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Saturday 11th 35F/2C[7.40] A bright start to another sunny day. White frost on the grass. Melting dew sparkling in the hedges from the rapidly rising sun. A rather chilly 61F/16C in the room. 39F/4C in the greenhouse. I can raise the temperature using the greenhouse later.
Up at 7am after a dream filled night and the usual interruptions.
The last few days has seen an explosion of bird life. Every tree seems to host a wheezing Greenfinch. There are buds everywhere and even a few leaves on the shrubbery. Though the trees are a little slower to get going.
Both e-bike batteries are showing two bars. One is now on charge. So I can have my usual Saturday ride to the shops. Since I have some time to kill I am pumping out some of the water from the greenhouse pond. The walls of the pond container are heavily coated with algae. Which I have scraped with a squeegee on a pole.
The water level has already dropped by about 15cm due to evaporation. So any water contaminants will have become more saturated. The image is affected by the optical effect of refraction at the water surface. The depth of the remaining water is much more than the newly exposed sides at this point.
11.30 51F/11C. Changing half of the water will help to dilute any toxins. I checked the temperature of the cold tapwater and there is close match with the pond water. Which makes topping back up effortless. No need to match the temperature by adding hot water. As is required with most indoor ponds and aquaria. Fish don't like sudden water temperature changes. It can even cause ill health.
I am using a spray head to ensure adequate oxygenation of the fresh, cold water during the refill. Which will take some time. I tried a normal, garden hose nozzle but it was much too fierce. Meanwhile the e-bike battery is finally flashing between four and five bars. The room has risen to 63F/17C. With the windows and door open out to the greenhouse. Currently showing 86F/30C and still rising. I'll postpone my ride until after lunch and shop locally.
12.00 I was mistaken about the tap water temperaure. It was colder than yesterday's measurement at 47F/8.3C. So I had to add a touch of warm water to the mixer. To match the 56F/13C of the pond.
12.45 I have stretched the first shade curtain over the greenhouse roof. The pond is finally full again.
Time for some lunch. Shame about the utterly tasteless rubber. Masquerading as Extra Mature Irish Cheddar. I presume the supermarket chain saved a penny per metric ton. To want them to go over to this garbage. Bribery? Wouldn't you think they would trial the new crap? To see sales instantly drop. Before discontinuing the real thing. Now I have to try other outlets just to buy real cheese! I wonder what else I can find to buy in these other chains?
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