ice – Jill Orme Photography

8 Jan 2026

Narcissus

by JDO | posted in: Birds, Warwickshire, Weather | 0

“You’re gorgeous, you are. Mwah….” The cold, clear weather of the last few days disappeared overnight, and we were left with drab dankness. Or dank drabness. Either way, it was horrible to be out in. But I really hate being … Continued

6 Jan 2026

High-key

by JDO | posted in: Birds, Warwickshire, Weather | 0

R had a couple more appointments in Stratford this morning, and as he’s currently not driving I had to go along too, as chauffeur. I didn’t mind though, because there had been another light fall of snow overnight, and the … Continued

4 Jan 2026

Crystalline

by JDO | posted in: Family life, Flowers and plants, My garden, Weather | 0

Today the family descended on us again, but this time in joint celebration of the grandsons’ birthdays – the Boy Wonder having achieved the grand old age of 5 a few days ago, and the Baby Brother turning 2 in … Continued

21 Nov 2025

The Skating Minister

by JDO | posted in: Birds, Warwickshire | 0

Oh no – sorry. It’s not The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch – it’s a Moorhen. R and I were in Warwick again today, on the coldest morning of the winter so far. Afterwards we dropped down to … Continued

20 Jan 2025

Whooper

by JDO | posted in: Birds, Iceland, Travel, Warwickshire | 0

Despite being the type species for the genus Cygnus, Whooper Swans aren’t all that common in the UK – in fact this is only the third time I’ve recorded them in the past seven years, which is as far as … Continued

28 Nov 2024

Thaw

by JDO | posted in: My garden, Trees, Weather | 0

It was both foggy and freezing overnight, and if I’d shaped myself and got out in the garden early this morning, I’d have had an extensive pick of frosty subjects at my disposal. But by the time I actually staggered … Continued

25 Nov 2023

Frosty

by JDO | posted in: Family life | 0

After relieving his father of the Boy Wonder in Monmouth this morning, R and I whisked him off to Croome for a sausage brunch and a walk. The sausages were a hit, but the walk didn’t take long because it … Continued

17 Jan 2023

Noisy

by JDO | posted in: Birds, Warwickshire | 0

Day 5199 of The Cold, which I’m now beginning to think might outlive me. But am I downhearted? Well, maybe just a bit. Still, it was a sunny day, which is always nice, especially in January. I didn’t feel up … Continued

18 Dec 2022

Vantage point

by JDO | posted in: Birds, My garden, Weather, Worcestershire | 0

R and I have had a quiet day today. Both of us are a little anticlimactic after yesterday’s Christmas concert, and the weather hasn’t helped to pep us up: it was sleeting at 9am, and raining by early afternoon, and … Continued

16 Dec 2022

Redhead

by JDO | posted in: Birds, Warwickshire, Weather | 0

Unexpected sawbill in the heron area. I suddenly remembered this morning that in all the hoohah around grandparenting and Christmas, I’d missed having my regular bloods taken. As this can lead to bitterness and recrimination from the rheumatology team I … Continued