Each week I’ll try and post quick links to things that I’ve seen, read, inspired me or just sparked my interest in the previous week, with a little background and my thoughts and other things that I’ve been up to in the previous week. Mostly gardening, cooking and environmental stuff but not always.
Life In General
Much of the last week has been taken up with dealing with my Grandma’s passing and making arrangements for her funeral and other beauracy surrounding her death. This is all rather too soon since we lost my Dad to be frank. Less than two months between the two, and we still haven’t finished dealing with all of the issues surrounding his passing. This is not the way I wished to start 2017.
Currently Reading
Yellowstone by David Quammen [GoodReads]
When the Trees Say Nothing: Writings on Nature by Thomas Merton [GoodReads]
A Search for Solitude: Pursuing the Monk’s True Life (Journals Vol. 3) by Thomas Merton [GoodReads]
The Week In Wildlife – In Pictures
Neonictinoids
The unsung heroes of my allotment are the pollinators. I grow no parthenocarpic crops, so rely on the insects to do the pollination work for me. The debate on the effect of neonictinoid pesticides has been going on for some time. Mostly argued by the companies that produce the chemicals that there is no harm caused to non-target species, but I doubt this very much, as peer reviewed research argues differently. This latest report makes for troubling reading, and I doubt that government (in the U.K.) will act, as so far at least they seem happy to take the view that there is no unintended consequences.
Electronic Scrapbook 
Our sincere condolences, to you and your family, Alan, for your loss. A very trying time for you, indeed. Is this your father’s mother that has passed away, or was this your Grandma from the other side of the family?
Be strong; you will get through this.
David.
Thank you David.
It’s my Mum’s Mum, so particularly hard for her too. We will get through it.
As for the pesticide report, I agree with you. I think there’s too much money involved for any official agency to agree that they cause significant “collateral damage” to the ecosystem. Out here, many farmer’s livelihoods rely on such chemicals, not to mention the profitability of the manufacturers. So much of our “science” is put into practice before long-term results are properly investigated. I can’t see how all of this WILL NOT all end in tears.