A spectacular spell of weather during the month; our solar panels generated 57% more energy in the 30 days compared to 2024. Sunshine makes everything better.
We had a fun train holiday up to Edinburgh, with a stop in Newcastle on the way back. Edinburgh was looking good, the sun shining on Auld Reekie; arriving at Waverley and walking out into the Princess Street Gardens must be one of the most spectacular introductions to any UK city, with the gothic architecture and castle looking above. A climb of Arthur’s Seat with some old friends was a great catch-up with views to match.
Newcastle was another chance to meet friends, with a night in Jesmond the climax a day that started with an excellent stottie on arrival. I thought the city centre itself looked a little tired, as did the Quayside, although the Great North Museum delivered and I’d forgotten the glorious sweeping curves of the station.
When attempting the first mow of the year, I noticed some strange volcanic shaped mounds on the lawn; tiny piles of dry earth, with perfectly round holes in their tops. Having seen one, I then realised there were around 10 in a few square metres.
A photo and a quick Google Lens search later, and the compelling theory is mining bees – an insect I’ve never heard of. It turns out there are 67 species in the UK. The females tunnel down and make cavities into which they lay eggs; they then add pollen and nectar to each cavity which are then sealed. On hatching, the larvae are safe and fed until ready to emerge. Clever stuff.
The fresh burrows are really quite lovely, neat as a pin. Having never seen these before, and from asking around nobody else seems to have either, I have since seen them in two other locations in the area.
I had a second trip to Sheffield for the Snooker World Champs. Having watched on TV for years it still felt a little strange being their in the flesh. A second round session this time, Mark Allen v Chris Wakelin. Quite a disappointing afternoon, the snooker was relatively low quality and unexciting. It turned out we were 24 hours too early – in their following session the next afternoon Allen hit a historic 147. That’s live sport for you.
Books read this month: