Week 1
Shaking it off...
The flu, lethargy, winter, etc.
and walking again...hadn't realised that I missed it so much - good for the soul as much as anything else.
Out behind our place...
Snakes (Seen whilst out walking)
(Wikipedia)
Vipera berus, the common European adder or common European viper, is a venomous snake that is extremely widespread and can be found throughout most of Western Europe and as far as East Asia. Known by a host of common names including common adder and common viper, adders have been the subject of much folklore in Britain and other European countries. They are not regarded as especially dangerous; the snake is not aggressive and usually bites only when alarmed or disturbed. Bites can be very painful but are seldom fatal.The specific name, berus, is New Latin and was at one time used to refer to a snake, possibly the grass snake, Natrix natrix.
I have seen only two snakes before - both in the one, particularly hot year - 2015, I think. They were not as thick as this one and they quickly disappeared as we walked past. Zoey stepped over this one without even seeing it. It was not happy with my attention and actually reared up at me as I was taking the photos. I would have thought that it was too cold for snakes to be out and about - I had a coat, beanie, and gloves on, after all!
A couple of coastal areas registered winds of up to 140km/hr
There's a big ship known as Noah's Ark - I think they relate the biblical story as a museum/tourist attraction. It broke it's moorings in the haven at Urk (formerly an island and now on the coast (of an inland sea) due to the land reclamation).
Where one of the mooring poles used to be...
Other damage...
This year's storm was bad enough that for the very first time ALL of the coastal protection systems were activated at the same time. These protective measures (known as The Delta Works) were constructed after the floods of 1953.
The North Sea Floods of 1953 (from Wikipedia)
The 1953 North Sea flood (Dutch: Watersnoodramp, literally "water emergency disaster") was a major flood caused by a heavy storm that occurred on the night of Saturday, 31 January 1953 and morning of Sunday, 1 February 1953. The floods struck the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Scotland.
A combination of a high spring tide and a severe European windstorm over the North Sea caused a storm tide; the combination of wind, high tide, and low pressure led to a water level of more than 5.6 metres (18.4 ft) above mean sea level in some locations. The flood and waves overwhelmed sea defences and caused extensive flooding. The Netherlands, a country with 20% of its territory below mean sea level and 50% less than 1 metre (3.3 ft) above sea level and which relies heavily on sea defences, was worst affected, recording 1,836 deaths and widespread property damage. Most of the casualties occurred in the southern province of Zeeland. In England, 307 people were killed in the counties of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Nineteen were killed in Scotland. Twenty-eight people were killed in West Flanders, Belgium.
In addition, more than 230 deaths occurred on watercraft along Northern European coasts as well as on ships in deeper waters of the North Sea. The ferry MV Princess Victoria was lost at sea in the North Channel east of Belfast with 133 fatalities, and many fishing trawlers sank.
Realising that such infrequent events could recur, the Netherlands particularly, and the United Kingdom carried out major studies on the strengthening of coastal defences. The Netherlands developed the Delta Works, an extensive system of dams and storm surge barriers. The UK constructed storm surge barriers on the River Thames below London and on the River Hull where it meets the Humber estuary.
Fake News
I have to confess that my computer photo from last week was not me! I used it just to illustrate exactly what it feels like sometimes - keeping all the computers, satellite TV's (7), heating systems (8) all in operating order. My latest was to set up a dual monitor system, purely for my bookkeeping...The new PC has a new (Display Port) connector - trying to match that with an old monitor took me a couple of days. I'm sure I find things like that to work on as a means of avoiding the bookkeeping...but it is the end of the year and the taxman beckons...
Woody Woodpecker
We feed the birds over winter, by hanging seed/fat balls in the trees at the front. Our favorite this year is the Woodpecker - here known as the Bonte Specht.
Photo through our front window... he (maybe more than one?) has the bag empty in a couple of days!
Photo from the internet...
(Google Translate)
The most common woodpecker in the Netherlands. Both male and female are tumbling on branches with a short, fast roll to strengthen territory and pair band. Great spotted woodpeckers chop a hollow nest in trees with a round hole. They have a preference for softwoods, such as birch trees. Woodpeckers can chop in this way because the brains are fitted with shock absorbers. In the nest cavity, the eggs are simply placed on the wood.Snippets from the News
TV News on Saturday night had quite a piece about the Netherlands taking over a greater role in European affairs. The EU itself is getting prepared to make some far-reaching decisions, including Brexit, Immigration/asylum-seekers, The Euro and other Financial matters. One English commentator made quite a case about the Netherlands being ideally suited to take over many of the (anticipated) changes brought about by Brexit.
Another item spoke about new driving/mobile phone laws in Italy.
Being seriously tackled (it is estimated that 75% of accidents are caused by people using their phones). €200,00 fine for first offence and automatic loss of licence for 2nd offence within 5 years. One policeman who was interviewed said that they often have to bang on the window to get the driver's attention away from the mobile phone!
From the newspaper:
There was a story about Beavers Spotted in Friesland.
Albeit not many... One was first spotted in 2014 and another has been seen late in 2017 - but not in the same place, so they are not expecting any breeding. It is believed that there are more in the Province of Overijssel and that they will slowly make their way northwards.
A couple of researchers arranged a symposium titled "One Beaver in Friesland - Now What?" - as a start to investigating the environmental consequences.
From Google Translate
In August 2014 a beaver (Castor fiber) was detected in Friesland. This is a new species in Friesland.The arrival of the beaver has positive consequences because it is a valuable addition to nature. For example, he provides greater biodiversity along banks. In addition, the beaver can also cause negative consequences, such as wetland damage, excavation damage and feeding damage. It is therefore now the time for all parties involved to make arrangements to keep the arrival of the beaver heading in the right direction. The aim of this research is to provide advice on the drafting of a beaver protocol with which the effects, the measures and the communication & information for all parties involved become clear.
From the newspaper:
There was a story about Beavers Spotted in Friesland.
Albeit not many... One was first spotted in 2014 and another has been seen late in 2017 - but not in the same place, so they are not expecting any breeding. It is believed that there are more in the Province of Overijssel and that they will slowly make their way northwards.
A couple of researchers arranged a symposium titled "One Beaver in Friesland - Now What?" - as a start to investigating the environmental consequences.
From Google Translate
In August 2014 a beaver (Castor fiber) was detected in Friesland. This is a new species in Friesland.The arrival of the beaver has positive consequences because it is a valuable addition to nature. For example, he provides greater biodiversity along banks. In addition, the beaver can also cause negative consequences, such as wetland damage, excavation damage and feeding damage. It is therefore now the time for all parties involved to make arrangements to keep the arrival of the beaver heading in the right direction. The aim of this research is to provide advice on the drafting of a beaver protocol with which the effects, the measures and the communication & information for all parties involved become clear.
Hi Ken
ReplyDeleteLike the old format better, find the background black and white distracting, keep up the news, we love it.