Well, it's no surprise at this time of year to see snow. We have seen more than usual although less than some parts of the world. In general services have continued to run with little delay (for which an immense thank you, especially to Yorkshire Coastliner).The worst aspect of the snow was the avalanche last weekend when all the snow on the roof fell off in one enormous, thundering crash, burying the newly cleared path, but fortunately not hitting anyone who migth have been at the door and therfore underneath the considerable quantity of debris.
Just as the snow and compacted ice had nearly cleared and the black ice was running out of puddles to freeze, just as the snow melt from the moors was causing the Derwent to overflow its banks, just as the Ouse in York, frozen across its entire width at Lendal Bridge, started to flow again, just as all this happened, it started to snow again this afternoon.
Those cheery Christmas carols are wearing a bit thin. I have never been so stressed about getting ready for the the festivities. In KM Towers we do Christmas big. Birthdays, not so much. Christmas, huge. And this year the weather has conspired to prevent me from preparing adequately. The grocery deliveries failed two weeks running leaving me confused as to what food was in and what I still need to buy. As for shopping for presents, I have avoided doing on-line shopping for the most part due to the uncertainty of deliveries (currently anxiously awaiting the few mail-ordered presents but still hopeful, and relieved I didn't order more this way). Yesterday's trip into Malton ticked off most of the remaining stocking fillers. which was a huge relief; now for the final grocery delivery on Tuesday and then I can start baking. However, if it fails me I doubt I can manage to pick up everything in Malton (my arms are not strong enough to manage it all on the bus) so we might not get all the treats I had planned.
None of this represents the end of the world. So long as my family manage the journey home over the next few days, and we can be together, actually I don't really mind. I would prefer to have the gifts and the food and the treats, but they are the trimmings, after all. And of that sounds unbearably twee, so be it. Ha[[y Christmas to you!
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Fungi to have around
We went for a stroll or two in Dalby Forest yesterday, armed with camera and water-proofs. As it turned out the weather kept dry (unlike today) but gloomy. We are firm believers that taking an umbrella or mac means it is less likely to rain - and that if it does one can ackowledge the fact comfortably from within one's waterproof cocoon.
It's a little early yet to see the trees in their full autumnal glory - they are showing increasing signs of their annual wardrobe change, but are not quite ready yet. However, we did find some marvellous fungi; I know very little about mushrooms and toadstools, except I can recognise an inkcap when I see it! And here it is:
We found lots of other kinds too as we walked through the forest, although the Little People living in them politely declined to have their puctures taken. Here are a few samples.
Today the rain is raining and the wind is roaring so I doubt the trees will have so many leaves left; I'll upload pictures taken above ankle height in another post.
For now I am going back to sit by the fire.
It's a little early yet to see the trees in their full autumnal glory - they are showing increasing signs of their annual wardrobe change, but are not quite ready yet. However, we did find some marvellous fungi; I know very little about mushrooms and toadstools, except I can recognise an inkcap when I see it! And here it is:
We found lots of other kinds too as we walked through the forest, although the Little People living in them politely declined to have their puctures taken. Here are a few samples.
Today the rain is raining and the wind is roaring so I doubt the trees will have so many leaves left; I'll upload pictures taken above ankle height in another post.
For now I am going back to sit by the fire.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
The times they are a-changin'
Kirby Misperton is now in the grip of Autumn's soggy breath. The wind is bending the trees and the rain is pattering against the windows like tap dancing insects skittering down the panes. So the year's great cycle moves on, and the evenings darken sooner. The temperature is falling and the open bedroom window may soon need to be shut.
In the village however life gets more interesting. While the seasons slow and darken, we villagers are programmed to think of September as the start of a new year, based on the academic cycle. As a result our most recent quizzes have been achieving high turnouts and enthusiastic participation. We are all starting to look forward to Halloween - the early pumpkins are already appearing in the greengrocer's shop in Malton. The great migrations of birds are under way, and winter edges closer as every skein flies overhead.
This is my favourite time of year, when darker evenings create a warm intimacy at home while there are new openings everywhere - from TV on rainy nights, to evening classes and village activities. Our forebears celebrated Harvest and the blessings of the earth; today we can still be thankful for all that we have received over the summer months and look forward to the autumn harvest still.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Summer break
The hiatus over August was caused by family visits and summer holidays in the Lake District. Why is it called "The Lake District"? Who knows? Clearly there are several Lakes there, not just one. For examplle, you can see both Derwentwater and in the distance Bassenthwaite if you gasp and puff your unfit way to the top of Walla Crag and look back towards Keswick.
