Monday

We popped in to see Bella and Regie Dippy’s mum and dad first thing on the way to a pre arranged event. Chaos and excitement were fun for all three as they greeted each other while Henri and I have a catch up chat.
An interesting drive through the country lanes to Meeth Quarry. I joined 13 other people for a Harvest mouse survey, sponsored-by Devon Wildlife Trust. Some heavy rain showers or deep puddles didn’t stop us getting to the specific survey area.
These tiny little mice build their nests amidst the stems or long blades of grass
above the ground, and sometimes in thistles. They breed as many as eight at a litter, in their small round nest composed of blades of grass cleverly wound together.
As a team we discovered 9 nests (all empty) in total which is an excellent count apparently. Like many of nature’s wonderful creatures numbers vary dramatically for many different reasons. Recording of these creatures is “brand new” and so hypothetically calculated reasons for their success or failure to become more common is not really very clear.
Two good walks earlier and later were the way for Dippy and I to get our exercise today, the second walk was fun for Dippy and Maisie. I assisted Vivienne in tucking in the six rescue hens which arrived at the weekend, after which I enjoyed a hearty bowl of stew.
My post card/collage extra includes a photo from London Ontario and a scene from my eldest son’s front driveway.
Zzzzzz