Dear Lucy, we do not get hummingbirds here apart from in hot-houses. They to us are amazing to see in the tropical greenhouses we have here. We have a lot of game birds over here though, and as my father claims you cannot beat a a game bird!
Regards.
Neil.

After my father in law died, our supply of pheasant was cut off. I don't like wild duck, they taste like their last meal. Perhaps the ones which feed in fresh water might be tastier.

Dear Lucy, English Partridge is my favourite thing although I do like Grouse. I love Duck, it depends on who cooks it! Sarah loves Quail and Hare, although she likes all game!
Grouse tastes like the heather it eats and maybe that is why I like it so much, for only heather grows where Grouse are and bilberries which are the same family as your blueberries. Bilberries are smaller and very sharp in taste to your blueberries. Although they make a lovely sauce for the Grouse.
Having worked on a game farm I have eaten too many Pheasants and French Partridges which I do not like at all, compared to our English ones.
I have eaten most things and liked them, but my grandma taught me how to cook game, and that is the difference.
Regards.
Neil.

Dear Neil, I haven't seen much of you lately, Charley and I are wishing you, Sarah and Phoenix the best...

A congratulations to me---iris seed planted this year. I have to admit with help from my husband.

Dear Charleen, I am still here and on cubits just have not heard from you! I admit I have not been so busy as I have had trouble with my teeth, and the riots we had over here did not help matters either.
Love to you and to Charley.
Neil.
+ Phoenix.

Are things better now with the riots??? Tooth problems are horrible.
I know you have been helping folks, Such a blessing , you are.
Hugs and mule nuzzles

Carrots and hugs to Charley and the other longears Charleen.
By the way Neil I forgot to tell you when we spoke today, that it was Aunty Jeans birthday today.
Neil, what is good for a shady part of the garden, but, it will have to put up with harsh winters up here, that we seem to be getting the last few years, and from what we have been informed more harsh winters to come.
Get well soon, Mum 2 and Peter and Tilly

I bet that lily of the valley can put up with anything. Can you put up with it?

Dear Muriel, what sort of plant/plants do you want? Herbaceous, shrubs or trees? Lilly of the valley is lovely but is poisonous and is also highly protected, due to people taking it from the wild. That is strictly illegal and you can be prosecuted and fined a lot of money for that. Bluebells are lovely to see in the spring, and I have lots of them and wild cyclamen that would thrive where you are! Please do not buy any that have been taken from the wild, as it is illegal and you are as guilty as the person that sold them to you. I suggest wild cyclamen, and these are legal and I can send you some!
Shrubs and trees ask me if that is what you want.
Love.
Neil.

Amazing LOV are not wild collected here. But certainly Neil is the person to give advice.

They would have to go into tubs as there is no soil in the area where I would like greenery and put some colour there also.

I bet Neil will come up with something, I've been potting plants today.

A picture of my Alocasias. Well, Ed's. He claimed them for his own.

Beautiful....

Like the shape of the leaves Cherie.

Dear Cherie, absolutely stunning thank you so much! Even if Ed thinks they are his!

Neil.

Well, I have to pick my battles carefully. If he wants to think they're his no harm done. The Alo's know who takes care of them. Ceratinly not HIM.

I am up early; phone woke us up about 20 minutes ago. Ed's Uncle passed away around midnight.

So sorry Cherie. It is always difficult losing folks.

Dear Cherie, I am sorry to hear about that and send my condolences to you both! Strangely enough my aunt died some months ago although I had not seen her in 30 years as they both emigrated. Now my uncle has come back to the UK to the place he and my mother were born and brought up and now is coming to see us all. He has never met my sister in law. nieces, or my wife, so that should be fun!
Loads of love and I am sorry for your loss.
Neil.
+ Phoenix.