Travels with my camera

I decided to get another job done from my list today - I completely re-laid the patio slabs that I put down earlier in the year for my bird feeding area. It was always a bodge, I didn't use enough sand, only about three small bags if I remember, and they were becoming a real pain, wobbling about, and looked horrible, uneven, and despite the weed block I put underneath, I was growing my own corn down between all the crevices where the seeds had fallen.

I had a ton bag of sand delivered about two weeks ago, mainly to top up in my bird aviary. Unfortunately, due to my bad back, I hadn't done much of the shifting. I tried with a builders bucket full and did a few and gave up. Then I tried with the wheelbarrow, and gave up with that after a couple of loads too. I just couldn't manoevre it round the front garden path, through the gate, and up the one in three hill to where it had to be, just to steep. So I thought today I would do it sensibly and use a small bucket, that way I couldn't be tempted to put more in it than I could carry. Anyway, I did it, took about 3 hours in total, but now it looks much better. I worked out that I used three buckets of sand per slab. That was about two bucket loads under the weedblock to level it all out, and one bucket full on top of the weed block. There are thirty slabs, so that means I did around 90 trips to the front path, through the front garden and up the slope. Plus the shovelling, raking and sweeping. I've used half the bag of sand, so half a ton of sand taken by bucketload. They would never have done it on Ground Force!

After that I had a soak in the bath for about half an hour, first bath I've had for about 5 months. No I don't smell, I normally shower, can't be bothered (or afford) to have the immersion heater on to heat up the water for baths normally. It was pure bliss though. Don't know if it's helped much though - I am still in agony, but I just have to grit my teeth and get on with it else nothing would ever get done here. After that, as it was nearly 5 o'clock, I only took Emma for a walk just over the back of the council estate here, she wasn't bothered actually about going but I think she needs to get out, she'd been asleep on the sofa all bloody day! Good news is that she hasn't been scratching though, well from what I've seen of her anyway. That shampoo Damien (swoon) gave me must be good.

Felt mean when I checked the hogs dish this morning, the poor hog that I marked last night didn't return, so all the food was untouched. Hope he managed to find something somewhere else, and that he will come back tonight.

I'm going to move Ryan's nest box back over to the far side of the front garden tomorrow, so that when he comes out tomorrow night, he will be free. I just hope he sticks around, but I must let him go, he's fine now. I checked in the box today, and he hasn't wee'd or messed, so he's definitely over the wee in the blood thank goodness.

Well that's about it for today, hope it will be dry tomorrow and I shall go out somewhere I think, assuming I can move that is....

I've done all these before on BBF, I wonder if my answers will be the same...?

16. you ready for some more?
Always

17. what's your favourite animal?
Dogs

18. of all the 10 commandments, which do you think Pete breaks?
he once admitted that he has broken one, but wouldn't like to hazard a guess

18a. most often?
hmm, maybe its the coveting his neighbours ox?

19. what's your favourite beverage?
strong coffee

20. what/who would you have on your desert island? (5 things please!)
Emma
Chippy (my budgie)
Damien (realistic) or Kevin Costner (unrealistic!)
My mum
My laptop with unlimited batteries and internet access

21. what's the best board game?
Trivial pursuits

22. what is immediately to your left?
Emma

23. what would be your 1st major purchase upon winning the lottery?
My dream house with granny annexe for my mum

24. when was the last time you farted?
but I'm a ladeee! Okay probably this morning.

25. name your top 3 puddings.
Lemon Cheesecake, Sherry Trifle, my Bread & Butter pud (when I can be bothered to make it)

26. do you know anyone famous?
Not now, I used to know a few sort of famous people, depends how you define fame, there was a singer from the 60s, footballers from the 70s, and Speedway riders from the 80s!

26a. who?
Clinton Ford (singer) David Court (Arsenal) Ricky George (Hereford & Arsenal)
Too many Speedway riders, but my ex rode for the British Lions all over the world but I won't name him incase anyone does a search, it would be a bit embarrassing.

27. what age would you like to be again?
About 25 would be great

28. if you could change 1 thing about your life, what would it be?
I would change virtually everything I've ever done to be honest, I've made so many stupid mistakes and bitterly regret a good deal. Can't name just one.

29. name the person you shared your first kiss with.
Robert Roper

30. what is your favourite film?
Lady & The Tramp

31. What's the first thing you do in the morning?
Stagger to the bathroom

32. Who in the world would you like to....
a. go for a beer with?
Damien (realistic) or Kevin Costner (unrealistic)

b. go birding with?.....
Simon King

c. go shopping with?
Richard Branson

d. snog?
Damien or Kevin Costner (-ditto- as above)

e. punch?
Nobody I could name in person, but anyone who harms animals, birds, or drops litter!

f. have a secret romantic trist with?
Damien or Kevin Costner (erm ditto again)

g. serve at the fishmarket?
This one made me laugh. An old friend a long time ago used to have a fish stall on a Saturday in Hampstead Market, and I go persuaded to run it for him, so he could slope off to the pub. I once served Nicholas Parsons and his wife, how about that then! And there was another lady who was a famous actress, but I've forgotten her name, lol! She used to be in a lot of tv plays. Erm, but nowadays, I guess it would be Kevin Costner please. (Or Damien of course)

h. go to Africa with and film Big Cats with?
Simon King

i. ermmmmmmm.
oh yes

33. What do you think of the Royal family?
Have no opinion really, I'm not a hater nor a lover, they do a bit for the tourist trade I suppose.

34. What is your most prized possession?
My laptop or my car

35. Who has inspired you?
Nobody.

36. Have you ever taken/would ever take hallucinogenic drugs?
Tried one drag on a whacky backy ciggie once, and thought erm what's it supposed to do? Other than that no.

37. Is there anything more frightening than being chased by a
battalion of monkeys armed with hammers?
I don't scare easily, scarey is for whimps.

38. What's your favourite biscuit?
Choc-chip cookies

39. What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
OMG I've done loads, falling over in the Connaught Rooms, London, in front of a room full of important clients I guess, and showed my knickers to all and sundry must rate quite highly.

40. What's your favourite shop?
Pets At Home

41. Do you consider fishing a blood sport?
Not coarse fishing cos they are put back unharmed (well supposed to be) but I guess other types are
a. why? Because the fish are killed for sport, Sharking for one is barbaric, I've seen the poor things when they've brought them into Looe in Cornwall, and people pay money to go out and do that, and gaff the poor things onto the boat. :(

42. Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I loved most of it, and would love to go back and do it all again. Apart from School, hated that.

43. What do you reckon folk in the future will think of us?
I think that a lot of the people of the future won't give a shit about anything only themselves so they won't be in the least bit interested in what we did.

44. What will be your next purchase?
A guinea pig? No only kidding. I have no idea, depends where I go tomorrow I suppose, ooh it maybe a tv mag, haven't got next weeks yet.

45. Name 10 female presenters of Blue Peter. no google no.
haha you jest. I haven't watched it since Val John and Peter. So Valerie Singleton would be my only one. Of course I have now seen Pete's three but that would be cheating.

I took her to the vets this morning. Had to wait nearly an hour to see Damien, but it was worth every second. Nothing to do with Emma's health though, but it did me the world of good! I shouldn't be lusting after a man who is probably about 15 years my junior and is probably very happily married, but he shouldn't be so fit, and have such a divine French (well Belgian) accent! Swoon. And I nearly did when I first saw him too, he had shorts on today. OMG, lovely legs for a guy too. Smooth, tanned, not hairy....And that smile when he recognises you in the waiting room... I am feeling quite faint all of a sudden..... *thunk*

Anyway enough about that. Where was I? Oh yes, Emma and her scratching. She has been tearing herself to pieces for the past three weeks roughly now. She has been on allergy injections since this time last year, as she is allergic to virtually everything, the vaccine costs nearly £100 but it's been worth every penny, because this is the first year that I have been free of her constant scratching and biting herself to pieces. Then suddenly, it stopped working, it actually stopped working before her month was up (I inject her every month) I wondered if it was because it was the end of the bottle and it wasn't as effective, but then I got fresh vaccine last Tuesday, and she has been terrible. I am getting hardly any sleep, and neither is she. Consquently, we are both worn out. Although the stuff is expensive, it has meant fewer visits to the vets with her this year, well none practically, no frontine flea treatments, which has saved me about £50, no steroid injections, no antihistamines, so have no complaints about the cost really. Anyway, Damien (swoon) confirmed that the vaccine is the same. So he asked if I have changed anything in the time that the itching has started, so I said no. So he started with a list, like washing powder, no, diet, no. Oh hang on. I told him about the hedgehogs, and the chicken and that Emma was now having some cooked chicken on her biscuits instead of tinned-type dog food. Ah-ha he says. Or more like Oui Oui (swoon) The itching started folks when Emma started having chicken. How sad is that? No more chicken then - he says he may be wrong (I doubt that he is ever wrong - swoon) But to try that first. Also I have bathed her today in anti-itchy shampoo, and I have frontline to give her in three days. If she's no better in two weeks, (it may take that long to get the chicken out of her system) then I am to go back. Well she hasn't scratched once since the bath, but that was only 3 hours ago now. She is going to be mortified to smell that chicken when I do it for Ryan, and not get any herself. Still, it won't be for a lot longer anyway, as Ryan will be hibernating, and as I plan to release him this weekend anyway, maybe he won't even return for his food after a few days, so I will just stick to the dry food again after that for the others.

