Showing posts with label FFF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FFF. Show all posts
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
The LLB gang provide us with a link-up for Nature Friday every week, and sometimes I stretch the connection with nature in my posts. Particularly when it comes to these First Friday offerings! However, as the connection is farming, I think this is okay. The video is less than half an hour in total, but if you wish to jump straight to the section relating to Loch Arthur Community (remember I visited there and was super impressed), then skip to minute ten:fifty. However, I think most of you will enjoy the first section, which has some archaeological discovery when a farmer ploughed up what he thought was an old tree. A lot of these historical discoveries in Scotland occur because of ploughing... one wonders how many are noticed and not just ploughed all the way back in and broken down.
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
Linking to the LLB gang's Nature Friday blog hop... with something you might at first think is the biggest stretch of connection yet. However, I'd like you to note how, beyond the vans themselves, it is the environments that we travellers find ourselves in that bring us together, that it is a love of the wide open spaces and the nature in them that lures us and keeps us going, and that, for all of that, it is in the sharing and caring that life is Lived Lovingly... (and watch out for a very familiar face at around minute six...)
Snow and Curt were one of the first van channels I started watching way back when thoughts of van life were still seeding. I subbed to their channel in late 2019 - just as they were preparing to leave their USA tour and enter Mexico. They are amazing travellers, with their two darling cats, and if you enjoy National Geographic-style videos, then do go and check out any one of their series.
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
Joining in with the LLB gang and their Nature Friday hoppity-hop... and I watched the full film of the trailer I am about to provide you and wholeheartedly recommend that you go search your various platforms to make sure you get to watch it too... Honestly, it is the most heart-warming, heart-thumping, heart-healing thing you will watch all year! Here in the UK, we had it come up on Channel 4, but it was also advertised as being available on Disney+, Nat Geo, and Hulu... but do your own search. Do not miss out on seeing this film...
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
It's that wonderful day of the week that we join up with the LLB Gang and their Nature Friday posts. Being the first Friday of the month of May, this is also when I share an interesting video feature.
It's time again for the Great Moose Migration from Sweden! You can watch without signing up to SVT - they are making this annual event an 'open season' for all viewers. The chances of actually seeing moose are somewhat slim, but I have it on in the background just for the sounds of the place, Nature's ambience, added to the sounds outside the Hutch's windows of Gulls, Magpies, Blackbirds... ahhhhhnnnnnndddd brrreeaaaattthhhhhh... If you want a few minutes' respite from other stuff, gazing into the Swedish countryside is no hardship, either. Just click on the image to go through to the live feed...
UPDATE ON DAY OF POSTING - I didn't quite realise that this was the reel from a specific date - but that's okay, 18 hours of bliss is still acceptable. If you wish only to observe the moose, then move forward to about four hours and fifty minutes... lots then! Yxx
Menoturals; Cattle Crew
It's Final Friday time, shared with Nature Friday, hosted by our pals, the LLB Gang.
She took her time sniffing me to make sure I was the right sort of person to be manhandling her bits! Acquaintance made, things went well. There may have been a demand for hay...
Today, I bring you the final breed of cattle from the Westmoreland Show archives. I have been keeping this one for FFF because I think it has that something a little bit extra special, that je ne sais quoi... It is not a rare breed. Far from it, but it is up there with Highland cattle as being well-loved, deeply commercial, but adorable with it.
THE JERSEY 🐮
First, let me share the image from my show visit.
The first thing that the uninitiated are inclined to comment upon is the bony appearance. One can be forgiven for thinking that Jerseys often look skeletal on their spine and hindquarters. However, this is actually the ideal weight for a dedicated dairy animal. To have more fat on them would detract from milk production.
Jersey cows are the second-most prolific milk producers, after the ubiquitous Holstein/Fresian. That said, the breed is quite often adapted around the world and interbred. Here in the UK (and in some other parts of the globe), just as with the Herefords, there is a strict ruling about marketing. Anything claiming to be Jersey milk/butter/cream, etc, must be from a certified and verified bloodline Jersey heritage. In other countries, and specifically the USA, there has been 'development' of the breed and the lineage there is considered a sub-breed, being much larger and less refined in appearance. Product should be marked as American Jersey.
