Update**

Hog is staying there for another couple of days, they want to be on the safe side with her.......its ok though as it gives me a bit more time to be prepared for when she does come back! This week is just going to be busy, full on at work, which I could do with out, Hereford on Friday and Saturday, which im mixed about to be honest, Sunday im helping out at a school fete selling raffle tickets and taking photos, Monday up to Rutland with pete to deliver his camera, Tuesday over to Cambridge (I think) then Wednesday....sleep before back to work on Thursday, then boss is off for three weeks, so erm yeah.

Saw first fledgling in the garden this morning, a young blackbird, so sweet! I am pleased I have seen one come from the ivy, the amount of times Ive run outside on the call of mrs blackbird, to scare off magpies, cats or anything non blackbird like. Actually yesterday afternoon, I hobbled out to scare off the magpies as she was really making a racket, scared them off and she was still screaming. I couldn't see anything, she jumped on the fence and did a lassie impression poking her beak towards the cat that was hiding in the grass! Maybe that was my imagination... Talking of young birds, counted 30 starlings in the garden at lunchtime, times that by 3 = lots of noisy starling kids!!!!

Oh well best do some more stuff, before I get behind with my chores again..

Horay for bad backs!!

Yup Ive pulled mine again, no idea how, but to say its painful to walk or bend is an understatement. Its the muscle just above my right bum cheek, the lower back, putting the washing out was a vision I can tell you.

So why am I happy to have one? Well its meant that I didn't go out but stayed at home watching the birds and taking photos. Several visits from the GSW, plus mr and mrs blackcap!! Now the blackcap photos are more record shots than pretty in focus photos ;) Not as sunny today but the lights not too bad, its better than a full on sunny day as I struggle with too much light (yep I did say that!!!)

Oh well first mem card is uploading so I am going to shuffle off to get some more muscle relaxants............oh the pain...

Top tips for taking flutter photos

1. Choose a nice hot sunny day, forget to wear sun block so come back with slightly pin arms

2. Dont take an anti-histamine so continually be sneezing!

3. Find patch of nettles full of brambles to go stand in to find said flutters

4. Be prepared to ditch camera when wasps attack.

5. Kneel down to take photo and get nettles all up your leg...OUCH!

6. Prepare to say things like "Sit you Little bugger, sit and stay still"

7. Walk through nettles, getting stung even more

8. Find flutter that sits still, trip over bramble and watch as flutter flies away.


Well I did even though I have been stung, bit and nettled manage to get some flutter shots, will put them on t'other blog once they are done!

Great!

New visitors to the garden, one late evening the other this morning......male and female blackcap!!! Was lovely to see. I always remember Boo being fond of blackcaps, always wanting visits herself, made me a bit sad to think that, but also fond as I realised that if I wasnt sad then that would mean that I never knew her and that would mean that I would have missed out on the memories I have...if that makes sense!

Well didnt go to minsmere as you might have guessed, Phill had a job come in and cant turn down the money right now, my poor wages are being stretched very thinly I can tell you, but its a good job im good at budgeting! If he is back in time I might go to Kings mead again, it isnt far and there might be a chance of some damsels about, should be some flutters at least, ever hopeful me!

Blackbirds are still feeding their young in the ivy, shouldnt be too long no until they fledge, then it will be constant garden watch for the sprawk! Weather is lovely again, been in the garden pottering about, done the housework. So nice to have a cup of tea listening to the bird song....bliss..

*hog update*

Well they are going to keep her in for a few more days, she is doing much better but they want to give her some more treatment, they are now treating the worms too, so thats good. Half of me feels bad as im not treating at home, but the other half thinks at the moment I do have too much on so wouldnt be able to give as good care. Best they start her off on the right track then I can bring her home, feed her up then release. I am going to clear out the shed some more as she can stay in there, it will be quieter for her so will help with the recovery, plus its not cold at all.

cough cough....

Now its fair to say that I am a wimp when it comes to me being poorly, many times worse than a bloke, but couple it with poorlyness at night and I really feel sorry for myself.

As was the case last night, think I had some dodgy coleslaw as at 3 am this morning I was erm saying goodbye to it. I was faint, blacking out, dizzy and couldn't get back to bed with fear of falling over, actually I was delirious as I was trying to get back to bed on the table. Luckily Phill was there and put me back to bed, he thought I was sleep walking again! It was so weird I knew where my bed was but I couldn't get my feet to move in that direction, only towards the table. He took my arm then put me back in bed.

