Broad Bordered Bee Hawk Moth

This is a really beautiful creature even if it does sound like it has a bit of an identity crisis. There were two of them today, fluttering around the red Valerian at the entrance to the butterfly garden at Chambers Wood. They are relatively rare, but this is a stronghold for them



It's been a while since we went to Chambers - we could not go last year as they were carrying out work - so it was a real treat to be back there today. The sun was shining and so long as you were out of the wind and in the sun it was really lovely. 

Chambers is such a tranquil place - all you hear is breeze through the leaves and birdsong most of the time.

On the way home we called to Lidl for some fresh crusty bread for a late lunch and spent £16 - odd in there!

Yesterday, when I arrived back from visiting my Dad I discovered that Brian had made a start on redecorating the "spare" room. I deduced this from the band of paint across the back of Minstrel's neck! Brian was not concerned but I thought Minstrel would need to go to the Vet -  I was worried that he would lick the toxic paint and become ill. In the end, Brian trapped and restrained him whilst I set to and trimmed off all the painted fur with scissors. Poor little Minsty!

Bri is painting again now - in the bathroom. He's under strict instruction to keep Minstrel shut out of any room with wet paint!

There's Rugby League tonight on TV, featuring Wigan Warriors and Saint Helens - the Big Derby! Wigan have to improve 100% on last weeks' dismal performance or it could be embarrassing!

Brian also Blipped one of these. He has a better shot of our.