It’s proboscis is over 1 inch long and nearly as long as its body. The moth keeps it curled up and rapidly unfurls it to dip deep into tubular flowers for nectar Click below

The adult lives for up to a month in summer but can hibernate and overwinter for up to 7 months. What a strange and captivating creature.

Walking back from the pond I admired the pumpkins changing in colour from yellow to deep orange

Summer wouldn’t be summer without a visit from our dear friend and her chum

Our friend knew and liked my mother. They were both good judges of character.

My mum used to say “it’s so busy here it’s just like Casey’s Court” or had I misremembered this expression? I asked my brother this morning and he had no recollection of it. But … Dr Google confirmed that I have not yet lost my marbles.

Here are two explanations

Casey’s Court originally meant a gathering of unruly children as it derived from the Music Hall entertainment called ‘Casey’s Court’ created by Will Murray. Most of the cast were children with Mr Murray playing Mrs Casey. It was similar to a ‘gang show’.

A tea lady at one of my first workplaces used to say “It’s Casey’s Court in this place.” I used to think this came from a children’s comic but I now find that ‘Casey’s Court’ (a place with lots of frantic coming and going) was the name of an early 20th century music hall touring act that included lots of children.”

Apparently it normally means a riotous gathering.

In loving memory of my much missed mum I will continue to say “ it’s just like Casey’s Court here today” and it is !!!

Which has appeared in England and Ireland as the climate has warmed