Last week was bitterly cold so we stayed away from the allotment. When the ground was really frosty, some of our walks were shortened. We could wrap up warmly but we were concerned that Ruby’s feet could end up frostbitten. We wash her feet if she has been walking where there are lots of dogs. This was recommended by a vet. Dogs tend to lick their feet so washing helps cut down the chances of Ruby picking up some diseases. At this time of year, it also washes off any salt pickled up from gritted footpaths. Ruby is used to the routine so it only takes a minute or two and is worth the small amount of effort.
We went to Nostell at the end of the week when the ground wasn’t as frosty but the lakes were iced over.
As the muddy paths had hardened we were able to complete our normal walk. There was more evidence of wind damage. The debris from this fallen tree created an impressive log pile. As usual, Ruby has to investigate anything new.
Although some areas of the main lake were ice-free, the water birds were walking rather than swimming on the lake.
The swans managed to find some water under the bridge where they could have a bath.
When the water is frozen, the birds struggle to feed so we took a bag of food. As soon as they see anyone approaching the lake with potential food, the birds flock from all directions to join in the feeding frenzy. The ducks risk being tossed aside by the swans who don’t like sharing but undeterred they come back to try again. I try to make sure the food is widely scattered to give everyone a chance. One swan even tried to mug me and steal the bag of food. I keep a close eye on the swans as they can be quite vicious if they are angered and can cause serious injuries.
There are signs telling people not to feed the birds with bread, which can make the birds ill, but some will still insist on doing this.
Last week, some coots even came off the lake to join in the party. These birds usually prefer to dive for food thrown into the lake but that wasn’t an option.
We don’t usually see waterhens at Nostell but there are lots of them at Temple Newsam. Both birds have large feet like most waterbirds but neither has webbed feet.
As the zoom isn’t as good on my phone, I took my ordinary camera to Temple Newsam to try and take a better photo of the heron and, if it was still there, the egret. The heron was in its usual spot but no sign of an egret.
One of the rhododendrons had got its timing wrong and was flowering. The buds on the many other shrubs promise a good display later in the year.
This post has become very bird orientated. We occasionally have a sparrowhawk visit the garden and one arrived on Saturday. I have very mixed feelings about such a visitor. They are beautiful birds and I know that they have to feed but it is upsetting to see them take a bird in our garden.
So on to our meals from last week.
As we were due to have a new hob and oven fitted on Tuesday, (more on that later), I made a turkey curry in our slow cooker. Into this went our onion, garlic and parsnip.
A red onion, squash and leeks were some of the homegrown vegetables that went into a pasta bake. I made my own cheese sauce.
Our onions, potatoes and frozen sweetcorn and peas were used in a chicken hotpot.
Still on the subject of food. These bananas arrived as part of our online delivery. The label says ripe and ready to eat – really?
Finally, remember that I said we were due to have a new oven and hob fitted. In my previous post. I wrote that we were due to have a new oven fitted but the fitter arrived a told us that he couldn’t fit the oven due to the way the hob had been fitted and the only solution was to buy a new hob. We went straight to the store and ordered a hob. The customer support assistant rang the installation team and arranged that the new hob and oven would both be fitted last week.
The oven has been sitting in our dining room for over a week. You may remember the photograph shown below on the left. Now look at the photo on the right. Can you spot the difference? The hob is now fitted above the oven, not in the kitchen but still in its box in the dining room.
After explicit instructions from the store regarding installation, the fitter arrived with instructions to fit just the hob that he was delivering. He couldn’t just fit the hob as both appliances needed to be fitted together and his work schedule didn’t allow time to fit both.
We are now hoping to have the oven and hob fitted this week – watch this space!
That’s all for this week so as usual until next time stay safe and well. If in the Northern Hemisphere also stay warm.
NB: I still can’t comment on most Blogger blogs unless I am able to comment anonymously which many blogs have switched off. I’m not ignoring you but it seems that this is a widespread Blogger issue so if you use Blogger you may have fewer comments than usual.
Also, a reminder that clicking on any photo in a collage/gallery will load a larger version of the photo.
Glad your cooker is now fitted! Love all the photos, I pity the birds during winter.xxx
Glad to have it all installed, Dina – I was beginning to wonder. The birds do have a hard time.
Oh, that’s a frustrating tale about your cooker – I hope it’s sorted by now!
The pasta bake looks really tasty. I’m sorry to say most of my squashes didn’t survive well in the polytunnel and in the boot of our car. I need to eat them quicker.
Coot feet are interesting aren’t they?
All sorted now, Belinda. Some of our squashes other than Crown Prince have gone mouldy
It’s good that we were able to walk with Ruby in cold weather. Soon you will be warm!
What strange problems with the installation of the stove and hob. Your installer acts like he’s a minister – he’s on a schedule. Strange. Does he work for free?
It was the people who sorted out the work schedule for the fitters who were at fault Nadezda. The fitters can only do what they have on their worksheet.