Ring Me

It wasn't until I saw this shot on full-screen that I saw he was ringed - but then black headed gulls are on the amber list, so that might be a reason. And they are not 'sea'gulls, living as they do inland. This chap edged out the moorhen family also seen on the regular Sunday-morning-before-getting-the-papers-figgate-park-wander (mum sitting on the nest (with one other chick and presumably some more eggs); dad centre-shot; and the ugliest little chick you can imagine bringing up the rear; and a little grebe, that had me flummoxed until someone on Flickr put me on the right track. I've seen this one before (as soon as they're disturbed they dive before re-appearing some distance away), but just once. Looks like he's hanging around.

And last image link is actually from last night. In the evening we'd headed to the new Chop Chop down at the Shore - the food is as good as Morrison Street, and the service just as laaaaaaboured. Worth it though. And the sun was a stunning colour when we came out. There followed a dash to South Queensferry, deciding against stopping at Cramond on the way. Sadly, because by South Queensferry the sun was more or less down, but it still gave some nice colour behind the road bridge.

Anyway. Today. Morning wander; work in the garden; painting the hall; and now? Beer - check; nibbles - check; sense of foreboding at impending early exit from a major international tournament and crowing of the inhabitants of the northern half of these isles - check.

18 minutes and counting....

Just time for this. Have you heard an advert on the radio for 'Coinstar'? I heard it for the first time today. I've seen (and used) the machines before. Basically they take your coins you've got lying around or stolen from your piggy bank, count them for you by the power of magic, then print out a little receipt for use in the supermarket where the machine is located. The advert goes something along the lines of, "Take your coins and turn them into easy to use money..."

Er.

Um.