Feel fine this morning apart from my hayfever has started on my chest, so its cough cough cough. I will have to get an inhaler from docs, as once it starts the whole I cant breathe thing starts.............I do like summer but wish it didn't have so much pollen.

Oh well best stop moaning and feeling sorry for myself and get off to work.

Not much to say today...

There seems to be so much going on though, im finding it hard to keep on top of everything. Phill is getting married, have to go help choose an engagement ring probably this w/e...I know its probably not something that I should be doing, but if its left up to him the poor girl will end up with nothing, he gets confused by it all! Too be honest its a little hard at the moment to share his joy, but im trying, he knows im happy for him, if he is happy, but still a niggle at the back of my mind saying is he doing the right thing. He did say perhaps it was because I wanted to marry him, but the answer would defiantly be NO, would be a complete disaster!!!!

Work is quite hectic with one thing and another. I also need to prepare for little hog coming back tomorrow (hopefully). Prepare to go to court too, which I had hoped would have been avoided but looks like it wont now. Could just do with out it really. I just want to get into bed, pull the curtains and not come out for a week, but I guess that aint gonna happen, so best try and get on with it in some way.

Thinking of going to Mimsmere this w/e, only thinking at the moment, its apparently free this w/e, but depends on what his lordship is doing really. Just feel like getting out for a bit, plus the weather is meant to be nice. We will have to see. The more favourable option is of course to stay at home, mope about, but that wont do me any good either.

Well I managed to find lots to say in the end....

I wasnt going to post this...

as we have had enough bad news of late, but then remembered that some of you read the hog forum....Found a very young thin hog last night about 8pm in the garden bed looking for food. Poor thing its breathing was very laboured and very noisy. Popped in a box with some heat and food. At one point I thought she was going to pass away as her breathing became worse. Put her on the hwb on my lap put some eucalyptus oil on the tea towel and waited. Five minutes later she came back to life again and was trying to explore so popped her back in her box.

When I went to bed she was looking poorly again, so didnt hold much faith for the morning, you can see all her bones she is that thin. I thought at least if she does die she is in comfort and warmth rather than being outside in the cold.

Up this morning she was curled up on her side fast asleep, just her HUGE feet sticking out so sweet, a photo opportunity but I dont like to until they are feeling better. So off to the vets this morning, dont normally have much luck with them, but I chose ad different one this time, I did feel much better about it. They are keeping her in for a couple of days to give her intense course of antibiotics, then they will call me to talk about further treatment at home. I just hope the little hog is strong enough to make it through the next couple of days, then it will be a case of getting rid of the lungworm, feeding up for a few weeks then release. We havnt discussed cost of treatment as yet so I might have a d80 for sale soon... ;)

Apart from that, dentist again today, learnt how to floss properly, bugger me talk about difficult have to get both hands in my mouth twist round and all sorts!! Still im on probation now for 6 months then I will be checked on to make sure im doing it right! She was telling me today about her other work she does. Cosmetic stuff when people have really bad teeth, she can spend the whole day cleaning one lot of teeth!! They have to be injected as well as it is quite painful. I like her she makes me laugh, tells me off but also tells me when Ive done good! As she says she wont mince her words, if Ive not kept my teeth right I will be in bother...oh well at least thats over with for 6 months..

Oh well best go and do some other stuff, might have another hog in again tonight de-ticking although every time they dont sleep in the box they are picking them up again! Silly things, still please keep your fingers crossed for little hog..

For Boo

I write this for my friend today
My friend that has gone away
Blackbird is singing a mournful song
Even he knows that she has gone

The sun will not shine no more
Its winter in my heart
No more to share her laughter or her joy
Times we shared seem distant now
A life taken so young
No chance to say goodbye
No chance for one last song
How do I carry on?
Anger wells up in me
Why was it she
She was so full of good
Mischief care and love
A special person a one off
She added so much to life
Could brighten your day
In her very own special way
I went to his house to ask why
He had taken her from us
But no answers were given
The world just carries on
I want it to all stop
For everyone to mourn
But they just carry on
Now I feel you where ever I go
Hear your voice in every bird song
See your spirit in every butterfly
You are with me I can feel you now
Holding my hand guiding the way