So there you have it. Damien (swoon) says to put Emma in an old t-shirt to stop her scratching herself, lol, can you imagine that? Well maybe I will try it anyway, the pictures will be funny! Poor Emma.

Other news today, Diddy Boy has stuck around the back door all day, as it's been raining a lot of the time, like April showers really. I have put his little shelter box round here now, so he has dived in there a few times. At present he is exploring the kitchen I think, I hadn't the heart to shoo him out when I was making my cuppa just now. Pulled the door to though, so he doesn't come in here again!

Cleaned the porch out where Ryan is residing, was getting a bit smelly. I will mark him with the humbrol paint tonight when he comes out. I was going to get him in the box today, but I thought he will burrow down in the nest afterwards and it will stick to his spines with wet paint on them, so thought I'd best leave it till later.

"I've been thrashed to within an inch of my life!" (See she's really quite slim under all that fur)














"No, really, I have!"














Dry and fluffy again
















And finally, I've just come back from a walk with Emma, and the nephew of my two neighbours who live opposite me has come across. I can't remember if I mentioned on here before about Bella being rushed to hospital with a ruptured appendix a few weeks back, and then about a fortnight ago, her husband Paddy was taken in as well as he had fallen and hit his head. He had angina, and had looked ill for ages, well he has died in hospital - such a shock, and made me cry actually. Apparently he had liver failure too, and passed away on Monday. He was 70 a while ago, and they are a lovely couple, and he was so excited to tell me that Bella was coming home the next day, when I last spoke to him, which would be three weeks this coming Sunday. They used to have a small farm, and he was always keen on my birds and animals, and would tell me what birds he had seen in the garden. I will really miss chatting with him, feel very sad now. Bella is going to stay here which is good, I shall go and see her once she is settled back in, and will get a card tomorrow. How awful.

Decided to get stuck in and get another job done off my list today - Diddy's new pad. It meant clearing out the back porch/cupboard/storeroom/utility room/ex coal cellar? I still never know what to call it. It is brick built, and adjoins my kitchen, and forms an enclosed porch, its about 3 feet wide, and including the double back doors, about 10 feet long. Nice area for my boy, bigger than some banties live in all their lives. It also meant clearing out my shed which is outside the back door, so that I could put some of the junk in there. So I got everything out of both, all over the kitchen, path, grass, and then it started to pee with rain, typical. It ended up that I couldn't really change anything much round at all, just no more room in the shed until I sell some stuff or chuck it.

Anyway, managed to alter things, tidy in general, and set up a snug thermal lining on the wall, it gets a bit damp in there, despite my putting two coats of masonary paint on the outside, and I put the nest boxes in from the old chicken house, not that Diddy will lay eggs of course, but he does like sitting in them sometimes, he spent a lot of time in one yesterday actually, was breaking my heart to see him up in the house on a nice day - he must've been feeling old and lonely (know the feeling...)

Fixed a perch up and a sort of bodged cover over the top with some boards, but will have to get something a bit better when I go out, but it will act as another shelf above his roosting area.

The weather turned really evil this afternoon, it chucked down, and went very dark, and in the end, I didn't let him go back out (I had grabbed him and run for cover when the heavens opened about 1 oclock.) He settled down in the woodchip for a while, but then wanted out, but it was just too awful for him. It got dark here just after 5 oclock, had to have the lights on, and he desperately wanted to go up to his old house. I nearly relented, but in the end, I put him up on the perch and told him to stay. I was in the living room on my laptop and watching Deal or No Deal, and he came in the living room to find me! Lol. I don't mind if he goes into the kitchen, as its quarry tiled floor, and I'm not house proud, but I don't really want him in here.

Put him back, and pushed the door to so there was only about a 4 inch gap to let a tiny bit of light in, and he then settled down for the night, bless him.

I feel a great sense of relief, knowing that he is now safe and dry. I don't have to worry about anything getting him in the night, and of course, he can still go outside all day every day if weather permits, but if it's rough, or I want to go out for any length of time, I will shut him in and know that he's safe. The back area of the garden is more secure too, I may well just let him have that bit for the winter, although he does like to stay up near my aviary, I think he feels happy being able to see my other birds. I've got to say this, although I said I wouldn't get any more, if the right little hen became available, I could still have another one with him in this new pad. A little elderly Pekin hen would be okay, but I wont get a young one, despite the fact that someone is selling some in Carmarthen.....

Of course there is another great advantage, I won't have to worry about going up to let him out early in the morning. I've always had to do that in all weathers, I think it's unfair to keep them shut in a house with no food or water, especially in the summer when it may have been light for hours, and they will have been itching to get out. I've always let them out by about 8am. So now, I just have to go to the back door....

Other than that, not much today. An aborted walk with Emma, drove all the way to Llandysul park, and walked 100 yards to the river, and 100 yards back to the car, end result, we were soaked! Waste of time really, but she kept pestering to go out, but then when we got there, she didn't want to walk. She doesn't mind the rain really though, and I would have gone on, it was quite warm, very windy though, but she wanted to go back, so that was that.

Your Birthdate: March 1

You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet. You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily. Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail. You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details. Your strength: Your supreme genius Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity Your power color: Gold Your power symbol: Star Your power month: January

I've put this on just to show how ridiculously inappropriate it is for me. Absolutely not one fact is me (oh perhaps the genius bit.....)and maybe the sensitivity.

Natural born leader? Haha, I cringe and cower away from any sort of thing where I would be in the limelight.

Power and self-confidence - Zero

Seeing the big picture instead of all the trivial things? Haha, I dote on trivia, trivial things was one of the things that my ex hated about me, I can hear him now saying "the trouble with you is you have too much time on your hands, and you worry about things that are so trivial and unimportant...."

Power month - January - the most hated month for me out of the whole year. Cold, dreary, dead. I doubt I shall feel powerful!

What a load of crap!

Title says it all. I am going through a very lethargic phase again. I just can't be bothered to do anything, I just want to do as little as possible, and get out for a few hours. Then I feel guilty as hell because I haven't done things that really needed to be done. I am also so tired and I ache, my arms and legs really ache, and my back hurts like hell too at the moment. I'm also sleeping badly, mainly because of Emma, who keeps waking me up scratching or I wake myself up because I'm too hot. Emma's allergy vaccine doesn't seem to be working this time. I'll have to see Damien about it (my hunky vet - swoon) because it's supposed to be the same stuff, so how come she hasn't scratched all summer and now as soon as I have the new vaccine through from Holland, it isn't working, and she is ripping herself to bits? I gave her an antihistamine pill this morning which worked, but it's worn off now. Not sure I should give her another one today though.

Today was beautiful first thing, so I thought I'd pop to Cardigan Tesco and take Emma down the beach at Aberporth. Set off and the skies got darker and darker, and didn't look too promising at all. Called in at Cilgerran for a small sack of sunflower hearts, and just got down the road about half a mile and the heavens split open, and I've never seen rain like it. I pulled off the road into a layby till it stopped, was about 10 minutes, by which time the road was like a river! Anyway it did brighten up a bit and I did what was intended. I thought the sea water may ease Emma's itches.

Took a few shots of Ryan last night with the web cam, he doesn't come out till about 11.30 to eat, so I have decided to put the webcam back round to the back feeding area for a while now, as it may be more interesting to see which/how many hogs are still coming. I've been putting the homeopathic pill, ground up, in Ryan's food, tonight is the third night, and hopefully if he passes no more blood, I shall let him free from the porch at the weekend. I shall have to check inside the box I suppose though to be sure, but he hasn't done any outside, think the last time he lost blood was Thursday night now, so fingers crossed.

My little Bouncer came again tonight when I went to shut the birds in! I always have a dish of brown bread crumbs in the aviary for the doves, and what's left over I put out on the hanging bird table each night. I'd just put a handful on there and a few bits on to the other bird table and his landed right on it by my hand again! I was so thrilled, because he wasn't around yesterday or this morning, despite my calling him, and I started to think maybe it wasn't him after all, it was just another tamish one, and I wanted it to be him. But now I am sure. Bouncer used to want the suet pellets. So I said hang on, and went and got him a few from inside my safety porch on the aviary where I keep them, and he immediately came and took one! I'm going to try and remember to take the camera up with me in the morning, well morning and evening from now on and see if I can get some decent photos of him now.

Well as anticipated, poor little Max was put to sleep this morning. His little leg was even bigger today, and he hadn't eaten anything. I got him out of his box this morning, and he was very shaky and couldn't walk hardly at all. He was obviously in a lot of pain. I was half hoping that Lowry would say try another anti-inflamatory, but I was only kidding myself I suppose. The leg was knackered, he was knackered. He had lost about half of his bodyweight in the week I had him here, and he would never had survived the anaesthetic, and he would never have been able to be released back into the wild, so it was for the best in the end I suppose. Poor little man had to suffer for a whole week for nothing though.
Also, my poor old hen went the same way. I broke my heart deciding on this one, but she was obviously in bother, kept pecking at her rear end, and had made herself sore. She hadn't eaten anything for a couple of days, yesterday she didn't even want the tinned sweetcorn which she normally loves, or chopped grapes. When we got her out of the box, she had loads of feather lice on her, which always happens when a bird is on it's way out. I wonder where they are though when the bird is healthy? Where do they all appear from?

