I can vouch for the grumpy raven mug, too. Just right for my first mug of tea in the morning (before which I, also, am apt to be a tad grumpy...).

Yes.

Rest in peace, Smudge. We were fortunate enough to have his loving company for nearly 18 years.

Nice easy swarm collection this morning. The ones that bivouac at head height are great. :)

Lovely colony this, 9 frames of brood and not even an indication of a play cup. #lovenon-swarmybees

For lo, where there was one colony, there are now two...

Sitting behind one of my hives, in the garden, looking up at plum blossom and watching some of the bees from that hive foraging on it. There are still real things in the world.

Very unusual to see the sea this calm and clear during the winter months. Very soothing to be near (this was 3 days ago and it's still much the same).

Frost flowers on dried seaweed in the strandline yesterday, Seasalter beach.

A very low tide this afternoon - from what one can see through the low cloud and mist. :)

The Watcher. :)