Blackbirds still singing a mournful song
He still knows that she has gone
I sit and write this for my friend today
Why oh why did she have to go away

In my thoughts always

Catch up

Friday

Please note I was early, packed up the car, or rather squashed my bag into the boot of the car (ok I didn’t really need the fleeces) and off we went. Fist stop was Stamford, haven’t been there for ages, such a nice town it is too. Few shops and breakfast, then we went to look round a couple of churches, managed to walk in them with out being burnt or struck down (its a few years since Ive been to confession). A walk along the river and Pete’s first lens change! A chap did approach me saying he was from the local paper, wanted to know what I thought about local issues, I don’t actually think he was some how so I told him I wasn’t from the area, he asked me where I was from, but I managed to get rid if him.

At the river we saw a female mallard with loads of chicks, must have been at least 20, surely they couldn’t have all been hers!! After that it was on to a NT house (see Pete’s blog for more info and names of places). Very nice day, lovely sunshine and some flutters here and there. More food and drink later (hey I was on my holiday) then some more photo practise. Pete was a very good pupil and actually did everything I suggested! Really looking forward to seeing his photos.

After that, up to Rutland and a walk by the south shore (I think). Such a beautiful place too, really made me think about where I live and all the other beautiful places I could live, although I would imagine that the house prices would some what be out of my league! There is a church there too, which was rescued when the reservoir was made. It looks very imposing coming out of the water like it does.

Ok then back to the hotel, hmmm erm well. It was different shall we say, in great need of some TLC. Still it’s a bed for the night, talking of which I had two beds in my room. As one does, I tried the bed for comfort, one bed I sank into and couldn’t get out; the other was as hard as a board of wood. The room could also do with a deep clean. Was wondering if it was just me, maybe my expectations are higher than others…I don’t know!

The dinner was ok, as dinners go. Nowt special really and an early night followed, I was quite tired though so was looking forward to a good nights sleep, if only that was managed!

Saturday

Up with the larks as I am every morning! Off to Rutland, met up with Anna, Dave and Michael who I still can’t believe is 37, honest he doesn’t look more than 25 at the most! Good walk round, took some photos. I wont list what was seen as the others will bound to have done, but did get to see a grasshopper warbler, pretty little bird, with a very powerful voice! Also saw the Ospreys on their nests, plus lots of other birds too. Some nice flutters about, but no damsels…I did look.

Pub for lunch then group spilt up, Pete and I went to a flutter house, just up the road. Tropical flutters and birds and lizards everywhere. Some lovely species of flutter, but man was it hot in there. After less than an hour I thought I was going to faint! So a trip up to the Rutland coast again and ice – cream was the order of the afternoon.

Back to the hotel, managed to get the shower to a temperature that didn’t scold or freeze me. Dinner was better this night, quite tasty. I stopped down in the bar and had a couple of drinks to help me sleep on the bed of stone! It did help too, slept much better!


Sunday

Had a wee lay in this morning as we didn’t need to be particularly early. Had another hearty breakfast, then off to a NT house, of course we got there before the staff, but they let us in early! So we didn’t have to wait in the car..Horray! The house has fallen to ruin, but it being restored, lovely old building. Only one thing the Rooks, loads of them and the noise was almost unbearable! Guess you would get used to it eventually.. Next stop another NT house, this one was never finished as the owner was put in the tower! Odd looking house though, had to go in via the cellar; you will see from the photos that it would have been a magnificent building if finished! Then it was a lovely pub lunch and then home-ward bound.

Had the loveliest of times, couldn’t have asked for better weather, even topped up my tan…in April for goodness sake.

Just had some news and all this seems a bit fruitless now, but I am still going to blog my holiday, but it is with sadness.

Have a nice w/e

Im off now, hog lists have been sorted for phill, he knows what to do if there is an emergency. Oh talking of hogs was up late last night de-ticking another hog, 25 of the buggers I got off! I hate ticks!

Anyway, best be off as I expect Pete will be out there waiting already!!!

progress...

Got my hair chopped, more orange out..horray! Bought some hog food, the woman in there said to me "oh you are the woman that feeds the hogs arnt you", they have got a bag of special hog food in for me to try, but its a big bag for £8, so am going to go back Monday and they will split the bag so I can try it firstly, as they was busy at the time and I was short of time, thought it was nice of them to get it in for me. Got shampoo and conditioner and my eye drops so that's all good.

