LEAVING `X` (fly Twitter)

 

Many of you know that I have always had a love/hate relationship with social media, and a couple of times thought about leaving facebook behind. However, i`ve stuck with it so far and intend to do so for the foreseeable future.

Prior to facebook I was already using my Twitter account frequently, and yes it did reach a decent audience. Through the use of twitter I made some great new contacts too, but since the change to X, and the massive upheaval to the way it is run, the audience has declined considerably, and there has been a significant increase in unwanted Musk and Trump propaganda.

I`ve always tried to keep out of politics, everyone is entitled to their own views, but sometimes you have to speak out or at least do something to say when things are wrong. It`s along those lies that I feel I can no longer use or support "X", owned by the richest and currently one of the most influential people in the world, who, along with Donald Trump, are marginalising some of the poorest and most vulnerable in society. 

What we are seeing is a true horror story in the making, and although this is not a platform for my feelings, I would be wrong to continue to support Musks` X business empire, which is making him even richer when the poor are getting poorer.

I haven`t deleted my twitter account yet, but I will no longer be posting on it. 

Thank you to all those twitter followers, most of which probably don`t know I exist anymore anyway!

For those that have my twitter (X) link on the back of my last business card, please use the facebook or other links to contact me in the future. 

Thank you.

PS: I`ve no intention of being `trolled` (i`ve been "stalked" and trolled in the past!), so i`ve limited my very strong views. 

Events

`Walk with the Warden:

Tomorrow, Saturday 18th January, it`s another Walk with the Warden at WWT Llanelli, and it looks like the weather should be okay.

Come and join us at 11.30am inside the Centre at the Reception area. The gentle amble around the Reserve will take approximately 90 mins. Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

.............................................

Morning High Tide Watch:

Thank you to all those who attended the Photo Club high tide watch earlier this morning.
Amongst the `cast` on the saltmarsh were 76 (+) Curlew and 18 Greenshank, plus Kingfisher, Spoonbill, Sparrowhawk, Dunlin, and other regulars. 

Unfortunately no male Hen Harrier while we were there 

Thanks again.

Remembering Oreo one year on

 

It was 12 months ago on 14th January that Oreo passed away.

Oreo was very much a silent `observer of life`, shunning toys in order to watch the washing being put out, what`s going on on the computer, or what might be coming out of the oven. He did however like to lie upside down in the sun, gripping a tennis ball over his head, taking life in his stride. 

He became my shadow, quietly taking in whatever I was doing in, around or outside the house. If I was talking up the road to a neighbour, a minute or two later Oreo would be at my feet. One evening, when we were all spending time at a neighbours house, we opened the front door to leave and found Oreo had been waiting all evening on their front doormat for us.

We later adopted Toffee, who was just slightly more `active` than Oreo and became the local Ninja, but she was so lovable too. 

In October, Toffee tragically came home with some injuries to her tail and pelvis that meant Toffee too was to leave us, but this time through a very difficult decision I had to make.

Both Oreo and Toffee are greatly missed by us all.

Another year begins

 

Well it`s a cold start to 2025, as expected for January of course, but it was disappointing that New Year`s Day was quite miserable weather-wise. However, on January 2nd the conditions were much better, and some time put in on the North Gower finally paid off when, after many nippy days on previous occasions being patient, a male Marsh Harrier came to within 30/40 metres of me! Quite a memorable experience.

On previous occasions, something has happened on a rare moment of close approach, such as just "committing" yourself to making a hot drink or having a bite to eat, just as those seconds of opportunity catch you out. 

My `target` bird for that day, a male Hen Harrier, was nowhere to be seen, however I did see one with other WWT staff & vols yesterday morning during a sunrise/high tide Bird ID morning overlooking the saltmarsh at WWT Llanelli (the other side of the Burry inlet). A frosty marsh became side-lit in soft pink, and the Harrier (first spotted by staff member Andrew) flew across in the mid distance before dropping down near the butts closer to the estuary. 

I didn`t have my camera, taking my bins only so I can help people, but that`s my first sighting this winter. Hoping next week to try a find one again when the more stable weather comes in.

The New Years resolutions, most of which are carried forward from 2024, 2023, etc, have been put together `in hope` yet again, but I MUST get back to painting!!! Lots of intended photo projects amongst other things, but as i`ve often said, available free time is the biggest issue. We`ll see how I get on.

Today is Saturday 4th January, and a forecast of bad weather / snow risk later today has meant that i`ve decided to shelve my initial decision of being further afield, so I will popping to my local marsh and estuary when it`s light later (it`s still early morning as I type).

Whatever you are doing, stay safe this weekend and in the week ahead.

Off to get another mug of tea in now.

Time for the 2025 resolutions

A look at the (unachieved) "resolution" list for 2024, and 2023 and before, and there seems to be a common theme with not getting things done. Time. So many things, projects and stuff to take forward. It`s time to modify my task app, Remember the Milk, for another year ahead!

Whatever your thoughts are for the future, I hope the coming year will be a good one, a healthy one and a safe one. 

Lots going on in the world already, and some worrying things ahead with the change of power coming up across the ocean. I "count my blessings" with all the good things are are around me in life, trying not to dwell too much on the bombardment of bad news that comes to us everyday.

So stay strong and be happy people.

Best wishes for 2025

Happy Christmas

 

It`s Christmas Eve eve today (if that makes sense), and I would just like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and a healthy and safe 2025.

See you soon

The last 2024 Walk with the warden

Next Saturday, 21st December, it`s the last Walk with the warden at WWT Llanelli for the year. Can`t quite believe how the year has flown by, but there is one final chance to join us for a wander on the Reserve.

Thanks to everyone who has come along and supported the walks throughout the year, rain or shine. It`s been good to have your company.

The walks will resume again in 2025 (check the WWT website for details), but normally around the third Saturday in the month.

Thank you again for all your support.