The original island cattle are small in stature, lightweight, very docile, and have a strict breeding code. Some herds have imported semen from other cattle, so the progeny cannot be recorded in the herd book, and the product from those cattle cannot be claimed as being Jersey dairy.
Jerseys make good pet cows, too. My aunt was permitted one on the hill farm - Missy - and it is on her that I learned to milk by hand. It was a joy, then, when visiting the Sydney City Farm a few years back, that I got the chance to milk their pet Jersey, Jenny...
Jersey milk is the champagne of milks. After tea and water, milk is what I love to drink, whether straight from the bottle/carton, warmed up, made into shakes or smoothies... or custard... I'm a proper milkaholic. When budget allows, I extend to purchase of Graham's Gold Top (pure Jersey), though they also do a fine organic range from their mixed herds.
Oh slurperoonies!!!
Interestingly, I am not much of one for cream, but I do enjoy the proper milk top clots that Graham's get into their Gold Top bottles. It takes me back to childhood and that fresh-from-Missy milk.
Excuse me... I'm having a moment...
Let's finish off with just a wee video of Dr Graham telling us about his Jersey herd... and that's it - for now - on the farm animals. Thanks for coming along on these posts, and for showing enthusiasm!
Menoturals; Cattle Crew First Friday Filmclub
My word, it's that day again, the one where we share with the LLB gang our Nature Friday posts.
You were introduced to the Red Poll cattle last week. Today, we hear how farmer George Young from the county of Essex (one down from Suffolk, a little up and to the 'right' of London... for those less familiar with UK geography) has chosen to introduce the breed to his arable farm. He explains the ecological utility of the animal, its relative ease of care, the ethical place for the breed and how he will seek to utilise their yield. It's an informative and well-presented eight minutes, with some lovely shots of him patting his beasts!
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub (Mini-break From Cattle)
Over at the LLB gang's Nature Friday linky, you'll find a few of us stretching the connection to 'nature' a tad - and I gladly own up to being the worst offender! Today's filmy post is about a dog breed with a misleading name... (NB, down under, the key 'true blue' breeds are the Blue Heeler and Kelpie - if you discount the fact that all, including the Dingo, are immigrants).
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
It's Nature Friday time again as we join the LLB gang to start 2026. Yes, this video has lots of nature in it, not just the escapee Valerie... and lots of views of Aussie country wilderness. A proper feel-good tale to begin the year.
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub, Sheep 101
The galdogs at LLB have let me get away with some cheeky connections to their Nature Friday meme! This one continues my current theme of sheep and shepherding, but today, a little puppy fun. Sean has three of the traditional black and white Border Collies working with him, but recently added a fourth member to the pack, a red and white BC named Copper. She showed interest in doing her work very early on, so she is presenting him with a slightly different training challenge. Watch her go!
In keeping with my ongoing intro to sheep breeds, the flock being used here are of the Hebridean variety. Little but mighty! Although when crossed with other breeds, these can be good commercial sheep for meat, the Hebridean has mainly found a place as a conservation grazing breed, and is also suitable for training sheepdogs.
These are technically full black sheep, but exposure to the elements and ageing can both alter the black to dark brown and shades of grey. There can be minor patches of white, but this is generally seen as a 'fault' for the purists.
The wool is double-coated, with a longer length, courser fibre, and a shorter undercoat which is dense and extremely warm. The staple length of a Hebridean sheep's fleece typically ranges from 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches)... although, strangely, the Society page linked above states '3-37 cm', which I have to say is an extraordinary difference and causes me to wonder if there might be a typo! All the salesrooms and the British Wool Board state the 5-15cm. The crimp is variable, and any yarn produced would be for jackets, rugs and furnishings. The fleece is also one of the best for felting, if that's your thing.
In The Grey, I have a Hebridean sheepskin to keep me cosy as these wintry days arrive. It's brilliant and keeps me well-snug.
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
Another that stretches the claim as a Nature Friday post... but you know me by now. Elastic! I'm claiming a position based on the presence, once more, of sheep and the obvious country life setting. It's a tale you may well know and understand, but here it is beautifully retold - hankies at the ready, please!
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
I wondered what to bring you that could tie in with the flock of sheep I am going to flood some posts with this month... then this turned up. It even qualifies - at a stretch - for LLB's Nature Friday!
