Has the world gone mad?

[Jenny Green]

I just looked out the window and saw a butterfly go past! (Peacock I think) A butterfly on 14th December!
And my hazel has catkins on it!

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Jenny, there were bumble bees on a Mahonia that was in full bloom, where i was working yesterday.

[alan refail]

I was going to post a moan/scream as a new topic, but here seems as good a place as any. If the butterflies and catkins are a result of global warming, we should be very afraid. Mind you, hazel catkins are usual at this time of year, aren't they?

My real worry is this: just this lunchtime we are told that the government is backing new runways at Stanstead and Heathrow. Is this the same government which has targets for the drastic reduction of carbon emissions? Which tells us to drive less and shop locally (while closing our rural post offices!), save power by switching our TVs off overnight etc, etc - all good advice, but how much composting, recycling, energy saving do I (and everyone else) need to do to offset a single extra cheap flight to nowhere from Stanstead?

[Alison]

just this lunchtime we are told that the government is backing new runways at Stanstead and Heathrow. Is this the same government which has targets for the drastic reduction of carbon emissions? Which tells us to drive less and shop locally (while closing our rural post offices!), save power by switching our TVs off overnight etc, etc - all good advice, but how much composting, recycling, energy saving do I (and everyone else) need to do to offset a single extra cheap flight to nowhere from Stanstead?

Couldn't agree more, I yelled at the radio in protest too when I heard it.
Unseasonal sightings: the M4 between Bridgend and Swansea is lined with gorse in full bloom.
Alison.

[submariner]

I have carnations either in flower or in bud!

[lizzie]

I've got crocus, daffs and something else (forgot what I planted) coming up at the front of the house.

It's typical. One rule for the USA and another for everywhere else. Don't get me started please!!!!!!!

[Chantal]

I still have a hanging basket full of red geraniums at the front of my house and my fuschias are still in flower (and in bud).

[carlseawolf]

WE HAD TEMPRATURES OF 11 DEG LAST NIGHT , 3 DEGS OVER NORMAL DAY TIME TEMP FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR , BUT THERE IS NO GLOBAL WARMING ! HA HA HA

[Chantal]

I'm also sleeping with the window wide open, only the summer 4 tog duvet and I'm still too damn hot!

[Weed]

Window open in this wind Chantal ....your little bit of Rugby must be awfully sheltered ...it was blowing a bit around Wolston yesterday

[Chantal]

It's facing East and the wind was howling from the West; still is come to that. I hate closing the window no matter how cold it is.

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Chantal, i'm like you, it has to be blowing a fair old blizzard for me to close the bedroom window.
I love laying there listening to the night wildlife.
Everybody else thinks i'm mad.

[peter]

Saw a bright yellow dahlia bloom in a north london front garden from my omnibus this morning.

[peat]

I need some pollinating insects as my broad beans are starting to flower
Pete

[oldherbaceous]

This morning when i was wandering off to wind the church clock up, i couldn't believe my ears, a lot louder than it should be for this year was the most wonderful dawn chorus, i know it's a lovely morning, but a bit early in the year i am thinking.
I remember an old boy telling me years ago that we once had a really warm january, and a lot of birds started nesting, but three weeks later we had a lot of snow and all the young chicks perished in their nests.
I hope that does not happen this year.