Mammy Goose a bit stupid. Eggs left unattended to date. BUT.
This morning 7 little mallard were swimming in the pond.
Thats a surprise. Hopefully they will be OK.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Winter into Spring. The Journey.
Spring Nightime Sky . Bluebells near the Pond
A winter / spring of cold snaps and some beautiful blue skys.
The Birds
This year we added Niger Seed to the Bird Table and were rewarded by the many goldfinches which attended.
Also has Blue, Large, and Coal Tits. Greenfinch, Redp
oll and Blackcap.
Thrush, Blackbirds and Robin moved into the garden.
Unusual visitors, during a very cold snap, were woodcock and snipe which came into the pond area. This is within 50 Metres of our house.
A winter / spring of cold snaps and some beautiful blue skys.
The Birds
This year we added Niger Seed to the Bird Table and were rewarded by the many goldfinches which attended.
Also has Blue, Large, and Coal Tits. Greenfinch, Redp
oll and Blackcap.Thrush, Blackbirds and Robin moved into the garden.
Unusual visitors, during a very cold snap, were woodcock and snipe which came into the pond area. This is within 50 Metres of our house.
The Gooses
Winter moved into spring. It emerged we had a boy and a girl goose, who went happily about goosey business. Now we have a nest with 14 eggs. Not sure if Mammy Goose knows she has a little more work to do. As in hatch them.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Fickle Nature of Ducks
Im am deeply hurt.
In the middle of November, I forgot to fill the automatic feeders.
I recon they gave me about 24 hours and then abondoned me. One morning I went down to the pond and there they were......gone.
Among the rushes I noticed movement. One lone female duck emerged. She seemed a little embarassed by the behaviour of her flock, though I made it plain that she was not being held responsible.
A few days later a drake returned, initially to visit ( and possibly to asess the current supply of food, which at this stage was fully stocked).
In the meantime a friend was trying to move out 2 geese, excess to requirements.
They arrived, subject to a commitment that they would not form part of the Christmas festivities.
The remaining duck formed a deep attachment to the geese. However this was not reciprocated.
Fortunately, the drake decided to take up permanent residence. Subsequently a more natural bonding was re instated.
So now we begin again.
Hopefully, in the springtime, the remaining ducks will fall in love and do what is natural.
With regard to the geese I am not sure what the natural thing is, not being able to establish the sex of the birds.
So...lets see..
I will keep you informed.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Ireland Boys Hurrah. A state of the nation from a section of the small business people of Ireland
This season is over for us. Its been really interesting and mildly successful.
Talking to so many people has been a great experience. Finally I got the knack of starting a conversation with one person, and introducing the conclusions of that conversation to the next person who had some time to chat.
Conversation concentrated on the state of the country.
Below is a synopsis of the problem and the solution.
We got to start and stay with facts to understand the problem.
We, the voting people of Ireland got it wrong. We took a short view, putting our own desires for immediate gratification ahead of our long term needs, the needs of our children and our grandchildren.
The consequence was that we elected a group of cute but incompetent politicians to rule our country. This group knew that we were willing to sell out, given the right incentives.
So incentives were supplied, mostly in the form of increased income and promises of never ending economic growth.
To ascertain what our price was, surveys were carried out, along with focus groups and the flying of kites.
We told them the price, they promised to supply it, we closed our eyes, they took advantage.
But...... WE VOTED THEM IN .......... so therefore we are responsible.
Now it is unlikely that any of them have the skills, or the leadership qualities to lead us out.
Don't even think about Vision.
So..... we the people have to decide what we want. If we want more of the same....then vote for the present lot or their clones.
If we want our politicians to take a longer view, then what are our priorities?.
When the election comes, ask and tell.
Our politicians are cute, what we want we will get, as long as it gets them elected.
In time, when it becomes apparent that the people want to have politicians of substance and character, they will emerge. For the last 20 years, this was not a requirement.
In the meantime there is a country to be saved, and we are dependent on the present crew to do the steering, at least in the short term.
