from those I have been posting recently showing clear skies and overflying ’planes Heavy at times rain overnight led to a dull early morning donkey clean with security lights popping on and off.

Dull (nicely – Ed.) that it was, the dogs were eager for an early morning walk so the fleece and the Tilly hat were utilised, a trifle unnecessary I thought as it was 17 degrees. But then the cloudburst occurred so I felt hot but smugly dry.

One of the puzzling things that occupy my tiny overworked brain on the early morning jaunts is seedlings popping up in unlikely places (usually the river bank -Ed). Why there? What is it? How long have you waited for exactly the right conditions to burst upon the scene and say “hello”? One particular oak tree seedling caught my gaze, wedged into the rocks as it was. Can it survive? What happens when Storm Fierce (or whatever it’s unlikely name is – Ed) sweeps downstream?

I’m guessing I’ll have to go and dig it up (as he does – Ed) and a whole new battle for survival ensues, with me potting it up and forgetting to water it.

Also on the walk was a Large Egret. Can you see it? Well tough, that’s the closest it would allow me. Shortly afterwards it flew off and had a fight with a Heron (they don’t get on – Ed). When I go Oak tree lifting, I’ll see if I can get a better pic.