skipper's blog

one minute shoeing

2012-02-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

improvements

2012-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

things are improving.

a new resident

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

Today we went to pick up a new family member. On the journey we spotted these, which amused us.

And then we picked up James. Aka 'Karamouche an Audience with Micador'. What a mouthful. He would be going to Crufts except he has grown 1cm too tall for his toy poodle class. Therefore we have bought him from his showing home to be resident boyfriend for our girls. They think he looks despicable tonight. And he had better stay away from their beds. Presumably, given a few days and a following wind, he will be lodged between them like a sardine. Hopefully. And the dreadful 'lamb trim' is also going just as soon as I get him to a parlour. Apparently he has a bit of a 'gay' tail, (much frowned on by poodle purists). It looks just fine to us.

The lovely lady we bought him from will have him back if he doesn't settle, and will refund our money in full, which we thought was extremely fair. In one of life's twists of irony James turns out to be a bit of a man's man, and much prefers the Farmer to me. So the poor Farmer is going to have to learn to tolerate a tiny bundle of black fluff sitting on his knee and trotting at his heels. If it was not so funny it would be tragic! The Farmer despises poodles, but I hope he will learn to be fond of James.

scary visitor to the bird feeders

2012-01-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can see it,but on the hedge is quite a substantial bird of prey. No idea what kind, it didn't tell us. The sound of all the small garden birds yelling and complaining brought us to the windows to see what was wrong. There, bold as brass, was the scary bird, guarding the feeders and waiting for breakfast to come out and play. It did flap off when I revealed myself around the corner of the house, attempting a better photo opportunity. Obviously, I failed. And luckily, the bird of prey also failed to secure his breakfast in our garden.

In addition, the dogs put another barn owl up this morning, and the poor bird was so shocked it almost landed on my head as I walked by is escape route. It swooped right over me, (I ducked), screaming its anger and distress at being disturbed from the hedgerow at 7am. The dogs thought it was great fun. They have no discretion.

Tomorrow we are collecting a young poodle dog so that he can make his home with us (and the girls). Fun and games for the next few weeks as we try to settle in a tiny, shivery young male dog with our girls. #sigh#. Why we decided on this course of action escapes me for the moment. It will be a laugh a minute I am sure......

calving 2.wmv

2012-01-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

A well-spent day making another 1 minute film for college - will be better when I have spent time editing out the swearing. Sorry to the easily offended!

two parts of a trilogy

2012-01-18T04:38:00.000-08:00

here's the other two 60cmx60cm canvasses to go with the cockerel in an earlier post. Taking time out to consider whether they might be finished. Nearly complete anyway.

The weather today is ghastly, wet, cold, blowing and miserable. The Farmer is at a Machinery Show (yawn) and so the girls and I are curling up in front of a huge fire for some wickedly idle extra sleeping time. Naughty but nice.

a dog's life

2012-01-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight there's a frost outside. And a fire in the stove...

AND

for my next trick..... a 2ftx2ft chook

working this week on a matching pig, snout first.

mother nature the artist

2012-01-13T02:14:00.000-08:00

The baby boy came downstairs yesterday, early evening, to complain. "How can I work with all that going on outside my window?" he said plaintively. Then he picked up the camera and disappeared upstairs again. Here are the results. Sometimes, we need to stop and stare. Gorgeous.

a tale of doors

2012-01-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

The farmer and I travelled 40 miles to collect a pre-owned sofa and two large chairs which I had bought on eBay. The farmer skillfully backed the horse trailer down the drive of the house. The sofa was already on the drive and we had it in the back of the trailer in the wink of an eye. The seller looked a bit downcast, and admitted that she could not see how to get the two large chairs through the internal doors of the house onto the drive. The farmer was quite sure that he could do it. He and I tried every which way to get them through the several doorways to the outside. Front door and back door remained irritatingly out of reach. We pulled off the castors. Still couldn't squeeze them around the tight bends of the hallways. In desperation the Farmer looked around at the sitting room walls. "I don't suppose that's patio doors behind those floor length blinds is it?" he asked the seller. She looked puzzled. "Oh yes, I forgot, so it is...." We had those chairs through the doors and out of the house shortly thereafter. She was blonde.

happy new year

2012-01-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

The big boy and the baby boy spent New Year's Eve in sunny Skegness celebrating with friends. As men in black (gowns)! What a hoot. They have all surfaced this morning, and promptly consumed rashers and rashers of bacon covered in tomato sauce and clasped inside huge bread buns. And look remarkably well on it. Considering. The farmer and I accompanied aforementioned group of Men in Black (gowns) to the Pub for a few drinks, and then dropped them off in town on our way to another pub gathering. They were immediately photographed for the newspaper. Can hardly wait to see it in black and white! A good night was had by all (including the farmer and myself) and a jaded and weary picture we present this morning.

Feeding the 5000 at 5pm, so potato peeler warming on the starting blocks. Lamb shanks resting and ready for action. The chef's hat is calling, so have a splendid New Year's Day, and speak soon.

2011-12-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

This morning's car window screen, and the little boy's rowing cup and medal. Even he is quite proud to have won. No other photos to upload just now. My brother & his wife's 30th wedding anniversary celebration today, which was wonderful. Sadly, I was attacked by a migraine towards the end of a lovely meal. My new meds have worked very successfully. A relief to know I have them for future attacks.

Both boys ensconsed at home for Christmas and New Year. Mess, noise, food dishes (all empty), washing, books, files, shoes and stacks of other stuff have appeared as if by magic. Can hardly pick my way around the kitchen. And its lovely. I really must have missed them! Still have many Christmas cards to deliver (goodness knows when) and I seem to have forgotten to put up a Christmas tree. The general consensus is that we won't miss it this year, so the corner of the sitting room is empty (and uncluttered). The girls (dogs) seem to be in season, to add to the joys of the Christmas season, and may need a visit to a suitor on Boxing Day! Or the day after. Hmmm.

Wishing readers a very peaceful festive season, filled with love and happiness. Thanks for reading. X

20 days to Christmas

2011-12-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Almost written cards, almost all gifts in house. Feel a bit more on top of tasks today. Guess that won't last long. Today's daubing - practicing 'layering' apparently. Shed just a few days from completion, every time I look at it I am bubbling with excitement. My very own space. Yee Haaa!

Youngest chick competed at weekend, indoor rowing! Joy. Not out in the freezing cold and wet. Didn't quite understand results but left with impression he came third (perhaps his Uni, or perhaps East Midlands. Too much information after gin o'clock). Eldest chick appears to be existing incommunicado. Which I don't like. *Sigh*. Guess that means he is alive. More I cannot hazard a guess at. X

Argh, argh, argh. Almost December....

2011-11-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

Helloooooooo. Photos first. Here's my dad and the farmer helping me to learn to use the 'smile' device on number 2 son's camera. It's wicked! The greeeeen painting is the result of about two weeks of daubing in oils, a medium I neither like nor understand. I have the vision! But I don't have the technique or expertise to bring the vision to the canvas as I want it. In about two weeks it will be dry enough for me to try and improve it. One of the many reasons I don't like oils. Far too long for an impatient painter to wait between stages! And finally, the MAP! An advert for Lightworks, in Grimsby shortly. An Arts Festival. Coming years may even see something of mine featured. Not this year though.

Been to London (exhausting), had the breast scan thingy (surprisingly unpainful), dropped out of the shopping trip (too flustered). Going forward, already looks like all the weekends up to and beyond Christmas already booked out, so hoping to keep January sacrosanct, and enjoy a bit of home-time! Have a formal Christmas dinner/dance this weekend, and also next. By 25th December I shall bear even more resemblance to a football than I do now. *sigh*.

Horse idling away in field, dogs lively as ever and farmer in a stress because his wheat is being picked up, even as I type. He's loading the lorries as fast as he can, though not quite fast enough to keep up. Looking forward to the man-boys coming home in 3 weeks (though still seems a long wait) and also counting days to my own Christmas break from college. Its been a long haul to this first learning gap, and I shall appreciate the change from travelling and studying. Thinking - laying in bed and eating too much. Good alternatives hey! Thanks for sharing. X

time on extra fast?

