The Pond Log

Here's more on what we're doing in our efforts to restore our pond - we sourced some logs 'with character' from a friend's fallen tree (foreground), and

packed them into the back of the car with the trunk unlatched (a saga of its own in a car full of electronic beeping sounds and ultra-safety concerns that involved an automated, unnecessary use of the emergency brake at a most inappropriate time).

We strapped them onto our 'dolly'/sack cart, and then Dale wheeled them around the house to the pond area.

 He expertly placed them exactly where they 'spoke' to him. Since then, we've been harvesting moss fragments wherever it's not wanted, and we're slowly disguising the edges of the pond liner with it.

And, of course, our wildlife visitor's book for the pond has grown since then too

Photo: D Schultz

Poisonous Delights

These gorgeous blooms in my garden are commonly known as autumn crocuses or meadow saffron, though they aren't actually true crocuses, and are also not related to saffron plants. These little beauties belong to a whole different family than their common names suggest (Cochinas speciosum) and are toxic if ingested.

Interestingly (to me anyway), the ovary is below ground, so pollen tubes must grow downwards (almost 3 inches) to complete the fertilization process. Fascinating!

As you can see, they have certainly added a lot of color to the garden at this time of year.

Train Yard Sights

There was a lovely tea-room (café) selling delicious bacon and cheese pastries (as well as ... coffee) at the second station.

Was this guy sitting on a heap of coal? And did the man next to Dale start crying?

What a lovely vintage open goods wagon

Ooh, these nuts are lovely

Fire buckets

Train Spotting

We decided against riding the train between the two stations this time around so that we could observe it running 'in the wild,' and indulging in some trainspotting. Dale had selected a perfect spot en route that gave us quick and easy access to the railway line, including a parking spot that wasn't in the way of traffic. For most of our time there, this is what we saw as we waited,

and waited,

and waited. At least we had time to test out the best vantage point.

Eventually an elderly 'Farmer Giles'-type bloke pulled up, parked in front of a nearby gate and then started yakking incessantly to us. When we realized he was the local landowner, I offered to close the gate for him so he could continue on his way. "Oh, no thank," he said, "I've been doing this as part of my life for umpteen years. I've got it." This was his opportunity to do some socializing, and he wasn't going to skimp! Aargh! his thick Welsh accent made it so difficult to follow what he was saying. I gave some appropriately interjected responses (I hoped), and then eventually had to shut him up by shouting "Here it comes!" Look at this magnificent sight - it was well worth the wait - so beautiful!

And then it was back into the car to await its arrival at the other end.