Over the last few nights, the local park has been plagued by masses of
hornet like insects. In past years this has been a common occurrence a
month either side of mid-summer's day, with tens of thousands of them
forming clouds over the tops of the trees around the outside of the
park. Last year they never appeared. But they have finally made this
year's début about a month later than normal, though in much reduced
numbers. Last year must have stunted their reproductive capacity.

And back to normal here at home. Unlike last year, the back door is open
till 1 o'clock in the morning, though the dog isn't much interested in
lying outside in this heat.

Roll on winter and sub-zero temperatures.

jim, Northampton