Anyway we stayed in a lovely little railway cottage on the outskirts of Keswick, meaning it took all of 5 or 10 minutes to walk into town. We did the usual things - walks, more walks and photos or painting, depending upon personal preference. It was lovely. We had good weather and peacefulness.
Derwentwater is a beautiful lake. I prefer it to Coniston or Windermere as it is generally quieter and more serene. It was however suffering from an algae bloom, presumably the same as has recently affected Windermere and postponed the Gerat North Swim.
We visited Castlerigg Stone Circle one particularly lovely day. What a very special place that is! At the top of a hill removed from everything else, is the neolithic circle which was the equivalent to a medieval cathedral. It is surrounded by an even greater stone circle formed by the mountains, and roofed by a bowl of clear bright sky. When the tourists all stop jabbering there is no sound except the wind and the birds.
We spent a blessed afternoon there, sitting on the grass painting and reading and breathing in the matchless air.
A couple of days later, towards the end of our week, we went to see Ashness Bridge, an altogether more modern stone construction, but still very beautiful. This was a scene of greater activity and exuberance, with the nosiy water crashing down in its headlong flight to the lake below.
Unfortunately for me it wasn't only the water that crashed and fell among the rocks and I ended up being taken down form the hillside by ambulance with a nasty head wound. Still, nothing was seriously dmaaged beyond pride, and at least it was the day before we came home. All praise to Cumbria Emergency Services and the kindly folk at Keswick Hospital who patched me up with good humour.
Anyway we stayed in a lovely little railway cottage on the outskirts of Keswick, meaning it took all of 5 or 10 minutes to walk into town. We did the usual things - walks, more walks and photos or painting, depending upon personal preference. It was lovely. We had good weather and peacefulness.
Derwentwater is a beautiful lake. I prefer it to Coniston or Windermere as it is generally quieter and more serene. It was however suffering from an algae bloom, presumably the same as has recently affected Windermere and postponed the Gerat North Swim.
We visited Castlerigg Stone Circle one particularly lovely day. What a very special place that is! At the top of a hill removed from everything else, is the neolithic circle which was the equivalent to a medieval cathedral. It is surrounded by an even greater stone circle formed by the mountains, and roofed by a bowl of clear bright sky. When the tourists all stop jabbering there is no sound except the wind and the birds.
We spent a blessed afternoon there, sitting on the grass painting and reading and breathing in the matchless air.
A couple of days later, towards the end of our week, we went to see Ashness Bridge, an altogether more modern stone construction, but still very beautiful. This was a scene of greater activity and exuberance, with the nosiy water crashing down in its headlong flight to the lake below.
Unfortunately for me it wasn't only the water that crashed and fell among the rocks and I ended up being taken down form the hillside by ambulance with a nasty head wound. Still, nothing was seriously dmaaged beyond pride, and at least it was the day before we came home. All praise to Cumbria Emergency Services and the kindly folk at Keswick Hospital who patched me up with good humour.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Sweet Adieu
Hopefully the final word on the subject (although with moles you never know).
We caught out little visitor this morning after a night of havoc on the lawn and in the herb bed. I have to say I am very disappointed with the local feline cohort - some sniffing and watching, but no serious action.
Anyway, you will be pleased, I hope, to know that we have taken the little fellow to some farmland a mile or so out of the village as part of our Relocation Programme. I hope it flourishes there, and bothers no more gardens.
Here is a picture of it in its luxury 5 star transport, with some soil and a nice fresh juicy earthworm for the journey.
We caught out little visitor this morning after a night of havoc on the lawn and in the herb bed. I have to say I am very disappointed with the local feline cohort - some sniffing and watching, but no serious action.
Anyway, you will be pleased, I hope, to know that we have taken the little fellow to some farmland a mile or so out of the village as part of our Relocation Programme. I hope it flourishes there, and bothers no more gardens.
Here is a picture of it in its luxury 5 star transport, with some soil and a nice fresh juicy earthworm for the journey.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
The velvet coated gentleman
and here it is - the very same little beastie, now tunnelled under my herb bed. Perhaps if he goes deeper we shall reach an accommodation...
