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 Wednesday May 24

We still regret that we cancelled our Mull visit - whilst believing that it was the right thing to do. Intending to have a relaxing few days, it has been difficult to do so with the demands of running a house and garden which have been largely left for five weeks. The house was spotless, Sam had worked her magic. During this time of year a few hours once a week in the garden is not enough to keep it under control. Adrian was very put out at the rampant weeds etc. We had adopted 'no-mow May', but the front lawn had proved too much of an eyesore (quote). The back lawn is rufty-tufty yet flowerless. No weed killer has been applied for the last two years, since we dispensed with the services of Green Thumb. The bottom wild bit has plenty of daisies and dandelions, the wild flower planting doesn't seem to have really taken off.

As the temperature has risen, our moth catch has improved. yesterday we had 17 species of macro moth including: 

The Seraphim

 



Coronet, Clouded-bordered Brindle, White ermine, Light Brocade, Scalloped Hazel and Common Pug.

To-day's included Eyed Hawk-moth

There were also two Micro moths. A Light Bown Apple and a Syndemis musculana, Dark-barred Tortrix.

 


One of these days, I'll take the time to pose my moths artistically on a natural background.  These are all egg box/tube photos.

Yesterday, we had to take Pam's gaffer-taped Swarovski binoculars to CleySpy. Both barrels had cracks and loose material patches. Apparently it's a known fault. Swarovski swapped to a more eco-friendly material and there have been teething problems. Being their usual friendly and helpful selves, Pam was lent a pair of Bressner 8x32s whilst hers are returned to Swarovski for repair/replacement. I believe that Bressner are a South African company, our tour guide there used that make.

We had to be home in time for the Sainsbury delivery but we took the opportunity to drive home via the Cley Waterworks and ford. We were able to add Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler to the year list. We are yet to see a Swift - not on the whole of the journey home from the Outer Hebrides nor during our few days in Norfolk. 'Our' House Martins are back and nesting, the Ridlington Swifts have not been seen. The Swallows went missing a few years ago.

Time to plant the sweet corn and runner bean seeds Pam started in poly bags + compost in North Uist into their growing trays. The two cucumber and four pepper plants which accompanied us on holiday, lovingly tended and cared for by Pam, have flourished and are ready for their final growing place. In the lean-to greenhouse floor for the cucumbers, large pots for the peppers.

 

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