Spring has Sprung

The weekend was like mid-summer, absolutely balmy. We started the weekend early on Friday evening. After office, we went straight to the playground to check what the natives are up to. As we were driving in, we passed Tony and Sheilah on their way home. They made a u-turn and we’d a litter natter in the car-park. Then Kay joined us.

As we walked through the reserve, there was an almost deafening cacophony of birdsongs going at the same time. My feathered friends are reminding everyone again that this is their territory and that they're there.… I’m keeping my fingers crossed that their singing have attracted a mate. A bird that sings on and on, late into the season, is probably a lonely bachelor who has failed to attract a partner. Oh dear…

We checked out Carlton Hide. It was very quiet except for this lovely Little Grebe enjoying the the evening sun. It was so relaxing to watch him. He was an excellent swimmer and diver.

On a lovely Saturday morning, I walked another 5 miles around the block. I couldn’t wait to walk into town one day which is about the same distance. It was such a bright sunny day that we drove went to Brandon (again) with the roof down. It was fun and lovely to have the sun breathing on your back.

Today I saw my first Comma, Peacock and Brimstone.  I couldn’t photograph the Brimstone cos it was whizzing all over the place. It would be quite difficult for them to find food cos not many flowers have bloomed and the nights were still frosty.

We spotted this lovely hybrid thought to be a white-fronted cross Emperor Goose. She has been coming here annually but this is the first time I managed to see her.  She was being jealously guarded by a pair of Canada Geese.

We went to Wright Hide and we were mesmerised as usual by these Sand Martins  skimming low over the lake. Babe managed to get these lovely shot of them using the nesting structure opposite the hide. They must have been nesting cos we could see them flying in and out of the openings.

At the casa, I left the doors opened. It was very refreshing to have the breeze gushing through. After a light lunch, I settled comfortably in front of the flat screen for a 6 hour tv marathon. I managed to have a short siesta during the FA Cup semi-final where Chelsea defeated Aston Villa 2:0.

Then it was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I was never a HP fan but somehow it managed to grow on me. Couldn’t wait for the next sequel…Mind you we do have the whole series, except the last film, in our collection. Finally it was CSI:NY. 

On Sunday, it was another bright day but cooler with a bit of breeze. I walked another 5 miles in the morning. My poor muscles complained like crazy :-).

We decided to check out a new playground,  Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire. Running through the Park are the River Soar and Grand Union Canal which provide a wetland area with lakes and smaller ponds. There were a few bird-hides scattered but a few were quite a distance from the wetlands. I just love this photograph of a reed bunting on the reeds. Isn’t he handsome?

As we walked throughout the park,  Babe spotted this duck from a distance. It was a Muscovy Duck. It has a distinctive facial characteristics unlike those of any other ducks. I love the beautiful plumage. We spent sometime stalking this lovely and unique duck. We’d a lovely day here and we will definitely come again.

It was only a 4-day week but it felt longer. I’d my annual appraisal done. I cut and paste last years objectives and justify whether I’d achieved them. I’m proud to say that I had achieved all of them and more. I juggled 3 different collections and also supervise an assistant. There were meetings, queries to answer and workshops to attend.

My colleagues and I are starting to play badminton regularly. Every Tuesday, we will meet at the Sports Centre after work. It was good to play again. My skills were still there just need more practice. We also got to play against players from other departments. A good way to make new friends.

On Thursday, I’d to take the bus to work. Of all days, the ring-road was closed. Work had begun on a 57-metre long cycle and footbridge to replace the subway below the ring road. Morning rush hour commuters were caught in huge tailbacks, moi included. CC gave me a lift home. Thanks a million, mwah.

On Friday, CC, PB and I went to our favourite fish bar for fish and chips. We planned to have it in Roots but they were closed for the term break. We’d a wonderful picnic on the bench outside the MRC building polishing our lunch. It was one of our treats for PB who will be leaving us for greener pastures next week.

Spring has truly sprung here . I’m surrounded by the signs and colours of spring. Everywhere is bursting with buds and blooms. These are my magnolia tree, the leaves and buds  waiting to uncurl and flower.

“In the spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

~Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1809 – 1892~