I have just seen that with the latest push on the Marche BBQ event and other fundraising that continues, the magical barrier of £10,000 has been exceeded.
I came across a strange looking creature when clearing the compost heap last year, but thought nothing more about them, until this year. It looks like a mini lobster, but after some searching hav discovered it is called a mole cricket.
Thanks Sue for letting us all know. It is very kind of Richard's family to have allowed these to be donated in his memory.I do hope the powers that be, fulfil Richard's plans.
....but certainly read many of his posts on a variety of interesting subjects. My (late) condolences to his family and friends.I note from the latest post that instructions have been given to sell the contents of his house, including his beloved collection of "coperti abruzzese". I'd hate to think that this collection might be broken up, when it was his dream to have these all housed in a museum one day.I am not sure what can be done to prevent this from happening and to keep his dream alive in his memory.He was clearly a well respected and learned member of the Abruzzese community and I really hope that a group or individual could pick up the threads that were so sadly left undone by his sudden passing.
some years are not so good. And this year is a not so good year I'm afraid, down here at least. Sebastiano is right about the weather. Here in Abruzzo, the weather went from a cold and very wet spring, to scorching weather in May when the olive trees flowered and then the worst thing - cold, wet and hail for 4 days. This pretty much destroyed 75% of the early forming fruit along with our apricots, plums and kiwi. Last year was a bumper year for olives in particular. We had 1,000kg from just 30 or so trees. This year, we'll be lucky to get 200kg. It's just the way it goes I'm afraid. If the trees look healthy and are producing new growth, I wouldn't worry. Leaf drop is normal during the summer, provided that new growth is coming.Make sure the trees are pruned correctly in January/ February and hopefully next years crop will equal 2008's!Our fig trees on the other hand are producing kilo's and kilo's this year, whereas the first crop fom 2008 was virually non existent.That's the way it goes.
This mornings storm moved down into Abruzzo around 8am and what a corker it was too!The sun is out now, so hot and steamy, but I feel sure this will just add to the energy building up in the atmosphere and he storms will be back by mid afternoon. Oh joy.Good luck with the next date. I hope we can make it.I'll now email all the people I know who made donations. Most are in the UK (which has been enjoying sunshine and 30c+ for the past week!) and I'm sure they'll be mightily bemused about our weather problem.Buona domenica
It's about time too in my opinion. Too many times has my flight been delayed in taking off because of a minority of people ignoring the weight/dimension rule with their hand luggage. They'll soon stop if they get refused boarding. It's not nice I know, but really it's the only way.
Comments posted
Thanks Sue for letting us all know. It is very kind of Richard's family to have allowed these to be donated in his memory.I do hope the powers that be, fulfil Richard's plans.
....but certainly read many of his posts on a variety of interesting subjects. My (late) condolences to his family and friends.I note from the latest post that instructions have been given to sell the contents of his house, including his beloved collection of "coperti abruzzese". I'd hate to think that this collection might be broken up, when it was his dream to have these all housed in a museum one day.I am not sure what can be done to prevent this from happening and to keep his dream alive in his memory.He was clearly a well respected and learned member of the Abruzzese community and I really hope that a group or individual could pick up the threads that were so sadly left undone by his sudden passing.
weasels. Dormice are very small, so I think unlikely. I found this picture which might help.Be careful if you keep hens though, because these little critters like a bit of KFC (see picture)!http://images.google.it/imgres?imgurl=http://i.pbase.com/g6/63/634163/2/68794709.ybehpVyh.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pbase.com/jensmorin/image/68794709&usg=__Xb69ARtzuKc6H-4FwnuC8Xu4Sh0=&h=541&w=800&sz=72&hl=it&start=1&sig2=7_Va0TuyigepvVb2ysGw-A&um=1&tbnid=pZJuMYgisCLysM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Deuropean%2Bweasel%26hl%3Dit%26rlz%3D1T4GGIC_itIT237IT239%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=2JJfSp6NKZLCsAarlcSjBw
Good to see you here.As a fellow nature lover, I have put in a request for a "Wildlife and Conservation" Group.Russ
some years are not so good. And this year is a not so good year I'm afraid, down here at least. Sebastiano is right about the weather. Here in Abruzzo, the weather went from a cold and very wet spring, to scorching weather in May when the olive trees flowered and then the worst thing - cold, wet and hail for 4 days. This pretty much destroyed 75% of the early forming fruit along with our apricots, plums and kiwi. Last year was a bumper year for olives in particular. We had 1,000kg from just 30 or so trees. This year, we'll be lucky to get 200kg. It's just the way it goes I'm afraid. If the trees look healthy and are producing new growth, I wouldn't worry. Leaf drop is normal during the summer, provided that new growth is coming.Make sure the trees are pruned correctly in January/ February and hopefully next years crop will equal 2008's!Our fig trees on the other hand are producing kilo's and kilo's this year, whereas the first crop fom 2008 was virually non existent.That's the way it goes.
This mornings storm moved down into Abruzzo around 8am and what a corker it was too!The sun is out now, so hot and steamy, but I feel sure this will just add to the energy building up in the atmosphere and he storms will be back by mid afternoon. Oh joy.Good luck with the next date. I hope we can make it.I'll now email all the people I know who made donations. Most are in the UK (which has been enjoying sunshine and 30c+ for the past week!) and I'm sure they'll be mightily bemused about our weather problem.Buona domenica
It's about time too in my opinion. Too many times has my flight been delayed in taking off because of a minority of people ignoring the weight/dimension rule with their hand luggage. They'll soon stop if they get refused boarding. It's not nice I know, but really it's the only way.
Truly amazing and a £500 donation from St Peter's Church in Sharnbrook, Beds!!Incredible.
Brilliant work everyone.
Great work everyone.