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... the sky is baby blue, and the just-unfurling leaves ...
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Jam Lady



Joined: 28 Dec 2006
Posts: 2501
Location: New Jersey, USA
PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 18 4:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I know that weasels kill for the excitement of it, Gregotyn, but I wasn't aware of what badgers eat. So I went online. Wikipedia has this to say:

The diet of the Eurasian badger consists largely of earthworms (especially Lumbricus terrestris),[21] insects, grubs, and the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds. They also eat small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds, as well as roots and fruit.[22] In Britain, they are the main predator of hedgehogs, which have demonstrably[23] lower populations in areas where badgers are numerous, so that hedgehog rescue societies do not release hedgehogs into known badger territories.[24] In some areas they are known to prey on lambs, and may bite a ewe defending her lamb, almost always leading to infection of the bite.[citation needed] They are occasional predators of domestic chickens,[25] and are able to break into enclosures that a fox cannot. In southern Spain, badgers feed to a significant degree on rabbits.[26]

We got over an inch of rain, and absurdly warm temperatures. Today clear skies and chillier temperatures.

Skunks don't tunnel, as far as I know, just dig a bit looking for grubs. Shan, cannot find the image I mentioned. Can picture it quite well - I'm sitting on a blue sofa, wearing a black / white / chestnut brown patterned vaguely Japanese kimono style bathrobe my sister made for me. Stinky is reared up on his hind legs, front paws on my legs, clearly asking to be lifted up to snuggle in my lap. But alas, I cannot scan a memory to share with you all.

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 18 7:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The weather here yesterday was awful again, so we went shopping as the gusty winds made it too dangerous for the woods. Local National Park shut again. We had plenty of rain with it too, so generally not a nice day. Today looks good, but I have to stay in for a parcel to be collected, so hope he isn't too late, so I can get up to the woods at least part of the day.

I think the peregrine falcon is back as we had two pigeons killed here yesterday. One hit the roof and fell down near the front door, so I have had the breasts out of that. The other I found when I was taking the remains of that pigeon down to the closed compost heap, but as the breast skin had been torn away, I have left that for the animals.

I didn't know badgers would kill for the sake of it Gregotyn. I know they will take anything they can, and wouldn't be surprised if they get into chicken runs as they can get through most barriers.

Snowdrops here are still in full bloom, and other flowers are coming on slowly. We have one tiny clump of primrose/polyanthus in the garden, but still only one celandine at a time in the woods. Temperature only about 5 deg C yesterday again, but supposed to be warming up over the next few days.

Shan



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales
PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 18 8:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

MistressRose: you are making my mouth water thinking of seared pigeon breasts!

I am giving sewing a break today as my neck and shoulders are killing me. Sewing with quilted fabric is heavy going but at least I have done what I need to do. The rest is only for extras.

Weather is gloomy here today but at least it is dry at the moment. Could be worse.

Poor Dingo, the puppy I found abandoned on the side of the road in Portugal is still looking for a home but at least the shelter that has taken him in are a lovely bunch. This is the latest Janet emailed to me:



Janet's website if anyone is interested in what they do: https://www.associationanimalslostparadisefound.com/index.htm

He looks like is is getting well socialised with other dogs.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 18 8:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

What a cute puppy - I would be seriously tempted if I were within shouting distance!

This morning I feel I interrupted a conference down on the oval. Two groups of hares, each in a semi-circle facing a raven. Definitely a conspiracy afoot as they all fled when I arrived!

Driving has its challenges, but yes, Gregotyn, they do provide the vehicle. It is one of those city people versions of a four wheel drive with all sorts of bells and whistles. I discovered another today - it has a television that shows you what is behind you when you go into reverse. I had not noticed it before as I use the mirrors for such activities, but today when reverse parking into a tight spot, I paused, glanced down and found it. Unfortunately it does not actually show you how close you are (well it does, but it uses a red rectangle that approaches the car behind while the view stays quite a distance away). Luckily it also has a proximity alarm so I did manage to miss the car, but it was very very close, haha. And the chaos I had anticipated (due to the dithering of the boss) did happen. It didn't help that we had really wild weather today with torrential rain, strong winds, flying trees etc, so both of today's passengers were a touch late for their appointments and I did not have a pause to fill in the endless paperwork involved so had to do that once I returned to Oatlands. Still, I was home in time to watch Dr Who and then go clean the bank so not all is lost.

Shan



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales
PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 18 8:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Cassandra: I wish I could take him but it's just not practical. Too much time spent away from home and he's going to need a lot of exercise. He looks like he has some Collie in him and from past experience, they are hyper energetic and very intelligent. They get bored easily and become obsessive if not kept engaged and busy.

Well, looks like you have the driving sorted. I'm fortunate enough to have an old car with no bells and whistles. I think I'd probably crash if it were any more advanced.

How's Poppet-kitty getting on - has she taken ownership of the property yet?

