Summer break

Took an extended break for the August bank holidays. Lots of plans lined up but didn't do any cos Kevin was unwell. When he felt ok, we went for a drive to places close to home.

At Brandon Marsh, we were pleased when notices were in place to warn visitors about handling rabbits. They did took notice of our grievances. We made our way to one of the hides which overlooked a small island. There were 8 herons on it, 3 more were hunting by the banks and one just flew over. I have never seen so many herons in one tiny place. There were also the usual noisy lapwings, sun-bathing cormorants, graceful swans, busy gulls, barnacle geese and ducks.

Spot the Heron(s)

It was a warm day that we treated ourselves to a nice cold drink, ice-cream and cream cakes at the Badger Cafe. A bird-feeder stood near our window and we enjoyed and photographed the antics of blue tits, sparrows and pigeons feeding. A healthy rabbit was also busy grazing by the window.

We also checked out Ryton Pools. I read that one of the pools is home to the largest collection of dragonflies in Warwickshire. Unfortunately, on that day, there were more visitors than dragonflies.

We found a hidden path and walked through silent, cool woods and saw huge clusters of fungi, insects and this magnifique beauty.

It's a Southern Hawker

I also tried the Cabbage Soup diet for 4 days only. I didn't budge a single cm and was constantly hungry. We went for a drive to Rugby where I bought doughnuts and custard-filled brioche. Diet, what diet :)

On Aug 31st was Malaysia's 50th Independence Day from British colonial rule. They had a huge party back home. I wish I was there to celebrate together. I wonder at 50 has Malaysia been independent and free in mind, body and spirit? I sincerely hope so but from what I'd seen and read She has gone backwards. Why???

Yesterday, Coventry Sky Blues was at the top of the Coca Cola Championship. They defeated Preston North End 2:1. We were nearly crushed by the delirious fans shouting/singing as they left the Ricoh. C'mon guys. Lets not get carried away. Two swallows don't make a summer.

And some piece of s--t did get carried away. Benzy was vandalised for the 3rd time. The back wiper had been mangled. Sheeesh!!! We called the police and decided to fully protect our property. Maplins wasn't even opened when we arrived and already there's a disorderly queue by the door. We bought and installed a 24-hour CCTV. We definitely want to apprehend this culprit. He's gonna be soo sorry when Kevin gets his hands on him. We also got to know our neighbours better cos Kevin asked around, well he acosted everyone who walked past and asked if they knew who was doing this.....No-one did.

After all that excitement, CC came and we went to check out an auction in Rugby. She'd on her MP3 a song by The Kinks that was on repeat. Both of us was singing on top of our voices about 'driving on a Sunday afternoon...' We whistled and cheered at some fit guys doing an orienteering run along the way. There were some fantastic kilms and rugs at the auction house. We just browsed.

It was indeed a very strange summer break.