"It was imprudent of us, in the first place, to become authors. We could have become something regular, but we managed not to.
We were lucky, but we were also determined." Roy Blount Jr

"I don’t change the facts to enhance the drama. I think of it the other way round, the drama has got to fit the facts,
and it’s your job as a writer to find the shape in real life."
Hilary Mantel

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Fauna and Flora

I love the red-spotted newt. It might be my favourite amphibian.



We're quite excited today, having sighted female and/or juvenile evening grosbeaks flying around the treetops and in the shrubs near the house. They used to be regulars at our bird feeders, breeding nearby, but for two or three years we've scarcely spotted them. They are greatly missed. I've put out the feeders they used to like best, well stocked with food.

And we noticed a new robin's nest in the beech tree in front of the house. The grosbeaks and the bluejays like it, because it's so tall and it has green beechnuts. Having so many visitors makes the robins crazy. As we ate breakfast on the deck, we saw the female fly up out of the nest to chase away the intruders.

Rose of the Day



Rosa canina, the "dog rose,". An ancient species of rose, growing wild in Britain and Europe--it's common in English hedgerows. The flowers are pale or blush pink, sweetly scented, and form nice hips that can be used to make a medicinal syrup or wine.


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