Phill has packed my bag, much easier than me doing it, im not the worlds best packer, being a normal woman I have probably packed too much, but hey ho... Camera stuff to do next, then clean hog bowls, leave instructions for phill. Oh he has offered to write me a list of do's and dont's for the w/e, like dont talk to strange men, so Pete it will be a quiet journey up there ;)..

Im so excited!!!!!!!!!!

The mad rush begins!

As normal Ive left everything to the last minute for getting ready for hols, so here is a list of what needs doing today, dont forget im also working today so lets see what I achive!

Buy mealworms for hogs
Make list of care for hog sitter (phill)
Get hair cut
Buy..shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, painkillers, eye drops.
Choose bag to take with me
Pack Bag
Un pack bag, then re pack bag, Phill un pack bag and re pack bag
Clean camera and lens
Charge batteries
Pack camera bag
Remember to get tripod from shed
Take out at least 3 fleeces from bag, replace with one
Transfer some money
Remember to take money with me
Remember to take credit cards with me
Charge phone
Top up bird feeders
Declare the bag thats packed is too heavy


Thats pretty much how it will go.....

Day off

Was given the day off today as I had to goto a recognition event. Despite my cry of No I dont want to go, I went. It was ok, over Cambridge way in a hotel, the grounds were lovely, weather too. Couple of hours, buffet and certificate later, on way back home. Even had to have my photo taken :(

Went for a walk when I got home, managed to get 277 photos of bees and the like, so will put them on t'other blog once they are done. My eyes are really sore right now, stupid me forgot to put my repeat scrip in too, so no chance of getting any more before rutland, will get some stuff from chemist to keep me going over the w/e.

Two more sleeps then its my holiday!!!!

Its my box!!

Silly things, still nice to see them back after a couple of days absence, can only think what they was up too, at least I hope they was up too!

Weather has turned today, Mr and Mrs blackbird are starting to take food into the ivy and I can hear calling young blackbirds, so shouldn't be long now until balls of fluff appear in the garden. Was a bit worried the other day as had a few magpies in the garden, but there is plenty of food for them to eat here without having to go after the young birds. Can also hear starling chicks in the guttering's of a near by house. Expect the invasion soon, will have to stock up on sultanas and the like!

I hate mondays

Never a good day at work on a monday, today was no exception. Finished on time for a change so went up to the stream to see what was happening up there. The water was quite low and there was quite a few tadpoles attracting interest from several birds...nature I guess. No damsels about as yet, but was watching some goldies and chaffies bathing in what water was there. Also heard the green Woody several times, but no sighting.

Oh and my new uniform has arrived, im not keen on it, plus it has to be ironed...excuse me whilst I go moan at the ceiling for a while...

Fowl day

One of the worse things that could ever happen to me happened to me today. Got up all ok, phill dropped me off at Fowlmere, all still ok. Went off to the spring hide, all fine some nice views of a chiffchaff. Then it hit me, I needed a poo, thought that if I sat and wiggled it would go away (where im not quite sure). It didnt though, the situation was serious... oh crap it. Camera back in bag, make my way hastily back to the entrance. See a red damsel...no time to stop!

Now normally there, there isnt anyone by the entrance where the loo is, of course today, there was a little table set up by some people from the RSPB, crap it. Now at least it does have a loo, all be it a chemical one (memories of strawberry fair came flooding back..) Now I dont like using public loos at the best of times, but the only other option would have been some bushes (will come back to that point). Its a toilet that is full of that blue chemical, it doesnt flush, figured humming wouldnt help...do my business then make a sharp exit back to the hide..

Lovely day, lots of flutters about, red damsels too. Saw many blackcaps which was nice. Lots of families out too, I dont mind, but sometimes the little darlings are screaming or kicking stones, it doesnt help for taking photos of insects.

On the way round, I passed a family, declaring that there was water (no shit), then OMG, a lady came out from the bushes pulling up her trousers, if I hadnt have looked away I would have seen the all bar the kitchen sink! Now the loos were 2 mins walk from where we was, puzzled me, I didnt leave the toilet in a state! Ah but then maybe if I had waited a man would have come out? Nah I saw them later and she was still smiling at me......

