Wednesday, 20.11.2024,

 Wednesday down the Vale was quite cool but was well wrapped up so it wasn't too bad.

The paths were all frozen mud but the ponds were still ice free.

The bend in the river, "The river bends" was a film years ago that many won't have seen, it starred Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe, funny how your memory kicks in with odd bits of useless information isn't it.

There were quite a few Goosanders there this nice Male.  

And a female.

Not sure about this one, a male but not in full colour yet or a mutant one.

There were plenty of robins round the park and you can't get too many of them can you?. 

The Mandarins were still there on the lower mill pond.

Go back to sleep Fred it's only the chap with the hat.

 A heron was on the top mill pond but it was on the far side so it wasn't too good a picture.

The resident pair of swans hopefully they will produce a brood in the spring.

This Canadian goose is a mutant, Spotty Muldoon springs to mind.

So after a quick walk round and a chat with some of the hardy walkers it was off to Morrison's a warm, and the usual mini fish and chips, very nice too as usual.

Thursday it was our trip to the Bridge view Café at Portland Basin, as you can see by the notice they are starting the Christmas season.

Most tables were reserved for two big parties but I was told there were two tables reserved that was for me and my gang, which ever I wanted, so it was one away from the door which was chilly when opened!. 

On the right there you can see some of the jigsaws I take, it's started a good exchange as I some times get a good one from there too., it's a take one their free and return or pass on to someone else, do the same with books too!. 

Christmas Party.

This party is a regular on Thursday's, think the attraction is my neighbour and friend Chris who is semi resident on Thursday's!, all the 50's 60's and 70's songs that this group all join in with.

They certainly do a good spread and it's all good hot food served up.

 Then it was home and finished another jigsaw 

So still looking up and well for the time of year and trying to forget the party that are in number 10 now. 

All I can say is that Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask!.

.................................................

A vasectomy is never having to say sorry!.

 ...................................................