Absurd though it was, I filled up with tears when she took little Max away in his box, but I was fine about the chicken. How bizarre is that, something I'd had for a week, as opposed to something I'd had for over three years? Lowry kept Max, I brought the hen home and buried her down near all my other graves. I have a section at the bottom of the back garden where all my hens are buried. Poor little Diddy has now outlived 7 of his ladies. Down there are Bobble and Nellie who have lilac bushes on top of their graves, Sparky who has a Budlea, and Light who has Bamboo, now Dark has my miniature Rhodedendrom on her, I moved it out of the border as it was being swamped by other plants.

I think I was worrying more about Diddy being alone than necessary. To be honest, he didn't seem that bothered, I tried to spend a bit more time and make more fuss of him this afternoon than normal. He hasn't exactly been that close to her for a while, he is old and couldnt keep up with a full-sized hen anyway, and I think he was always a bit frightened of her, although of course he did like the company. He has gone into his house tonight okay anyway, and of course the last three nights he's been up on the perch on his own as she was sleeping in a nest box. I am going to organise my back inside porch, where Snuffles and Ryan have lived, and set up a perch and little area for him in there for when the cold weather comes. It will be warmer for him than up the top of the garden on his own, and on bad days, he can actually stay in there, or come into the kitchen if he wants, he is a clean little man, his little poos are no worse than having a parrot indoors to be honest. Also it means that he will have a safe area where I can leave him if I wanted to go away, he would have like a 3' x 10' run, which is all some birds have for their entire lives, I could leave his food with no fear of anything else getting in to eat it, he would have light, warmth and security, and to be honest I am quite excited and relieved about it. Can't wait to sort it out. He can also come into the back garden too, I couldn't have the big hen round by the back door, she made too much mess and would have recked the border with the heathers and woodchip, but he is no bother at all.

This afternoon, I went to Newcastle Emlyn with Emma and went round the castle. It has been a fabulous day again, really warm, sweating in a t-shirt, who would expect that in late September? Great stuff. I bought some homeopathic stuff from the Health shop called Nux vom. It was mentioned in the leaflet that Anna kindly sent me from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and is recommended for the treatment of blood in the urine or faeces. I am going to try in in Ryan's drinking water, it may just work, hope so anyway.

Finally, my day ended with the most amazing thing happening. I had an idea yesterday and earlier today though, that I wasn't mistaken about something. Last winter I had a tame robin in my garden, I called him Bouncer. He used to come when I called. His territory was up by my aviary, he used to feed from the hanging bird table. He once came and took a sunflower heart from my hand when we had snow on the ground, the only time a wild bird has ever done that to me. I was so fond of him. He disappeared at the beginning of March, and I was heartbroken. Tonight he came back to me! I am 99.9% sure it is him. I caught a glimpse earlier, and thought, this one's tame. But tonight he came to the bird table and took a suet pellet almost from my hand, and took it into the holly. I called him, and he came back. He then went down to the water dish by my feet, and bathed and splashed, within two feet of me. I am sure it's him! I stood there with tears streaming down my face. It was like two things had been taken from me today, and another one whom I assumed was dead had returned to me to make up for it. I know it's him. All I need now is for Snuffles to come back, and I will be overjoyed.

RIP Max














RIP Darky













My Handsome Diddy















Bouncer

This morning, I looked at Max as he was awake, and noticed that his bad leg was huge, it's swollen right up. I phoned the vets, to see what they said, but the vet who has been dealing with us wasn't on today (I knew that already)and they had already started doing the ops, so they said bring him down this afternoon. Well this afternoon came and he was fast asleep, and breathing normally, so I left him. Will take him tomorrow morning to see our normal vet. I'm now wondering if this has been the trouble all along, and he really has been in pain and not wanting to eat. Hopefully something can be done now we have something to go on.

My chicken is also not too good. She seemed a bit better when I was watching her this morning, she was scratching around, and saw her eating a bit. But tonight she was very lethargic again, and I felt her crop once she'd gone into the house, and she had nothing in it. I think I'm being cruel keeping her going, she obviously feels like crap. On the other hand, I'm always so reluctant to put something down, I always think maybe, just maybe they may get better, who am I to play god? I always get this problem, nothing seems to die a natural death with me, and I have this awful decision to make all the time.

I put Ryan outside in the porch in Snuffles' old box today. Built a barrier across like I had for Snuffles in the spring, and will let him get used to the box again, and where his food is, and then move the box back over to the far side of the garden in a few days. He is still weeing blood, but I can do no more for him, the water injections haven't worked, and I don't think it's fair to keep sticking needles into him anymore, and keep him confined. He will be warm enough out there for sure, we don't have any low temperatures forecast, and that box is snug. It's actually warmer outside than it is in my back outhouse thingy.

Lastly, Emma hasn't been too good for a couple of days. I wont go into great detail, it is just too gruesome, but she has a bad stomach upset and has given me some nausiating cleaning of my living room rug twice now, and the hall today. She is fine in herself and still wanting to eat and go for walks, but she has obviously eaten something, or maybe something in the river was polluted. Vet told me to starve her - yeah right! I have cut her right down though, about half what she would normally have, if she doesn't get better tomorrow, I will have to be more strict I suppose, but why can't they just give her something, like we would take imodium or something, or kaolin, there must be a doggy equivalent, not just starvation.

The vets phoned me this morning as they had a baby squirrel brought in, tiny, size of a gerbil, and did I know anyone who would look after it? I said I'd look on the 'net but couldn't see anyone within miles. So I thought about it for a few hours, and then decided I'd like to take it on, apparently it was very tame. I called in after walking Emma and they'd already found someone! Was quite upset, but I guess it's great that it's going to get special care.

Hooray, I cut grass today. What a nightmare. Hope it doesn't grow anymore now. Some hopes though. Still got loads to do, aviary needs cleaning out, and I had a ton of sand delivered this week to replenish the flight area. I've carried a few bucket loads up and havent even made an impression on the heap (well it's in a huge bag) It's killed my back and arms, but I can't use the wheelbarrow, the slope is too steep to push it up, its a real killer, bit fed up that I can't do stuff anymore.

Borrowed from Pete

1... what is your favourite bird?

So hard to choose, do I go for character or colour? Garden or elsewhere? I am a pisces for god's sake, I can't decide anything! Okay then Robin.

2...how many pairs of shoes do you have?

1 pair of black leather flats, that I have worn about three times in four years. I have about 6 pairs of trainers, and three pairs of wellies.

3...what did you have for dinner?

Last night now, it was cheese salad

4...could you ever eat snails?

No way yuck

5...what was the last thing you had in your mouth?

Branflakes, still have the remnants now, they stick to your teeth something chronic...

6...what is your best feature?

Haven't got one, but was once told I had lovely hands!

7...what is your worst feature?

My big fat wobbly legs, have always hated them all my life. So out of proportion with the rest of my body. I don't know what I did to inherit them I'm sure. :(

8...who is your best friend?

I suppose I'd have to say Pat as she is the one I see most and do stuff with.

9...who was your childhood nemesis?

Miss Drever, a bitch of a teacher at Junior school. Bloody old cow, still makes my blood boil when I think of the way she humiliated me.

10...having fun?

Oh boy, yes.....

11...where in the world would you like to go to tomorrow?

If circumstances permitted, to this place - Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to look after the orphan Orang utans.

12...when was the last time you lied?

Can't remember right now, but not because I don't, I tell little fibs all the time to avoid upsetting people mainly.

13...why?

See above, doh!

14...how does bob marley like his donuts?

Does he like them at all I ask myself?

15...tell us a secret about yourself.

Erm, I'm really a man. No seriously, I can't think of one, I am not secretive at all, I can't keep my gob shut about anything, if I've done something, I tell the world!

Starting with the hedgehogs in my care. Max still eating so little I can't believe he's still alive. He also passed blood in his wee last night too, and so did Ryan again. Ryan seems to do this every third night, has been very consistent, can't work that one out. Max only wants to eat a very few pieces of chicken, first thing in the morning when it's daylight. I'm wondering if I should try leaving a light on in the porch all night, maybe he doesn't like the dark. He had another pain killer at the vets yesterday, but now I am to just see how he goes, but the vet is really thinking in terms of putting him to sleep. I have to say I am beginning to come around to this too, what with his obvious deformity with the bad leg, not wanting to eat anything, and now weeing blood, the signs are that maybe it would be kinder. I don't think he's ever going to be able to be released, I haven't the facilities here to keep one confined indefinitely, only through hibernation, but he is way too small to allow him to do that even if he survives on what he is eating. I am hopeful of releasing Ryan shortly though, I will put him out in the vacant box in the garden, and hope that he chooses to use it on a permanent basis. If not, I will just have to hope that he will be okay wherever he decides to go. The blood problem is nasty but maybe not life-threatening, it's cystitis and messy but maybe something that hogs get from time to time, and there doesn't appear to be any treatment other than flushing it through, which isn't working too well.