There is all the difference between passing through and moving in!
There is all the difference between passing through and moving in!
The moles are back in town
OK, so while I was writing that last entry, Mr KM was cutting the grass outside. It seemed a bit uneven and he realised it was mole hills. He duly flattened them and as he started putting the mower away he could see the earth being moved up again by a familiar little fellow just beneath the surface.
This might just about have been the initial decalration of hostilities.
I am going to have to have a hcat with some neighbours for remedies.
This might just about have been the initial decalration of hostilities.
I am going to have to have a hcat with some neighbours for remedies.
Wren watch
A baby wren fell out of the nest the other day. The parents were going mad trying to get it to fly. I'm not sure if they eventually managed it or whether one of the local cats resolved the problem in a more final way.
It's a joy having the youngsters around but so hard watching them try ot leave the nest, and sometimes not maing it.
We haven't seen any more moles either, and again this could be either good or bad news for the mole community. Who knows?
The world is uncertain, but life itself continues with individulas either surviving or feeding others.
How very morbid I am today! I think I will go and sit in the sun for a while.
It's a joy having the youngsters around but so hard watching them try ot leave the nest, and sometimes not maing it.
We haven't seen any more moles either, and again this could be either good or bad news for the mole community. Who knows?
The world is uncertain, but life itself continues with individulas either surviving or feeding others.
How very morbid I am today! I think I will go and sit in the sun for a while.
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Moley moley
So we had a second mole-sighting this week, late one evening. Either it was the same mole as last time, and it has decided to move in behind our shed rather than go to the trouble of digging a nice snug tunnel, or it was another mole with disturbingly similar behavioural trends.
If the first scenario is true then we have a very disturbed animal on the loose in our back garden. This unnatural beast no longer is attracted to its usual subterranean habitat, but prefers to live the good life above ground. Where will it end? Are our children safe from this corruption to the natural order? Will moles start demanding equal rights with shrews and voles? Is a new kind of animal emerging - some kind of above-ground omnivore capable of withstanding the light of day (would that mean moles are turning into armadillos or something?)...
The second sceanrio is even more troubling. A whole army of unnatural omnivorous mammals poised to over-run the world, crunching of woodlice in full daylight and demonstrating a casual disregard for shed permimeters.
Others have suggested that they are two moles from the same nest, but I prefer to remain on the alert. They are more likely Sappers in the War on Terror. When they reveal their true purpose I shall be ready!
If the first scenario is true then we have a very disturbed animal on the loose in our back garden. This unnatural beast no longer is attracted to its usual subterranean habitat, but prefers to live the good life above ground. Where will it end? Are our children safe from this corruption to the natural order? Will moles start demanding equal rights with shrews and voles? Is a new kind of animal emerging - some kind of above-ground omnivore capable of withstanding the light of day (would that mean moles are turning into armadillos or something?)...
The second sceanrio is even more troubling. A whole army of unnatural omnivorous mammals poised to over-run the world, crunching of woodlice in full daylight and demonstrating a casual disregard for shed permimeters.
Others have suggested that they are two moles from the same nest, but I prefer to remain on the alert. They are more likely Sappers in the War on Terror. When they reveal their true purpose I shall be ready!
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Mole
While doing laundry this morning I was alerted by my significant other to the activities of some birds in the garden. They appeared to be mobbing a mole as it ran across the lawn.
Well, that was odd on a number of levels. Firstly, a mole. Furthermore, a mole in broad daylight on top of the lawn instead of underneath. Further furthermore, a mole in broad daylight on top of the lawn instead of underneath, being attacked by birds.
I have not seen a real live mole before except on the televisual apparatus, so was surprised at how large it was. Not that it was some mutant subterranena mammal intent on smashing the house with its giant paws, but it was big enough to see quite clearly, scurrying its way across the grass, desperately trying to avoid some very irritable avians.
The only sane course of action, once the chance to get a photo had been discounted, was to refer to the wildlife books we have. It seems moles breed around March/April and gestate for about 4 weeks. Young leave the nest after about 5 weeks, more or less fully grown; an average male is about 5-6 inches long (it's an old book before we had centimetres, but I would estimate that's about 12-15 cm). This would fit into timescales of early July for a young mole seeking a new home. I also learned that youngsters may be driven from the nest by adults and travel overground for significant distances in search of new territory, so I suppose that was what was going on.
