Month: July 2008

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number eleven.

As promised, here is a picture of our new puppy Kingston. He’s 4 weeks old here. He’s a cream long haired dachshund. The breeder sent me the picture. Can’t wait until August 1st, when we get to pick him up. I’ll send another picture when we get to pick him up. Karen, Florida
(USA)

This is Cleo my Old Girl, and naughty Fred, they have baskets but like the comfort of the sofa. Karen. Stoke.

Photo from Cornwall. Sue O.

Another pic from the deep. Sue.

Badger at Denbury. Vicky.

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number six.

Early Diary today. It is such a glorious afternoon that we are going to the coast for fish and chips and a break from the Cottage and Kitchen.

Sooty Dove from the chimney.

Will this be Mr Farmer in a few years time!!! Rose W’canton.

Here are 2 pictures from my garden; they both show some different colors of Prairie Cone Flowers, and also 1 picture of a cat sculpture my brother gave me for my birthday. Penny, Chicago.

I still have not finished the Cottage and Kitchen that we are working on. Starting to think that maybe someone else should be doing the job. But I have to tell you a little story that has happened in the Farm House.

For well over a week when we have been sitting quite in the lounge we have heard short spells of rustling from one corner. The rustling didn’t go on long enough to be able to pinpoint it to one area, just the direction. We looked to where we thought the rustling was coming from and found nothing. On either side of the inglenook fire place are two built in cupboards that the rustling may have been coming from, but we were unable to see if the rustling was coming from there as the keys have been mislaid. My suspicion was that somehow something like a Mouse or worse had got into the cupboards and I wasn’t to bothered about finding the key to find out. I must admit that if any thing had got into the cupboard it would have needed to have got through a three foot stone wall, so for sure it wouldn’t have had a lot of trouble getting through the oak wood that the cupboards are made of, so every time that we heard the rustling we were thinking the worse, and I was getting ready to run.

I heard the rustling again yesterday afternoon. This time it went on for a little longer giving, me time to hear that it was coming from the direction of the wood burner in the inglenook. I opened the door of the wood burner gingerly, ready to slam it shut and lot quicker that I was opening it if the had been anything inside. It was empty but the rustling was a little louder. It seemed that we had been worrying over nothing, as it sounded as if the rustling was coming from the top of the chimney and that the noise was being exaggerated through the chimney and a metal pipe from the wood burner. Before we had purchased the Farm the chimney had been lined with a type of compound and the inglenook blocked up to make way for a modern small tiled fireplace to be put in. Why it was ever done I cant imagine. It was a hideous fireplace completely out of place in the old Farm House. Opening the inglenook fireplaces was one of the first renovation jobs that we did. We were unable to remove the compound in the chimney, so that would have made the rustling more pronounced. Or so we thought.

Last night after dinner before going back to work on the Cottage and Kitchen we sat down in lounge for a few minute. The rustling started again. There was no way this time that the noise was coming from the top of the chimney, it could only have been from inside of it. I opened a small inspection hole in the pipe from the wood burner to the chimney. There is an s bend in the pipe so we were unable to see a lot, in fact nothing. There was only one thing left to do and that was to remove the pipe, not an easy job. After a good hour and myself looking like a Sweep the pipe was ready to be removed. A bucket was at the ready to catch what we thought would be a small amount of soot, as most of it we thought was on me. As I pulled the pipe away a surge of soot poured out of the chimney filling the area with a puff of sooty dust, all but filling the bucket at the wait. Then just as we were thinking what a waste of time we had just gone through out of the chimney came a blackened sooty Dove. It fell to the floor and although it must have been weak it didn’t want to hang around. It was quickly caught and taken out side. To be honest we weren’t sure weather to clean it off and try to feed it, or let it go. In the end we let it choose for itself. If when we had put it down it flew away that would have been the right decision. If it didn’t we would try to help it. After a couple of minute of walking around to yard it flew away. As you can see by the photograph on the Photo Page you couldn’t miss it if you had seen it, and this morning it was with the other Doves on top of a roof.

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number one, all sent in by Lynne.

Sorry I messed up a bit by putting on two photographs twice.

Still trying to finish the Cottage and Kitchen so I will not have time for a Diary.

ALL TAKEN IN YORKSHIRE DALES LAST WEEK.

DUCKLINGS IN GOREDALE SCAR. LYNNE.

CHAFFINCH IN INGLETON. LYNNE.

WAGTAIL IN GOREDALE SCAR. LYNNE.

CURLEWS IN A FIELD NEAR BOLTON ABBEY. LYNNE

DIPPER ON THE RIVER WHARFE. LYNNE

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number eleven, all sent in by Judy. There are a few photographs left from Karen and Sue , so if you have any send them in.

Another selection of photos from Clumber Park .

The Lake and Parkland
2 Owls
Clumber Chapel
Swan & cygnets
From Judy

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number six, all sent in by CH. There are a few photographs left from Karen and Sue , so if you have any send them in.

A few pictures from a walk from Oxford to Wolvercote along the Thames Path.

1/ Osney bridge on the Botley road near Oxford.

2/ Rainbow bridge across the Thames.

