Month: August 2021

Bombus hortorum bee

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Some of the new flowers I bought earlier in the year that survived the postage, the wildlife and the weather are now in full bloom and are bringing many bees in. I didn’t know they would be so bee friendly, but it’s a nice suprise. This visitor went through every flower on the salvia ‘hot lips’ one. It was quite a task to get some shots in while it was doing it’s thing, bit I got a couple of awesome ones. In the third picture you can really appreciate how long their tongues are to be able to get to the nectar with such long petals in the way.

(c) K Wicks

Looking for something creepy to read?

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If you are looking for something creepy to read, maybe some of the review comments for Under the Apple Tree and other dark short stories may help you to decide if this book is for you ~

“Six creepy stories that are guaranteed to lodge themselves firmly under the skin. Each story invites the reader into a world where you are certain that from the very first word, things are not going to end with a cheery musical number. They are ‘dark’ stories for a reason. A quick read for those looking for a chilling end to the evening, each tale comes with its own twist. Personal favourites include ‘Doctors Visit’ and ‘Clocking Off’.

“Thoroughly enjoyed these short stories reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s ‘Tales of the unexpected’. Particular praise for ‘Clocking Off’

“Although the stories are set in present day, the author’s writing style is reminiscent of classic horror like Stevenson or Shelley, which can feel odd at times but carries the stories well. And, similarly to the classics, there’s not a lot of gore or curse words, which makes this collection enjoyable for fans of all ages. In a way, Under the Apple Tree: And other dark short stories remind me of scary stories you tell around the campfire or are passed around during sleepover parties, and like those stories these tales stay with you for a long time.”

Having some great names mentioned there in the reviews really was a treat, the whole point of writing is that people enjoy reading it. For a slice of what is in there – please take a moment to enjoy ‘Clocking Off’

(c) K Wicks

Meadow brown butterfly

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Quite a change to the usual situation where I see a butterfly and they immediately sense my excitement and leave. Or they are often just passing through, as they do. But this one stayed for a while, even moving onto different plants and a leaves and waiting for me to take a shot. First three pics are from this month, the last one is from last year when it was the lavendar tempting them in. The buddleia has now established itself, so hopefully that will give them plenty to stop by for.

(c) K Wicks

Carrots from seed – updates from the sill

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My kitchen window sill has now become the seed growing spot. I see them every morning and throughout the day, so realised that is their best chance of light every day, and general survival. After planting out the peppers, I started carrots at the at the same time as the broccoli and they finally started, its taken a week for these seeds to get going at all, but within a day of them showing signs of pushing through, we have more. It is on! 🥕

21.08.21
22.08.21

Hopefully they will all make it and by the time they need repotting I may have upgraded some others. Although they do all the hard work by growing, there is much to do to give them the best conditions to do that in.

26.08.21
28.08.21

It’s growing companions on the sill for now are a slow starting pepper which was planted at the same time as the others, and some mixed leaf lettuce which appears to be coming along nicely. It will just be a mission to keep this for me, slugs have always been my memsis for growing salad so fingers crossed this year I find a natural way to keep them away.

Lettuce – 28.08.21

(c) K Wicks