The other bad news is my chicken. I took her to the vets yesterday too, and the vet wanted to put her to sleep there and then. I asked that we could please just try with her, so she had an antibiotic, and I wormed her when I came home as I already had some in the cupboard. We think she may have an infection in the oviduct, she has no appetite, is swollen around her back end, cannot go to toilet, and is very lethargic. Last night, she couldn't even manage to get up on the perch to roost, and again tonight, she is sleeping in the nest box. She seems worse today too, and I think it will be kinder to have her put down too. Sad times unfortunately, as the cockerel will have to be on his own now, I can't get him anymore hens now, I shouldn't have had them as it is, as it's not allowed where I live, but I couldn't bear to rehome him when I came here, I saw him hatch from an egg over 8 years ago, he is a dear little pet. I shall have to try and spend more time with him and he can come round to the back door again, I had to block this off from the big hens as they cause too much mess but his little feet and poos are no trouble. He can sleep in the back in the winter too, it will be warmer than up in the big house on his own.

Today I went to meet my friend in Ammanford as she is staying over there and pet-sitting for her son and d-i-l whilst they have gone on holiday. I got off the main road about a mile in from the M4 roundabout, and heard a bang, and thought at first a bungee had snapped in my boot which I use for holding all the junk in place. Then there was this awful noise coming from the rear of the car, and I thought oh no, must be something more serious, I thought it may even be a rear wheel bearing or the axle. Pulled in at a bus stop to get off the main road, and I had a bloody puncture! That tyre really went with a bang. Luckily it was one that needed changing really anyway, the wall was a bit perished, although the tread was good and it was still legal, only just passed the mot. Anyhow to cut a long boring story short, I just want to say thank god for mobile phones and the RAC. God knows where the nearest phone box was, so I was able to phone my mate and tell her what had happened so she wasn't sitting waiting for me at the shops, and phone the RAC. They said anything between 40 mins to 2 hours! But the guy was there within 15 minutes, which was brilliant and I was on my way, and ended up only being half an hour late.

Had a nice day in the end, took the dogs round the park, it's lovely over there, if I was to move but stay in Wales, I would like to live on the outskirts of Ammanford, her son lives at Hopkinstown and its only 5 minutes out of the town, but completely in the countryside, with stunning views from their house, the scenery round that way is fantastic. Its just so much nearer civilisation, for the shopping areas of Swansea, Llanelli, and an hour nearer the border for visiting home. Worth a thought maybe, I wonder if I could get a transfer.....???

And finally - the weather. It's crazy. There's a hurricane raging outside, it has been breezy today, but very warm, and still is. At 7.30 just as it was getting dark, it was still 70f/21c up by my aviary. The wind out there is horrendous though, I've actually just had to get up and go look out the door. There's going to be a lot of damage tonight. I just hope it isn't to my aviary. I am not going to sleep well tonight for sure, I am cringeing with the noise even in the living room now with the tv on. This was supposed to be here this afternoon, why does it have to be after dark when it sounds worse when you cant see what's happening? Bet theres a lot of poor birds not going to have a good night either.

borrowed from Pete, who borrowed them from Kate, who borrowed them from....
(I need something a little light-hearted after the day I have had, may get around to doing a post about that sometime too)

1. (X) Smoked a cigarette.
2. ( ) Crashed a friend’s car.
3. ( ) Stolen a car.
4. (X) Been in love.
5. (X) Been dumped.
6. (X) Shoplifted.
7. (X) Been fired/laid off.
8. ( ) Been in a fist fight.
9. ( ) Snuck out of your parent’s house.
10. (X) Had feelings for someone that didn’t have them back.
11. ( ) Been arrested.
12. (X) Gone on a blind date.
13. (X) Lied to a friend.
14. ( ) Skipped school.
15. ( ) Seen someone die.
16. (X) Been to Canada.
17. ( ) Been to Mexico.
18. (X ) Been on a plane.
19. ( ) Purposely set a part of yourself on fire.
20. (X) Eaten sushi.
21. ( ) Been skiing.
22. (X) Met someone in person from the internet.
23. (X) Taken pain-killers.
24. (X) Love someone or miss someone right now.
25. (X) Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by.
26. ( ) Made a snow angel.
27. (X) Had a tea party.
28. (X) Flown a kite.
29. (X) Built a sand castle.
30. (X) Gone puddle jumping.
31. (X) Played dress up.
32. (X) Cheated while playing a game.
33. (X) Been lonely.
34. ( ) Fallen asleep at work/school.
35. (X) Used a fake I.D.
36. (X) Watched a sunset.
37. ( ) Felt an earthquake.
38. (X) Touched a snake.
39. (X) Slept beneath the stars.
40. (X) Been tickled.
41. ( ) Been robbed.
42. (X) Been misunderstood.
43. (X) Petted a reindeer/goat.
44. (X) Won a contest.
45. (X) Ran a red light.
46. ( ) Been suspended from school.
47. (X) Been in a car accident.
48. (X) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night.
49. (X) Had deja vu.
50. (X) Danced in the moonlight.
52. (X) Liked the way you looked.
53. (X) Witnessed a crime.
54. (X) Questioned your heart.
55. ( ) Been obsessed with post it notes.
56. (X) Squished barefoot through the mud.
57. (X) Been lost.
58. (X) Been to the opposite side of the country.
59. (X) Swam in the ocean.
60. (X) Felt like dying.
61. (X) Cried yourself to sleep.
62. ( ) Played cops and robbers.
63. ( ) Recently colored with crayons.
64. ( ) Sung karaoke.
65. ( ) Paid for a meal with only coins.
66. (X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t.
67. (X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out your nose.
68. (X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
69. (X) Danced in the rain.
70. (X) Written a letter to Santa Claus.
71. (X) Been kissed under the mistletoe.
72. (X) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
73. (X) Blown bubbles.
74. ( ) Made a bonfire on the beach.
75. (X) Crashed a party.
76. (X) Gone roller-skating.
77. (X) Had a wish come true.
78. (X) Worn pearls.
79. ( ) Jumped off a bridge.
80. ( ) Ate dog/cat food.
81. ( ) Told a complete stranger you loved them.
82. (X) Kissed a mirror.
83. (X) Sang in the shower.
84. (X) Had a dream that you married someone.
85. (X) Glued your hand to something.
86. ( ) Got your tongue stuck to a flagpole.
87. ( ) Kissed a fish.
88. ( ) Sat on a rooftop.
89. (X) Screamed at the top of your lungs.
90. ( ) Done a one-handed cartwheel.
91. ( ) Talked on the phone for more than six hours on one occasion.
92. ( ) Stayed up all night.
93. (X) Didn’t take a shower for a week.
94. (X) Picked and ate an apple right off the tree.
95. ( ) Climbed a tree that had a tree house.
96. ( ) Been told by a complete stranger that you’re hot.
97. (X) Ever had a one night stand.
98. (X) Ever missed someone so much it still hurts to think of them.
99. (X) Ever loved someone that you knew wouldn’t love you back.
100 (X) Ever been to a professional football, or tennis game in a stadium ground.
101.( ) Went hiking in the mountains.
102.( ) Smoked a cigar.
103.(X) Had a crush on someone you worked with but never told them.
104.(X) Wished you had the chance to change your profession.
105.( ) Ever cremated and kept the ashes of a pet you cared a lot about.
106.(X) Wished you could live your life over again from age 21.
107.(X) Been baptized?
108.(X) Rode a horse.
109.( ) Sent flowers to someone you never met

Just a quick update before I start on the evening feeds, my friend has been here all day and haven't had a chance to do much.

Okay the news was that Ryan passed lots more blood again on Saturday night, so I did the water injections again yesterday, poor little devil. I hate doing it, it hurts him, and I can't honestly see that it will do a lot of good, but will have to see how he goes. Otherwise, his sniffly nose seemed to be a lot better last night. He is lively, and eating well. I have to take him back to the vets tomorrow for the next injection.

News not so good on Max. I have managed to have a good feel of his bad leg the past two nights. It is either broken or dislocated. It does however have some movement, he can curl it up under him, but it doesn't appear to have any feeling around the foot, slightly warm though, and doesn't seem to be getting in his way. I have a notion that this has been like it for a long time, because his other leg seems to be slightly twisted at a funny angle, as if he's adapted his walking by placing his one good leg in the middle of his back. Hard to explain. Maybe he has been like this since being tiny. The bad news is that he won't eat anything. Last night I had the dish right in front of his face, and he was sniffing the food, and even walked across the dish, but was not in the slightest bit interested in eating any of it. He deliberately turned away everytime I put it in front of him, or even a tiny piece of chicken, peanut, or cat meat.

Today I rang the hog rescue lady who is in the county. She has no further suggestions to make other than those already given to me ie try feeding with a syringe, so I am going to attempt this tonight. I called in the vets and told them today, although the vet I saw briefly to explain had no knowledge of the hog or the problem, but she is going to leave a note for the vet I see with Ryan and I have to ring first thing to see whether I have to take Max too tomorrow. I don't want to take him and stress him for nothing if they don't think there's any treatment, Marie is going to see about what pain killers. I've bought some chicken and vegetable baby food to try and feed him tonight. He didn't touch any of his food at all last night, nor the night before. Mary at the hog rescue didn't suggest having him over there either, so I will just have to muddle through best I can, she can't do anymore than I can, says I am feeding the same stuff she would. I'm finding it hard to cope with the amount of soaking wet towels I am getting through, especially now the weather has changed, not going to be able to get them dry before I run out - weather is horrendous today, gales and rain, bloody awful, not good for the rest of the week either. I've found an old blanket in the shed though, so I may be able to cut that up into piece if it comes to it.