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 18 7:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Husband has decided the pigeon breast will go into the stew, which is mainly chicken; still it will do two nights dinners at that rate as there is still plenty of chicken. I thought fried might be nice too, but he didn't fancy it.

It was wet and cold here in the end yesterday. Husband and son did some work in the wood, but with the rain and wind, they got very cold, so gave up at lunchtime. The besom went as the carrier arrived just after 11, so it is on its way. I spent a 'happy' morning doing the accounts, but at least I found out why the previous month's wouldn't reconcile.

Shan



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales
PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 18 9:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

MistressRose: fried with a redcurrant sauce is one of my favourite ways to do pigeon. Goes well with a bit of sweet potato mash.

Well, we had some showers this morning but the day is looking quite promising. Might even get a chance to practice a bit of archery.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 18 2:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I went on a badger hunt/dig when I was 6yo in Cornwall. A large sow and one baby were got out and put in a suitable bag. I realise now that they would not be humanely killed, but knew no different then-over 60 years ago. The surprising thing was that a Jack Russell dog managed to pull out such a large creature surprised me. Being small I was telling the farmers wife that it seemed cruel, but she said that it was not so good for her chickens when the badger had broken into the chicken house and killed 18 hens, only 2 were intact and another was ripped open but she sewed it up and the hen went on to lay eggs. But yes, they are mainly a nuisance in grassland, where they root for grubs and worms. I used to pass a sett with the dog but never saw any activity there. One night I saw a baby badger alongside the hedge whining and it was obviously lost. I went home and informed the badger protection lot in Shropshire, who told me it was not on their patch, a week later someone from there rang to ask how it was and I explained it could be collected, dead, in the field any time as it was in full view. Before this I had rung the Powys protection people who told me it was too far for them to come. Now I don't like badgers as they make holes in fences where sheep escape and so on, but the baby didn't ask to come into the world and I thought it should be given a chance even if I don't like the things. But when I see these folks speaking out and demonstrating for something that can cause so much unwanted killing in a hen house, I am not as sympathetic about badgers as perhaps I would be if they had at least done something for that abandoned and innocent cub. The argument for and against brucellosis being connected to badgers and cattle I don't find as convincing as it should be, but I haven't gone into it-perhaps because it doesn't affect me.
There is little or no question they are beautiful looking creatures, and I have watched them many times at night eating as a 'family' of youngsters and they eat and grunt together and good it is too, to see them. I haven't got any on my land but they would not be removed if they were there. I am a bit live and let live. Guess I would be annoyed if it was my hen house but that seems to be few and far between.

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 18 3:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

We too have snow drops in abundance MR, and I forgot to mention it, they were out at the middle of January-very early for here, but little evidence of any thing else showing willing to appear. I have a 40th birthday party to go to next weekend, not sure what you give a 40yo man with a wife and 2 children.
I am seeing the picture of the puppy Shan, and wanting the Red Setter? who is acting as sleeping chaperone, so innocent and oblivious of all around-sigh-if only-I am too old, and setters have to walk miles! I had one when I was married, and a super dog she was-so obedient-won classes over Collies and Alsatians, but all down to my wife's tuition. But at home she was crazy; a real fun loving dog.

Our weather has not been too bad, 'nice' out all day, but cool and sunny.

My money is on the raven Cassandra.
I am glad they provide you with a vehicle to do the runs. I have a friend who records his trips around the place, all in case someone runs into him. I did point out that it could also be used against him. He pointed out it would not be shown in that case! You will get used to the modern car gadgets as time goes on. I still plod along without much technology on my car or at home, life is so much easier and cheaper that way. But watching television whilst going backwards to see how you are getting on, does it have bells and whistles that get louder as you approach anything in the way?

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 18 7:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I am afraid I put the pigeon breasts in the stew, and even then husband complained they were a bit rich. I thought they tasted reasonably good.

There are not cows kept near us now Gregotyn, so the badgers are not a problem from that point of view, although there was a dairy herd until a few years ago, and I never heard of any problems. Sadly, I don't think the TB problem has been properly investigated. I am sure that there are other animals, like deer, that can spread TB at least as well as badgers, but all research I have heard of seems to be rather for or against badgers rather than a proper investigation.

Another day doing log sacks yesterday, and then another order came in, just as we were making headway. Somehow, however hard I work at them at the moment, we seem to have at least 50 on order.

We have dash cams on all our vehicles. Son started it as he has to drive along a busy section of motorway to work every day, and was so worried about the bad driving of some road users. Recently, a large stone came off a lorry and cracked his windscreen; luckily the windscreen is laminated rather than toughened, or it would have completely shattered. He had to have a new windscreen, and has sent a copy of the tape to the company the lorry that dropped the stone belongs to. He is still awaiting events, but is asking them to pay his windscreen excess, which I don't think is unreasonable.

cassandra



Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia
PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 18 8:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Stewed pigeon somehow doesn't have the same ring to it as seared in Blackberry jelly - my mouth was watering at the options being discussed! Fish and chips for me tonight I am afraid.