Well ive also caught the sun, so im not as pale as I was, few shades deeper than ghost white!

Best get dinner on now...photos are already on t'other blog :-)

One job done!

Opened up the cam, was full of water, but ive dried it all out and now its working a dream! Might leave it filming all night tonight to see what the hogs are getting up too.

Toon was very busy, so dashed into Tescos and bought some jeans, then gave up! Really wanted some more suitable walking shoes as mine have about had it, but it was just too busy. Much nicer sat in the garden with the bees buzzing about. Had some more flutters but they was too quick really for me to id them, plus they were flying over so cant really I guess say they was a garden visitor! But I think one was a small white, another a small blue and a yellow one Im not sure on.

Not sure whats on the agenda for tomorrow, as there is racing on tv all day, think I will be dropped off some where so im out for the day, not sure where to go really, will have to have a think........

OK

Apparently its a device driver that is causing the pc to crash, but it cant give me a fix.......no time to search now as I have to goto work :-(

I do hope that the day goes quickly, got a wee bit of shopping to do in toon after, so hope that it isnt too busy either, not a favourite thing of mine to go shopping especially on a Saturday!

Oh well best get moving...

Hoggy stuff

They are still bashing each other about, was outside last night and kept hearing the dishes clattering together, with lots of huffing and puffing. Eventually it will calm down and peace will be restored again, until a bit later on when the males get the urge again.

Still feel like a grumpy cow this morning, I actually went to bed at 10 last night as I was fed up being grumpy so thought a good nights sleep would help. Its quite strained in the house this morning too. I enjoy him being here, but I hate indecision, no matter who it is. Im a doer, you get a plan and you do it, where as he is a drifter and unless I keep pushing he will carry on drifting, of course this means that I get plenty of earache and being shouted at for interfering, but I carry on as I know he needs it. I just want a bit of peace and quiet, like now, no tv I can hear the birds chirping away...lovely

...

Fithly, the cam keeps steaming up, even though its not even damp out there! I will have to get it in at some point, take it too pieces then curse out loud when I cant get it back together again (been there done that).

Sixthly, I also remember why Phill and I are no longer together, especially if tonight's row is anything to go by, I just cant stand non committal to anything kind of attitude. Also he needs to make up his mind what he wants to do, after all it does affect me as well, a fact he seems to have forgotten. There is a silence in the house now, well apart from the tv (of course)

I want to scream

Firstly this blinkin pc is no better, ok the pc isn't crashing but now IE is! Im sure it has to do with the sp2 that was recently installed, just spent 60 mins on the laptop trying to find a fix, think I have now, but stress levels are increased.

Secondly Phill is waiting for some money to come in, for the last 4 weeks the cheque has been in the post, he is too bloody soft and keeps saying "ok". Really getting me mad, so ive asked for a chaps payment now as the cheque must have been lost, must be at least 10 now that have got lost. So I check the business account and guess what...yep no money. I was livid, but Phill was all like oh we can check tomorrow as he said it might be tomorrow that it will be in....yeah right. If it isnt then I will be dealing with it, im not as soft as him, especially when money is concerned.

Thirdly, my gums are still so sensitive I constantly want to wee with the pain...dont ask.

Fourthly, stupid camera keeps getting dust inside it, although I think I have found out why now, I have cleaned it all, even cleaned the sensor (dont faint pete). Hopefully should be all ok now.

Fifthly.....erm will have to think on that one, for now I going off to scream and be an angry cow.

Hmm

Just checked the weather for next w/e and its set to rain :( Typical, first holiday in years and its going to rain..Oh well, still this w/e is meant to be sunny, oh Im working on Saturday, hmmm.

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!

Ive enough pain in my head that would kill ten men! Trip to the hygienist today! She was a very straight talking and passionate women, especially when it came to teeth! She made me watch whilst she was scraping and poking through my teeth, she wasnt impressed that Ive never had my teeth professionally cleaned before either. It started with x-rays, that was ok. Then a big pokey thing prodded and scraped.

Then the uv prodder came out and bugger me did that hurt, was painful enough to think I was going to wet myself there and then in the chair! She did offer to numb me up, but being English I was all "No its ok" whilst my fingers were turning purple from squeezing them together too much. More prodding under the gums, in and out of my teeth. Blood filling my mouth..urgghhhk She kept remarking on how small my mouth was, but how I was a model paitent... :)

After words, I had a lesson on how to brush my teeth properly, making sure I get under the gums and massage them. They do feel wonderfully clean, but ouch ouch ouch, my gums are so sensitive right now, I could cry.

