Still not been up to much except work, and boy am I feeling the need for a holiday! Lucky I've only got until the end of this week before I'm off until mid-November :D

And I pick up the keys to the house on Friday. Which means, I suppose, that I'll be on a decorating-and-doing-things sort of holiday, but still - it's a change! New horizons, and all that. I'm not going to be moving all at once: I've got the flat for another fortnight, which gives me time to pretty much gut the house and start over, and gradually move things across. I'm convinced that this is the way to go, the only flaw being that the overlap makes informing utility providers a bit confusing, because I'll have two accounts on the go, I'll be switching providers in some cases - and of course paying for two properties' heating, etc. at once... *scratches head*

I'm sure it'll all work out (!)

In completely unrelated news, I've been asked by my friend to design a tattoo. It's going to take up most of his forearm. I'm trying to get inspiration from tribal and celtic designs, but come up with something unique and personal to him (and not tacky!) - and all the while trying to avoid big block areas of black, and therefore the pain factor (my requirements, not his, admittedly). Needless to say, I'm kind of petrified! And flattered, but mostly petrified.

Again, unrelated, but I heard something the other day on the radio - words to the effect of "ecologists are trying to stop [insert destructive industry here]... " No, no, no! Ecologists are scientists. Whilst many are interested/active in nature conservation, this is not their concern as ecologists; their job is simply the scientific study of ecosystems. I mean, that's a fairly broad description, and ecology isn't "simply" anything, really, but activism/green lobbyist duties do not come into it. That is all ;)

I'm not sure what's happened with the weather. It was cold today; a north-easterly wind whipping up a bit of a frenzy inshore, which meant that the sea was somewhat lumpy and the "commute" out in the boat to the sands was a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It's weird being on a boat when the sea's rough, especially when in the galley making food or watching TV. Normal, everyday activities that have no place occurring when the horizon is at 45 degrees. Try getting the teas in without ending up wearing them...

Out on the sands, the seals are just starting to pup. The mothers watched our shore party squelch through the sticky, muddy sand with suspicion, edging closer warily to investigate the threat while their babies made soft little yelping noises, some of the older ones curious enough to come and have a closer look themselves. We were out there for a couple of hours setting up a cockle growth experiment using wire cages. The work itself was straightforward, but getting there was tough: about half a mile each way in ankle-deep sticky stuff really takes it out of you. And when the sands are so flat, progress is hard to judge and after a while your head's pounding and your chest's tight and panic isn't far away. Head down, get on with it, nearly there...

Good exercise, though - I shan't be going to the gym tonight :D

I'll try and remember to take my camera, tomorrow; pictures would make these posts much more effective and at any rate seal!picspam would be welcome, I should imagine. I'll try.