Christmas Tree Coal Tit

My day didn't start well. Someone had nicked my newspaper out of the tube on the front gate.

Then I got a call from Ernest Doe. They can't repair the old ride-on mower as the parts needed are no longer available. It's a shame as it's a compact and manoeuvrable little thing and I've spent quite a bit on it recently. They said they can have a look at my Honda Pro conventional mower which I haven't tried to start since I used it at the Ongar property in 2022.

I loaded it into the back of the van and had to tie the back doors as they wouldn't shut properly. I drove through Fyfield and couldn't go the very short distance further to ED as the road was closed. I followed the diversion signs which took me right into Chelmsford and back, a distance of about twenty-eight miles. It was horrible in the heat as the van has no air-con. 

I crawled back via the Easters and Hatfield Heath. All the country roads were clogged as a lorry had overturned on the M11 and it had been closed. I left after lunch and got back just in time to give Mish her dinner at six.

I've arranged for the large Countax ride-on mower to have a once-over in Hertford. Got to be able to cut the wall barley that is so dangerous for dogs. 

I shot the young coal tit in the Christmas tree this morning.