Oh and I have to go back in 2 weeks time, for another sitting as it was too much to do in one sitting, was pleased about that as I had had enough for one day, next time I will learn how to floss properly!! Oh and bless her she gave me a toothbrush with love.

Excuse me now, Im going to chop my head off....

Crash!

The computer has a very annoying problem at the moment, it keeps bloody crashing! Manged to get an error code from it, so now I have to search to find a fix for it, seems to have started happening ever since the last windows update....its quite annoying.

Hogs arnt eating as much lately, think they have other things on their minds, which is good, be nice to see hoglets again this summer, just wish I had a few more females instead of all males. Tickless hog is defiantly much happier now and is joining in all of the battering thats been going on. I havnt recorded through the night of late due to this pc problem, when I get that fixed I will start again and get some more hog action!

My hayfever is starting to get a pain too, think I will have to get a pump sooner rather than later, as my breathing is some what more difficult now. Makes taking photos more interesting when Im having a sneezing fit! Oh how I suffer for my art ;)

Oh well best be off, got the dentist this morning, the last time (I hope) Ive spent now at least £600 there, that really hurts, still never mind its done now, no point in moaning about it....

Back to work :(

I managed to get the remaining 10 ticks off ticky hog last night, one was particularly difficult to get off as it was near his face, but with a little gentle stroking of hog he un-curled enough for me to get it, think in the end he just wanted me to get over and done with. He got put back out a new hog! Only to 30 mins later see another hog and give it a good bashing, so he was feeling better then.

New meter should be being replaced today, then I can get on with changing over my power suppliers, half of me thinks, well it will go wrong so should I bother? But the other half is saying, yes you should! Also have to phone Inland Revenue today too, oh joy!

Another beautiful morning weather wise, dont feel like going to work today thats for sure. Still wont be long now until Rutland and a nice break, hope the weather stays good.

Garden list

Well, after the housework and the gardening was done, mainly cut the lawn and control some of the brambles! Sat down with a cup of tea in the garden. Then of course it clouded over and the birds wouldn't come out to play!

Anyway, since getting the macro lens and noticing more and more insects in the garden I am going to start (not sure if I will keep it up) a list of whats seen, so here goes

Bees
1. Honey Bee
2. Buff-tailed Bumble Bee
3. Tawny Mining Bee

Flutters
1. Peacock

Others
1. Robber fly
2. Blue bottle
3. Flea beetle

Hopefully the flutter list will improve, ok ok I havnt listed all the flies and beetles, but I will try ;)

Ticky hog

Well number 4 has been caught, ive often seen him run around the carpark in circles, never a good sign. Was watching on cam and saw a possible reason, loads of ticks. I feckin hate ticks.

Just spent an hour or so removing about 35+ off the poor thing, including one in his right ear, which could have been the reason why he was doing the circles. Dont think I got all of them off, still some more round his face, but I got a hell of a lot off him. They are awful awful things, imagine having 35+ on your body sucking the blood out of you. Anyway they all got squished and their heads bashed (I make it as quick as I possibly can) and then they are soaked in bleach, for good measure.

Hog has been put outside again and has gone straight into the box. Will bring him in, in a few days time and see how the tick situation is, he has had enough for one night....:(

Kings Mead

Well I managed to drag Phill out for a few hours, beautiful weather again! Lovely place too, you can walk the 25 miles into London, I was up for that but his lordship wasn't.. Lots of bees, ladybugs and flutters about. Also had some nice views of a kestrel. Lots of other birds about too singing away in the trees. This place will be a cracker later on in the year for dragonfly's as there is several pools, plus the two lakes.

Not many people about either which can be nice. After a couple of hours Phill was getting a bit fed up of me stopping and starting, so we came home. I have been sat in the garden for the afternoon. So nice to sit in the sunshine watching the bees buzz about. At one point there was a flutter chasing a bumble, never seen that before! Also a honey bee landed on my shoe! I cant wait for more of the wildflowers to come up, so that it encourages even more small stuff into the garden.

