I had such a busy day – I have to admit I over did things and felt very fragile for doing so – but there you go – that’s me all over.
Pat phoned the hospital for me to see if he could find out when I am likely to get a date for my appointment.
I had asked for a contact and phone number this time – so glad that I did. The lady was extremely nice and helpful – and as soon as Pat mentioned my name – she instantly knew who I was etc.
She got in touch with the ‘plastics’ department, and explained that the surgeon who would be doing my operation works part time, and said they would phone me. She also said that if they hadn’t by 2pm Thursday, then I should phone her back as she is going on holiday from then on. So fingers crossed I should get a date this week.
So having sorted that – and with the mobile in my pocket in case they called – off we went to town to get some essential shopping.
Whilst there I took some things into the charity shop – and came out with more than I took in.
I bought myself a nice sun hat, a summery scarf, and three long sleeved tops (Next brand) which fit perfectly and are like new – all I need now are some long summery skirts – but alas they didn’t have any.
I also tried to get some white cotton gloves to protect my hands better – but not even the ‘posh’ shop had any, so ended up with boring cream ones – for indoor use. I think I will need a trip to Norwich some time in the future to treat myself to some bits.
Stocked up on fresh ‘greens’ for quail and chickens – mainly for the quail though as they don’t free range. I feel so guilty buying stuff as I am so used to growing it all myself, but haven’t been able to get lots of early greens on the go for obvious reasons.
So now I have a nice supply of leaf spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, fruit, and a big cabbage – that should keep them all happy.
On the way home we went via the aviary company where I bought my original quail from. They were going to get some quail in and put by 8 females from me. They forgot – and sold a lot over the weekend – so I came away with 7. Fingers crossed they are females this time. They told me that the last three quail I took back all laid eggs! I don’t understand that at all – especially one of them was definitely a male – it was the only ‘normal’ Japanese quail – the rest were all golden. When I checked them they all had cone shaped vents and were foaming – so it is mystery to me!
The lady did mention that out of a 100 quail they bought there used to be only 2 or 3 golden, and that now there are lots of them and fewer of the others. She also thought that maybe they might have a ‘personality’ problem with that particular colour and mentioned that another lady had brought one back that had been attacked too.
So I now have 7 new quail and have introduced two of my ‘normal’ dark coloured males.
I took four of my male quail out of their aviary and put them in their familiar cardboard box in my studio overnight.
When I brought home the new girls in their box I put in a couple of the females, then one of my males and then repeated the process. So they were all in a totally new environment, and spent a lot of time exploring – and just ‘chilling out ‘ in the sunshine and shade, eating and drinking and mixing – and there was not a single skirmish – so fingers crossed it remains that way.
So now one aviary has 9 birds in it and the other has 6 of the ones I hatched myself. The other two are in the freezer.
After lunch I whizzed out to collect some labels from a lovely young man who advertised them on Freecycle. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to get some acetate sheets and some labels from the same person. I have plans to share the labels out with my crafty forum friends when I do swaps.
More of the new ones.
All the pale quail should be females and all but two (my males) should be female - so if any of the experts look at this and see differently please feel free to let me know!
The rest of the afternoon I spent quail watching, tidying up the garden, sweeping out my studio, the garage, and the paths and stepping stones in the garden where Diddie and Gozzie had scratched up some of the gravel.
Pat was out bowling – the first out door match of the season, so I didn’t realise the time and came in when I was totally tired – eight o’clock.
I then typed up most of my blog only to find that I couldn’t post it -ditto this morning.
I was feeling a bit emotional when I had finished – guess I had over done things – and felt a bit overwhelmed at the weeding I need to do in the gardens front and back.
I just can’t do it with my hand as it is – it throbs, and won’t be able to garden for a while after the operation until the skin graft takes and it all heals – so I have decided to put an ad up in the village for some paid help. Just to do the weeding – so fingers crossed there is someone out there who fancies a few hours ‘pottering’ in my garden!
Update
All quiet and peaceful and happy on the quail front - no squabbling or pecking going on - just lots of sunbathing and dust bathing, eating and drinking - by all the quails and chickens