3/ A steam boat on the Thames at Binsey.

4/ The remains of Godstow Abbey.

5/ The Trout Pub at Godstow one of “Inspector Morse’s” locals. CH.

Sorry that the Diary has been a bit hit and miss. We have been very busy with putting in a new kitchen in a small cottage next to the Farm House. All we have had is problems. The boiler is behind a false wall that has not been opened for maybe 12 years. Two pipe had very small leaks. maybe for all of that time. We made a number of mistakes in fitting the Kitchen. Today after getting most of the bottom units fitted I realised that I had not allowed a position for the built in fridge. I had to redesign a good part of it. I wasn’t best pleased to say the least. There are still a lot to do. We may use it as a Holiday Cottage. It would be ideal for the disabled, as it is all on ground level.

The underwater camera has arrived in the US Virgin Islands. Where I have been so busy I have not had an opportunity this week until this afternoon to contact Michael to see how it is progressing. I will let you know when he gets back to me.

I am also waiting to hear from the US Department about the Turtle Beach webcam. The people running the site have to get permissions for the project. They are very keen on the idea, lets hope the powers to be are as well. The camera that we will supply, if they agree will be an excellent deterrent against the poachers of the Turtle eggs and those killing the Turtle. Again I will let you know how it is going when I hear.

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number one. There are a few photographs left from Karen and Sue , so if you have any send them in.

I took this photo in spring in the evening. I decided to take photos of the Tulips coming up in different stages. But when i downloaded it. I could see my Shadow on the wall, if you look closely you can see a face in the shadow i can see my Eyes FREAKY! or what. Karen Stoke.

This is a regular visitor to my Garden. Taking in the morning sun .I call him Bag puss as i forgot his name Fred hates him chases him most days. Karen Stoke.

A shot of my Laburnum, Tree on my back lawn. The Bees love it. Karen Stoke.

A selection of Tulips, such beautiful colors. Karen stoke.

This is Rasta now he looks so sweet but do not be fooled he is quite cheeky!! he also belongs to the owners of Ross, and Cassie. Karen stoke.

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number eleven. There are a few photographs left from Karen and Sue, so if you have any send them in.

Lollipop Lilies. Karen Stoke.

Badgers at Denbury, Vicky.

Air Ambulance ,they are always coming over my house as I am sandwiched in between two hospitals. I ran like the clappers to get these shots. I would love to go in a helicopter but not this one thank you very much. They do a fantastic job. The miserable man who lands them from the ground. would not let me any closer , but the people in the thing would have, we had some of the village kids with us so I called him a miserable bugger ! to the delight of the pilot and the two ladies who were with him. Karen. Stoke.

The Woodpecker was sent to me by Lynne. I asked her for a good Woodpecker photograph for the flash header of our website. Lynne sent in a few for me to choose from. This is one of them. The one I have chosen for the header will be put on soon.

The last picture was taken from the third story balcony of Saint Stanislaus College Located next door to Our Lady of the Gulf church in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi on the morning of August 29th, 2005. This is believed to be the initial tidal wave from Hurricane Katrina. The tidal wave was approximately 35 to 40 feet high. When it slammed into the beach front communities of Bay Saint Louis and Waveland Mississippi to completely destroy 99% of every structure along the beach for 9 miles and over a mile inland. The destruction only started there. The flooding that continued inland destroyed the contents of all but 35 homes in these two communities of approximately 14,000 people.

I thought that you maybe interested in the NFU’s massive protest by Farmer outside the House of Commons that they said would happen this week, about the no Badger Cull decision. MP’s out numbered the protested by over 4 to 1. And they had cheek to brag about their dismal protest on their website. Most Farmer wouldn’t waste their time. Below it is a story from Elaine.

The NFU’s top officeholders, Peter Kendall, Meurig Raymond and Paul Temple, have led over 150 farmers in a protest outside the House of Commons today over yesterday’s decision by the Secretary of State not to cull badgers in the fight against bovine TB.

Members, their families and even two cattle from a farm in Uxbridge rallied outside Defra’s office in Smith Square and then moved on to the Old Palace Yard outside Parliament where they were joined by around eight MPs.

Members of the assembled press were then invited to interview the 28 farmers representing every thousand head of cattle culled during 2007 due to bovine TB. Journalists from The Times, Farmers’ Weekly, Farmers’ Guardian, PA, the BBC, Sky News and ITV Central News were there to cover the demo.

NFU President Peter Kendall made three main pledges to members:

– the NFU will withdraw from responsibility and cost sharing negotiations with the government

– the NFU will be taking legal advice about how to challenge the decision

– the NFU will be going to the European Commission to see if there is any way of challenging Defra

The Story of a Scottish Farmer. Sent in by Elaine. Elaine doesnt know if it true. Is it? What ever it is a nice story.

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

‘I want to repay you,’ said the nobleman. ‘You saved my son’s life.’

‘No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,’ the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel.

‘Is that your son?’ the nobleman asked. ‘Yes,’ the farmer replied proudly.

I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.’ And that he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.

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Lollipop Lilies Karen Stoke Badgers at Denbury Vicky Air Ambulance…

Lollipop Lilies. Karen Stoke.

