Upcycled Raincoats for your Pooch!
I came across this site on the online American craft store Etsy. I love these eco-friendly doggie raincoats recycled from salvaged broken umbrellas. They are so different from the mainstreet stuff. Made in Philadelphia US. Pugs are modelling the outfits and look adorable. Etsy Website:http://www.etsy.com/listing/33337742/beige-and-brown-oval-floret-upcycled
British Butterflies
We have had a lot of rain here over the last two months - probably more than other places in the UK and the poor vegetable plot has been abandoned. I'm not very good at gardening with constant rain. Recently I was inspired by radio request from the British Butterfly Conservation society for people to take note of the various butterflies now in the garden. I went out and took some photos just outside the patio doors, where the Buddlia Bush (butterfly bush) and the herb Oregano are now flourishing and which these pretty and valuable insects adore. I noted of (see enclosed photos) 10 Peacocks, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Gateman and 2 small whites.They are just so uplifting to watch. The British Butterfly website has all the pictures to identify the butterflies you may have in your garden. If you would like more information on these lovely creatures and how to encourage and preserve them for now and future generations - because the are now declining - please visit the British Butterfly Conservation Society.
Old Dotty Rescued Hen, nearly 12!
I wrote about Old Dotty reaching 10 some time ago - shes still here. She is now eleven and a half, twelve in December having survived this severe winter which is amazing. She struggled one freezing day and wouldn't leave an island of earth, sheltered by bushes and surrounded by snow When it was getting a little dark, I had to persuade her to go into the coop. She was not having any of it. She wouldn't cross the snow. Fearing she would freeze to death as temperatures plummeted to minus-8, she retreated back into the undergrowth We tried several times to capture her and eventually we did, but the brambles took their toll on our skin, but we are so pleased she has reached this grand age and still lays the odd egg.