Well thats about it really, just stick to the hogs today, not done a lot else anyway only the usual stuff since my last entry.

This is going to be a bit different from my normal blog. It's probably going to go on a bit, and will be open to ridicule too, but however, it's something that has been on my mind for a while now, and I want to share it with someone.

It concerns the place that I often post about on here, and have done lots of photographs. It's the place that I term my favourite. It's by the river, with the bridge, the farm fields, the church. I'll put a couple of pics at the end to refresh your memories. It's also where I saw the kingfisher last week, which is part of the story.

I first went there with my ex and our then dog, Spooky, probably about 9 years ago. We went a few times, but not regularly as Spooky was a disobedient bugger, and would run off so he didn't often get a walk, we had our own acre field with a river anyway then, so didn't need to venture far.

Then we split, and I got Emma in 1999, and it was the following year that I first went there with her, I actually lived nearer to the place then, only four miles away instead of eight. There's always been something about it. It doesn't seem to matter what the weather is elsewhere, it always seems warmer there, calmer, a kind of serene stillness, especially in one particular spot. The river itself varies along its length from gentle open pools, to rushing, noisy white water and then back to stillness.

When I first went there with Emma, we parked near the Church, and you walk down a track through woodland to the river. You can then either walk the length of the river under the shelter of the trees, but this tends to get quite muddy as the sun rarely gets on it, or you can go through the iron swing-gate stile and walk on the public footpath through three fields until you hit the lane and turn back. I usually do both, it takes about half an hour at a reasonabe amble so that Emma can have a good old sniff and not be too hurried, and of course, the water. Emma used to be funny about the walk. Sometimes she still is. She will just stand and not want to go on. They say dogs can sense things we can't, and I often wondered if it was because of the graveyard. There is an old part to the graveyard, the Church at the top of the hill looks old too but I've not found out much about it, but shall do so now. There's also some modern graves with bright shiny headstones. I often stop and read them. The church itself stands high, with almost a sheer drop behind down to the valley where the river runs.

Once, I walked down the track to the first bit of the river you come to and there is a grassy bank, with a couple of trees, but the sun gets to this bit, it's nice to sit and watch and contemplate. Round the base of one of the trees was a little bouquet of flowers, and you could see clearly that someone or something's ashes had been scattered. I wonder if it was a dog.

Okay I've set the scene now, what I'm trying to get at is the fact that I think there is something about this place. I have always got this feeling here. Emma's uneasiness, my good vibes feelings, then last week, the kingfisher, when I thought about one, and instantly, there was one. Now I want to put about yesterday.

I will try to be brief, two years ago now, I fell out with a very good friend, over something very trivial. Things had been building though for a while. I was depressed and mentally getting tired of my life, and various things which I won't go into now all got on top of me about our friendship. She had just met a new guy, and I was thrilled for her, it took a bit of pressure off me, or so I thought, as she was becoming too reliant on my help, and I couldn't keep it up any longer, I had enough of my own problems. So to cut a long story short, I was glad of a way out. I didn't want it to mean end of, nothing, but that's the way it turned out. I have often felt awful about this, and we did meet up once after I relented because she kept phoning me, but it didn't work out, and ended up being very nasty (from her) I got a snotty letter and was told I needed professional help. Little did she know that I was getting that at the time, but still.

Anyhow, she lives about 12 miles away, and our paths have rarely crossed. I have seen her in the distance about three times in 18 months, but I rarely go where she goes. I actually saw her about two weeks ago now in a nearby town, across the street looking in a shop window. Since then I've been thinking what a shame we couldn't still be friends, I do miss her company, but I can't stand the way she is with all the animals she has, that's what really got to me, she has dozens and dozens, and they don't get looked after properly, I won't go into more detail, but I just found it too upsetting seeing the conditions of her pet cages, bird cages, and outdoor animals living in filth. I ended up being a skivvy to be honest, because I felt sorry for them, and her really. I can't get back into that again. But anyway, she has been on my mind.

Yesterday, I went to my place, and her car was there. I should've explained, she has 4 dogs, well she did when I last had contact, knowing her, she could have 10 by now, I think she has that many cats...

My first reaction was oh hell no, I'll go somewhere else, but then I thought, no why should I, and I was then actually quite eager to meet her face to face, to say hello, how are you, etc. Her car was parked on the road by the bridge, there's only enough space there for the one, so I went down the lane a bit further and parked in the car park by the village hall. From there, I walked up the slope to the church, down the track to the river, knowing I wouldn't meet her on that bit, she doesn't walk on slopes. No sign. So Emma went in the water, and I started walking along the river back toward where her car was parked to see if she was heading that way. No. I went all the way along as far as I could till I could see her car, the car was still there, she wasn't in it. So I thought she must be on the fields. So Emma and I walked two of the three fields, there were cows in the third, so forget it! No, she wasn't there either. Mysterious, I couldn't possibly have missed her, no way, unless she had seen me and was hiding! But her dogs would have given her away.

I felt a bit disappointed. I really had wanted to say hello. We started back toward the stile, and then I saw her! On the other side of the river, ah-ha, that would account for it. There's a private track for the fishing club that side, but I have walked it a few times, makes a change. I stayed where I was, and watched her, and she was definitely hiding from me. Everytime I looked across, she hid behind a tree, so I just stayed where I was and pretended I hadn't noticed and was looking at the water. I thought it strange that there were no dogs with her though. I thought, oh this is so stupid, and started up towards her car, I thought, you will have to come out eventually, I'll just wait by the car, then you will have to speak to me. The car was gone! I then thought oh Jon must be in on it, and has driven off and will come back for her, how odd. Anyway, I waited by the bridge,and could see out of the corner of my eye, she was making her way out to the bridge too. I was looking down into the water, and when she was within about 10 yards of me on the bridge I turned to say hello, and IT WASN'T HER!!!!! It was a guy. They had exactly the same build, wearing exactly the same clothes, a bumbag round the waist, the same as she always did, cropped hair, dark blue shorts, t-shirt, same figure (she was overweight) I couldn't believe it.

So why was this person hiding, and how the hell did Wendy get back to her car with dogs or even only one dog, without crossing my path, it was impossible.

I am completely freaked out about this now. I hope you haven't found this too boring, but I wanted to put it all down. There is something about that place I'm sure, something strange goes on there. I must find out more about it. It's like some kind of time warp.

The Church

















The bridge

















The fields

Took Ryan and Emma to see John the Vet this morning. Ryan had passed no more blood since yesterday morning thank goodness. Was very lively today too. We decided to try the treatment that St T's had recommended, ie flushing his kidneys through with fluid. We went for 40ml of saline fluid, I have the plastic drip thing hanging on the back door now to get more to do myself. Poor Ryan though, it meant injecting him in various parts of his body, about 8 in all, but he was very brave. I have to do another 40ml myself very shortly, I can't keep taking him to the vets twice a day now. I haven't got to take him back until Tuesday now, as we decided to stop the antibiotics as also recommended by St Ts. As mentioned yesterday, they had the little hog with the suspected broken leg, and John asked if I was happy to take him on, there is no treatment for him, we just have to see how he goes, so I said yes of course. So now my back porch is like something out of Animal Hospital! I can't put him in with Ryan as they don't want him moving around too much. Hopefully, the leg will heal. I haven't really been able to see much, but he was laying down earlier with it at a funny angle, it may be the ankle joint. Poor little thing must've got it caught in something. Fingers crossed he can manage because it will be awful if he has to have it amputated. There's no way I would let him be put to sleep either, I would either find a safe home for him, or keep him myself. Anyway, wouldn't have to worry about that until next year anyway, because hibernation is looming.

John checked Emma's neck area. She still has a lump on one side, but he is still pretty sure it's just the salivary gland. She is not dribbling now, so we are leaving it to see how she gets on. The staining of her fur under her chin is fading which is great.

Other than that, I went shopping this afternoon and spent a fortune as usual. Morrisons had loads of offers on stuff I always buy, so stocked up again, and also bought a new ink cartridge for my HP printer, so that was an extra expense to normal, and got £5 worth of Morrisons cat food, which is the one that the hogs always seem to like, plus a lot more chicken joints. They do a box of ready to eat cooked chicken for £1 which is great news, you couldn't buy it raw and cook it for less with the electric used. And no greasy dishes to wash up either!

Diesel is down to 93.9 too which is great news, it was 101.9 not long ago, it meant a saving of £5 on a fill. Can't complain though, I got 460 miles for £40, so it works out at less than 10p a mile for me, which is cheaper than it was years ago when we ran a Vauxhall cavalier, it only did about 28 to the gallon I think round here with all the hills.

Well I'm doing this very quickly in the half time of the football I'm watching - my team West Ham v Palermo. Stupid idiots have just conceded a soft goal right on half time. Grrrrrrrrr!

