On the edge

Mr and Mrs Mallard, to the left, seemed to be having an afternoon nap while their companion kept watch. What the photo fails to show is that they were balanced on the very edge of a weir, with quite a steep vertical drop behind them! Strange place for a rest!

Spotted them as I walked by the Wooler Water this afternoon. It seems to have become my walk of choice on busy days - not as long or time-consuming as walking up to the Common, but very pleasant and with enough uphill for it to seem like a proper walk.

Unable to progress the bank account 'switch' any further, as it requires a phone call to do so, but there was a waiting time "in excess of 60 minutes" both times I tried today. But I did start sorting out the wall planters in the 'yard - the linings need replacing as the birds used them for nesting material in the spring.

A phone call early evening from the supermarket delivery driver, as he waited for the AA - the van containing our grocery order had broken down. A bit of an inconvenience, but sorted out very efficiently - within 10 minutes someone from the store had phoned to re-arrange delivery for tomorrow.

A little ray of hope amongst all the doom and gloom in the news today -  Dominic Cummings has left Downing Street.

Lockdown 2, day 9