THIS IS A CONE

This is a cone. I mention this because I have noted a tendency, even among some of my more knowledgeable acquaintances, to call it an acorn. The Professor claims it is a Scottish trait - so I am doing a straw poll here - is anyone familiar with this misnomer south of the border?

Anyway, for the avoidance of doubt, this is a cone. Cones carry seeds, acorns are seeds. Cones fall from coniferous trees (there, the clue is in the word) while acorns fall from oaks, which are deciduous. Cones have scales that protect the seeds, acorns are smooth. Acorns hang from the tree with little caps that look like crochet hats, cones do not.

Breakfast with the VIP was punctuated by cries of 'Pigeon alert!' Our wood pigeons normally visit the bird feeder to helpfully clear up any mess underneath, but this year there are two youngsters that are light enough to cling to the feeder and have to be chased. Later I worked in the garden, transplanting, hoeing, watering, thinning and separating. It was all rather hot, sticky and muddy so a surprise visit from our son and favourite Scottish Granddaughter was a great reason to stop.