Slow Living - Doing It Old Style!

Cherryfudge

Yesterday was a really tiring day for some reason - possibly because I did go out and get any exercise, coupled with a sudden influx of complicated admin tasks. For instance, I paid for our replacement boiler before Christmas, using my credit card, which is linked to a particular account. The money for the boiler was in another account, and the credit card doesn't, as far as I can make out, give me the option of linking to more than one bank account. So I had to log into the CC account to see what was outstanding, into the linked bank account to see what the bakance was (not enough for projected needs, so I had to go) into the other bank account to transfer the money to myself, back into the CC-linked account to check the money had gone through then into the CC account again to pay it off. Nothing simple.

Then I had a not-dissimilar process to complete for putting my timesheet in for work: some supporting evidence that I had to submit was on my work laptop, dates were supposed to be in my diary but weren't clear so I had to check emails, the timesheet and supporting spreadsheet had to be completed (why do I not consistently do things as I go along?) and the results emailed to my manager.

There were a couple of other admin bits too. Perhaps I'm just out of the loop but keeping track of where I was up to with each task, while achievable, was downright draining. It makes me aware I owe it to myself to update records ASAP, as it makes for an easier time in the long run.

Today I still have tasks outstanding so I've made a phone call I needed to make and logged on to book a course I want to take - then got bogged down in the small print, which I think I just need to get signed and out of the way.

In the interest of observing a slower life, though, has anyone else heard the bird song has started again? They always know, within a day or so of Boxing Day, and break their silence. I'm intending to put a up a couple of nesting boxes soon so they can get used to the idea of them for a few weeks (I hope). Anyone have any advice on locating them, apart from obviously out of leaping distance of cats? We have a few mature trees willing to donate space.

Katiehound

Siting of bird boxes- lots of info online if you google
here's one piece of advice:
Always ensure that you pick a spot which is out of continual direct sunlight, as the box will become too hot and could kill the young birds inside. So never put a nest box in a south-facing position. Choose a tree or a wall, but ensure there is some cover around or close to the box.

more advice here:
https://www.bto.org/how-you-can-help/providing-birds/putting-nest-boxes-birds/putting-nest-box

Slowdown

I think I may have taken the slowing down a bit too seriously today. If you see me hanging underneath a branch with my eyes shut, it’s because I have actually turned into a sloth. 

Cherryfudge

Thanks @Katiehound, there's useful information there! I think there are a couple of suitable sites but I'll have to consider carefully - then find the other nest box which is probably somewhere in the shed. It's something I've meant to do for a while and watching wild birds has become a relaxing activity: they come to feeders close to the house so long as we don't make any sudden movements.

florianatwobob

@Cherryfudge I’ve noticed the birds are starting to sing again or, in the case of my resident sparrows, squabble. 

We were also being treated a couple of nights ago to the less than melodious song of a love sick dog fox. I live on the edge of a nature reserve and he was taking full advantage of the slight valley to amplify his availability to any passing vixens. 

Despite my mild grumbles we are lucky to have wildlife so close. We have a kite fly over the house most days and a heron who likes to stand on a neighbour’s chimney. 

Florafauna

I've noticed the birds as well. It's great to have them back. @florianatwobob how amazing to live right by a nature reserve. Haven't heard foxes at night but quite often hear two owls flying up and down the street calling to each other.
We live in a town but it has lots of green pockets 

florianatwobob

It’s only a small nature reserve but as we’re right on the edge of fenland as well it has some interesting wildlife and plants. We hear the hooting of owls too, when I was little a barn owl used to fly past my bedroom window every night.  

otb666

i split my housework into 5 tasks over 2 weeks.
change pets bedding
/kitchen(includes oven and fridge clean)
/ windows
/hoover
/bathrooms.

 I change bedding and do washing and dishwasher as needed.

I have done this for sometime as I was spending too much time on housework and dont want to spend my remaining free time on this planet just doing housework

It also means nothing gets too bad and takes longer so easy to clean quickly if I keep to this
When i hoover i lift sofas and hoover their undersides as was amazed at dust balls stuck underneath 
i use a small container of sugar soap water and sponge for most jobs and tip remains on patio I use vinegar and water for windows. 

Katiehound

When I was out walking the dog walking? (I mean squelching!) there were several thrushes singing.
 When I was hanging out washing on NY Day out of the corner of my eye I saw a leaf blowing about: when I stopped to look I realised it was a wren right up near the house.  Big surprise especially as I hardly ever see any bird- terraced house & countless cats around.

Sometimes in the middle of the night I hear owls hooting, we have some very large trees near the church. A magical sound.

Cherryfudge

I'm loving these stories of owls! I used to hear them from my parents' house but none here. We do get bats, though, swooping up and down the 'alley' between our terrace and the new estate. I think gnats like the conditions under the trees and bats like gnats. Oh, and we had a hedgehog the other week - an autumn juvenile who's now with a vet nurse who cares for underweight hedgehogs over winter.  I'm sure there are other wild creatures I simply don't see, but never a fox. To near the countryside?