First Friday Filmclub...ish
A slight variation - this is a listening thing, rather than a watcher... I couldn't resist it, having so recently shared my visit to Duff house with you! I even mentioned meeting an Aussie expat (Rosemary) who is a guide at the house, and who gets to speak to the professor during his visit.
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I listened to this on Spotify, but I know a few of you prefer not to use that platform - you fan find it on other platforms, but I share with you here a version I found on the tubular, and which has the addition of an intro that is quite charming. Dr Kevin James is Scottish Studies Foundation Chair & Professor of History at Guelph Uni in Canada. It's an entertaining thirty-five minutes, and I hope you will enjoy this as much as I did! (And I include a rose for Rosy, to acknowledge Nature Friday!)
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Menoturals; Chalk And Cheese
It's that wonderful time of the month when LLB's NF meets up with this blog's FFF... sharing nature a wee bit differently.
Yesterday, I told you that I drove Mac1 down to Biggar Museum for a visit. En route, we stopped for lunch at the Errington Barn. The main eatery was very full, so we opted for the little side hut with a more limited menu, but golly, it was good. Sissy went for the farm egg bap with their Corra Linn cheese, and I had the goat's cheese and honey drizzle crepe. Slurperoonies!!! Needless to say, I also purchased a slice of the Lanark Blue (made from sheep's milk) and an Elrick Log (made with goat's milk).
Hard to tell from that photo, but those rounds are eight or nine inches in diameter, and nearly as deep! That blue cheese is nothing short of heavenly, and the goat's cheese, divine.
At the museum, I mentioned that there was an introductory section that fitted into the NF part of things quite well...
Yes, a fabulous collection of rock specimens with lots of info and - happy YAMster - a handle it and name it section.
Always a keen amateur, you might guess that I was also channelling my 'inner Gail'! I couldn't help but think that she might have been reasonably impressed with this small but excellent presentation. If you biggify the next one, although I downsize my photos for publication, you should still be able to read the relevant dates. (Despite my post title, there's no chalk here... but grant me a little licence!)
Both my sister and I loved this delightful museum - small but perfectly formed!
Nature was having a rage outside, though. I told you yesterday that the rains arrived when we did... and they forgot to stop. When it came time to leave, those twenty yards to the van proved to be as drenching as standing under the shower on full power. I drove as close as I could to the bus stop for Mac1 to dash to the shelter, then tried to get to the overnight stop I had planned ... but it was further down the hill, and it was flooded! The roads were under a foot of water, and the traffic was tragic. I decided to head back up the hill to Carnwath, where I could get the van charged and knew there would be no risk of waking up to wet feet. The drive was hair-raising, a 20mph task, so heavily washed was most of the road.
When I did get settled, I could not be bothered cooking, so had a plate with oatcakes, beetroot, some of the fresh broad beans I'd picked at Little Sparta, and some of that gorgeous cheese.
I lingered in Lanark for about ten days, then headed back to Dunoon for August. There was still some excellent weather to come, but as we crossed on the ferry, we were met with this...
Menoturals; First Friday Filmclub
It's that time when Nature Friday and FFF combine, yet again! For July, let's revisit the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, but this time it's a glimpse of the Chinese Hillside Cascades.
Menoturals; Fish On Friday
It's Final Friday Feature and Nature Friday time again! That day when two memes meet at the end of each month. As I have mentioned more than once, I took LOTS of photos when visiting Hazlehead Park, and most were from the Pets Corner minizoo. There are so many, in fact, that I am going to stretch them out a bit.
Let's begin with two related fish (by name at least), both of which hail from the norther regions of South America.
I introduce you to the Plecostomus - or as it is most commonly called, the Pleco. Other names are Cleaner Fish, Armoured Catfish (due to strong plating along the dorsal), Janitor Fish... and Suckermouth. That last one becomes clear when I show you this...
Yes, indeed! These busy workers like to keep the tank tidy by nibbling away at all the algae that can build up on the walls. They also like to nibble plants (as seen in the top photo) and crustaceans, making them omnivorous. These fish also have air-breathing gills. If they feel the water they are in has insufficient oxygen for their needs, they will rise to the surface and gulp fresh air.
