Well, I turned 55 today and I feel good for it . Whilst the family were still tucked up in bed I headed off to Bandland to try some amplifiers out with my harmonica but was sorely disappointed . Even though they were bigger and better than the 18 watt thing I've already got they didn't sound that good. The keyboard amp was particularly disappointing and I think I was missing something with how I connected my microphone with it . Still , I came I saw and I went onto Saltholme RSPB reserve and that was cracking . The wardens were as keen and eager as ever and pointed out some gems like Greenshanks and Widgeons that I really enjoyed looking at . The Terns were particularly beautiful and looking at one flying over it reminded me of a jet fighter ! One tern in 1982 did 22000 kilometers in three months from when it was ringed as a chick. Amazing . And what is extra great is that it was ringed on the NE Coast at the Farne Islands Hooray! Back to the family and Fiona was still feeling not well from her infection so I took the lads for a sprint around the Durham Woods , well I told them to go the long way around and I went by the River Wear which was low and almost standing still , so I could stop along the way and enjoy the vegetation which after some light showers smelled wonderful. Everything is just shooting out of the ground so fast at the moment . Biscuit break was at Starbucks and they woofed their biscuit and muffin down pretty fast . A pile of chicken followed when we got back and 2 episodes of Startrek. A nice quiet day just how I like my birthday to be !