Non-paying Guests, Kittens three, about two weeks old, born in our hay loft. June 2009
Caterpillar (larva) of the 'Knot Grass Moth' (Acronicta rumicis Linnaeus, 1758) on Lavendar followed by its chryalis and moth.
This is the caterpillar of the Knot grass moth which is widely distributed on the British isles, but is less frequent in Scotland. The adults, like other moths in the genus Acronicta are not as colourful as their larvae - mottled shades of grey and black with a curved white mark near to the rear edge of the forewing. They fly between July and August, but in southern regions they can have a second brood which emerge in August and September - their wingspan is about 40mm.
The caterpillars are covered in bristly hairs and could be mistaken for a Brown Tail moth caterpillar (Euproctis chrysorrhoea). The latter has hairs which are very irritant and can cause temporary blindness if they get into the eyes.
They feed on herbaceous plants such as Docks, Plantain and Bramble. They mature into a pupa and remain in this state over the winter.
Photo of moth by © Ian Kimber
Wild poppy September 2008 
Wild flowers in our garden
'Wingnut' Daughter & Mum,
Building repairs
Start of work on new roof June 2009
easyJet arriving at Nantes, this one from Gatwick
French Fighter plane in trouble at Natnes airport, the plane landed safely. September 2008
Peacock Butterfly (inachis io LINNAE US, 1758) feeding on Ivy (Hedera helix) as it bursts in to flower late September
Hornet (Vespa crabo) in France they are called Felons, also feeding on the ivy nectar, but sometimes catches the other insects for food
Note size of Hornets head to hoverfly
Grass Snake - Natrix natrix .This snake was spotted in the garden during October, it was no longer than 7" long and about 1/4" in diameter. 10 - 40 eggs laid in June or July, incubated by the female. Hatched in August or September and immediately independent, so this one was about eight to ten weeks old. Note the tongue movement a small white blurr in front of its nose. These creatures are not often seen, try to get away from you and are harmless.
October sky at night, Pole star top left, looking north east from Les Rivieres.
Wall Brown Lasiommata megera LINNAEUS, 1767. Photo of Male butterfly, Sept 2008