Large tanks are required, though. Often, aquarists are caught out, buying Plecos when they are small and not quite realising that they can grow as much as 20 inches in length. Sadly, this has meant that in some areas, wild release (illegal, but so is fly tipping, and don't get me started on that monstrous behaviour) has resulted in river infestations. In SE Asia, they are classed as invasive, and it is encouraged to actively remove them from rivers and ponds or lakes.
Here, in the tanks of a wee Aberdeen pet zoo, though, they are charming and entertaining! Come back tomorrow to see the little video of this chap at work (with some of his tank mates cheering him on).
This second fellow is the Red-tail Catfish, which is another that is usually sold small and without warning as to the potential size. In the wild, they grow as much as six feet in length! The average, though, is around four feet, though this is still beyond most private tanks. This again results in wild release.
Unlike other, bottom-dwelling catfish species, the redtail is an active swimmer, and does not lie in wait on the river bottom to ambush passing prey. The redtail catfish is also not a picky eater, known for consuming anything that fits into its mouth. Meals range from other types of fish, crustaceans, aquatic worms, and even amphibians, such as frogs, to fallen fruits, seeds and tree nuts, such as those of palms or Ficus. In captivity, it has been reported that the redtail catfish will eat dry cat food.
The specimen seen here is likely a juvenile, as it does not display the adult characteristic of yellow flanks and cheeks. It was housed with a Carp of a similar size. The Clown Loach, seen in the next photo, should be on its guard as the Catfish may see it as prey! These might be considered the Labrador dogs of the fish world... and their tanks should not contain any item that might be gorged and then regurgitated (such as plastic castles or fake ferns...) Hope you've enjoyed this introduction to aquarium species!
Menoturals As A Final Friday Feature
Today is that one time each month when the LLB Gang's Nature Friday coincides with my Final Friday Feature meme.
There were lots of wonderful information boards throughout the gardens, which add to the understanding of what one is seeing... but ultimately, just being among the plants and trees, feeling how the bows of shade protected us from the rather hot sunshine that day, we reaffirmed our love of nature and just how very, very important it is that we preserve as much of the natural habitat around us that we can!
Not only am I sharing a little bit of nature with you, but some artistic impressions resulting from studying nature, as well as some interesting information. These are from the visit to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden that I shared with Aitch a couple of weeks back. You will see and read more from this visit in further posts.
Today, though, we are focusing on some ceramic art which has a totemic feel to it and sits beautifully among the plantings on the Rockery area of the gardens.
Me-Not-So-Noturals; A First Friday Filmclub Fact Finder
Remember that Nobby has another post over on his blog!
I am sure that many of you will be aware of the increase in interest in what goes into our food and the effects it has. It can all seem mesmerising and tiring to have to monitor our intake. However, there are wider interests. One of my personal bugbears is the labelling that only says "natural flavourings", for example. Almost entirely, these are chemical products, albeit derived from an original fruit at some point.
I found the following two items of great interest. The 'natural' sources of so much of what goes into our food (that's only six minutes), and then a discussion with an ex-insider, now advocate against the misleading labelling in the food industry (25 minutes, but very worth the listen and not at all boring!)
There is lots more of interest on the "It's Complicated from The Guardian" tubular channel, if you wish for further enlightenment.
Menoturals; Finding Your Feet
Crikey—it's time for the joint meme of Nature Friday and Final Friday Feature again. I must be getting old. The months are turning into weeks, the weeks into days, and the days into minutes! Before I forget, fans of Nobby might like to check out his latest news, if you haven't already seen it on your reader.
Anyhoo... if you visited here yesterday, you will have seen a short woodland walk among the daffodils and blue bells up to a gazebo. What I kept back from that post to share with you here today were all the carved wooden signs showing who the fur and feather visitors might be to that lovely wee spot. You don't need me to witter on, here they all are. The walk started with the little metal sculpture and ended with a compilation board. I hope you can read them all!
First Friday Filmclub - Home Movie
Some of you might like a couple of minutes of peace and quiet, as well as a home-life sort of thing. Some of you might not, and that's okay, too. Move along. I wanted a slightly dressier shawl and beanie for going out to the concert at Rosslyn. I had bought the yarn (Sirdar Jewelspun) at the quilt show in Glasgow. I had the accent glimmer yarn in the stash. Those interested can find the pattern here at Moogly. I made up the beanie pattern myself. It was very quick to make (three or four evenings) and was much admired.
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