2011-11-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

So much to do, and seem to have so little time! College going well, proving to be an exciting journey of discovery one way and another. I am there 9am to 5pm Tueday, Wednesday and Friday, and the other two weekdays are more or less fully occupied with 'homework'. Therefore every weekend is full on catching up with everything else. It seems to be non-stop.

My shed is progressing slowly. Up to date activity involves tiles. Lots and lots of tiles of the wall and floor varieties. I bought the wrong toilet (obviously). and much lip sucking and tutting ensued. Its going in anyway.

Went to Yorkshire yesterday to pick up a Christmas gift, and also to visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Galleries which was a truly wonderful experience, and I heartily recommend it to anyone who is passing. Took our 'girls' with us, as you can see, and they dragged us from one end of the Park to the other. Joy.

Hardly heard from the sons, so assuming that Harper Adams and University of Leicester are keeping them fully occupied with academic studying. Or similar.

The Farmer has sold all of his wheat at last, not the best price of the year, but certainly not the worst, and hanging on any longer was beginning to opress him. So its gone. Whoohoo. He also had a bit of his ear cut away on Friday. An unpleasant and ever-changing mole was removed. He has three stitches which he is wearing with pride. He was very brave.

Took the yellow horse out for an amble today, and even the Farmer rode him. It was a very quiet and civilised hour. Thank you Skipper. Calendar filling up between now and Christmas, hard to believe that it will soon be here. I shall be 50 again before I know it!

Next week will bring my London Visit, a 50th birthday party, a dinner with the LAYDDEEEZZZ, a shopping trip to Milton Keynes on a coach, and a breast scan. Not necessarily in that order. I don't see much spare time between. Keeping me young perhaps? Mucho good wishes X

cows to cornflakes

2011-10-24T10:52:00.001-07:00

cows to cornflakes a video by oldfartartist on Flickr.

rising at 4.20am on my birthday to make this. Hope it gets TOP MARKS at school!

home news

2011-10-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Time seems to be at a premium now that I am at college. Who would have thought that being a student would demand so many hours and committment! Certainly not me. Brief family update includes news that both boys happy and settled. Been to see the Baby boy today with food and funds. He gets up to row the canoe thingy three days every week at 5am. 5. a. m. And he's a student! Not much ease and idleness for him either. No news of Big Boy. Assuming that's good!

Farmer has his fields sorted out for winter. Not entirely sure what that entails. There has been much talk of 'pressing', 'seeding', 'rolling' and 'fertilising'. Thinking he might be working in some sort of fertility clinic? Who knows?

Horse has donned his winter garb owing to downturn in environmental temperature. He doesn't seem to mind. Its the spotty coat for now. Two girls being remarkably well-behaved at the moment, though neither looking like they are coming into season. No more puppies for now! The incey-wincey, teeny-weeny baby koi that the Big Boy 'popped' into my fishtank prior to his departure are growing into man-eating sharks before our eyes. Looking for a safe home for 5 pale (silver?) koi asap. The Farmer is acting chicken-keeper at the present time. Regretfully this seems to mean that NO EGGS are being laid. Not a single one. This weekend I shall have to buy eggs. We are feeding more than 30 chooks and no egg production..... only one end in view, and its not pretty......

Have taken thousands of photographs in the past three weeks, all for my Art course, and all similarly boring. Therefore, this is and will remain a pictureless posting. A multitude of apologies.

Just remembered, on a happier note, my shed renovation is finally starting to take shape. Long way to go, but the joiner (village coffin maker and bearer) has been working every day this week, and really 'crackin' on'. Makes me nervous when he looks at me with a tape-measure in his hand though! I rarely see him and his dad (who is the brick man) as I leave prior to their arrival, and return from college long after they have left. Its like the fairies have been to work in the shed! I think I am going to call it the 'EGG SHED GALLERY'. Private viewings and commissions by appointment. Hahahahaha! One day.

