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Hello, Elle!
There was no mention of God at this service.
It was all to do with the lady's (a Yorkshire lass) life.
I thought it was very well done indeed.
Music was pieces by Faure, Enya, and "The Swan" by Saint-Saens.
I think "The Swan" is from "The Carnival of the Animals".
The lady "civil celebrant" was excellent, too.
I think Judy Murray has the right idea about what Nastase should do with his peace-making flowers!
Just had a canny day since the funeral.
Watching the racing from Punchestown.
Punchestown is the "Irish Cheltenham"!
Still very windy here.
There is a piece on BBC Text about EJ, the female osprey at Loch Garten, sitting on her eggs and being covered in snow.
Bit of a change from Africa!

Hello Elle and Rusty,

I have just had a peep at Loch Garten and EJ is still surrounded
by some snow!

Not quite as wintery here but a definite change after yesterday!
colder and dull.

My little bird in her nest over my garage door is very busy - quite a few of her eggs have just hatched and she has started feeding them.
I cannot count how many have hatched- they are so small and wriggle like worms! If all 13 eggs hatch, the parents are going to be very busy feeding their offsprings!

Hello Pigale

I don't know if you're still following the Dorset owls but she has laid 8 eggs now! The first is due to hatch around May 5th.

Hello Rossim,

Yes, I still look in on the Dorset owls and mostly late at night so that I might see them more 'awake'.
I know it is about average for barn owls to lay 8 eggs or even more,
but I think it will be a bit crowded in that box!

Good afternoon, Pigale!
Just had a peek at EJ.
There is still quite a bit of snow in the nest.
Ej is a hardy old bird!
It is quite cold here, especially in the wind.
Lucky you with your own private little ones in the garage.
Be nice to hear them all chirping away!

Yes Rusty, and luckily they are all tucked away in a wooden box type of nest, so the cats cannot get at them!

Hi, Rusty!
My Goodness, it is cold out!
I was back wearing my padded jacket when out walking the dog.......and even then, it was somewhat of a relief to get home in the warmth!
And the poor ospreys! I thought Lassie was going to be blown out of their nest when I looked a little while ago!
The noise of the wind was overwhelming!
I cannot see the Loch Garten ospreys?
There is a notice up saying they have an error with the webcam?
Did you have a small bet on the horseracing at Punchestown?
Any luck?
Yes, I agree with you.......and with Judy Murray !
Ilie Nastase really does live up to the play on his name!
I am watching "Eggheads"........


Hello, Pigale!
You are fortunate in being able to see EJ at Loch Garten - I cannot!
But she is welcome to the snow! I definitely do not want that!
It is very cold indeed here - we are all back to wearing winter gear!
I hope your young birds are all keeping warm?

Hello, Elle!
Yes, it is a cold wind blowing up here.
My Loch Garten webcam is OK?
Type "UK Ospreys" into search engine, click on site, then click Main Menu, then click on "Cams and Links".
That will give you access to webcams on 10 UK sites, including Loch Garten.
No, no bets at Punchestown, just enjoying the racing.
There is tennis on BT Sport from Stuttgart, but the two ladies playing are new to me.
A German and a Chinese.
It is a pity Judy Murray was not with Jo Konta etc.
She would not put up with Nastase's nonsense!

Hi, Rusty!
I managed to finish today's 15 x15 crossword, except for three parsings....I shall take another look at them before bed!
I suspect I take a lot longer than average, though!
I never manage the puzzle under three quarters of an hour.........and sometimes it can take me all day "on and off"!
I have had a fairly lazy week so far.......but the remainder of the week looks to be busy.
Tomorrow, being Wednesday and my daughter's day off work, she and I (and YB of course) are meeting up a usual for lunch.
I don't know where we shall go as yet.......I quite enjoyed that "Giraffe" place we went to before........
We shall see.......
You haven't mentioned the puppy for a while....how is she getting on?

Good morning, Elle!
Fine day here.
I see EJ has had more snow at Loch Garten.
None here today, I am pleased to say!
I do not "time" myself at the puzzles.
I can not see the "fun" in that.
Though I would think I take anywhere from a superfast 20 minutes to a couple of hours.
But often much longer, and I prefer that.
I usually do a bit, then go off and do something, and come back to it later.
The puppy is growing and gets very excited with visitors!
Right, I have to head out soon.
Have to see the nurse and visit ASDA!