Well, I have to say that, after all the trauma of the last few weeks, and the many months of frustration preceding that, I'm now declared "whole" and I'm "ready to roll." Recent and final discharge decisions by the hospital and optician mean I can now begin to get back to normal after what has seemed to be a long drawn out period, within which time I dutifully followed all requirements, even to the extent of driving minimally!
I'm reminded of the carol, "the Twelve Days of Christmas", given that is now the period that remains until the New Year of 2013 commences. Including Christmas itself, I seem to have something that now needs to be completed or sorted out, and which will eat up each of the days remaining, before a more relaxing approach to birding can be taken. Some of this thankfully involves birding in the sense of being an attempt to catch up with outstanding survey work , be it Winter Thrushes surveys or WeBS/Low Tide Counts.
Plans are already in hand for January and I have to say, without wishing the time away, that I'm really looking forward to getting to the New Year. As I write this it's lashing it down outside and the strong overnight south easterly winds have very gradually begun to subside (very gradually! ) Some ferries have been cancelled and the prediction for the weekend is a little more of the same, which will add even more intensity to the sense of anticipation! God forbid it should be bad weather on the 1st January when year lists can begin !
Obsessive....no, just an over-healthy attention to getting involved again with the best hobby in the world!
Welcome back my friend you have been presumed missing in action! see Marks blog about Bowland Betty. We've not let this one die for nothing MPs written to ( by many people) and being followed up.
ReplyDeletePaul
Thanks Paul. Have been following the general news on the issue, but will give you a ring at some point to get up to speed on specifics. As with the RSPCA and the Gloucestershire hunt prosecutions , the RSPB needs to get stuck into exposing the Establishment's attitude and past performances, go for licencing shoots again and commence to seek a ban, instead of fiddling about at the edges! This year has been a disaster, which is hardly surprising when there's no persistent opposition. It's good to be back!!!
DeleteGlad to hear that everything has gone well for you John. A Birder with dodgy eyes is no good. We shall be back from "a land down under" on 10th JAN., and like you rareing to go again.Hope we can get together again sometime.
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Bill Murphy.
Hi Bill. Thanks for this. Have kept in touch with William whilst you've been away. I thought I'd be able to organize something in January again but the dates haven't worked out. Other opportunities are present before Easter so will ensure it happens.
DeleteCan't say I'm best impressed with the harrier situation, nor the responses to it. Enjoy Christmas and New Year with the family....and the weather given it's pretty awful almost everywhere in the UK at present!!!