i took this picture about 3 weeks ago. things look very different this morning. bare trees , grey skies and a distinct lack of colour.

the wild birds are having a feeding frenzy at the bird tables, the chickens are still in bed and i am disinclined to do much at all.

i had a fabulous day in the garden yesterday. sorting out the sheds, moving stuff around trying to make room for the stuff that needs to be stored overwinter. my neighbours on the farm (only 2 left since julia died) were away last night so i have been looking after their chickens and dogs. the dogs (2 german shepherds) and i went for a lovely long walk around the farm yesterday afternoon - they may not get such a good walk this morning. mind you, once i'm kitted up in the waterproofs and outside i always feel much better that when i stare out of the window at the rain. i really do not mind walking in the rain once i get going.

my aga is well covered in cats - see above. henry has the best place this morning. this seat is warm-but not too warm, just right for an hour or so before it becomes 'the hot seat' and has to be vaccated.

i am sitting at this computer waiting to receive a 'facebook' from alex letting me know that he, and his luggage, have arrived home safely. it seems like forever ago that i said my goodbyes at birmingham airport. if all goes to plan, i shall be off to nz for a holiday in 12 weeks time. i have not booked my ticket yet coz my mum is getting the details ,from her friend, of a company that flies you to nz in business class for economy money! it all sounds too good to be true but mum's friend has actually done the journey and it was exactly that - economy fare but business class seats. i bet it is an age thing - over 65's only or something. still it is worth waiting to find out the details.

during one of my 'sort outs' indoors i came across all of my vinyl LP records. i decided that i needed the space they were in so vowed to sell them on to a dealer/collector. then, as i was walking around town, i saw a shop selling turntables in a wooden casing.(you may have seen them in the 'give away' bits that fall out of weekend newspapers) the system also has fm/am radio, a tape player and a cd player. the best thing was the price. in the 'give aways' they are usually about 150 notes and this shop had them for 50. a bargain? i hoped so.......

yes, i treated myself. lugged all the albums back indoors from the shed and set off down memory lane. the sound quality is fine and it plays even the most scratched vinyl - just the odd skip and jump. i have been astounded by the memories that have been re-awakened. i am so glad that i didn't get rid of them. someone at work said that they may be worth some money these days coz vinyl is 'coming back' - lets hope so. they can be my emergency fund.

lord, it is nearly 9 am and i'm not dressed - time to get those dogs walked. i'll have to check on alex later - he may have been delayed.