Wednesday 1st December 2021 - Reaction and Angleshades

We have been fortunate, others haven’t, not to have reactions to flu vaccinations and more recently, to the two for Covid 19. That was until Monday, when we went to Cromer Pharmacy for our pre-booked Covid booster. The pharmacy was very well organised and after receiving our vaccinations, apart from developing a tender arm where the needle went in, all was well until we went to bed. Suddenly, I was extremely cold, not shivery cold but even the electric blanket failed to warm me. I lay there for ages but when I get cold feet I cannot sleep. What followed seemed like one of the longest nights ever. Eventually, I started to warm and then got hot, not sweaty hot but definitely hot enough to throw my arms out from under the covers, but still I could not sleep well. In the morning I found Peter had experienced similar and during Tuesday, although I was pretty well back to normal, Peter felt cold. When I had Covid, pre-vaccinations, my symptoms where minimal and I certainly never had a bad night like that one but I made up for it; sleeping well last night.

Anyone who grows their own vegetables, as Peter does, will know once they reach the kitchen it is not unusual with the leafy varieties to find some kind of bug or similar nestled in the greenery. Over the years I have discovered all sorts of wee beasties but when I started to trim the celery Peter had dug on Monday I found something never seen before, two caterpillars. Initially they were curled up but whether it was because they were exposed to the light or the warmth indoors, they soon started moving across the chopping board. Before getting my camera, I moved them onto a piece of kitchen paper. I took care as, even though these two looked pretty harmless, I know some caterpillars can, if handled, cause an allergic reaction. Once photographed and returning them to the celery bed, I posted my shots on the regional butterfly and moth Facebook group, asking what they were and whether there was a better food source for them, other than leaving them to nibble our celery. It wasn’t long before I got a response. They were identified as the caterpillars of angleshade moths and informed; they will be content to be in any plant. I now need to be careful, when I am preparing celery, so as not to end up cutting one in half, or drowning one whilst washing the stems! No need to explain what features in today’s photo.