Political priority has to be given to showing commitment and to regaining , even to a small extent the confidence of the people.
Hold and pass the budget. People accept it will be difficult. The cry is out.... get it right and make it soon, we can deal with it. It's the uncertainty that's killing.
Set a general election for March.
Prior to the election put the following in place.
Reduce the number of TD's by between 1/2 and 2/3. All 4 seat constituencies to be reduced to 2 seats, all 3 seats to 1 seat.
Supply all TD's with a state car, mid range saloon, diesel. Supply all diesel.
Take one of our state owned 3 star hotels and provide B&B and evening meal for all TD's outside the Dublin area.
Each TD to have one staff member supplied by the state.
All TD's to be paid the Average Industrial Wage, staff members to be paid similar amounts.
An allowance of €10,00 in vouched expenses to available for each TD. No other monies to be paid.
Senators to be paid a nominal sum of €5,000. Those from outside Dublin to have similar subsistence arrangements as TD's. No expenses to be paid to Senators.
Ministers to be paid 1.5 times the Average Industrial Wage. Merck's to be traded for People carriers. Cars interiors to be altered to facilitate a table and as many seats as practical. This should allow a minister continue work while travelling. Junior ministers to receive no additional remuneration or expenses above TD's.
Taoiseach to be paid at max 2 times the average Industrial wage, and the same transport arrangements as other ministers.
A max of €3000 to be paid in vouched expenses to elected local authority members.
With the above in place, you the politicians are now in a position to again seek the trust of the Irish people. But it is not advisable to hold your breath,.
Hopefully we can get enough competent and patriotic individuals into leadership roles in the near future, to develop a country fit for those who come after us.
Talking to so many people has been a great experience. Finally I got the knack of starting a conversation with one person, and introducing the conclusions of that conversation to the next person who had some time to chat.
Conversation concentrated on the state of the country.
Below is a synopsis of the problem and the solution.
We got to start and stay with facts to understand the problem.
We, the voting people of Ireland got it wrong. We took a short view, putting our own desires for immediate gratification ahead of our long term needs, the needs of our children and our grandchildren.
The consequence was that we elected a group of cute but incompetent politicians to rule our country. This group knew that we were willing to sell out, given the right incentives.
So incentives were supplied, mostly in the form of increased income and promises of never ending economic growth.
To ascertain what our price was, surveys were carried out, along with focus groups and the flying of kites.
We told them the price, they promised to supply it, we closed our eyes, they took advantage.
But...... WE VOTED THEM IN .......... so therefore we are responsible.
Now it is unlikely that any of them have the skills, or the leadership qualities to lead us out.
Don't even think about Vision.
So..... we the people have to decide what we want. If we want more of the same....then vote for the present lot or their clones.
If we want our politicians to take a longer view, then what are our priorities?.
When the election comes, ask and tell.
Our politicians are cute, what we want we will get, as long as it gets them elected.
In time, when it becomes apparent that the people want to have politicians of substance and character, they will emerge. For the last 20 years, this was not a requirement.
In the meantime there is a country to be saved, and we are dependent on the present crew to do the steering, at least in the short term.
Political priority has to be given to showing commitment and to regaining , even to a small extent the confidence of the people.
Hold and pass the budget. People accept it will be difficult. The cry is out.... get it right and make it soon, we can deal with it. It's the uncertainty that's killing.
Set a general election for March.
Prior to the election put the following in place.
Reduce the number of TD's by between 1/2 and 2/3. All 4 seat constituencies to be reduced to 2 seats, all 3 seats to 1 seat.
Supply all TD's with a state car, mid range saloon, diesel. Supply all diesel.
Take one of our state owned 3 star hotels and provide B&B and evening meal for all TD's outside the Dublin area.
Each TD to have one staff member supplied by the state.
All TD's to be paid the Average Industrial Wage, staff members to be paid similar amounts.
