Rats and Pyromania...

I have just popped into the kitchen to make yet another cup of coffee, and out of the corner of my eye what should I see sat on the patio but a large rat. On further investigation the rodent turned out to be almost dead with certain tell tale markings around it's neck. A lovely present from next door's cat, I assume. At least my kitchen door was shut and it only got as far as the patio.

The rat is now out of it's misery, and I shall be giving it a good send off later when I attempt (again) to burn the products of yesterday's creeper clearance session. Last night's attempt at fire was foiled by rain. I created quite a lot of smoke, but not a great deal actually got burnt. Today, however, I found a half empty old bottle of white spirits, and a box of firelighters. This may not be any more successful in terms of reducing the amount of garden waste, but should be more visually pleasing...