of a time in my neighbour's very small pond. Not only were they in, and around the pond, but the surrounding grass was alive with them too. Here are the best of the MANY photos I took:













Since my post levels have been unfeasibly low, I'm chucking in the February bits and pieces here too. I'm at the point where I barely get through a third of my daily list of things to do every day so blogging has had to take a back seat.

The Golden Plovers are back:






He looks like he's seeing if anyone's looking before taking on a sheep:



Pompous looking Chaffinch:


Buzzard from below:


Marching Magpie:


Blue Tit...........


.........trying to hide?


Not the best looking Robin. Looks very fierce here:


Three Sisters?


Trigger looking for his neighbours:


Sleeping pony on the moor:


Ice patterns:




I love this; stunning morning light:


Blurry Jack:




Less blurry:


Snippet looking like a teddy bear


So what have I been up to? Mainly dealing with OB and the fact that he's being bullied again at school. Many meetings and complaints about the fact that it wasn't dealt with properly before Christmas. Things are looking up as they're now coming down hard. Anybody different is a target and it breaks my heart. I know I'm biased but a sweeter natured boy it would be difficult to find. Last Monday and Tuesday we were at Great Ormond Street for the long awaited therapy. Five sessions with an hour between each. He did really, really well and they think he could reduce the tics by up to a third and, with lots and lots of work at home, get back some limited control when he wants it, in a cinema for example. Over half term we went to see a film and he had to move seats as he was squeaking in a man's ear, so to be able to hold them in would be amazing. that incident made him very sad and it came up when we were in discussion with them at GOSH. He's so brave and I'm so proud of him. They had mock SATS recently and he's a level 7C in maths with his 11th birthday next Thursday. They can't officially grade him that high because the government won't allow it, but he is. What a star with everything he's going through. Anyway, I'd better go and get him to turn his light out after a draining day for many reasons. 

So, until next time, whenever I can, here are the canine boys, one of whom is in daily disgrace......a remote control citronella spray collar is on its way to try and deal with him.....more information about that next time as he needs a post to himself. It's not the hairy one of whom I write......have a relaxing Sunday and I'll try not to leave it so long. I miss you all. 



65 comments:

  1. Great pics...

    That's BS picking on kids for tics! I thought they were being more "enlightened" in school these days.
    The tics should get easier to control (or disguise) as he gets older.

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    1. I hope that's true Joe. As you know, it's such a cruel condition. As for schools and bullying, a lot of lip service is paid to 'zero tolerance' but the truth is, unless the bullying is actually witnessed by a teacher, nothing seems to be done. Whoever shouts loudest (usually the bully), is believed.

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  2. The GOSH session sounds good. I really hope something comes of that. x

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    1. Me too! It's so much work at home every day too....for all of us as we have to watch while he does it. Even LESS time for bloggery.

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  3. Your shots of the frogs are amazing, I can remember my Mum's lawn being alive with these little princes! I really feel for you having to go to the school regarding bullying. I spent so many years having to deal with kids making my son's life hell. As soon as he left school he became a different person and not limited to having to sit and be in the same vicinity of narrow minded children. He is a completely different person now, very strong, very independent - it will get better Em xx

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    1. That's so heartening Chel - thank you. Only seven and a half years before he leaves school! xx

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  4. WEll the toads look very happy and squidgy and slimy!

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    1. They were so happy they paid me no attention until I was pretty much standing on them!

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  5. Wow, so many frogs!!!! I am glad that all went so well at GOSH, I just wish the school would be so good!!! At least there are steps forward and how great is that!!! xx

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    1. Pretty great Amy, although we had a bit of rebellion today with him seeing it as a chore......results aren't quick enough! Back on track by lunch time I think. xx

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  6. The frogs look Biblical!

    Congrats on the math score. The schools here have a program that brings all the kids together. (Circle of Friends is what they call it.) I wonder if you have anything like it. I can't think of a kid with Tourettes, but there are kids with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, etc. These kids are not bullied.

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    1. That sounds like such a great idea Susie. Unfortunately, there are only 150 kids in the school, so not many with 'issues'. I hope, with ten times as many kids, his secondary school will be better in that respect.

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  7. I had to rush by the photos of the frogs, as I am terrified of frogs. Loved all your other photos though!! I agree your son is a star with the steps he's making.

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    1. Sorry - this must have been a hellish post for you Gill!

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  8. Wow, I can't believe those frogs! That they gather en masse is amazing, but for them to do so in daylight is incredible!

    So many beautiful shots here but I really loved the Buzzard, the Three Sisters and the ice patterns in particular.

    Congratulations to OB on being such a little Maths whiz!

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    1. The daylight aspect was amazing. I wonder why they do it then? Actually, they were at it for about 24 hours so some of them were bound to be well lit!

