Friday, February 24, 2017

Five on Friday


 Five things that have happened this week, things I've spotted and things that have made me smile.

1.  A Grebe and what we thought was a female Merganser on Westport Lake, which is near Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent.
It was the only Merganser we saw as we walked around the lake and it was a bit aggressive to the other waterbirds as if it was trying to claim its space there.


2.  The wonderful sight of the iron bridge built c.1779 by Abraham Darby III across the River Severn at Ironbridge in Shropshire. I love it here, you can feel the history and impact of the Industrial Revolution all around this area.  You can just see the Toll House chimney over the other side of the bridge.

The Toll House

Love the list of tolls and the N.B. at the bottom.


3. On Tuesday when we moved the recycling wheelie bin to take it down to the end of the drive this newt was underneath.  It was placed in an old washing up bowl with a bit of luke warm water for a while and then taken up to the pond.  It must have been very mild on Tuesday because when Paul took the newt up to the pond he startled a frog which launched itself into the pond, the newt slithered in a few seconds later.  Another month and the pond will be heaving with frogs.


4.  As I write this blog post storm Doris is howling around the house.  I tried to take an 'action' photo of the garden from the bedroom window as the trees over the back hedge are bending and whirling their branches around.  The conifer tree is doing a lone samba, its branches twisting and turning in the strong wind. 

The lawns are sodden and squelchy and there aren't many birds around on the feeders today but we did see a little group of long tailed tits visit the fat balls.  The buggy nibbles and seeds have been placed in ground feeders so it is easier for sparrows, blackbirds and robins.  Thank goodness we don't have to go anywhere today.



5.  It's a day to stay in, keep warm, cosy and safe and enjoy the simple things around us.

Joining in Five on Friday as always with Amy and Love Made my home.  Follow the link below to find other who are joining in too.

Have a lovely weekend.

http://lovemademyhome.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/five-on-friday-linkup-post-12.html

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58 comments:

  1. Coastal Ripples24 February 2017 at 08:51

    Hopefully storm Doris has passed you now without too much damage. Your garden looks beautiful despite the fact it's still only February. Have a lovely weekend. B x

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:33

      Thanks, Barbara. A couple more week and we may be able to get out into the garden. Doris blew lots of debris (including a mini space hopper) into our garden and dislodged a fence post, that was about it:)

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  2. Tricky Wolf24 February 2017 at 09:35

    Your garden looks fantastic despite the storm!
    I love the list of charges from the toll house, what a great piece of history

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:34

      Thanks, Tricky! The Toll House list is great isn't it?:)

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  3. Linda P24 February 2017 at 10:00

    I hope Doris has blown out where you are today. Here it's calm again and we have sunshine, which I hope continues over the weekend! A lovely five, Rosie. I'm glad you were able to get out and now share your experiences of seeing the water birds, the newt and your visit around Ironbridge soaking up the historical atmosphere of this special place. I've enjoyed seeing the colour from heather growing in your garden and your mosaic of tulips and lovely baked goodies. Have a good weekend!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:36

      Thanks, Linda, Doris did blow herself out eventually leaving just a few things behind her which have been sorted now. The pond is overflowing so I hope the newt and frogs are ok, I guess they will have retreated to the logs we leave out for wildlife:)

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  4. mamasmercantile24 February 2017 at 10:15

    Thankfully Storm Doris has blown over leaving behind a lot of debris in the garden, a broken gate post and shed door off its hinges. Loved seeing your garden with such a lot of colour despite the season and storm, beautiful. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:37

      It is nie to have the colour of the heather to look out at from the kitchen window. Sounds as if Doris left you quite a bit of damage, we just had one fence post loosened and leaning forward:)

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  5. Ragged Robin24 February 2017 at 12:52

    Your garden looks so lovely and colourful even in the middle of the storm - hope there wasn't much damage. Calmer here today but we have a fence panel and some posts down from yesterday! A lovely five and so enjoyed seeing more photos of Ironbridge - the toll charges are fascinating to read. I haven't seen any frog or newt activity yet in our garden pond - frogs usually spawn in March. Loved the tulips and home-baked goodies :) Have a lovely weekend.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:39

      We get loads of frogs in March they seem to come from all around the area as I think we have one of the few back garden ponds, it must have been mild in spite of the wind for a frog and a newt to be out and about. Ironbridge is such a special place isn't it?:)

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  6. The History Anorak24 February 2017 at 13:30

    I adore Ironbridge. It's such a lovely place and you're right. It feels historic.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:40

      It always feels like taking a step back in time there doesn't it? Not just in the town istself but in the places around still so connected to the industries that built them:)

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  7. Sharon24 February 2017 at 13:50

    Beautiful photos! I love the iron bridge. It is so beautiful. It certainly looks historic. Wish I was as good at identifying birds as you are

