Spring is here, or so they say. The Brimstone, Comma, Red Admiral, and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies will soon be waking and stretching their wings after their winter sleep over. Now for the small print, this will vary from area to area.
Global warming and climate change are put forward as one of the major causes of the decline in many insect species. I am not convinced; populations have been varying for hundreds if not thousands of years, long before diesel and petrol fumes were around. Enough, enough, the hedgerows and gardens are coming to life little dashes of colour on the blank canvas, snowdrops, bluebells, violet, crocuses and daffodils, absolutely beautiful. Before we moved into our present house, about 10 years ago, just before Christmas, we used to have beautiful displays of snowdrops and since then nary a one, and despite our best efforts, having only moved a mile up the hill, and Elaine’s green fingers we are snowdrop-less. This morning the entire family went to Fodders, next to the Yorkshire Showground, for breakfast, we all had a magnificent Yorkshire Bacon sandwich, they could not have put in more bacon if they had tried, and a cup of Taylors coffee, their tea is also available. Not to mention the mouth watering sweets. For the vegetarians, which I was for over 40 years, and vegans there is also a wide choice, all Yorkshire produce. We call in whenever possible, a great atmosphere with cheerful and friendly staff, leaving with bags of locally grown fresh fruit and veg, then onto a craft show at the Yorkshire Showground, another beautiful evening meal with the family and back to work. At the moment I am working on an idea for the younger children, I will attempt to keep you up to date, if I possibly can. Writing my books depends on the good will of so many people so schedules tend to be elastic. Now the better weather is coming, the northerly and west winds are calming down; I can now see the cups on the anemometer spinning gently around, not just a blurred flying image, it is time to go for a walk in the countryside or the local park. If you have been trapped indoors all your working or studying week have some fresh air. Tek care o’ thissen. |
AuthorJack Byard was born in Yorkshire where he lived and worked all his life. A Rolls Royce mechanic by trade, and a jewellery craftsman in his later years. Jack has a deep affection for his rural heritage and so wrote his first book, Know Your Sheep, with a view to sharing with others the countryside that he loves. Years later there is no sign of a quiet retirement for Jack just yet. The 'Know Your' series from Od Pond publishing includes 16 books by Jack. Do you like Jack's posts?
If you would like to get Jack's Posts as they happen, you can click on the RSS Feed button below, or click the picture right to give us your email address. Jack's next book is about Butterflies ArchivesCategories |