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  9. So many frogs must have been fascinating to watch - they really do know how to have an orgy. I am pleased that your son has been told that with hard work he can make some good progress, that must have been really encouraging to him. As a Mum it is important, as you are doing, to come down hard on a school that is not responding to bullying - it is just not good enough in this day and age when so many schools do have good bullying policies.

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    1. Absolutely, but what we're finding is that there's a lot of positive talk and little that can be done without repercussions. I like Susie's plan if you've read it a few comments above...

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  10. Reduce the tics by a third? How fabulous is that?!
    Lovely froggy pics....there's so many of them! (frogs not pics)
    Jane x

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    1. Fingers are crossed here regarding the figure of a third! xx

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  11. As always, I enjoyed your photos, even the frogs! :-)

    Positive vibes for your brave, smart OB, who from your posting about him, reminds me of my youngest brother, who also could not be a kinder soul.

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  12. One of my sons was bullied at school it is a hard thing to deal with.
    My son is a kind soul but had so much anger in side, it did come out. So we had to deal with that. His father was one of the biggest bullies. Nothing was good enough, from either son. He doesn't even acknowledge our daughter because she is gay.
    So I understand.
    I am so happy to hear he will be getting some help.
    And I know you like frogs but that is way to many frogs for me ! yuckie !
    You know how much I like your Gud /Bad Dugs.
    They are so funny running in all that high grass.
    The ice patterns are beyond believable and so beautiful.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Parents can cause such terrible damage so easily. I'm so sorry about your kids' father - what an idiot to miss out on you daughter's life through ridiculous prejudice. I feel for you all Parsnip.

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  13. All wonderful pics Em but have to admit I'll take the Golden plovers over the slimy frogs!!!!
    I love the ice patterns - great macro shots.
    The three ponies, sisters perhaps, look awesome, and that early morning light photo is so beautiful - I see the tors in the distance.

    Regarding your son, so glad he is getting help and therapy, and that better days are ahead. I never experienced any bullying during my children/grandchildrens' school days, however have heard frightening tales of what goes on for some children. Terribly sad.

    Hope Spring will arrive soon across Dartmoor - sounds like this weekend is warm and bright.
    Hugs - Mary

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    1. Bullying can scar for life so we're really trying to keep OB's confidence up. Difficult though....whatever we say doesn't necessarily go in.

      The weather has been pretty amazing this weekend. SO sunny and warm yesterday and drizzle turning to sun today.

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  14. Lovely to hear from you Em. I worry something has gone seriously wrong, either with you or OB, when you don't post, but don't make that an added stress, I just put you on the lost of people 'to hold in remembrance'. I'm delighted to hear OB's session at GOS was so good - OB most have fantastic stamina to cope with that many sessions in one day! I'm so sorry about the bullying - I'm a teacher so I do feel for you when a school doesn't manage that well.
    Your photos were superb - the strutting magpie I loved, and I always enjoy seeing beautiful Trigger. Do give him a rub from me.

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    1. We had two sessions on the first day and three the second so it wasn't quite as bad as I made it sound - sorry! Still pretty grueling though. Trigger has been duly rubbed. x

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  15. Again what stunning images - I love the light that you manage to capture in all of them - I'd love to come out on your walks to learn how you do it. I'm sending my wishes here, for good things.

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  16. My heart bleeds for OB, especially as a retired teacher who knows how absolutely disastrous bullying can be. Tell him from me that he is worth ten of each bully and he needs to keep that in his mind at all times.
    As to your photos - they are stunning - especially all those sex-mad froggie ones.

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    1. He said thank you very much! Every positive comment helps him. Thanks so much Pat.

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  17. Fantastic photos, love the frogs! So sorry to hear OB is being bullied, schools really need to deal with it immediately so kids don't suffer. Glad to hear the trips to GOSH are going well. x

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    1. Thanks Chickpea. The rest of the GOSH sessions....all 11 of them....will be done over SKYPE thank goodness. x

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  18. I hate to hear of anyone being bullies. I hope that gets sorted sooner rather than later Your whole post is amazing' All your photographs are fantastic. I have never seen so many frogs together in my life. Love all the shots of the dogs. So there is going to be one of them in the dog house? great shots of the three sisters and always love your shots of the ice. Hope OB has a good week as well as you.

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    1. One of them is most definitely in the dog house Margaret but, that's rescue dogs for you. Will be expanding on the last year and a half with him in a way I haven't really felt comfortable with before.....

      Hope you have a good week too.

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  19. So sorry to hear about OB being bullied - hope the school deal with it very soon. Glad to hear the GOSH sessions are going so well and how brilliantly he is doing at maths.

    Brilliant photos especially the frog ones - just superb :) Ours have only just started stirring.