    Happy Five on Friday

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:42

      Thanks, Sharon. I can usually identify most small and garden birds but waterfowl and sea birds are a challenge except for the obvious ones. I just enjoy seeing them especially at this time of year:)

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  8. AnnieOBTextiles24 February 2017 at 15:08

    The iron bridge is wonderful and I love the toll sign - no one is excused, not even Royalty! Today's calm and sunshine is very welcome after storm Doris.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:44

      Great sign isn't it? So much calmer now after Thursday, although it has been quite breezy nothing as bad as that:)

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  9. Snap24 February 2017 at 15:24

    Ugh... sorry about the delete...I really should read what I type before I hit publish! Ha! Enjoyed your post ... from the birds to the great bridge to the toll house and the wonderful sign. Each so different. Your garden is lovely. I'm hoping that storm Doris was kind. Happy Friday!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:46

      Thanks, Snap. Don't worry, I've removed the comment. I know what you mean about checking typing as I so very often publish a comment and then see the muistakes I've made, usually missed letters as if I don't press the keys hard enough:)

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  10. A Colorful World24 February 2017 at 15:39

    Yes, stay inside, warm and safe today! LOVE that toll house! Such wonderful history. And the garden is lovely, if wet. :-) Have an awesome week once this storm "blows over."

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:47

      The storm has just about blown over now, glad you liked the toll house photo, it is a wonderfully historic place:)

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  11. Simone24 February 2017 at 16:24

    The table of tolls is very thorough! Wouldn't it be great to have a peek inside the toll house? We had storm Doris yesterday but today is the opposite with blue sky and even some sun! I hope that the newt thrives and that the ground dries up so you can start to enjoy your lovely garden again. x

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:49

      Thanks, Simone. I have been in the toll house, the ground floor has information and leaflets and upstairs is a display of the history of the bridge and etc. We didn't go inside this time but it is free to go in, you can also get a certificate stamped to say you have walked over the bridge:)

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  12. Crimson Kettle24 February 2017 at 18:55

    I'm so glad Doris has gone on her way. I had to rescue the bins which toppled over. The iron bridge is just beautiful and makes such a great circle with its reflection in the river. Have a great week. 😊

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:50

      Our wheelies stayed upright but the wheelbarrow which had been left against the shed went on a short journey - at least it didn't land in the pond:)

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  13. rusty duck24 February 2017 at 19:06

    I hope you survived Doris intact. It could have been worse here. The wind direction meant we were sheltered for once although a chunk of plaster did fall from the ceiling!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:51

      Glad you were sheltered from dear Doris, the falling plaster is quite worrying though, Have a lovely weekend:)

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  14. September Violets24 February 2017 at 22:35

    Great shots of the bridge and tollhouse. I visited this area many years ago on a family trip to England. We rented a camper van and drove it EVERYwhere!! From Wales to Scotland and back to Sheffield where my grandparents lived. That certainly looks like a merganser to me ... we have the same kind with the rusty coloured heads here in Ontario. You have a beautiful backyard! I hope everything came through the storm intact. Happy Weekend!
    Wendy

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:52

      Thanks Wendy, that sounds like a wonderful adventure and it must have been a sturdy camper van to get you to all those places you visited:)

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  15. Christine24 February 2017 at 22:49

    Doris left quite a trail of damage to the trees around us also and I'm glad she's gone!
    Great shots of the merganser!
    Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 09:53

      Thanks, Christine. Yes, I'm glad Doris has gone now. When we went out on Saturday we saw quite a bit of damage she had left behind, mostly fallen trees and piles of branches:)

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  16. Lorrie25 February 2017 at 01:10

    I hope Doris hasn't been too bothersome. What a great word picture of the conifer doing a samba! The bridge and tollhouse look like interesting places to visit. Have a happy weekend! I hope the birds return for you.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:03

      Birds were back as soon as the wind slowed down, squirrels were back pinching the bird food too:)

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  17. riitta k25 February 2017 at 07:46

    Your garden looks very pretty and I wish Doris didn't make much damage. That iron bridge is beautiful indeed. Wishing you a lovely weekend Rosie!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:03

      Thank you Riitta, Doris didn't do too much harm in our garden thank goodness. I love the iron bridge:)

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  18. Candytuft Corner25 February 2017 at 11:36

    It is good to see that everybody, including royalty, was treated equally! Great photos too. Glad to hear that you survived storm Doris. Have a good weekend. Marie x

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:05

      Thanks, Marie. Yes, indeed no concessions for anyone at the toll bridge. Doris wasn't too bad here but did cause damage elsewhere. Glad you enjoyed the photos:)

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  19. Coquetnaturelover25 February 2017 at 11:56

    A great choice for five on Friday! Grebes and mergansers are my favourites and your garden is so pretty too. Doris didn't really hit Northumberland so for once we were lucky. Hope you don't have too much damage. Looking forward to see more photos :)