Well going to put some photos on the other blog then tidy up the house again! Tomorrow will be a house work and gardening day, needs to be done :( Still I am sure I will have the camera out with me!

Urghhhk Payroll

Well today was set aside for business accounts, payroll and end of year for the payroll. After a later than I would have liked start, soon cracked on with it. Its mainly report running to be fair, but I have got a problem with it. Most of it is done but im delaying the last part until Ive spoken to the Inland Revenue on Tuesday, just to make sure im getting it correct with a reference number, so when it goes wrong and they send me demand letters I can provide them with the info that I did check first....what me not believing that they will do it correctly ??

Apart from that, ive made a sort of nectar feeder for the flutters and bees. Its only a temporary solution at the moment, until I figure out a way to make a proper one. Im also going to make a mini-bee hive and one of those pipe things for leaf cutter bees! I did see them in the rspb shop at sandy, but at the prices they were charging!!! Will go down to B&Q and price up some stuff.

Been out in the garden looking for beetles and small flying stuff, its amazing at the variety you find when you are looking for them! Also the birds kept coming down to feed even though I was only 2 feet away! Been lovely again weather wise, so nice to see some sunshine. Only thing that has put a downer on things, was getting the gas and electricity bills this morning :( Bye Bye £190......

Day oot

Well Pete picked me up at 8 am, yup am was a bit sleepy still, we headed off to sandy, was a bit chilly but the sun was coming through, had some nice views of a nuthatch and my second peacock for the year. Sandy is nice but better a bit later for flutters and the like.

Went on to Wimpole Hall after that, first time ive been there. It is a HUGE place, very nice too, even with hoards of screaming kids. People can be dim though, one woman I over heard saying "oh lets have chicken as thats eastery"...hmmmm. A cow sneezed on me and I was also chased by a swan. Nice to see was all the lambs in the field, so cute, even if Pete was picking out the ones he was having for his up coming Sunday roast! Lots of honey bees about and some flutters..but still a bit early really.

Oh and Pete even went into the camera shop on the way back looking at..........

Friday!!! (well is to me)

Erm excuse the video, but love this song and couldnt find a different one!!

Morning!

Blimey been so busy of late with one thing and another. Last night was mainly writing and getting Phill ready to meet the mp, so that he can get his g/f over. I put together a lovely letter of how much he loves her and wants her to meet his family etc....He did make me change one bit, think he was a bit embarrassed at what I put, after all as he put it he is a bloke! Still if he wants to get her over......

Night before it was shopping at pc world, de-ticking hogs I really don't think Ive had an evening to myself! Never mind. Soon be Thursday! Meeting Pete on Friday for some camera practise, so hopefully there will be a few bugs about so he can get some more use out of his macro lens. The weather should (hope) be ok too. Im looking forward to a nice day out, hope he doesn't get us lost again...

Putting on a clip of the hogs last night, now I think that I might be up to number 4 now. My theory behind this, is there must be some one else in the local area that either feeds them or has looked after them over winter as the one that turned up last night had different paint splodges on, quite a few (you will see) so wasn't splot has he has a few splots, but this was many splots. So I think that these smaller hogs have been over wintered and now been released with markings, so that who ever has released them could recognise them again. Must be fairly local to me too, not sure how I would find them as I would like to know where they are, let them know hogs are fine, after all they might not go back to where they were released from, they are like that!

So meet number 4........many splot hog :)

Customer Service

Its not that I like to complain or get angry, but sometimes things just get my goat! For example, I need to get my electricity meter changed; I was sent a letter, so I ring them to arrange an appointment for them to come out. They have the address wrong, have to phone my supplier. So I phone my supplier explain to them what is what and what they need to do.

Oh no, they can’t do it I have to phone the national database people, but unfortunately the number I was given was for the Yorkshire area! Now im quite a mellow sort and call the meter people back. Of course they say im to phone my supplier back. I phone them Im on hold again, the last call I was on hold for ages, and it gets to 30 mins on hold I give up.

Call them at lunchtime today (hence no photos) im on hold again! Get through to someone have to explain all over again, they say they will find out, the line goes dead after another ten minutes I hang up.