The ground is currently very hard as we have not had rain for a long time and with the soil here being basically solid clay, it won't be easy digging for little paws, no matter how evolutonarily adaptive they are.
I also assume that because moles will steal eggs to eat that was why the birds took such a dim view of the creature.
Anyway, I will now be keeping an eye out for mole hills in the garden, and may have to seek advice if they suddenly appear. Which reminds me of the Jasper Carrott sketch - you can see it on YouTube or below.
Well, that was odd on a number of levels. Firstly, a mole. Furthermore, a mole in broad daylight on top of the lawn instead of underneath. Further furthermore, a mole in broad daylight on top of the lawn instead of underneath, being attacked by birds.
I have not seen a real live mole before except on the televisual apparatus, so was surprised at how large it was. Not that it was some mutant subterranena mammal intent on smashing the house with its giant paws, but it was big enough to see quite clearly, scurrying its way across the grass, desperately trying to avoid some very irritable avians.
The only sane course of action, once the chance to get a photo had been discounted, was to refer to the wildlife books we have. It seems moles breed around March/April and gestate for about 4 weeks. Young leave the nest after about 5 weeks, more or less fully grown; an average male is about 5-6 inches long (it's an old book before we had centimetres, but I would estimate that's about 12-15 cm). This would fit into timescales of early July for a young mole seeking a new home. I also learned that youngsters may be driven from the nest by adults and travel overground for significant distances in search of new territory, so I suppose that was what was going on.
The ground is currently very hard as we have not had rain for a long time and with the soil here being basically solid clay, it won't be easy digging for little paws, no matter how evolutonarily adaptive they are.
I also assume that because moles will steal eggs to eat that was why the birds took such a dim view of the creature.
Anyway, I will now be keeping an eye out for mole hills in the garden, and may have to seek advice if they suddenly appear. Which reminds me of the Jasper Carrott sketch - you can see it on YouTube or below.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
An afternoon at the park
Being a Sunday and being at home, I took my daughter down to the park today. Being Kirby Misperton, we don't have the normal kind of park; we have an enormous theme park. I should probably emphasise for overseas readers, this is not the usual state of affairs for small English villages. That is one of the reasons our village is special.
So here are some the animals we said "Hello" to today.
The animals like watching the humans too.
Some find time to put on their mascara first.
Some prefer to think about dinner.
But overall it's a slower pace of life here in the country.
So here are some the animals we said "Hello" to today.
The animals like watching the humans too.
Some find time to put on their mascara first.
Some prefer to think about dinner.
But overall it's a slower pace of life here in the country.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Working at home
Working at home occasionally has many benefits - reduced carbon emissions, less time stuck on trains, plane and automobiles, decent coffee...
One of the things I do like is being able to enjoy my garden when I get up top make a cup of tea. And because my camera tends to be lying around I can take pictures of whatever has come to share it with me. Like these guys.
Conversely, one of the nice things about getting the train to meetings is that I can enjoy the views - but I can't get the photos. Today was a classic example with fields of oilseed rape dotted with poppies. Glorious colour in much appreciated sunshine.
The Solstice is creeping up on us, hidden in swathes of cloud and rain - but today she was out in all her glory. I'm sorry I can't show you but trust me, it was wonderful.
One of the things I do like is being able to enjoy my garden when I get up top make a cup of tea. And because my camera tends to be lying around I can take pictures of whatever has come to share it with me. Like these guys.
Conversely, one of the nice things about getting the train to meetings is that I can enjoy the views - but I can't get the photos. Today was a classic example with fields of oilseed rape dotted with poppies. Glorious colour in much appreciated sunshine.
The Solstice is creeping up on us, hidden in swathes of cloud and rain - but today she was out in all her glory. I'm sorry I can't show you but trust me, it was wonderful.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Best of times, worst of times
Far from the madding crowd in rural North Yorkshire, one might occasionally be inclined to indulge in the remembrance of times past, and believe life was happier and easier.
However, occasionally we are reminded that a life without modern draniage is an aspect of our glorious history best passed by, preferably with a handkershief pressed firmly to the olfactory organ...
This being North Yorkshire in June, we suffered a bit of a sudden downpour the other day, at which point we found our heroic but antiquated drains yet again unable to cope (do you hear me, Yorkshire Water, do you?) and Main Street took on the appearance of the Nile in flood. (I may have exaggerated a little here, but only for dramatic effect.)
