Silver-washed fritillary

After a grey and slightly damp start, the weather gradually improved during the day. My first task was going into town to pay the income tax - not something anyone relishes!

After that, Chris and I took the dogs up to Bedford Purlieus, one of their favourite haunts. Although Chris has nominally been at home since 3rd June,we've managed very few trips out together,as we've both been off on various trips.

The Purlieus is a very good butterfly site, and we recorded fifteen species during the course of our walk, including several silver washed-fritillaries (which seem to be having a long season), very many brown argus and quite a few peacocks,all apparently freshly emerged. The image shows a female silver-washed fritillary, nectaring on marjoram.

Later this afternoon I had the final session of my root filling. Fortunately the infection finally receded in the middle of our Orkney trip, as otherwise the dentist wouldn't have done the filling. She thought I must have had a resistant strain of bacteria, possibly associated with the frequent antibiotics I was given as a child, to deal with bouts of tonsillitis.

I'm just glad it's all over. The tooth's a bit tender tonight, but I was told to expect that. I think it may be wise to take a couple of painkillers before bed!