Have a busy weekend in view, and also a flat-out Monday. Followed by an impressively full timetable at college for remainder of the week. The days of self-employment seem long ago, and also a time of ease and plenty! How things change. If the time flies by much faster I shall be looking for the time travel machine I MUST have stepped into by mistake.

Speak soon!

thirsty worm!

2011-10-12T15:09:00.001-07:00

October 12, 2011 a video by oldfartartist on Flickr.

mikey & the hen

2011-10-08T07:55:00.001-07:00

October 8, 2011 a video by oldfartartist on Flickr.

mikey & the egg

2011-10-08T05:07:00.001-07:00

October 8, 2011 a video by oldfartartist on Flickr.

Mikey & the wheat

2011-10-08T05:06:00.001-07:00

My Movie a video by oldfartartist on Flickr.

oldfartartist's photostream

2011-10-05T12:50:00.001-07:00

oldfartartist's photostream on Flickr.

progress, of a sort

2011-10-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

What a stupendous weekend! Two BBQ's under balmy, tropical skies, and we never raised a spatula. And the lovely Em and her beau came for tea on Sunday with the Olds. Gorgeous. This week at college have produced the two pieces photographed. The drawings and photo I am quite pleased with, the 'mobile' should be in the bin. I painted it metallic pink as a gesture of defiance! Otherwise, its going well, though very tiring. And hard. Who would have thought? College group dawdlin' down to London for three days in November, and we staying in a HOSTEL! OMG. I am half a century old and have never been hostelling. Obviously not considered too old to learn. I have paid extra for a single room. Stay in a triple with strangers? I don't think so! Gods know what the other students will think, but I'm not sharin' with 'em. Also forcing The Farmer to take me to London during October to look at a painting at the National Gallery. Its the subject of my first essay, and hoping viewing it up close and personal will improve the essay beyond recognition. Some hope.

On a lighter note, the moles have pushed up something akin to a minor mountain range around the mole scarers (what a misnomer that is) and a hen died yesterday despite my attempts to assist it to drink and dine. My favorite too. Typical. The scratty, grotty ones look as lively as crickets, and my pretty little dalmation coloured, blue egg laying pet ups and dies without as much as a by-your-leave.

The wheat is (I believe) all 'in', peas don't go 'in' until the Spring. Wheat has 'sprung' and now praying for rain (apparently) before it shrivels and dies in front of our eyes. All seems very stressful, though nothing like as horrible as dairy farming/nightime calving & dead cows, which are just a distant memory!

The Farmer ordered a grain moisture meter (honestly) from America last week, and it arrived today in a HUGE box. When I arrived home from College he was drooling over it. And his brother in law had been over for a bit of drooling this afternoon. It powders the grain before measuring the water content. What a treat. Came in its own attache case practically with bows on. Expecting to find it in bed with the Farmer tonight. He certainly loves it anyway!

Big boy seems to have settled in at Harper Adams if the lack of information is any guide. I did risk a call yesterday, and he had time to tell me he was fine, busy every night until Christmas, and off to breakfast before the buffet table was cleared by ravenous students. Missing him already. Obviously. Baby boy also showing marked signs of satisfaction with University life as his phone also appears to be broken. Risked a text to him yesterday, and so far, no reply. Being a parent to great big boys easy job. As not required. Hmmmm. Probably see them at Christmas anyway. Hopefully!

Booked to see Fascinating Aida this coming weekend with friends. Quite excited. If you don't know who they are google it, or better still, watch a skit or two on UTUBE. Truly original, and hilarious. Third time I have seen them. Improving with age, like good wine. Speaking of which, looks like G&T time. Adieu, adieu.

flickr

2011-09-30T09:38:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16837934@N08/

and new ID OLDFARTARTIST

Flickr & animation....

2011-09-29T10:50:00.001-07:00

Today, at home, I have managed to make a short animation as a result of one of yesterday's lectures. Not content with the warm glow of achievement the finished result gave me (and its a weak effort) I have managed to wrestle it into uploading on Flickr!!! Now all I need is someone to tell me that they can view it..... hmmmm, a challenge. I seem to have the identity smithsonwhitehead on Flickr. Go on, give it a try.

moles, toads and the little yellow horse

2011-09-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mole scarer!

toady

1st college art piece

lens distortion

the farmer and the yellow horse

coming in for a third place.

