28th May 2024 . The buddleia is bursting into bloom. The flowers are so very dependent on fair weather. A howling wind tore at us all day on Monday, with intermittent sunny breaks in a stormy sky, but rain held off till dusk when it fell …
The flowers are so very dependent on fair weather.
A howling wind tore at us all day on Monday, with intermittent sunny breaks in a stormy sky, but rain held off till dusk when it fell heavily, continuing for several hours.
The big spirea was at its peak, so it will have been sadly battered. I intended to go and look but it is behind the lilac on the hill and the foxes were about. I avoid disturbing them if I can.
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This smaller spirea is slightly less exposed and was not too damaged.
The empty..what is it, the sepal?
Don't they look pretty in themselves?
Hopefully, the buddleia will get to reveal its full glory despite the impressive storm clouds all around.
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I think it's all bluster.
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Wildlife did get wet yesterday.
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A short soaking cloud burst is most welcome, because it saves us dragging hoses around.
"Alright for you, missus..."
"Look what it does to my poofy tail!"
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Peanut came in search of a post-shower snack too.
The rain seemed to have stimulated all their appetites, but when she saw the raccoon and skunk already on the patio, Peanut ran on to check for food up at the groundhog burrow.
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Out by the old wall on the hill, all three species poke around looking for food apparently totally ignoring each other, but close to the house they are nervous.
"That old woman may come out and try to cuddle us!"
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A complaint came from the sparrows.
The long-term residents are being shoved aside by "summer riff-raff".
The girls wouldn't think to submit a grievance. They sit watching developments, having a good natter.
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"Yes, thank you. Goodbye Doris!"
"Husband, why were you so rude to my friend?"
"You're so grumpy."
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"That's because every time I go to the seed tray, there's a fat bottom in it!"
He does have a point. This day, we were trying to organise a family portrait.
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While we kept three of the kids distracted, Mum went to round up number 4.
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By the time she came back, we'd lost number 3.
"Quick missus, before I lose them all."
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"Number 2! Eyes front!"
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"Sorry, missus, they just won't listen."
Mum is very tolerant. Last night she was nibbling a bit of carrot and one of her wicked kids took it right out of her mouth. Mum didn't flinch.
She just reached down for another bit.
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"You ought to get home and sort your kids out, mate."
"And maybe get a new set of clothes."
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The doves don't complain but they are not above flexing their feathers. For all the good it does.
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It's been such slim pickings...
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...they decided to check out the hanging feeders.
At least there were no hairy bottoms to compete with.
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Only because Little Red's given up on that sort of thing.
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