Sad day.

When we first got here we passed the gardens and there were the swans, with the pen sitting on her nest and the cob looking after her. This pair have been nesting in the garden for 5 years and this year have 7 eggs. Yesterday afternoon a hire boat came past saying there was a dead swan in the canal. Paul went out to have a look and the cob appeared dead in the water. He pulled it out in case there was a chance it might survive but no, it was dead with no visible signs of damage. We then spent the next hour trying to get some one to dispose of the body and give some advice on the pen. RSPCA didn't want to know as the swan was dead so next call was to the council where Paul was passed from pillar to post finally speaking to some one in the parks department, why, you may ask yourself which was exactly what we said. The guy on the end of the phone was a much use as a chocolate tea pot so the call was terminated by Paul. You can imagine his mutterings at this point.

The chap in whose garden the nest is said, that he would get on the case as did another neighbour who was walking the tow path. I am pleased to say that someone did come along last night and the body is now gone. It would appear that the pen is going to be fed by the family where the nest is. We have since heard that there have been quite a lot of swan deaths this year not too sure why but it was mentioned that with the canal freezing for so long there have been toxins released from the mud on the bottom of the canal, of course this may be a load of old toffee but then again it may not be.

Yesterday morning we went into Oxford and bought our tow path chairs and today with it being such a glorious day we were able to put them to good use including the cup holders which hold a pint glass very nicely. Needles to say Paul couldn't be bothered to look for new jeans or new slippers these will have to wait for another time.

I am off to Oxford on my own tomorrow I need some retail therapy and Paul is going to lay the tiles in the bathroom, all the preparation has been done today so I need to be out of the way. With the kitchen ones already done it will look the bee’s knees when it is finished.