Been quite busy so a bit late blogging this month. The start of my University degree course has been busy, time-consuming and exciting. Have now got the hang of driving the 40 miles there and back in unstressful and enjoyable way. Have offered another student a lift home two days a week to have someone to chat to which will also help I hope.

The mushroom like structures pressed into the garden are MOLE SCARERS with integral lights. They were expensive. I can hear them vibrating their 'scary to mole' sounds. They light up beautifully at night. Sadly, as can be seen, they do NOT appear to actually scare any moles. The mole has tunnelled up near each one, had a thorough look around the vibrating stems, laughed scornfully at the 'mole scarer' noises, and tunnelled off again. I have put peppermint capsules in his runs, castor oil (apparently a guaranteed deterrent), chilli, diesel oil etc, etc. He seems to love the dietary variety and just keeps coming back for more! Couple of mole scarers going CHEAP here!!!

The farmer found the gorgeous toad trying to dig a hole to hibernate on a farm track this week. Obviously toady's judgement a bit 'out' re suitable digging surfaces. He was relocated to a more welcoming and appropriate environment, where the ground was not rock hard and dry as a bone. The toad was a superbly handsome fellow, and possibly the biggest specimen I have ever seen in my life (human male toads excepted...)

And today there was a small local horse show about 2 miles away. The farmer thought the little yellow horse might enjoy a spin, and therefore I spent yesterday afternoon grooming the horse to within an inch of his life, shampooing his mane and tail, scrubbing his feet and generally polishing him up. This morning the Farmer donned his 'show jacket' bought especially for yellow horse outings, and strutted his funky stuff in the show ring. A better run up from the Farmer would have brought 2nd place, but in the event they settled for 3rd. It was not the horse's fault. Even the Farmer knew that he had rather let the horse down. I shall be 'trotting up' the Farmer on a regular basis to improve his technique in the coming weeks.

The boys are both off to their respective Uni's this week, their excitement is palpable. We are all packing feverishly to get them away promptly and with everything needed for a successful academic engagement.

Have blogged the photo of my very first University art piece. Crappy, and difficult to do, we had to draw and draw, then tear up the piece (deconstruction, apparently), and then stick it all together with tape in a different shape (reconstruction). I'll get my head around this stuff sooner or later, I guess. I am old, of course, and find new concepts difficult to process!

And finally. Took some portrait photos of myself, with a view to sketching out a self portrait on a canvas. When I loaded the photos into the computer I found that a plump, middle aged, grey haired woman had pushed her way in front of me and the photos were all of her. I vaguely recognised her, in an abstract sort of way, but she was much older than me, and much, much wider. Friends now advise that it is some sort of lens distortion on these newfangled digital cameras, so I shall not worry about the outcome any more. Its a type of electronic malfunction, apparently. Obviously, in the absence of excellent and accurate photos of self shall not be able to do the portrait, but this is a small cost to pay for not looking at that fat old lady for a moment longer than necessary.

royal naked ladies!

2011-09-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here they are:

The Big Boy and I had a day out to view Sandringham (The Queen's Norfolk Estate) on Monday. What a treat! Just the two of us. And the Estate was pretty scrumptious too. Enjoy the photos. It did rain very hard. That is absolutely the only reason that I look so awful in the Buddha photo. Honest! I don't know why people had left offerings of money on the Buddha. He was absolutely covered in small change. Obviously we added our coins and made a wish. Just in case.

In other news: I registered as a Student today. Induction day on Friday. So excited practically widdling! Bag, files, pens, paints and paper at the ready. If I hate it I shall have egg all over my face! Well, I'll soon know. The lovely M is here for three nights with the Baby Boy, who worked his last shift at Butlitz today. He came home laden with goodbye gifts. He also took his Manager a bouquet this morning. Bet that gave her a surprise! He wanted to show his appreciation of her skillful and tactful management throughout the summer. He has a generous heart. Just waiting for the Big Boy to return from a Sale viewing with his Grandfather, then, joy of joys, its a take-away tea. Bring it on!