Badgers at Denbury, Vicky.

Air Ambulance ,they are always coming over my house as I am sandwiched in between two hospitals. I ran like the clappers to get these shots. I would love to go in a helicopter but not this one thank you very much. They do a fantastic job. The miserable man who lands them from the ground. would not let me any closer , but the people in the thing would have, we had some of the village kids with us so I called him a miserable bugger ! to the delight of the pilot and the two ladies who were with him. Karen. Stoke.

The Woodpecker was sent to me by Lynne. I asked her for a good Woodpecker photograph for the flash header of our website. Lynne sent in a few for me to choose from. This is one of them. The one I have chosen for the header will be put on soon.

The last picture was taken from the third story balcony of Saint Stanislaus College Located next door to Our Lady of the Gulf church in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi on the

morning of August 29th, 2005. This is believed to be the initial tidal wave from Hurricane Katrina. The tidal wave was approximately 35 to 40 feet high. When it slammed into the beach front communities of Bay Saint Louis and Waveland Mississippi to completely destroy 99% of every structure along the beach for 9 miles and over a mile inland. The destruction only started there. The flooding that continued inland destroyed the contents of all but 35 homes in these two communities of approximately 14,000 people.

I thought that you maybe interested in the NFU’s massive protest by Farmer outside the House of Commons that they said would happen this week, about the no Badger Cull decision. MP’s out numbered the protested by over 4 to 1. And they had cheek to brag about their dismal protest on their website. Most Farmer wouldn’t waste their time. Below it is a story from Elaine.

The NFU’s top officeholders, Peter Kendall, Meurig Raymond and Paul Temple, have led over 150 farmers in a protest outside the House of Commons today over yesterday’s decision by the Secretary of State not to cull badgers in the fight against bovine TB.

Members, their families and even two cattle from a farm in Uxbridge rallied outside Defra’s office in Smith Square and then moved on to the Old Palace Yard outside Parliament where they were joined by around eight MPs.

Members of the assembled press were then invited to interview the 28 farmers representing every thousand head of cattle culled during 2007 due to bovine TB. Journalists from The Times, Farmers’ Weekly, Farmers’ Guardian, PA, the BBC, Sky News and ITV Central News were there to cover the demo.

NFU President Peter Kendall made three main pledges to members:

– the NFU will withdraw from responsibility and cost sharing negotiations with the government

– the NFU will be taking legal advice about how to challenge the decision

– the NFU will be going to the European Commission to see if there is any way of challenging Defra

The Story of a Scottish Farmer. Sent in by Elaine. Elaine doesnt know if it true. Is it? What ever it is a nice story.

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

‘I want to repay you,’ said the nobleman. ‘You saved my son’s life.’

‘No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,’ the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel.

‘Is that your son?’ the nobleman asked. ‘Yes,’ the farmer replied proudly.

I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.’ And that he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number six sent in by Rose and Julia.

Photos from Australia, can’t remember what sort of Owl it was. Rose W’canton.

Here are a few photos of some Tits in the garden – when I was filling the fatball holder the other day, I had one left over and put it into this little terracotta “house”. The birds make very quick work of the fatball holder but are not so keen on the little house. However, when needs must, they’ll try anything! There was also a blackbird trying to feed from this, flapping like mad to stay balanced, but I couldn’t get the camera out quickly enough! Julia

I spoke to Matt one of the Barn Owl Trust Conversation Officer’s about what had happened in the Nesting Barn last night, he kindly wrote the paragraph below for it to be put on the Forum.

“Another dramatic night when the middle owlet eventually managed to get out of the hole, and dropped right off the side of the tray…. Alerted by viewers, the Barn Owl Trust organised a visit to the barn, but the owlet couldn’t be found. As soon as their intrepid volunteer left the building the oldest owlet was out of the box and back on the tray looking down at the floor, which indicated the middle one had come out of hiding. Lots of phone calls and the building was searched again. It still couldn’t be found. Meanwhile lots of folks from all over the world were emailing the Trust to make sure they were aware of the situation and to find out what was going on…… Eventually an adult came into the barn carrying food. Instead of delivering the food to the nest box and the two excited owlets waiting, it swooped down to the floor but didn’t feed the owlet – moments later the adult was glimpsed on the far side of the nest box, still holding the food. It then vanished into the darkness as the volunteer, with reinforcements (there were now two of them), came back to search again. Third time lucky and the owlet was picked up and popped back in the box, seemingly no worse for its adventure. Later on it was back out on the tray again with its older sibling, the youngest one looking longingly at the hole and wanting to get out there too. We didn’t see any successful food deliveries after that but it was great to see all three safely nestled in the box this morning”. Matt.

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There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from…

There are five photographs on the Photo page starting from number, one sent in by Sue.

Five photographs from the Deep, the last one is a diver bringing a female nurse shark back into the tank after routine blood tests. Sue.

We are fitting a new kitchen into an additional Holiday Cottage that we are getting ready. On removing a partition we found a water pipe that has been leaking for probably for a few years. When I went to tighten it the leak got worse. Because of the work there will not be a Diary for a few days.