Meanwhile...

The garden is full of birds.
That's a big plus.

The new bird feeder is a mighty thing even though it stands at a distinct angle. Bit of a tilt's not a problem really in winds like these. Without that stabiliser it would have sailed off over the wall days ago.

Though there's some kind of almost nature reserve near, it's not quite the same: tall trees are my favourites, and I miss their presence so close by, as well as the bird song sallying beyond their heights at dawn. But the birds here are ready to be every bit as musical provided they're bribed, hence the present at Christmas. It's got hanging things for suet cake, fat balls, mixed seeds, peanuts, water and meal worms. There have also been some left over empty feeders hanging from various trees, now stuffed with seed and suet, and the results have been insane. It's basically an avian saloon out there, starlings trying to punch each other out, sparrows rushing between feeders, tits nabbing a bite then retiring to the branches, magpies in full ratchet, pigeons falling face first into seed other birds have dropped, and cats occasionally stalking in to demand trouble. Like most aged gunslingers though, they're not really up for a lot of effort, and yes, the whole room turns around and looks at them. It's that kind of movie.

It's been a cheering sight, given that I'm still sick. Mate and I have agreed on a raincheck for the middle of the week, handy as I need to be in reasonable shape by the end of it. We are both ill. I don't know how I got this, it's not even cold, in fact sometimes I'm burning up. I am giving myself this weekend to roll through being sick and start again on Monday. My work is stacking up and I simply have to be well.