Well as soon as it finishes, I have to go inject poor Ryan. Wish me luck. Meanwhile here is a picture of the newby. I have called him/her Max. No idea of the sex, it curls up too tight to see, and I don't want to mess with it anyway, it's little leg probably hurts enough as it is. Max can be a boy or girls name. And if you're wondering how I got to that name, well my mind works in mysterious ways. I though of something with three legs, and thought of the symbol for the Isle of Man, and then thought of Manx. Thought I can't call it Manx, cos it sounds like manky, so dropped the "n" See, I told you, I am most strange......

Poor Max drank and drank when he was settled in his new box

Not so good news about Ryan. After my blog this morning, I went to check him first thing like I always do to see if he's eaten all his food, and there was an awful lot of blood in the cage. So I sent an email to St Tiggywinkles explaining everything. It asks you not to phone them unless it's an emergency, so I didn't think it would be classed as such, seeing as it had happened before, and I have him for another couple of weeks yet, and he seems otherwise okay.

Anyway when I took him to the vets I showed Lowry the piece of newspaper and we discussed the course of action. She felt that maybe we should try some different antibiotics as they may not be agreeing with him. Whilst he was in the carry box and we were chatting, he did another lot of wee, and it was about 75% blood. :(

Also that morning, they had another poor hog brought in to them which looked like it has broken its leg. It is smaller and younger than Ryan, and she asked me what the likelihood of it's survival would be etc and what could be done, as it had curled up so tightly they couldn't examine it. Gave as much info as I could, and said that it would probably only come out to eat after dark. If they had a problem I would have it here with Ryan to see how it gets on. Anyway, she said she would phone Tiggys and see what advice she could get about both Ryan and the new one, and would let me know. I said I'd call in later as I was out for the day.

Stopped by about 4 oclock, and she said that Tiggywinkles lady hadn't been very helpful, and said not to give Ryan any more antibiotics, and to give him lots of fluids under the skin, equivalent to 10% of his bodyweight, everyday! Lowry worked this out to be 100ml of water, which is a hell of a lot. Neither of us were happy about injecting this amount into the poor little thing, so she has said see if I get any other suggestions in reply to my email.

Regarding the other little hoglet, they said they would try to mend the leg at the hospital or amputate. If amputation was needed, then the hog could not ever be returned to the wild. Lowry said if that happened if they couldn't find a permanent safe home they would have to euthanise it. :(

Getting naffed off with it now. Having terrible nights with lack of sleep, keep waking up and can't get off again, my brain won't switch off. Yesterday it was about 4am, at least I have to be thankful that it was 5.30 today I guess, and I did get to bed about 11.30. Having lots of hot flushes lol, which aren't that bad I suppose, because normally I was always so cold, so it's quite pleasant to be warm once in a while!

Well thought this would be a good opportunity to catch up with the last few days, I seem to be so busy lately, couldn't see me having any time later on. The main thing of note that has happened is that I had to take the new laptop back to PC World, because I was unhappy with pixelization (if that's what it's called) on the screen. This had increased from one or two bright dots on the mid-right handside to over 20 bright dots, and for a new machine didn't think it was right. They couldn't fix it, and hadn't got the same one to give me as a replacement, which, in all honesty, was a bit of a relief, I was glad of an excuse to get rid of it, had a couple of things about it which I hated actually, the mouse was horrible, noisy and clicky, and I kept catching my finger in the rim round the edge of it, the dvd drive was at the front and you had to tip the machine up to see where to press the opening button, the fan was noisy etc etc. Anyhow, I feigned disappointment when they said they hadn't got another one in stock and asked if I could choose something else then. Spent ages looking, and also looked online when I got home, because I had to come back and collect all the power supply, boxes and books, and get my private stuff from it. Nailed it down to a choice of three, which were all slightly more expensive, but I didn't mind putting a bit more to it, cos dear old mum had sent me the money for the other one anyway, which was completely unexpected, so thought I could well upgrade to something a bit better. Long story short, everyone I chose was out of stock! I didn't want something with a Intel Celeron in, not that they are bad, but just wanted something better than the basic processor. Ended up with a Packard Bell Easynote, with the latest Centrino Duo Core. Very fast, quite pleased with the performance. Not pleased with the fact that its version of Windows XP is the 2002 one, which has different graphics and display modes to the Advent I took back, and no Microsoft Works, but luckily my friend Irene has these on disc so I am off over there today to update this. Let's hope this one lasts longer than three weeks. The only thing that has now completely pissed me off is that I did a google check on the model of the machine last night to see if there were any reviews, and found out that Currys, which are part of the same group as PC World and are right next door, are doing this for £100 less. I wanted to kill myself frankly. Yet again has money been thrown away. But it did say very limited offer, so I am convincing myself that they would have sold out and I wouldn't have been able to get one there anyway. Not that PC World would give me my money back anyway, I did ask, and was greeted by a laugh in a polite but oh you must be joking way! Thing is I didn't really want my money back I just wanted a new laptop, and I didn't want to buy one from Comet really, they are a pain in the bum with their high-pressure-sell-you-the-extended-warranty sales pitch. Had all that before with the last one, was very embarrassing.

Okay enough about that, bet you are all bored to tears. Not much else to report though really, apart from the weather has been lovely and warm. Just let Emma out for a wee though and it's been raining so that means the grass will be too wet to cut today, but that's a relief really.

Ryan is doing okay. He's gone from 850g from the last weigh-in to 1005g yesterday. He still has a very snotty nose, but it's clear fluid, and he is very lively and inquisitive, obviously eating well, so fingers crossed he will be okay. Vet thinks it could be cysitis causing the blood in his wee, and the antibiotics should be helping that anyway. I have to check back on my blog in a bit to see if this is the last week of injections, I thought this was only week three but vet seemed to think this was the last week. I have arranged that on Thursday I will take the injection for Saturday to do myself as it's such a pain to go to the surgery on a Saturday, they are so busy, even though I went an hour after surgery was officially closed, I still had to wait forever just to be in there for about 1 minute. I'd be quite happy to do all of the injections actually, I was doing that for Snuffles last year, no problem, and he wasn't as co-operative and tame as Ryan.

Well it's now 6.45 am, just getting light and I am going to see if I can grab another hour's sleep like I did at this time yesterday, so will end this exciting blurb now. ;)

Could it be magic, or that's probably not the right word to use, I can't think what is, but when you think about something, and it happens?

I'm just back from a walk with Emma. Another wonderful day here today, really hot, blue blue skies, smiley face weather for me. I took her down to the river, the place I love the best, which I have posted numerous pictures of before. It was here earlier in the year that I caught a very brief, was it or wasn't it glimpse of a kingfisher, the only time I've ever seen one that I can remember, although possibly when I was a kid in Kent and we used to go fishing a lot. Anyway, Emma was in the water, and I was thinking of the thread on BBF about bogey birds for some reason, and thought, Ive never yet really seen a Kingfisher. I looked up, and there was one, flying down river, no mistaking it this time. It then stopped and perched on the top of a reed for about 10 seconds, and then flew off again further away. This all happened within 10 yards of me! It was of course a thrill to see one, but it was the way it appeared as I thought about it that I can't get over. I've been down that river, being quiet as a mouse, time and time again, and trying to see if I could see one, and nothing. Then out of the blue (literally.....)

On a more serious note, I am a bit worried about Ryan. Well a bit is an understatement really. Quite worried. When I first got him, at first he was in the carry box, before I set the cage up, and I used some old towels to keep him warm. A couple of times, there was some blood on them, but I couldn't be 100% sure that it wasn't a stain that had been there, and suddenly showed up again when the towel was wet with his wee. Then of course there was last week when the nurse did his injection, and he bled from the needle piercing him. Well, this morning I looked in his cage to see if he'd eaten all his food, and there was a lot of blood on the newspaper. Absolutely not there last night, and I cleaned him out yesterday anyway, so it wasn't there for sure, and hadn't come from his injection this time. It was everywhere that was wet, where he had wee'd I think. One place, there was actually like a lumpy clot bit. I picked him up and looked all over, and could see no wounds or anywhere that the blood had come from, although I guess it could be somewhere in his spines, I do hear him scratching an awful lot. I really hope this is the case, and he's not passing it in his wee. He seems fine otherwise, is eating and very lively, so fingers crossed. I'll mention it to the vet again when I go on Tuesday, but quite honestly, it seems that I know more about hogs than they do. If anyone reading this has any suggestions, would be glad to hear them.

Oh yeah, first time I've used my new lappie out in the garden - wow it's great... I can see the screen! They've obviously improved things in the three years since I bought the other one, that was awful, really had to guess what I was looking at and typing, impossible to see with outside daylight on it.

Started doing the polishing on my car earlier. Big mistake. You shouldn't do it in brilliant sunshine, it dries before you can buff it off, consequently, it left horrible smears. I only did the roof, and then stopped. It means I've got to do it again. On which note, I shall depart as it has clouded up and now is the perfect opportunity unfortunately.....

