Autumnal Equinox

Starlings

Today is the day when day and night are of equal duration before the descent into increasing darkness. It is the time to recognise that the balance of the year has changed, the wheel has turned and summer is now over. For mother nature, the activity of the summer months slows down to hibernation for the winter.

I was having a siesta when noisy chattering woke me up. I'd fallen asleep with the front door open. The volume got louder and I went out to check. What a beautiful sign of autumn. Huge flocks of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) roosting on the roof of the opposite houses. They are busy bitching and gossiping, taking a break from their migratory journey.

During the daytime, these birds will be searching for food in smaller groups, but in the evening they will join together with a spectacular air display before huddling for the night. We have witnessed this while we were in Aberystwyth and Gretna Green. Need to find where they congregate in the Midlands. The aerial performance is truly mesmerising.

Yesterday we went to Leicester to pay our Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Giving to the poor and needy is a duty required from every Muslim, and is considered to be an act of worship. Those Muslims who can afford it should give a small percentage each year to this cause. Helping the poor and needy is the main objective of the Zakat, and that is why we decided to hand it to Islamic Relief, a charity organistion here in the UK.

I wanted to do my usual walkabout around Leicester but Kevin was feeling a bit off. And the traffic was also starting to build up. We took ages to get out of the city centre. Leicester, by population, is the 10th largest city in England and the 13th largest in the UK. Another rendezvous saved for later.

I was supposed to be moving into my temporary office next week. Even one of the managers came over to say thanks for 'agreeing'. I've received my keys but my PC hasn't been set up and the guys can't do it cos there's no furniture. What's going on? Told SH that I'm not moving out/in until everything's up to scratch. He agreed. It's going to be a major battle on Monday.
B and J had separate birthday do's. It was very sweet of them to give me a doggie-bag for when I break my fast. Thanks ladies and have a great one.