This does not mean that there are not worthy traditions from a golden age worth preserving, and the roaming fish and chip van is surely one of them. Now sadly seen only rarely in the wild, we are privileged to host a member of the species each week. Lots of lovely traditional English calories to off-set the wretchedness of the drains.
And now it's summer we even get an ice cream van too - provided it can get through the floods!
Mmm. Tasty.
However, occasionally we are reminded that a life without modern draniage is an aspect of our glorious history best passed by, preferably with a handkershief pressed firmly to the olfactory organ...
This being North Yorkshire in June, we suffered a bit of a sudden downpour the other day, at which point we found our heroic but antiquated drains yet again unable to cope (do you hear me, Yorkshire Water, do you?) and Main Street took on the appearance of the Nile in flood. (I may have exaggerated a little here, but only for dramatic effect.)
This does not mean that there are not worthy traditions from a golden age worth preserving, and the roaming fish and chip van is surely one of them. Now sadly seen only rarely in the wild, we are privileged to host a member of the species each week. Lots of lovely traditional English calories to off-set the wretchedness of the drains.
And now it's summer we even get an ice cream van too - provided it can get through the floods!
Mmm. Tasty.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Going global
As regular readers will be aware, the author has only recently returned to blogging and so has some catching up to do. During our extended break in service, Kirby Misperton has prospered on t'Interweb and is now available for view at a number of sites. For your convenience I list a couple here:
Satellite views are now quite recent and detailed whereas before we were hidden behind a misty veil of poorly resolved imagery. Behold!
http://www.geonames.org/2645336/kirby-misperton.html#revision=1
Furthermore, we have been added to the all-encompassing Street View; to get into the main village go left at the roundabout...
View Larger Map
Have fun strolling around our village and please don't drop any litter.
Satellite views are now quite recent and detailed whereas before we were hidden behind a misty veil of poorly resolved imagery. Behold!
http://www.geonames.org/2645336/kirby-misperton.html#revision=1
Furthermore, we have been added to the all-encompassing Street View; to get into the main village go left at the roundabout...
View Larger Map
Have fun strolling around our village and please don't drop any litter.
Noisy neighbours
I dod not know wrens could be quite so noisy! There is one trying to start up a nest in a nest box in the garden - and boy, is there a lot of shouting going on.
I would provide a photo, but the things I did know about wrens - that they are small, fast and very neutral in colour - means this is proving problematic. However, I have a man on the case, and hope to bring a picture in due course.
Our other nest box appears unused this year; last year there were coal tits. So far the main interest has come from a couple of wasps, but we don't want that sort of thing going on, so have been discouraging them.
The other main activity in the garden has been more vegetative, as various plants try to catch up from the late snow and frost. The climbing rose has suffered terribly although the clematis growing through it is doing fine. But everything is very late. As an interim measure, I bring you the lilies in the pond
.
I would provide a photo, but the things I did know about wrens - that they are small, fast and very neutral in colour - means this is proving problematic. However, I have a man on the case, and hope to bring a picture in due course.
Our other nest box appears unused this year; last year there were coal tits. So far the main interest has come from a couple of wasps, but we don't want that sort of thing going on, so have been discouraging them.
The other main activity in the garden has been more vegetative, as various plants try to catch up from the late snow and frost. The climbing rose has suffered terribly although the clematis growing through it is doing fine. But everything is very late. As an interim measure, I bring you the lilies in the pond
.
And while I am at here are some bluebells, because everyone loves bluebells!
Monday, 31 May 2010
Visitor
Despite the fact that I have failed to update for a long time (new job, long story) we have still been leading the Village Life, doing the usual round of fund-raising through quizzes, shared meals and raffles. We also enjoyed unseasonably hot weather followed by a temperature drop of more than 10 degrees Celsius in a day! Gotta love the the British weather...
Then the other day we had a visitor and I just had to share! This is a friend from down the road who recently decided to make the rounds and come calling.
Anyway, having broken the ice and started to talking to you again I will make an effort to update a little more frequently from now on.
Then the other day we had a visitor and I just had to share! This is a friend from down the road who recently decided to make the rounds and come calling.
Anyway, having broken the ice and started to talking to you again I will make an effort to update a little more frequently from now on.
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