Inspired by @theduncanmackay.bsky.social 's Echolands, I visited fenland Iron Age "hill" fort Stonea Camp. Intriguing banks and ditches, just 2m above sea level; low sun, vast sky; utter silence until it was broken by the distant thunder of a distant USAAF transport – an entrancing place.

I recall with a thrill the winter a flock of fieldfares and redwings descended on our crab apple and denuded it within minutes. Apologies for the crap pic; it was taken through a grimy conservatory window.

Sláinte! One of many things I've learned from the French is the importance of the aperitif. This beautiful Jura malt would gain the approval of my father-in-law, who says that I taught him how to drink whisky – much appreciated from a people who are the world's largest per capita whisky drinkers.

It is written: a house without potatoes is in a right old state.

Don't remember this from the time. Nor do I recall how soon it became evident that books printed on breakfast cereals wouldn't survive the addition of milk.

Extraneous 'R', surely.

Canoe or kayak polo. Current world champs are Germany (men) and France (women). They use a water polo ball. Jostling is frowned upon. Photo by William M. Connolley: canoe polo practice on the Cam in Cambridge.

Happy birthday, inventor John Joseph Merlin (1735-1803). Among his gadgets: a rotating table that enabled the filling of up to 12 cups of tea without moving and a device that allowed blind people to play cards. While skating and playing a violin, he careered into and smashed a mirror worth £500.

Muntjac, Cambridgeshire garden, 10 Sep 2024.

Muntjac, Cambridgeshire garden, June 2024.

French sis-in-law savours une Vieille Poule Tachetée, SW France, Aug 2024.

Like this little fella? (Thanks lazienki.)