OMG, I have virtually watched about 50 tomatoes ripen before my very eyes today. I have had 19 plants on the go this summer, only three in the greenhouse, the rest outside in pots in various parts of the garden. Each plant has hardly produced many tomatoes, although I have had quite a few. They are called Sweet One Million, mum sent me the packet of seeds up. Now I prefer Sweet 100, but we had a disaster with them last year so thought we'd try these. Well, not impressed really, although 19 out of 20 seeds produced a plant, whereas last year, I had 4 plants from about 30 seeds. Anyhow, these have been mainly green, and lots have fallen off, the plants are dying out now, I picked a lot yesterday in half done mode to try and lighten the load, and I have had lots on my kitchen windowsill ripening this past week or so. Now I have a zillion tomatoes. They are the small cherry ones, and frankly, I don't know why I bother, it's nice I suppose to grow your own, but I honestly prefer the little teeny weeny ones you can get from Lidls, the Spanish ones, the Dutch ones are horrible. You can tell I am an expert tomato eater. Shouldn't really eat them either, they are murder for arthritis, but it looks like I may be on salad for a while! The guinea pigs have a couple a day, maybe they will get an increase too.

Anyway, what else today - well took Ryan to the vets, they tell me to come at 11 am on a Saturday, as its always busy, and the surgery should be all over and finished. Not today, there were four still waiting. I didn't get seen till 11.40. A vet I'd not seen before although I think she's been there a while, seen the name on the door anyway. The other vet came in too to take a look, neither of them had been that close to a hedgehog before. They were most impressed with my knowledge, and I showed them Ryan's little fangs, they didn't know they had teeth like that either!

On the way back, I saw a very sad thing. There was a hoglet at the side of the road, about half a mile out of the village. Didn't look dead, looked as if it was about to walk out into the road. I carried on a way, and turned round and went back, but sadly it was dead. A tiny little hog. Only injuries on it were a little bit of blood on the sole of its little feet, and his left eye had been knocked out. Tiny, tiny little undeveloped teeth, no fangs like Ryan. I brought him home and buried him. Poor little bugger. Made me cry.

After that I put the guinea pigs out in the pen in the back garden, their first trip to the lawn for a few weeks, what a change from last Saturday too, when we were lashed with gales and rain. It was a bit breezy earlier, but the wind dropped this afternoon, and it's been glorious and baking hot again. Cleaned out their cage, and then took Emma for a walk, just round the village, I couldn't be bothered to get in the car again today. There's a bit of rough ground across the road, and a couple of footpaths leading so we can do a circular walk really, takes about 45 mins so plenty of exercise, and she gets to do about a third of it off the lead. Downside - no water. She nearly managed to get in a muddy puddle though, just saw it in time.

Came back, and I cleaned the car! Don't faint. I actually got a bucket and sponge and warm soapy water, and a toothbrush (to get the green out of the black trim, I hate that, sort of mossy stuff) I normally only go through Morrisons car wash. Can't remember the last time I cleaned it by hand, must be near on a year! Car washes are all well and good, but they don't get to the bits underneath, or the green mossy bits, or the cow shit that is splattered all along the sills. Lovely job. Anyhow, I finally got the t-cut out too and got off the red paint mark from my rear door when some pleb smashed their car door against it. That's been there for about 6 months too. If it's nice tomorrow, I am going to put a coat of polish on it for the winter, I did it about this time last year, the paintwork on the roof in particular is very dull. I want to cherish this car for as long as possible. It's 11 years old now (M-reg) and not a speck of rust. At least the French can do something right. ;)

Beautiful day today. I thought I deserved a day off and a treat after my exertions of yesterday. Thought beach. Thought where though, still a lot of dog ban beaches until 30th of the month. Fancied lunch out, sitting in the sun, watching the sea, nothing fancy, just a roll, cake and a coffee maybe. Cwm Tudu (pronounced "coom tiddy" if you are remotely interested) Off we toddled. I need to buy peanuts too, so thought I'd get them on the way back.

Arrived just in time for lunch, tide right out too, which makes a change. It's such a small cove, there isn't much to walk on if the tide is up. The front parking area by the beach was full up, people everywhere. Drove round to the back car park. One of them was roped off, closed. Damn, the other one is a £1. Now I don't mind that for a day out, but when you're only gonna be there under an hour, I prefer not to. Anyway, thought oh to hell with it. You pay at the take-away, which is where I was headed for lunch. They have three tables outside, and I can sit there with Emma. Walked down. Shut! No way, it's still holiday time. This is the very same cafe that I went to earlier in the year on a similar day, and it wasn't open until Easter. How the hell do they make a living? Open for 5 months a year, in a tiny, tiny little cove, where probably 50% of the visitors bring their own stuff? It's beyond me. Anyway, took Emma for a long walk, the beach was crap, even though the tide was out, it was covered in weird seaweed. Nearly slipped over on it, how embarrassing would that have been, about 50 pairs of eyeballs watching me, lol! So after Emma had her paddle, we went up the cliff path, and along and back out on the main road down and back to the car. There's another posher restaurant/tea room opposite where I'd parked, and a couple sitting outside. So I thought oh well, just get a cuppa and a cake or something. No, they were shut too, it was just the owner and his missus sunning themselves!

Decided to go to New Quay then, but I was determined not to have chips, I've been eating them far too much lately, the McDonalds variety. So I resisted the temptation, even though it's the best fish and chips in the world. I thought I'd go to the pub at the top of the hill, and sit outside in the beer garden with a sarnie. Parked up, walked back with Emma. Went into the garden, tied her up. Walked up to the door which leads into the bar, and there was a sign on the door "Closed for refurbishment" FFS! I bought a tuna baguette and a coffee from a takeaway down the road, at last somewhere was open that was selling food, and we went down onto the beach to eat. There was a family with the man (adult, 40-ish) having a tantrum. Nearly pissed myself laughing. He stomped off in a sulk and sat on a rock on his own, saying he was fed up with being treated like a child! Lol. He was with his wife (presumably) their child, and his mum and dad (judging from the looks of them, no wonder he was a bit strange!) Next I looked across and there was someone's dog bonking someone else's dog, and the owner of the dog underneath shouted across to the owner of the bad, bad dog something about keeping his bloody dog under control else he would get it! Oh you do see life when you are just hoping for a nice tranquil, pleasant lunch......

The tide was out a way. I finished the tuna (with Emma's help) and whilst I was drinking my coffee, which was still just under boiling point, I said to Emma "are you going down the water then?" With that, she trotted off down to the sea, which was a good 75 yards away I guess, and went in, had a splash round, and came trotting back. I could see lots of people watching her, and thinking awww bless, the same as me. She is such a good little dog.

They were doing something with the lifeboat and the launch vehicles in the town, couldnt make out what, just practice manoeuvres I think. Still it was something to watch whilst I ate my ice-cream! It was so clear there today, as you came down from the top of the hill, you could clearly see the windfarm at Aberystwyth, which is about 20 miles up the coast, and in the far distance, you could see Snowdonia, which is mega miles away.

Came back and got my washing in, and did the late feed. It seems so strange that the bushes are not full of birds when I do them now, there's this eerie silence, not because the hawk is here either. Already they have learned not to hang around all day, much more sensible. If I was normal, and went out to work, they would only get fed first thing, and then maybe again when I got home in the evening, not four times a day or more like I have been doing for a few years now. In winter, I guess lots of people who are out at work all day only get to feed once, as its dark before they get home. They soon appear as soon as I put some out though. It's working out pretty well. A jugful of wild bird seed and mixed corn in the morning, and again at teatime, plus a couple of handfuls of sunflower hearts each time. Thats about a quarter of what they were getting. Then my new metal feeder I am keeping topped up, but that only needs doing about every other day.

Oh well thats it then, time to do the tea again. Few pictures to put on too if this thing is working.

I've been so busy today, I am truly exhausted, and feeling my age! I got up and put washing in first thing, took Ryan to the vets, cleaned out his cage when I got back, and then set up my new washing line (twice, didn't like where I put it the first time) hung out the washing, put some more in, fed my birds, cleaned the windows which were in a horrible greasy state where I'd had the sunflower heart feeders - that stuff is so hard to get off, I had to scrape it off with my fingernail mainly, and it took both Astonish and Windolene to get rid of it, and even then not entirely.

Ate my lunch, decided to take Emma out and then get back at a reasonable hour and cut all the grass as it was sunny and windy, and drying out. Took her round the park in Llandysul, haven't been there for ages. Saw a pair of grey wagtails today, and a dipper, plus two different types of dragon fly. When we came out of the park I thought I'd call into the vets again with Emma and see about her throat problems. There was only about four people in there, so thought I'd wait. Well it was near on an hour before I got in to see John, the new vet (he saw Ryan this morning, nice guy) I explained about her coughing, and the horrible brown saliva that she has been dribbling. He felt all round her throat very thoroughly, and went to get Marie for a second opinion. Worried me slightly because he was talking about could be thyroid, could be lymph nodes, or just a salivary gland infection. Luckily Marie agreed with the latter and Em is on antibiotics for a week and have to take her back next Thursday to see if the swelling has gone down. She's got a definite lumpy bit on one side of her. Last night, she was soaking all down her chest and her ears, it was like she'd had her head in her drink bowl, so I thought it can't go on unchecked. Hope this will clear it up anyway.

