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Hello, Elle!
Well done, Chris and the car!
Laura's maiden name was Trott.
Her married name is Kenny.
She is known as "Trotty" to most folk.
I have read a little bit about the BC/Team Sky investigation.
The "poorly" doctor has written to the committee headed by Damien Collins, but it is the usual wriggling we have come to expect.
Wiggins has said that Brailsford's "marginal gains" are a "load of rubbish"!
I think I read today that there will be an article in The Times tomorrow about Wiggins etc.
Incidentally, you mentioned Trotty.
She has nothing but praise for BC.
jo Rowsell is the same.
I have been on YouTube watching starling murmurations.
They are just amazing!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I have taken a look at the starling murmurations......they seemed to be causing great excitement, so I thought I would see for myself!
It was well worth my investigating.......
You are right - they are truly wonderful!
But it seems that this beautiful sight often arises out of fear ........ usually caused by such as a falcon hovering near the edge of the flock.
In defence, the birds try to put as much distance between themselves and the predator as possible.
I have discovered that in large flocks, starlings coordinate their movements with their seven nearest neighbours.
I am not terribly clear how this works in their flight pattern.......but I shall do some more research.
I am learning new things every day!

Hello, Elle,
They are wonderful, aren't they.
I am not so sure about fear or falcons, though.
Murmurations only happen in Winter, so how would that fit in with fear or predators in Summer?
Sardines use a similar strategy to escape predators, though.
I look forward to hearing about your research!
Has Chris a plan for your daughter's car?

I'm not sure if that's the case, rusty. I once saw a vast accumulation of starlings (a "murmuration", as you say). It was as dusk was falling at the Stoke Garden Festival, back in 1986. It was impossible to put an estimated number on them, but I would have said tens of thousands.
I can't remember exactly when we went, but the festival was on from May to October.

P.S. as is evident, it was a memorable sight!

Hi, Rusty!
I think Chris wants to give the car a "once-over" and then decide whether it is worth spending money on it.......
If he decides to go ahead and change the clutch, I am presuming that he will tow the car to his garage?
I am not up on the practicalities of this?
I have every confidence that he will make the right decision for my daughter, though.
He is a friend as well as a good mechanic and we have known him for many years!
We shall see what transpires.......
Now...I too am going out for lunch tomorrow!
I have received a text message from my daughter , checking that we are meeting up late morning!
That will be good!

Chris,
You could have just caught them in October.
The murmuration season is roughly from mid October to Feb/March.
Beside me it is usually November to mid/end of January.
It is indeed a wonderful sight, except when they perform over your car!

Hello, Elle!
Right, I understand now about Chris and the car.
Yes, he would need to tow it, or get it uplifted on a lorry.
I am sure it will turn out fine.
A new clutch is a fairly common repair in the motor trade.
Hope you enjoy your lunch with your daughter!
I am being collected at 12, allegedly!
But I surmise getting a text at 5 past 12 from Miss O, "Granddad, I'm running late, be there in 20 minutes!"
That is the usual way of it!
The rest of the young ones are always on time, but Miss O...rarely!

Good morning, Elle!
There is an article in The Times today about Wiggins, as I thought.
He does not come out of it very well.
A fine start to the day here.
Just off to get my paper!

Good morning, Rusty!
The start of the day here was a tad damp...but we are promised it will be brighter later with a high of 14C
I do not need to go out until about 11am, so there is time for the weather to improve.
I am not surprised to hear that Bradley Wiggins is appearing in a poor light...all that has been said about him recently has been very unfavourable.
I do not have a paper today....what does it say about him and the ongoing investigation?
I'm drinking coffee and eating my apple!...
And then going to sort out my washing......

I hope you all have a good day.
I am off out for the day shortly.
All I can add about the starlings is in the link.
The flocks at Studland are the only ones I have ever seen live and that was many years ago. The numbers have increased since then. Gathering warmth seems to be the main reason. Some murmurations have started as early as September

https://www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/starlings-steal-show-studland