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    1. It was one sunny day and they were all at it. There's spawn everywhere out on the moor, just waiting to be killed by a hard frost!

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  20. Hello Em, wow such wonderful photo's of the frogs. Love the Golden Plover.
    The captures of the ice is like art, verry special. And I agree that the capture with the morning light is most wonderful.
    So sorry to read that your son is bullied at school. Hope that there will be a sollution because no one deserves this kind of treatment.
    All the best for you.
    Roos

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    1. Thanks Roos. Bullying is an absolute disgrace and sometimes impossible to prove. Things have been a little better this week thank goodness.

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  21. Hi Em,

    What great photo's of your neighbour's pond. Can't believe how many visitors she had. The Robin does look a little austere doesn't he. Eager to see how the citronella collar goes. Sorry to hear OB has been bullied again. Children can be so cruel can't they. I do hope the therapy helps.

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    1. He's doing brilliantly with the therapy and we had the first skype session this evening. Isn'yt technology brilliant?

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  22. As the frog photos sprang to life my first thought was Paul McCarthy's 'Frog Song', going down the garden and listening to the frogs in our pond, little heads peering out of the water, a real sign of spring.

    Bullies have to be put down sharply, called to account, funnily enough my daughter was good at it when she was at school. OB has a lot of support everywhere I think, you just have to keep fighting his corner Em. X

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  23. What fabulous frog photos etc. as usual, Em. Though I'm really sorry to hear about the difficult things that have been going on.

    It may not be the best time for you, but I wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you do, so am nominating you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award here

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    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence Caroline!

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  24. So many frogs! I am sorry you have a mixed time with OB, I'm glad things are improving at school for him and you have had some positive things happening too. Sarah x

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  25. Sorry about OB's bullying. My son had to deal with that and the school wasn't a big help. That is way behind us now as he is 35 and married. Always had and still does have a kind and sweet nature which seems to be a magnet for a lot of unhappy kids. Great pics Em, love all those frogs. I have never seen so many in one place.

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    1. It seems to be so, so common Denise. Look how many comments have mentioned it happening. Lovely to hear of your son's happy life post bullying - thank you. X

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  26. Stunning photos of the frogs, one thing we all like to see is a frog.... I would love to see some Plovers that close as well great set of photos.

    Bullying is not a nice thing to have to go through, hope you get it sorted..
    Amanda xx

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    1. Hi Amanda, thanks so much and lovely to have you following! x

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  27. Hello Old Friend- long overdue comment from me, sorry it's been crazy busy these past few weeks here too. SO sorry to read about OB. Makes my heart feel sad at thought of him being bullied. I'm so pleased GOSH were so positive- something really good to hold on to, so you must :o) I'm very aware that mummies also need love and support when their little ones are going through tough times, because we feel it all too, so I am sending you a big hug over the internet.

    ADORE your froggy pics- stupendous! Much love xxx

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    1. I miss the blogging so much but it's just not possible as often as I'd like. I'm sure it's the same for you. Thanks for the hug - much needed! xxx

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  28. Em your picture entitled "Three Sisters" is a wall hanger! What a beautiful image. It is so encouraging to see the light of spring in Dartmoor has arrived, for it gives me hope of things to come here in Nova Scotia. We have along way to go having over 165 cm of snow in February alone! Take care! Mark

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    1. Sorry it's taken so long to reply....you may be surrounded be melt water by now! The three sisters may have to be made into a card I think. Keep warm!

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  29. So late to your post Em-sorry! Love the frogs...how fantastic, love all the bird images too. And wow I agree with Mike Elderkin above, the three sisters is just fab..I'm sure it'd be brilliant for a card.
    So sorry to hear about OB, poor little chap. If you are over this way, Newton Abbot or Totnes, let me know, we can meet up for a coffee, if you need a break and a chat x

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    1. That would be lovely. I just never seem to have any time at all! Hope you're bearing up over there my dear. X

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  30. Favorite photos from this post have to be the plovers--and the three horses with heads pressed together. As good as your photos are I can't seem to admire frogs!
    A niece's 8 year old daughter is dealing with a syndrome called PANDAs, apparently the result of a rogue strep infection. It has produced some Tourette-like symptoms--I think we must always wonder when/where such things begin, almost unnoticed.

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    1. So sorry about your niece's daughter MM. It's a horrible think to live with. OB's tic suppression exercises are going very well and we're hopeful that it will make a huge difference to his life.

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  31. Those frogs are quite extraordinary! I found two mating today but so many must have been quite a sight. your photos are exceptional you know. Loved the ice too. And congratulations to OB on his achievements.

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    1. They have been passed on and he says thank you! X

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  32. Super photos, especially the frogs ones. Great blog BTW.

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    1. Thanks Ian; I just wish I had more time to write it!

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