So we got back at 4 oclock and then I cut the grass, and did the strimming, which took me to 6 oclock. Then got in all the washing, folded and put away, changed my bed, did the pets teas and mine, did the washing up, then had to go and shut everything in, how depressing was that too, all the birds had finished feeding and gone in by 7.30 tonight, even though it was bright. The nights are really drawing in so fast now. :( Then put all the hogs food dishes out.

Had a casualty on the path at lunchtime too, Emma found it, I almost didn't notice, but a poor young greenfinch had obviously bashed into the living room window and was splayed out on the ground, looking very dazed. I guess it was fleeing from the bloody sparrowhawk, as there was deathly silence around the garden as usual. I picked him up and popped him in Ryan's carry box in the shed for a while, then I noticed he was looking a bit livelier, but kept him there until I could see and hear other birds around again, then put him in the holly. He stayed there for about 15 minutes looking warily at me, but then flew off, bless.

So that was my exciting day today. Now I am thoroughly knackered, and my back is breaking! Cutting that grass is getting harder and harder now, especially when its wet like it was today, I had to unclag the mower after, about a bucketful of mud all stuck round it underneath, no wonder it was so bloody heavy to push. This stupid garden, I wish I had the money to get rid of about 75% of the grass here, its so unnecessary, especially as it's on about a 60 degree slope, I am like at the bottom of a pit here at the back and sides, and its always wet. Just the little patch of grass at my front would be enough for me to cope with.


The Greenfinch with a headache

The weather is ridiculous, thick foggy drizzle earlier, so needed to put a jacket on but ended up taking it off and just deciding to get wet, it's so hot and humid, over 70f. It actually poured with rain a few times too, the garden is back to it's normal soggy self with 8 inch long grass, which I really hate. If I remember rightly, I never got to cut the grass here last year from about now on because it was never dry enough, hope it doesn't happen again.

Not much to report today really. Cut down drastically on the amount of food I have put out for the birds today, but have topped up with supplies from Pets at Home as I was running low on stuff, and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. I didn't get peanuts from there though, they are miles too expensive, £14.99 for 12.75 kilos, I can get 25 kilos from the farm shop for £17. Will pop over there tomorrow or Friday, have enough for a couple more days yet. Looks like the hawk had a greenfinch though, theres a few wing feathers near the kitchen window. Hope it was the sick one that was here yesterday. :( I'm going to just put a couple of handfuls of sunflower hearts out twice a day from now on, and just mainly stick to peanuts for the birds, but I think I said all that yesterday. I may also start giving a bit more brown bread too, I already crumble that up each day for my two doves in the aviary, and it's still a great favourite with the wild birds, it's taken in preference to other stuff by robins in particular.

Took Emma round the reservoirs again, it's a great place to go when it's raining too at the moment with all the leaves on the trees, didn't get wet at all, Emma did of course, because she went in and had a snort round a couple of times!

Went to Morrisons - oh how I hate that shop! I had a list of about 7 items just needed to top up with, couple of salad things, some milk etc. Ended up spending about £44! It's always the same in there, they were doing lots of buy one, get one frees on things that I always buy - I don't fall into the trap of buying stuff I don't normally have, but the shampoo I always buy, the biscuits I always buy, the yoghurts I always buy..... so I stocked up. And I also couldn't resist a patio pot of lovely winter plants, and also a hanging basket which will replace my petunia one when it finally finishes flowering.

Oh yeah, I went to McDonalds (yes, I know, AGAIN!) Can't help it, I love the stuff, anyway this was to check on the McFlurry container situation. As I expected, they are still using the old ones with the hedgehog head traps. I just knew they would be, and they had a huge long stack of them in the rack. The girl who served me knew nothing about the new ones. Bloody typical. It will be months before they change them I expect, hedgehogs will have hibernated by then but I wonder how many more will die first. :(

My new pots:

Few things to catch up on first, not much that's very exciting or worth mentioning really that's why I've not written before. Main thing of note is that my old laptop finally decided enough was enough and refused to boot up on Saturday. Spent all day trying to get it going with the help of some wonderful guys on digitalspy computing forum, to no avail. It was suggested that I may be able to retrieve the stuff from my hard disk by buying a device that you can plug into the usb socket on my new one, so I did this on Sunday, and thankfully it worked. Serves me right for taking my time really and not transferring what I wanted sooner. Good thing though is that this new device just acts like an extra hard disk, I don't actually have to transfer the stuff, I can just click on what I want, like my music or photos when I want them, so I in effect have increased my hd on here by another 20GB to 80GB YAY! The only thing you can't save is the emails in Outlook Express, I think they don't actually go onto your hard disk, they are stored elsewhere in the computer. In a way it was lucky I had something to do on Saturday, because the weather was horrendous, lashing rain and gales all day, never went out except to do the birds and got soaked each time.

Sunday was better, went to town and bought the above device, went to McDonalds (again, tut) and then took Emma round the reservoirs - that place is just so handy, lovely walk, sheltered, peaceful, interesting, and for Emma - water, whoopee! She was so funny. Because of the rain, the bits she can get in were a little deeper than before, but she got in anyway. Now she doesn't like to swim or go out of her depth, but the water came right up to her chin, so she was like walking along snorting like mad like she does when she is panicking, her ears floating, and it looked just like she was swimming, lol.

Yesterday, Pat came for the day as her car was having pre-Mot work doing, and we went to Newcastle Emlyn, took dogs round the Castle and then had lunch in the riverside cafe which was nice. The weather is so strange at the moment, it's very grey and overcast, but so warm, (not complaining) T-shirt weather, but occasionally need a jacket cos it pees down with rain!

I'm just back from the vets with Ryan. He's still pretty much the same, he doesn't actually appear ill apart from his snotty nose, and the occasional shuddering breath. He is eating like a horse, last night he ate a whole chicken drumstick (minus the bones and grotty bits *puke* ) and a 100g cat food portion, plus lots of peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet pellets and sultanas! He's eating more than Snuffles did when I had him here ill, and he's only half the size. Today was the bad day where he has to have 3 injections, poor little bugger. Have to go again tomorrow and Thursday with him, but he just has one each time then.

I got my appointment through from the Hospital for the hearing assessment - the letter came the next morning after I called in! How's that for speed? It's for the 19th September. I had to go to the doctors for something yesterday, so had her check my ears first because they need to make sure you ain't bunged up with ear wax (ergggh) All clear, so I am just half-deaf. Great. Doc thinks I won't be put on the bottom of the list, but will probably get my hearing aid in about 2 to 3 months after the appointment, so something to really look forward to then!

Okay now to the sad decision bit. I bet you are all dying to know what it is, and have probably scrolled through the above bit, so eager to find out. Well it's no joking matter really, but I have decided to stop putting food out for the birds all day every day. The reason for this is I have been so upset this past few days now, having to pick up the thousand feathers from poor Collared Doves that the Sparrowhawk is picking off at will here. I know Hawks have to eat, but I just find it too distressing for words. Three afternoons running I have come home and found feathers in various parts of the garden, huge clumps of bloody feathers. Cleared them up as best I could, so that I don't have to keep thinking about it, and then this morning, at 8 oclock went out to let the chickens out and there was another load by my back door. The hawk is taking them in flight, they have no chance.

Apart from that, I have now had three sick greenfinches again, huddled and puffed up, and have read that trichomonias is setting in, and I can't go through all that like last winter again. So sadly I have come to the conclusion that the pleasure I get out of watching the birds in my garden is outweighed by the stress I get from seeing them suffer. And of course there is the expense, I spend around £20 a week at least, it could even be £30 feeding wildlife, I really must cut back on that anyway, I'm nbot wealthy by any means.

Now of course I shan't stop entirely, I intend to still have three peanut feeders, one of fat balls and the sunflower heart one, (the new silver one I bought last week,) but I am doing away with the window feeders, the bird tables and the ground feeders which have the wild bird seed out all day, and the sunflower heart carousel that is up the top of the garden. I feel sad, but if I gradually do it now whilst it's still warm and there should be natural food around, it won't be so hard. For the time being I shall just halve what I am putting out, then do it only once a day. My two chickens aren't eating that much now, and I shall just give them a dish of food first thing and in the afternoon, and I shall put out a handful or two of sunflower hearts on the ground and some suet pellets for the robins and dunnocks a couple of times a day too, but no more non-stop food supplies so that birds are hanging round here from dawn to dusk. In all honesty, I hardly see them anyway now, it's mainly the jackdaws, doves and finches and sparrows that need to look elsewhere, the tits and other little 'uns will still get some food. If there's no big birds here, hopefully the hawk will sod off elsewhere. The birds are so nervy at present, the slightest movement and they are instantly off, so I'm not seeing them anyway, and it's only going to be a matter of time before I see that hawk actually taking a bird, and I can't bear that, I've seen and heard it a few times before, and the screams of those birds is just too awful to bear. It's also going to help slightly with the feeling of being tied here too, in fact if I didn't feed the birds here, my friend would have the two chickens for a few days, and the birds in my aviary could survive for at least 4 days with extra food and water without suffering, so it's the bird and hedgehog feeders which are my main tie as it is, so I would be able to get away to see my mum a bit more often I think without having to rely on anyone else. Oh well, wish me luck. I don't like it much, but I think it's for the best.