They've had enough - they're on the next plane to Tunisia

Got rushed by them this morning. Their bags are all packed and they are off to Tunisia where it is hot and sunny.

Can't blame them really.

So, its goodbye then. They have promised to send a post card, and if I can work it out, they will skype me.

There you go.

Picture courtesy of Alan Moreton.

They're out - in solidarity with public sector workers!

They came out plastered in PCS stickers in protest at the goverments attack on public sector pensions. Boo hiss Mr Cameron .Well they hissed anyway.

Update on todays strike:

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/news_centre/index.cfm/id/AC975C16-E5DE-4C2F-81700620FB0C3FE8

How odd that we can't afford to keep public sector schemes going, but we can afford to keep the MP's pension schemes going unchanged?

Any way, the beasties were worn out after two minutes and went back into their little house.

Its really a bit cold for them still so I think they will be back in the house tomorrow under the heat lamp.

They're in, no they're out, no they're in

They are still out, but two did not leave their little house today.

The one that did was found hidden in a tuft of grass keeing a big fat slug company.

Not really what they might be used to in the wild, but as they were hatched in a green house in the UK they don't know any difference.

Have decided not to use my super little heater for two reasons;
1. Not enough heat
2. The fumes would probably bump them off.

Have you ever heard a tortoise cough and splutter?

Another update tomorrow.

P.S. the slug has learnt to fly.

They're out - sort of

Out they went when I got home as the sun was shining.

They ran around - yes they do run in their own little way - scoffed all the dandilion leaves, and rushed into their little hut.

No pleasing them.

As it is warmer, I have left them out. Have closed the door on their house to keep out the chill. Will let them out tomorrow morning. It's unlikely they will be pleased to see me, but there you go.

Yep, they're back in!

I don't believe it.

That's what Victor would say, because yes it is humping down again and they are back in because no sun = bloody freezing (as far as Mediterranean tortoises are concerned).

See what it like tomorrow.

Whilst it is nice to see them smiling in the morning, they do honk a bit.

When they have to go, they have to go. They particularly appear to like going in the fresh water bowl.

Let's see what the weather has in store for tomorrow.

The Sun has got his hat on hip hip hooray

It is true, the Sun has got his hat on, and on Sunday to boot.

They are out basking in 50 degrees.

Theres one - heading for a rock to hide from the sun. You can't win.

Due to rain tomorrow so back in probably.

Will let you know.

Sun gone - back in again

Sadly it is true. The sun no longer has his hat on.

They are back inside. Not a lot of space, but very happy.

May be tomorrow, but probably not.

April 2012 was the wettest on record, and will forever be remembered as the wettest drought we have ever seen.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2011/wettest-april-on-record

The sun - they're out!!!

The sun has arrived at last, this afternoon at least.

So - they are now outside.

They don't appear to be overly happy. Have you ever seen a tortoise scowl?

They have a little house, but two chose to stay in doors.

Never mind, may be a bit more sun tomorrow.

Wan't to know more about tortoises?

http://www.britishtortoisesociety.com/

I have not joined yet. Bit difficult when you are totally ficticious.

Left my super heater burning all night!

I learnt two valuable lessons last night.

1. Read the instructions!!!!!!

When they say only have a small part of the wick showing, it means a few millimetres not a few inches.

Can't put the beasties in the lean to now as it is pitch black, owing to the layer of soot covering the glass.

Not too much of a disaster as the good wife was intending to clean them any way.

2. When it says up to areas of 4sqm it really does mean 4sqm not 16 sqm which is, and was the size of the lean to.

Will be useful in the winter.

In the mean time, the beasties are back in their box in the lounge. They are warm and cosy.

Where is the sun????

By permission of Speartoons - drawing by kevin Spear (licence by Creative Commons)

I have a pool in the garden, even the ducks have left!

Bought a heater!

Got one.

A Parasene Superwarm 4 - yes a 4 not a 3, Paraffin Greenhouse Heater!

What a beauty!!

Bought it from;

http://www.diy.com/nav/garden/garden-buildings/greenhouses/greenhouse_accessories/-specificproducttype-heating___insulation/Parasene-Superwarm-4-Paraffin-Greenhouse-Heater-9218863

Other retailers are avaialble.

Its burning away, the cost of paraffin these days - shocking. Will let you know how well it worked tomorrow.

Takes me back to the old camping days, the rain hammering down on the tent, the sleeping bags soaking wet, clothes all damp, children ratty, fighting, crying, spending a fortune on things to do in the day rather than sitting on the beach, cows mooing at two in the morning, walking accross a muddy field for a jimmy riddle, treading in cow depositries, the wind whipping the guy ropes, the Tilly lamp burning brightly, burnt paraffin fumes choking the air, opening the tent up for ventilation, the driving rain, the howling gales - come to think of it, I don't go camping any more, I wonder why? 

If i did I would take my new heater with me. Would leave the tortoises at home though. 

Still too cold - living in the kitchen

Too cold for them outside, so they are living in the kitchen.

Not much fun when they leave little presents. The boy had great fun cleaning them up.

Bought a heater, so going to put them in the sun annexe, pending the arrival of the sun.

Out of hibernation. Survived again. Hooray.


Too cold to go outside, what happened to the sun?


The little darlings in 2008.