Ticking over

It doesn't matter what life throws at you, time continues its' remorseless passage and you deal with whatever situation presents itself - some much better than others! At the moment, Bev and I are struggling to adapt our lives to cope with the limitations imposed by her parents living with us. It's a challenge that we've had to rise to; there are no alternatives up for discussion. Family take priority above all else. It's over three weeks since we had our routine turned on its' head, normality went out the window, and the strain is certainly taking a toll. All of a sudden, going to work is light relief - perish the thought! The Bank Holiday weekend provided some rest bite for all of us as other members of the family were able to share the burden and, thus, I managed a couple of sessions in at the club (carp puddle) lake, although I did spend a large amount of my holiday cleaning up the flat, in Herne Bay, that Ron & Denise call home. The Social Services aren't in too much of a hurry to come to our aid, because Ron & Denise are being cared for, thus not in any immediate need of assistance? It's another manifestation of "care in the community" only it involves Thanet Council liaising with Canterbury Council and a whole lot more red tape/bullshit paperwork. What a shame they have spent their entire lives paying into the system, it would have been so much easier if they'd recently arrived in the UK having stowed away on the back of a lorry - social services would be all over them like a rash! Rant ends here!

Only my second double (10 lbs 8 oz) from the venue

I have been spending quite some time watching the avian activity around the garden and was very fortunate to record a Spotted Flycatcher on Saturday morning, only the fifth patch record. Even better was to follow when, early Monday morning, a Raven was heard, then seen, flying over - a patch and garden tick! Even Bev got excited as it croaked it's way towards Ramsgate and Pegwell Bay, beyond. The sparrow hoards continue to frequent the feeding station and, if anything, numbers are on the rise again. Two Robins, three Magpies, five Dunnocks, a couple of Collared Doves, eleven Feral Pigeons and a lonely Blackbird are the only other visitors, although I am confident this will change as the autumn progresses. Whenever conditions are favourable, e.g. warm and sunny, Common Buzzards continue to pass overhead and Swallows are becoming more regular with the seasonal change. A Common Whitethroat popped into the garden today, although avoiding the long lens treatment!

Common Buzzard passing over the garden

One, of two, Robins around the feeding station

Sparrows on the feeders

My blogging is very much a casualty of this present situation. I am hoping for a return, to something like normality, before too much longer. Keep the faith, that's all I can ask. Oh!, as an afterthought - young Luke has landed his biggest Catfish, to date. Taken from an undisclosed river, at 50 lbs 8 oz, it's certainly an impressive creature.

Luke with his new PB Cat - 50 lbs 8 oz