This morning I was distracted from my reading by activity on the bird feeders.
Goldfinches, as usual, spilled more seed than they consumed;
they had to wait their turn on the sunflower seeds
as did dunnocks on the suet balls, where, until recently, with sparrows, they had ruled the roost.
Now the starlings, with their fluid speckled iridescence,
are the dominant bullies of the feeders.
On this chilly, dull, afternoon, Jackie worked at clearing the Oval Bed which contains this plant interred last year that has lost its label to the winds;
and placing pansies in the iron urn. This container was full of vine weevils which she had to extract before adding fresh compost and pansies. The additional flora she would normally have included at this time are unavailable because they are dying in closed garden centres on account of coronavirus regulations. Many of these outlets will not survive.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s rustic chicken and vegetable soup followed by her delicious
amber dried fruit lattice pie and custard.