Living in the centre of France, in addition to the aircraft going across we also have the migrating Cranes heading north in the Spring and south in Autumn flying above us. Last year they didn't come until mid-December, but for the past couple of days they have been calling to each other in their hundreds while in flight, as it is the sound that first draws your attention to them. Last year was a short mild winter which is why they were possibly late, so expect a longer colder winter than last year. You have been warned.
Glad you had a short mild winter down there ofh - it was a bit longer and colder up here in England! Went on into April, then a cold Spring until June. Garden was at least 4 weeks behind what it should have been - caught up by early July mind - then we had a scorcher. But I will heed your warning....
Just back from a day in London. Crispy duck in Chinatown and then the exhibition of Australian art at the Royal Academy. Fascinating illustration of the early settlement, the indigenous culture and the modern adaptations of European art movements. Found time to buy Italian pork and fennel sausages in Soho too.
As I say, I know the spirit in which he intended it, so it doesn't bother me. Funnily enough, FFs response is almost identical to that of a friend of mine who supports West Ham and is also a friend of the Norwich fan in question.
Some great television on at the moment. Great Railway journeys with Portillo on BBC 4 and a great episode of Grand Designs tonight...
Good morning all from a chilly Weston-super-Mare! I've finally given in, my heating went on last night! Have a good day!
Sæl öll. Cappuccino, coffee, tea donuts and fruit are on the bar. Frothy cappuccinos for for al, HH, and W_Y Coffee and cramel frapachino for IB Coffees for COYH, Frenchie, Kev rob theo vic-rijrode and kiwiqpr Strong coffee for Sandy Milky coffee for Yorkie Espresso for SuffolkHorn Strong black coffees for Bragi Norway and zen Black coffee half hot half cold and no sugar for Charlie A peppermint latte for DanH Tea for BHD Cornish Mark jsybarry jerzeypie Lloydinio NZ and BCFCRed Tea with skimmed milk and no sugar for GG and Leon Hot chocolate with marshmallows for BBW Caramel latte for Hornette Scullion Canary Dave Fossefilberto and Maestro Una paloma for Mexican Hornet I am later today. On thursday we have a company meeting which must be attended and the meeting starts early. Little Ak wants to go and see McBusted There is more snow and I am happy I am not going to ReykjavÃk for the football tomorrow.
I did a couple of swiss rail journeys after seeing Michaels programmes, easy but informative and he's a nice gent. Last Tango in Halifax starts again next week, if you like that sort of thing. Some great actors & acting. Then theres the latest series of Strike Back for a little light relief.
Would love to see the Cranes. We are lucky enought to get daily fly overs of 100's of geese during the winter, honk honk - most people don't even notice but I think their flying formation and it's frequent changes are fascinating. We have a Red Kite nesting reserve near us and I am waiting for the day when one appears near our house, I've seen them within a mile or so. They tend to keep to their territory until pressure of numbers pushes the boundary.
Warm sunshine, thunder and lightning, hail and rain all in one morning. The French are always happy to have a demo about things they do not like. Two made the news today. The first one was about the schools being open on a Wednesday. The government ignored the views of teachers and parents and introduced Wednesday school. 80% of the children were not in school Tuesday in protest. Locally the parents didn't want it and refused to change, but it may be forced upon them next year. The second protest was about the number of speed cameras that have appeared at the side of the road. As in the UK a few years ago they are being attacked with cans of spray paint, gaffer tape and burning tyres. Satnavs with camera warnings are illegal now, but they do tell you when you are entering a 'safety zone' which is not illegal. At one time there was clear signing that there was a trap ahead, but now cameras are not being marked with yellow and black stripes and have changed design from the old square boxes to poles. The general feeling is that they are no longer there for safety, but as a means of raising funds.
