Still catching up from yesterday. A mysterious glitch seemed to stop the photos loading, whilst still allowing me to upload the post. As I’m trying to post every day, it left me, at quarter to midnight, with the choice of posting something imperfect or posting nothing. That isn’t say that I don’t post imperfect pieces all the time (they are all capable of improvement) but yesterday’s was far from finished.
This post will mark my 70th consecutive day. It’s not much compared to the magnificent achievements of some people but it’s a considerable one for a man of my disorganised personal habits. The only fly in the ointment is that some days I know I’m writing rubbish just to tick off another day. I didn’t set out to be a blogger of great dignity and importance, but I do have standards, even if they are low.
I’m going to continue with daily posts as long as I can, but I’m going to improve the quality. Er…
Yes, exactly. What is quality in blogging?
I’m not sure. I tend to like the ones about people of a certain age who do a bit of pottering, and I also like the ones about nature, which could be because that’s a description of me and my life. In fiction terms I suppose you could say I’m looking for something character-driven. Or you could say I’m nosey. (I’m the sort of person who enjoys railway journeys because you can look into people’s back gardens).
I suppose I’m not really talking about quality, but more about what engages readers and makes for a popular blog. Quality, which tends to make me think about seriousness and maturity, is probably not the exact word to use.
What does anyone else think?
So, back to Rufford Abbey.
The first thing we found was that a bottle of gooseberry vinegar that emptied itself on the back seat of the car (where my jacket was conveniently placed to soak it up and save the upholstery).
We had a look at the lake, which seemed less populated than usual. I suppose they are all off doing spring things. Apart from the Great Crested Grebes. I’m sure they should be exhibiting some interesting courtship behavior but all they did was sit there and float.
I nearly managed a video of courting grebes two weeks ago but they didn’t try very hard and it just looked like two birds flapping. My attempted video of two Robins fighting wasn’t usable as they were both quick and in cover, though today’s Robin photo shows one of the combatants perching with its tail cocked as it keeps an eye on the interloper.
Loved the coot and nest, as many coots that I’ve seen, I’ve never saw one of their nests. Nice and perfect!
Thanks. In a week or two the leaves will hide them, so it was good to see them now.
I enjoy reading about your adventures. And love the photos! Yes, houses tend not to move and are excellent subjects.
I took some photos of a statue today – same principle. It worked out well. 🙂
‘I’m not really talking about quality, but more about what engages readers and makes for a popular blog’ – that’s it. I recognise that race to beat midnight 🙂
🙂
I like looking into people’s gardens while I’m travelling by train too. I enjoy thoughtful and well-written blogs, especially when there are lots of photos of interesting things i.e. almost anything to do with the natural world, architecture, food etc. I like a laugh as well! Congratulations on 70 days consecutive posts!
It’s been a useful exercise in thinking about what I’m doing, though as I say, it isn’t always an aid to quality.
🙂
I like blogs which are written by people who write well and are interesting. That is why I like your blog. The bird pictures are a welcome bonus.
That’s very kind. Your frogs have been very uplifting in recent posts, particularly the one with the big smile. 😉
Wonderful, wonderful photos! I like the same kind of blogs that you do, and there are some younger people who have such blogs. But I suspect older people have more time. Keep writing! I so enjoy your posts.
Thank you.
Young people seem to do more travelling than I do.
I may have forgotten to mention blogs by high-powered writers of YA fiction who live in snowy areas, but I like them too.
🙂
Aw, thanks so much!
🙂