An allowance of €10,00 in vouched expenses to available for each TD. No other monies to be paid.
Senators to be paid a nominal sum of €5,000. Those from outside Dublin to have similar subsistence arrangements as TD's. No expenses to be paid to Senators.
Ministers to be paid 1.5 times the Average Industrial Wage. Merck's to be traded for People carriers. Cars interiors to be altered to facilitate a table and as many seats as practical. This should allow a minister continue work while travelling. Junior ministers to receive no additional remuneration or expenses above TD's.
Taoiseach to be paid at max 2 times the average Industrial wage, and the same transport arrangements as other ministers.
A max of €3000 to be paid in vouched expenses to elected local authority members.
With the above in place, you the politicians are now in a position to again seek the trust of the Irish people. But it is not advisable to hold your breath,.
Hopefully we can get enough competent and patriotic individuals into leadership roles in the near future, to develop a country fit for those who come after us.
Monday, September 13, 2010
An alternative to War.
His Godmother took him out as a treat, for breakfast. Now remember that this boy is a serious and totally committed Deice ( Waterford) supporter, and attends all matches with his Dad.
Godmother notices him gazing out the window of the restaurant.
"Tristan..... what are you looking at"
No reply. No indication that contact was made. 10 seconds pass. One slightly puzzled Godmother.
"Leeesa...........Did you see those two fellas with the Cork jersey on...................well I was sending them silent boos."
Godmother speechless.
Godmother notices him gazing out the window of the restaurant.
"Tristan..... what are you looking at"
No reply. No indication that contact was made. 10 seconds pass. One slightly puzzled Godmother.
"Leeesa...........Did you see those two fellas with the Cork jersey on...................well I was sending them silent boos."
Godmother speechless.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ireland 2010
In the last two weeks we have been speaking to our customers all around the country.
Mostly they are small business owners, shops, garages, wholesale, in the service industry, etc etc.
Following these contacts, I am much more positive about the future of our country.
The people I spoke to are grafters. Long hours are the norm. There is a growing confidence among them.
It is a confidence which stems from an acknowledgement of their own ability, determination and commitment. It is an internal thing, influenced by, but not determined by those who govern. This is what gives me confidence in the future of our country.
There is no doubt but that these people, and their like, are the patriots of today.
The past ten years or so have seen a huge growth in management systems, ISO 9000 /22000/45000, HACCP, FEMAS, etc. Along with this development came a raft of legislation controlling the minutiae of business.
So much management time is spent in managing systems, recording information, filling forms, sending reports, preparing for audits, carrying out corrective action, reporting on the corrective action, signing off, signing on etc etc.
There is not enough time or energy left for managing the business.
And all the while, the little people were toiling away, managing the details, the "big" people drove our economy into a bog hole.
And who will rescue this country.........its the little people..........but maybe this time we need to look up occasionally to see which direction the ship is pointed, and take the necessary corrective action.
Mostly they are small business owners, shops, garages, wholesale, in the service industry, etc etc.
Following these contacts, I am much more positive about the future of our country.
The people I spoke to are grafters. Long hours are the norm. There is a growing confidence among them.
It is a confidence which stems from an acknowledgement of their own ability, determination and commitment. It is an internal thing, influenced by, but not determined by those who govern. This is what gives me confidence in the future of our country.
There is no doubt but that these people, and their like, are the patriots of today.
The past ten years or so have seen a huge growth in management systems, ISO 9000 /22000/45000, HACCP, FEMAS, etc. Along with this development came a raft of legislation controlling the minutiae of business.
So much management time is spent in managing systems, recording information, filling forms, sending reports, preparing for audits, carrying out corrective action, reporting on the corrective action, signing off, signing on etc etc.
There is not enough time or energy left for managing the business.
And all the while, the little people were toiling away, managing the details, the "big" people drove our economy into a bog hole.
And who will rescue this country.........its the little people..........but maybe this time we need to look up occasionally to see which direction the ship is pointed, and take the necessary corrective action.
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