This morning we woke to the smell of burning oil. Once more our heating was not working.
Top temperature outside today was four degrees centigrade; I don’t know what it was inside, but I certainly wasn’t going out – so after lunch I practiced with my Nordic poles, reaching No. 21 Downton Lane before turning back. I didn’t time the walk this time, yet a stiff cold breeze added enough of a chill factor for me to travel as nippily as possible.
There is still a small supply of crab apples to nurture our regular blackbird visitor.
This afternoon Steve of Norman’s heating came to fix the boiler problem. There was a small amount of oil where it shouldn’t be in the system; Steve cleared it out.
Later, I read more of ‘The Brontës’ before dinner, which consisted of succulent roast chicken; crisp roast potatoes; crunchy carrots; firm Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower with its chopped leaves for brassica; and tasty gravy with which I finished the Bordeaux while Jackie drank Diet Coke.
I’m glad your heating was sorted out fairly quickly. Lovely photos of the blackbird 🙂
Thank you very much, Nikki
Hope your heating issues are now solved.
At least the boiler works. Thank you very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
Stay warm.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
I’m glad Steve was able to come out today to take care of your heater.
The photos with the blackbirds and berries are lovely. The crabapple berries are not the same as what we call cranberries, are they?
That are quite different, Merril. Many thanks
That’s what I thought. I was confused when I read the photo captions. 🙂
Wow, only 4’C … 8.00 am here and it’s 20’C outside … 😎
Another delicious dinner. Congratulations on walking in weather that cold, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Pat
Wow, I’m glad that your heating was repaired very quickly this time, Derrick! Have you guys considered switching to natural gas or propane?
We don’t have gas in this area, John. With the new company we may have better luck. Thanks very much.
I see, have a nice evening!
Your boiler problems are beginning to remind me of Sisyphus.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Darn that heater! Glad it was easily fixed.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Hi, Derrick – Reading the Brontës always adds dimension to any day (at least IMHO). <3
Thanks very much, Donna XX
Your heating system sounds very temperamental. I love the blackbird and crab apple series.
Thank you very much, Liz. We inherited a very bad installation
You’re welcome, Derrick. It seems there is always something that we don’t know when we buy a house.
Indeed
Love the blackbirds enjoying the remaining crabapples. Also happy your heating is restored.
So grateful Spring💐 is just around the corner
I am glad the boiler works once more and that you are making good progress using your poles.
Thank you very much, Anne
So sorry to hear about your heating issue. 🙁
So very glad Steve was a great helper! 🙂
Does your beautiful blackbird visitor have a name?
We made homemade chicken soup for our meal…and we had some of the same veggies in it that you ate for your meal. 🙂
(((HUGS)))
Perhaps we should give a name some thought, Carolyn. Thanks very much XX
I’m so glad the boiler was sorted. It’s not the weather for breakdowns.
Apart from the recent problems, is the boiler due its annual service?
PS. A female Robin has just joined our male in the garden. The other day they were even sharing the bird feeder.
Booked for 20th. Sue. Thank you very much
Ours is booked for mid-March. Same time every year. I’m sure September/October would make more sense.
Your photos are gorgeous, as always!
Thank you very much, Luisa
You are welcome! ❦✨✨
No heat!!? I’m reading a book about wintering birds by Pete Dunn. It is remarkable how birds adapt.
It really is, Sherry. Thank you very much
I love your blackbird and crabapple photos! I am glad your boiler issues are sorted out.
For now, Eugi. Thank you very much
That must have been an unpleasant way to start the day! I’m glad Steve was able to sort out the heating—especially with those chilly temperatures. Your Nordic pole walk sounds invigorating despite the cold! And how lovely to still have crab apples for the blackbird. I would love some too! Hope your heating stays reliable from now on!
Thank you very much, Ilze
Brrrh! Can’t blame the heater for malfunctioning with such cold. Happy the blackbird!
Thank you so much, Rosaliene
Good your heating was sorted out quickly. It can be such a pain in winter. The photography of the blackbird in the crab apples are particularly nice
Thank you so much, Geetha
I am glad your heater was fixed so expeditiously.
Terrific photos, contrasting both the colors and the textures.
Thank you very much, Dolly
I’m glad you got the heating fixed. It sounds freezing. I love the crab apple photographs.
Thank you very much, Robbie
I’m glad the issue was settled! Beautiful photos!
Thank you very much, Riba
A blackbird among crabapples is an excellent subject for photos. Thank you for sharing these beautiful images, Derrick.
Much appreciated, Crystal
I am glad the heating problem was solved quickly! Your photos of the blackbird and red crabapples are very nice compositions.
Thank goodness you got the issue resolved promptly
Much appreciated, Sheree
Likewise, very glad the issue was discovered and resolved safely! You always make such lovely photos.
Thank you very much, Takami