Weather

The forecast last night, said today would be colder, but brighter and dry, so of course, it was just as dull and trying to snow. Why we pay for the 'Met Office' I don't know. We would be just as well informed if we were to consult a piece of seaweed and a pine cone. Anyway, we trudged in the cold around Straw's Bridge and thought how much worse it would be if were ducks and had to spend the winter bobbing around in the icy water. The Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) don't seem to mind the cold water, or the very sloppy mud on the banks.

The mud has turned to, what looks like potters' slip clay. I wonder if it's good for the feet! It seems to be causing this female no problem, despite being all over her feet - and her bill too.

The bare branches of the shrubs around the pond are covered in bright yellow Lichen (Xanthoria parietina). This gives a certain amount of colour to the otherwise wintry greyness.

Lichens are fascinating things and are known in almost every part of the world. This, Foliose or 'leafy Lichen' is common in Britain and was once thought to be a cure for jaundice - due to it's yellow colour.