I finish work, I ring my supplier again, and by this time my patience is some what fraid. I of course remain calm and polite, well ish. I explain AGAIN the problem, even tell them what they need to do, they then forget everything I have told them, was it gas or electricity!! They then tell me to give them a number I will be called back…why I ask, well we need to call you, why I ask, to arrange some one to come out and check the number on your meter. When will that be I ask, in 5 days time, I reply that’s not good enough, but they ask again for my number, again I say that’s not good enough! She talks to her colleague now normally you cant hear what they are saying, but I could and heard this chap say in a tone I wasn’t happy with “What does SHE want”, to which I replied “You can tell him what SHE wants is to have this problem fixed with out being passed from pillar to post” Now im not a happy bunny.

Of course they say I need to phone the meter people as there is nothing they can do, I ask them where I should send my phone bill to for paying, as I don’t think that it is fair that I should pay for the hours Ive been on hold. Let alone the hours of my life that this has wasted who will compensate for that? I then ask for an address I can complain too, the lady then started to back track and apologise, but I politely said that’s very nice but I just want the address thank you.

So back to the meter changing people and guess what?!?!?!?!? Yup back to the supplier. Now Im fuming, really really fuming. Im trying hard not to spit my words out. I explain AGAIN to the person what needs to be done, they say to me ok I will put you on hold and find out, I say NO, NO, NO. She says erm sorry? I say “you are not putting me on hold, Ive been on hold before, what you need to do is while im on the phone, you phone the meter changing people and sort it out amongst yourselves” Which to be fair she does.

Im then put back through to the meter changing people and it turns out that they could have dealt with the problem in the first place!!!! Bugger me! So I took and address also for them so I can complain and also send my phone bill to them.

Now im not an affluent person particularly, I earn good money, but im not extravagant, however I will pay more for a good service as that is important to me. I shop in waitrose as I know I will get a hello, or a small chat. I like that so will pay the extra to shop there. Service is what I do in my job and im proud that I take ownership of things, I listen and I always do my best to resolve an issue even when the person isn’t the nicest of kindest or shouts at me! When I have need to complain, I don’t shout or get angry, but I don’t like dealing with people that are incompetent.

So what am I doing? Well Ive just spoken to another supplier on a free phone number, wasn’t on hold more than 20 seconds had the most nicest of chaps discuss it with me and they will be getting my business for both electric and gas. British Gas however have a very unhappy customer who will be informing them of my plans to leave very shortly!

More scrappin!

First Titch has a go then kimble has a go and splot, they really dont like this hog....





Other stuff, phill has a new laptop that we went and bought last night, its so thin and light, it even has a webcam integrated in the lid! It has the new windows vista, which looks quite good, not that ive been allowed to play with it as yet :( Its not fair I want new toys. Plus he is getting an upgrade on his mobile...more new toys...I love new gadgets too, hope he lets me play with them.....:(

Wanted Female hogs.....

To sort out this rather grumpy-I-wont-let-any-of-you-near-the-food-hog. He is terrible, I will sort out some vid clips later. I will try putting out 2 dishes tonight and see if that works, luckily there is food also in the garden, plus with the warmer weather there is more natural food that they can seek out too. The new hog splot, im guessing is a male, havnt checked as yet, will try and do that this week is a nice hog, quite small as titch is, but is eating well.

Another lovely sunny morning, really makes you feel better when the sun is shining! Plans this week? Well ive got some more wild seeds to put in the bed, I also want to make a flutter feeder, but Im a bit worried as I have a lot of wasps in the garden, so am trying to think of a way to feed the flutters with out creating a swarm of wasps. Was looking at some stuff on the net last night, they say best thing to do is trace back where they are nesting then kill the wasps, seems a bit harsh to me, but I am not a fan of wasps, if they are out there I come in. I dont mind bees, but wasps...no they chase you too, I have been chased a few times. So im not sure what I can do really, will have to think on that one!

Oh horrraaaayyyyy for a four day week :)

Bedford Butterfly Park

After a small lay in this morning, phill dropped me off at the butterfly park, was such a lovely day weather wise. The park is quite big really and the tropical house was lovely, all different types of flutters zooming about all over the place. Also their was ducks and some tropical birds, tortoise and koi.

There is also a nature trail, complete with bird hide too, which was next to a feeding area, not many birds about, but did hear and see my first chiffchaff or the year! I would imagine that the nature trial will be better in summer, according to the boards that were about there is a lot of flutters that can be seen.

Tired now though, so am going to put photos on t'other blog, then relax and get ready for monday...