As it is #PhantomsFriday I give you the ‘Phantoms at the Priory’ who are currently haunting Norton Priory Museum in Runcorn. What tales they could tell! Well worth a visit if you are in the area! @theghostmonk.bsky.social

I’ve been reminded that I need to be a bit more thorough with the dusting…

Time to put work away after a good day. Nearly 36,000 words in at last, it’s lovely to have the time to focus on my writing again. April, Maisie and Zac are getting close to solving another mystery now! #kidlit #mystery

A lovely walk with our grandson today, enjoying the first signs of brighter days. #Imbolc #StBrigidsDay

I’m pleased to say the birds were very obliging this morning. The goldfinches were out in force as usual, and the bullfinch pair were a rare treat. No sparrows today though, they must have been busy elsewhere! #biggardenbirdwatch

Loved watching Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes this evening, it was set in the Cairngorms, just where we go every year! Places we visit, walk and watch nature. Can’t wait to go back! Photo taken on the Loch Garten/Loch Malachie trail.

A good morning’s work. Pots of gold to brighten a grey January day. #marmalade

Cats stated unequivocally that they weren’t going anywhere today, thank you very much.

The view from Cairngorm summit was stunning today. Very cold and windy outside, but worth it for that view.

Look at him. Isn’t he beautiful?

I’ve been sitting watching the birds on the feeders outside our lodge for nearly two hours. It’s quite hypnotic watching dozens of coal tits, with chaffinches and the occasional robin. Hoping for a crestie but no luck yet!

Called for his evening eggs, then decided to investigate the feeders. I must stock up on peanuts tomorrow… #pinemartens

This afternoon I walked through Abernethy forest and down to Loch Garten. Yes, it was cold but if anyone asks me why we keep coming back, the answer is simple. It’s so beautiful and today the silence was absolute. Now I’m waiting for the pine marten to call by for his egg supper. This is peace.

Cat admiring a Red Admiral. At least that’s what he told me. Intentions thwarted!

Tea and a pastry while I decide what to do with all the apples. #applejelly #pies #crumbles

Another enjoyable couple of hours watching #MissMarple with the incomparable #joanhickson. Another absolute classic. #4.50frompaddington

Bluesky right now ...

Any other #OnlyConnect viewers feeling totally inadequate tonight? 😳

Yesterday I made tomato chutney. Tomorrow I shall pick apples. #harvesttime

Had a wonderful Bear Hunt adventure with our boy yesterday at Tatton Park. School is now on the horizon and these precious days and walks with Granny won’t be as often. Ah well! The best of memories!

Bird’s Nest is an alternative name for wild carrot, or Queen Anne’s Lace. It’s easy to see why! So intricate and beautiful.

Happy Sunday morning everyone. A book to read in the sunshine will do me for now. I’ll settle to some writing later I promise.

Yes! And the years roll away…

Returned to one of my favourite places today and took a walk by the beck as I’ve done so many times in the past. All you can hear is the water bubbling along as it always has done. That, and the muffled squeak of excitement when I spot the dipper!

These little beauties are constantly back and to on the feeders at the moment. Always lovely to watch them bouncing in and out of the hedge.

For those of us who read and treasured his books in our classrooms, this always raised a smile. Rest in Peace, Allan Ahlberg.

This beauty has been snoozing outside on my window all day. Not sure what its name is but such lovely patterns! I love moths!

Out walking with my grandson I’ve been showing him the nuts and berries that seem prolific this year. The acorns will hopefully fare better than last year.

The biggest sunflower in my garden. The bees are happy. 🐝

Irreplaceable habitats are on the line. This is the reality if an unamended Part 3 of the Bill passes. It must not.

It’s been a hard day, visiting my girl who’s away from her little boy as she waits for heart surgery this week. Trying to relax in my garden.

WTF? If this Government can’t even agree to this smallest of initiatives, which has no cost to them & absolutely no down-sides, what hope that it will step up to the bigger nature challenges we face? This is a *popular* policy, for heavens sake. Obstinate tin-eared stupidity doesn’t come close …

Places to go, things to do… Think I’ll just sit here for a little while longer.

Wandering through St Tudno’s churchyard on the Orme in Llandudno yesterday. Visited the beautiful old church and my boy asked Jesus to make his mummy better.

It’s taken a while, but the first House martin of the year has just danced across the blue over my garden. Welcome back little friend.

I knew he was back from the telltale little poo messages he’s been leaving in the garden, but it was good to get a glimpse of our hedgehog this evening. I’m hoping there might be two of them, but only the one so far.

When your daughter decides to part company with her bears when reorganising her bedroom… Okay bears, line up! Who’s going then? (So far, it’s none!)

The wisteria is now at its glorious best in the walled garden at Norton Priory. #wisteriahysteria

Honestly amazed they let chickens and ducks have dogs as pets

I am looking forward to using this lovely nature journal, especially on my rambles with my young grandson. A wonderful idea from Melissa Harrison.

Me, in The Guardian, wanging on about wagtails. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

It’s happening! #TheOspreyDiaries is back. 🦅 Asha’s returned to the Loch Garten nest. Old flame Brodie is by her side. Last season brought drama, heartache & destroyed eggs after a rival male, KL5, forced his way in. Now, a new season begins. Stay tuned! Anything could happen...👀

Planted these tulips in a dry corner a few years ago, not really expecting them to do well. Every year they put on a fantastic show.

Bluebells, blossom and a blackcap singing his heart out on Runcorn Hill park.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the garden today with my daughter. She’s very low and anxious as she waits for major heart surgery. The blackbird sang from the top of his tree, almost constantly, raising our spirits with his glorious song.

This is a woman who thought it would be good to get a 3 year old to help in the garden before playing in his sand and water tray…😂

On Monday our instagram account was hacked and then deleted. We received a ransom note to recover it; obviously we couldn't and wouldn't pay, and therefore lost thousands of followers. Meta support was useless. But we're BACK with a new account: @littletollerbooks. Can you follow us there and share?

‘Okay which one of you accidentally added Robert Cecil to the chat?’

I love this photo. He’s clutching his flower, but is totally absorbed in the book he’d just been given. You might be able to guess which loveable little character features in the book - if you’re as old as me! (I got it straightaway.)

Wiped out after a busy day on Granny duties. What a glorious day it’s been though. Chiffchaff calling on our walk this morning and Brimstone butterfly in the garden too. #SpringEquinox