Easter at Number 678

Easter weekend is upon us and with it such beautiful spring weather.

Spring always conjures up a picture of fluffy yellow chicks, snow white lambs, the return of the swallows and generally more active wildlife. Here at Number 678 we are no different. Mummy duck has laid us 16 eggs and we wait with baited breath for all 16 to hatch. As is common place, Mummy sits on the eggs whilst Daddy wards off any potential danger. She’s nested in an awkward spot this year but I’m sure that if I’m vigilant I’ll manage to get a snapshot. Watch this space…………

Last weekend we managed to take the short walk up to the weather station at Dunnockshaw. This is a pretty “easy” straight walk with access just afacing Clowbridge Reservoir. Despite Tom, Jonpaul and Sian being readily available with just one pushchair between them carrying Olivia, it was left up to grandma yet again to be the budding adventurer with Cameron our seven year old grandson. It really isn’t much fun just walking up the path we had to deviate off and climb the “mountains” collecting dinosaur bones. Cameron and I were still traversing mountains by the time the others had reached the top and turned back again. Needless to say, although we got very close, we didn’t actually make it to stand next to the weather station and claim victory. Nevertheless, I still claim a victory of hill climbing when the others were content with walking the path. As was expected, the views across the valley were spectacular, even more so as the weather was beautifully sunny. It’s a lovely walk for the children and especially at this time of year with the lambs jumping around. The local farmers make walkers very welcome with friendly smiles.

We’ve also managed to reline the pond and restock with fish. A warning……. Do not let a seven year old poke through the ice with a pitchfork!!!!!! I know, I know, we should know better, but he really thought he was helping.