One of the pleasures of a county walk is watching Nature at work.
The crow is a hooded crow or 'hoodie', which is closely related to the all-black carrion crow and is confined to Scotland and Ireland. The two sometimes interbreed, producing young which have a darker plumage - this may be an example. Carrion crows and hoodies are notorious for pecking out eyes, sometimes blinding a lamb when it is new-born.
The crofter who owns this field is having a bad time: we've seen several dead sheep in the last few weeks. It's probably the time of year, with weaker animals succumbing after a tough winter.
Good evening from Wales, Mr H. Hugo here again, checking in. Interesting to read about your observations on nature, and we have the same here in West Wales, but maybe 2 weeks advanced due to the climate. A couple of weeks ago, I was ill and had a lazy morning in bed, reading more of your blogs, from days pre Ludlow to recent times. I was most impressed and must say, you have had a great if unusual life. I also noticed that last month was your Bday, so many Happy Returns. Your reflections reminded me of what Joe Brown ( as our form master back in 1966 LGS ) said to us; that by the age of 40, one in 7 of us would be dead. And he was correct, it included him and Mr David the games master. Also 3 of us from our year. The bottom line is, as you have pointed out, as you get older, make every day count. As I approach 70, my situation is slightly unusual, my GF is Cambodian, with fer friends over here in the UK, however, she has a good friend of the same nationality in Aberdeen, so we were in your direction just before Xmas to visit the granite city. We had a day out as far as Coniston, so quite close to you. You might remember Richard Phillips from back in your LGS class. We have stayed friends and he has, as his 2nd wife, a lady from the Philippines ( Cora ). Anyway, come April 8th we are all going to Cambodia for their New Year. Richard and Cora want to visit the Ankor Wat temple complex. I have already done so, twice, and I have to say, the intricate stonework is beyond logical comprehension.... there is no way those stones were cut by hand with primitive tools. Last June, we went to see the pyramids, and those also defy modern building logic. One more thing before I bore you too much, as a Xmas present to myself for a hard years work, I bought a 1948 Rover 75 from Calne motor museum, they had 2, so decided to sell one. Its been great fun these last 2 months, chugging around the tarmac of Wales, visiting so many places, often castles, as I like history. There is so much to see at 40mph, in a car where you are seated that little bit higher. OK, I have probably outstayed my welcome. Anyway, best regards to you both and your family, Hugo. Oh yes, forgot to say, I joined the USA webcam company, Earthcam, and have one of their cameras bolted to the front of my abode, so you can check out our weather and view if you like... https://www.earthcam.com/world/uk/wales/?cam=waleswaterway
ReplyDeleteHi Hugo - Good to hear from you and know that you're still out there enjoying life and seeing the world in a Rover 75. Great cars, Rovers. My father had a Rover 90 in East Africa which like most cars of that time, was black so absorbed so much heat it was like an oven on wheels.
DeleteSo pleased you find something to interest you in the blog. I enjoy writing it but as my life becomes increasingly boring I feel I ought to stop it. There's enough rubbish up there on the internet without me adding to it.
I always think that we underestimate the capabilities of our ancestors. One has only to pick up a Neolithic flint arrowhead to realise what ordinary people were capable of.
Keep travelling while you can. One of my frustrations of the last couple of years is that I no longer get the pleasure from travel that I used to. I have, for example, lost all desire to drive a car which does make living in he Highlands a bit more difficult.
Anyway, do take care of yourself and keep in touch.
Jon