Poppet is doing nicely thanks Shan. She has finally learned the language of domesticity and purrs when she sees me now. Up till the last couple of days it has been growls and hisses and loud spits (all while rubbing herself around my ankles I might add), so I am taking this as the final stage of domestication. She is quite happy to come out of the pen when the dog is about and just warns him off. Being the big doofus he is he takes the hint and backs off a couple of steps before taking a few more toward her. If he gets too close she calmly saunters away to a place he can't reach. No rushing for this madam.

I have found out how much it will cost to take her to the vet, but it will have to wait for one more pay day to be able to actually take her. Sadly benefits don't extend to a pet-care allowance, haha.

We have had another cold spell, so the fire has been lit, last night and pretty well all day today. Luckily there is a lot of hardwood scrap down the back so I have put the drop saw to work to produce some fuel.

And apart from that I have been playing with the treadle and making up the blouse/insert thingy for the gown. Tomorrow I will probably cut long strips of red to bind the neckline and sleeve ends.

I also discovered the joys of a gather foot - I have never used on before so decided to give it a try - and now I want to know why no-one let me know about them sooner. No more having to run long triple rows of gathering stitches - just bung it in the machine and voila - the bobbin thread is free enough to draw up additional gather if you need it, and if you leave long tails you can ease the gather as you need to do on curves and sleeve tops. I am thrilled!

The door to the pen is left open when I am settled indoors, but Poppet seems happy to stay in there once she has sorted out the immediate vicinity. So I may have to get rid of the pen altogether if I want her to enter the real world.

Shan



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales
PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 18 8:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Gregotyn, the shelter have many lovely dogs & cats up for adoption. Unfortunately, abandoned animals seems to be one of the things that goes on in Portugal. I personally think that people who abandon animals should have their feet flayed open and forced to walk across broken glass. This is one of my more tame options.... I couldn't possibly type the rest on a public forum!

I think Badgers are like everything else. The numbers need to be kept at levels which harmonise with the environment. The old gamekeeper here used to limit them to a certain number of sets. Too many and they start attacking livestock.

MistressRose: next time feed hubby the chicken and keep the pigeon for yourself!

gregotyn



Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area
PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 18 3:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

MR., I would tell hubby to cook his own as he wants it-well that is as my ex would have played it, actually she did, but only once-I can't cook very well, and she knew it. I simply get by. There are those who live to eat and the others. Don't complain about the log orders, just think how much less by working you spend by not shopping, and how much more you have to spend when you have to shop, because of the log sales. Non logical I know, but that is how I say it when folks say 'a waste of time chopping wood for kindling'.
I wouldn't understand about dash cams, passed me by, I would probably wipe off the important bit if I had an accident, when trying to see what happened, I'd cleared the evidence!

I am pleased that Poppet has appeared to find your establishment suitable-everyone says that cats choose their 'owners', rather than the other way round. I would leave junior with her haven for a little while longer, so that she has the bolt hole on a 'just in case' basis. You however, are on the ground so to speak and will know best.

Shan, I wonder why so many people who have pets fail to get them neutered and then abandon them because of the offspring. Could it be that folks are too mean to do the right thing in the first place? If you can't afford to get an animal neutered how can you afford to keep it in the first place? I have always had my dogs put down before they got into too much pain. The last was worst as she was fine in the morning and was in trouble when I got home at lunch time and put down by the vet within the hour, with me in trauma! A shame the benefits office don't appreciate the benefit, companionship, an animal can give to people.

Shan



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 9075
Location: South Wales
PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 18 3:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Cassandra: Good news about Poppet. It's lovely to see them settle. Poor creature is lucky to have come across you!

Mistress Rose



Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15539

PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 18 7:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Nice that Poppet has got the hang of living with you. Perhaps you could have a box bed for her to retreat into when you get rid of the pen. Somewhere she can retreat from the world, but not so big she wants to stay in there all the time.

The pigeon breasts were nice in the stew, so I will make sure I get all the rest and husband can have the chicken. I am quite conservative in my tastes, but husband is far worse. It took me years to get him to eat spaghetti, and even now he prefers potato. I put that in cauliflower cheese to make a good meal, but he does have pasta with Bolognese sauce.

I think one trouble with people getting pets is that they don't find out all about them first. If you research them well, you will know what has to be done, what the problems are, and then might not buy it. I must admit that the kitten we got arrived rather suddenly, but that was my SILs fault as she had two and expected us to have one. It decided I was the person it had to impress if it was to stay, so worked hard at it.

Husband and son managed to do more log sacks yesterday, so husband and I have to deliver them today. We only delivered 20 there last week, but they were down to 4 on Thursday, so need more urgently. I went out with husband yesterday afternoon on a log load delivery so son could go home. He has had a nasty cold or something and now has a follow on cough, so we are giving him as much rest as possible.

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