Recent Posts

Both still alive 90+ which is quite an achievement given hollywood party lifestyle.

I actually knew what Prince Ruperts drops were but had forgotten, once again proving that learning something new every day isn't difficult, but remembering it is.

What do they call that woman who acted as a nun in the Clint Eastwwod western?

What are Prince Rupert's drops?

Why do I keep seeing clouds of gnats in the middle of winter?

Don’t keep us in suspense, or force us into matching your search history

I know that AI has it's dark side, and it's spoiled funny cat videos forever, but there is a terrific upside.

I can now speak long rambling questions into my phone and AI will decipher it and find me an answer.

From my recent searches:

What do they call that woman who acted as a nun in the Clint Eastwwod western?

What are Prince Rupert's drops?

Why do I keep seeing clouds of gnats in the middle of winter?

When I'm on my walk, I regularly walk into a cloud of gnats on a paticular corner. I did it again today, even though we are in the middle of winter.

I've been wondering about it for a while, probably a couple of years actually, but I kind of put it down to climate change or something, but today when I got home, I looked it up.

They are winter gnats. (Trichoceridae) Who Knew?

Google says..

Though they are active year-round, Winter gnats are most noticeable in the colder months when the males perform their courtship dances. Swarms gather in areas that are kept warmer by the sun, such as woodland glades, riverbanks and above sun-warmed objects. Sometimes following people purely for the heat they give off (though they resemble mosquitoes they do not bite). In low winter sunshine, the reflective wings of the dancing swarms can make them appear like apparitions. In fact the gatherings are sometimes called ‘ghosts’

Click to see full-size image.

8 hours and 48 minutes of daylight in the Midlands today.

Ar this time of year we gain around 25 minutes per week.

Summer is hurtling towards us.

SHAZ! How the devil are you?  I hope yourself and himself are well.

Mrs Red makes sloe gin every year but muggins here has to pick the berries. I end up looking like a bad lion tamer.

When she's finished making the gin she uses the alcohol soaked berries in her home-made chocolate liqueurs.

Lethal they are.

Click to see full-size image.

Ordinary Wellington boots aren't really suitable or comfortable on long (ish) walks, but 4 or 5 years ago I discovered these.

Neoprene Wellies.

Basically a sturdy well made rubber boot with a tough, grippy sole and a waterproof Neoprene upper that hugs your leg instead of flapping around.

Bliss.


The thorn that gives the blackthorn its name is a phenomenal weapon. Up to 4 inches long and as hard as iron, it can really inflict some serious damage. The saving grace is, it's a defence weapon. Leave it alone and it will leave you alone.

Click to see full-size image.

A belated Happy New Year everyone.

Newportlad and I used to go out every autumn picking sloes from the blackthorn to make one of my fav tipples but we gave up as cheap gin stopped being cheap and you can buy it now so it's not worth it.

I do continue to make rhubarb and ginger gin and plum sherry.

My speciality grow your own is garlic, especially elephant garlic and this year I'm going to have a go at confit and black garlic,

I’m feeling good today

Sorry Ralph, but that was great entertainment for a neutral.

And for the non-neutral 

Sorry Ralph, but that was great entertainment for a neutral.