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Fatherhood
I am now a father. My daughter Emily was born in October and barely survived the experience. However, after a torturous week in neonatal intensive care, she bounced back and is now a happy, healthy little baby. Emily started smiling at 4-weeks old and has become progressively more expressive since. She loves windows, houseplants, electric lights, ( Read more... ) -
Nature's bounty
Yesterday, I put my Birthday present to Katy to good use and collected a vast quantity of bilberries. Now I have to think of something to do with them. Anyone know any good recipes? I'm thinking muffins and possibly jam... -
Little monsters
I'm exhausted after a weekend entertaining two small children. Being treated as a fun new toy to fight over is a little bit perturbing. I think that when ours comes along, I may skip years 2-3! On the other hand, they are quite entertaining and useful for seeing off curious dogs (Doggggyyyyy!). -
The rural idyl
We have returned from Northumberland, laden with homegrown vegetables, homemade jam and hand-knitted baby clothes. Thank goodness for hippie parents. Also attended my first Scottish wedding and felt a little excluded by my kiltlessness. Perhaps I should get one made (I have a family tartan, why not use it?). Katy demonstrated that she can still ( Read more... ) -
Black
The field trip to Spain was successful but extremely tiring. On the positive side, a late spring meant that many plants were still in flower and there was plenty of snow around at high altitudes. We saw lots of wildlife, including red deer and many griffon vultures. The weather was dry and the students could cook! On the negative side, health and ( Read more... ) -
(Untitled)
I am packing for the botany field course to Spain after one of the most frustrating weeks that I have endured in a long time. Still, the marking is done, the endless meetings are over and I only have a few odds and ends to sort out before I go. Hopefully, by the time I get back, the dust will have settled and I will not be in too much trouble. -
Pink
I have just had a weekend of baby practice, courtesy of eight-month-old Anneka. She was very patient with me. I am also now the proud owner of a sack full of reusable nappies and an even larger sack full of pink baby clothes. I hope that our baby is a girl, since I'm not sure that Ceredigion is sufficiently open-minded for boys in pink. -
Oil, wax, sex and lizards
A scorching weekend and I spent most of it scrubbing, sanding and oiling the floor in the spare room. Just a coat of wax and it will be finished, just in time for our guests. Katy and I did manage to try out the new Ystwyth Valley cycle path that now runs south along the old railway (after a false start involving a puncture and a broken helmet). It ( Read more... ) -
Painted Ladies
Swarms of painted ladies are cavorting past my window, and I am on the third floor! -
Hiatus
I seem to have cleared my exam scripts for the time being, so have brief period free from marking to think about other things (and perhaps catch up on some sleep). Probably ought to write something or submit a grant application. I have been reading books on mass extinctions, dinosaur parasites, bees, philosophy and homosexuality in animals. ( Read more... )