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:06

      Glad you didn't get the full effects of Doris. Grebes are so hard to photograph as soon as you get them lined up and in focus they dive for food, Beautiful birds though:)

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  20. Tomoko25 February 2017 at 13:46

    Hello, Rosie,
    I like the old iron bridge and the toll house. The house is so charming with the brisk wall, blue roof and the chimney. The newt is such innocent. Your garden looks very pretty, taken care well. Happy land!
    Lovely day to you!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:07

      Hello Tomoko, glad you enjoyed the photos of the toll house nd the newt, hope it was ok after its unwanted rescue:)

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  21. Dicky Bird25 February 2017 at 14:27

    I love the photos! The bridge is amazing. I live in Wisconsin, but my husband grew up in Maryland - near the Severn river...I showed him your Severn river. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:08

      I expect your River Severn is very different to ours but will have been used over the eyars for much the same things I expect:)

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  22. The History Anorak25 February 2017 at 18:09

    In answer to your question on my blog - yes. Stapenhill Church is right next to the washlands. If you walk across there's a great coffee bar in the library (next to the Marmite jar!) You'll love it.

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:11

      Thanks, I thought it might be there as I'd seen all the walkways. I went in the library in town years ago looking at the old newspapers trying to find an article from the 1960s which mentioned my 5x great grandfather coming to that area from the Forest of Dean. I did eventually find it but it didn't help in finding out exactly where he came from:)

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  23. Roses, Lace and Brocante25 February 2017 at 18:54

    A wonderful five!
    The old bridge over the Severn is soo English - a chocolate box picture!
    So Abraham Derby is not only a rose!
    We saw pictures of Doris on our Tvnz news - staying 'put' was the best idea on a day like that Rosie!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:13

      No, I guess the rose was named for him. They were a Quaker family who were instrumental in the start of the Industrial Revolution in that area. Apparently the family houses are open tothe public later this eyar so I must go back and visit them:)

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  24. krishna25 February 2017 at 18:58

    The toll house is so beautiful...

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:14

      Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the photos:)

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  25. Louise26 February 2017 at 11:21

    Your garden is looking great and number 5 looks like a pretty perfect day!

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    1. Rosie26 February 2017 at 12:14

      Thanks, Louise - the cheese scones made a lovely lunch:)

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  26. handmade by amalia27 February 2017 at 08:45

    The Toll House looks like the setting for a murder mystery.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Rosie27 February 2017 at 09:11

      That would be interesting wouldn't it?:)

      Delete
  27. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful Life27 February 2017 at 19:13

    I like the sound of the phrase 'sodden and squelchy' although I might be less impressed with the feeling of it all. The bridge looks amazing and what lovely garden. Your pond 'heaving with frogs' should be a delightful sound of nature in Spring. We don't have any ponds nearby, and I do miss the frogs singing.

    Wishing you a beautiful week...
    Brenda

    PS. I agree with Amalia, the toll house could be a great setting for a murder mystery.

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    1. Rosie28 February 2017 at 09:02

      Thank you Brenda, the garden is still 'sodden and squelchy' it being clay soil it takes ages to dry out and then when it does goes rock hard, from one extreme to the other! thanks for your lovely comment, wishing you a lovely week too:)

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  28. Mrs Tiggywinkle28 February 2017 at 20:55

    Ooh, Ironbridge, one of my favourite places. I completely agree with you about feeling the history all around the area. Sadly, while every effort seems to be made to preserve industrial heritage in South Telford, the same can't be said of North Telford, which seems to be a very poor sister. Your garden, as ever, looks fab and I hope Doris didn't cause you any damage. x

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    1. Rosie1 March 2017 at 09:20

      Thanks, Mrs T, Doris only left a bit of damage hehind when she swept off. It does seem a shame that all of the Telford region doesn't receive the benefits of being part of a World Heritage Site, it just seems to be the Gorge and Valley doesn't it?:)

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  29. Amy at love made my home1 March 2017 at 20:48

    I am sorry to be late visiting, but I wanted to wait until the link had closed and I could write to everyone who had taken part. Thank you so much for your support of Five On Friday this week and in the weeks gone by. I do so appreciate it and have really enjoyed reading your posts. I hope that you will enjoy going to the new link up just as much and will continue to take part. I hope that I will still see you at my blog sometimes, I will of course still be visiting you sometimes too! Best wishes and many thanks.

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    1. Rosie2 March 2017 at 09:39

      Thank you Amy for visiting and leaving a comment and thank you too for all you have done for Five on Friday, it has brought so many of us together on a regular basis and I look forward to continuing with the new organisers and seeing you there too sometimes. I will of course continue to visit your blog which I always enjoy doing. Best wishes to you to:)

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