I will load the photos when Blogspot decides it wants me to.....

all aboard for a Mystere tour!

2011-08-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Today quite a few members of my families gathered on the deck of a sea cruiser called Mystere for a day trip out into the Wash to see the wonderful common and harbour seals lazing on the sandbanks at low tide, in their natural environment. It was an overcast and cool day, but thankfully the sea was calm as a millpond, so all poor travellers were able to cope without a retch between them! The river itself was a horrible sight, absolutely and completely choked with a foul green weed, which has proliferated during July and August. It is so bad a weed cutting boat had to launch before us, and cut a path through the terrible greenery so that the Mystere could make the trip. Once out into the salty water the green monster dies. We had a couple of hours anchored adjacent to the sandbanks, dining, admiring the seals and

generally taking our ease. There were about 100 seals in the group we were watching, big and little, young and old. Several members of the family fell asleep....and all of us thoroughly enjoyed sharing a little time with the inquisitive and adept mammals in the water. The seals seemed to enjoy looking at us at least as much as we did them. We motored back with the tide, and battled through the greenery once more to dock, tired and happy at 6.30pm. The Mystere is now to be retired from active service so we were lucky to make the trip. Thanks guys!

here's one I made earlier

2011-08-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

And here's a painting I really do like, which I completed this afternoon. Sadly in the photo I have slightly cut the left hand side, so you are not seeing the quite complete version! However, I really like it. If it doesn't do it for you, stand back a bit. Go on, a bit more. It looks better from about 8 ft (in the room anyway). THis one is destined for a locl art competition. Whoop! Other news. Baby boy has just 10 more working days to go. I am having an MRI scan on Tuesday next (eek), Big Boy all set for University (again...) and The Farmer ploughing like a thing possessed. Lots more to go.

and the wheat comes in (sigh of relief)

2011-08-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

About one third of the wheat is now in the shed. A neighbouring farmer, who was brave enough to dally with a devil in order to purchase his own combine harvester, is working all hours to bring in his own and the Farmer's wheat. Along with several other crops locally. The Big Boy is manfully driving tractor and trailer to bring the crop from harvester to store. The Farmer is backing the team the final few yards, tipping and organising the wheat in the store. What a mammoth task. Rushing like mad because the forecast is for rain tonight. The trails of straw are staying out, and will be rained upon, there is only so much the Farmer and the Big Boy can achieve in the time available. Believe I can hear thunder rumbling as I type. Eek.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the two girls are receiving less exercise than they consider is appropriate, and are feeling a bit sad and dejected.

The Baby Boy is on his last two weeks working at Butlitz and is looking forward to a bit of free time prior to his return to University. I believe we are in imminent expectation of a visit from the lovely M, when she returns from her sojourn touring Europe on the railways. Oh to be young, and carefree! I have to enrol at college on the 6th, and begin my course on the 12th. Everything seems to be tumbling along at breakneck speed now that the end of the summer is almost here. Could do with some sort of 'slow down' switch for a few weeks.

Evil beneath my feet

2011-08-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Its still here, causing havoc beneath the sitting out area:

and the Egg Shed creeps SSSSLLLLLOOOOWWWWLLLYYYYY onwards in tiny steps. Brickwork complete. Windows awaited.

and finally, a quick interpretation of Rosie, my friend's dog. There's much that is not quite right about the picture, but oddly, it does capture her spirit, which is completely laid back. A few days sellotaped to my kitchen wall, then the bin, I think.

There was an owl in the Farmer's shed yesterday, I tried very hard to photograph it, as it obligingly flew to and fro across the roof trusses. Sadly my rubbishy little camera can't 'click' quickly enough, and all I have are smudgy bright eyes and a smeared blob. Hoping to buy a better camera in the Autumn when I start college. All the peas have gone from the meadows, and I can no longer walk to the meadow gate, eat my own bodyweight in the sweet, round veggies, and stagger home with chronic wind! Waiting for the wheat harvest to begin now. Farmer tense and watching the barometer. Fingers crossed for a few fine days. Apples, plums and pears galore, and bullaces (bullies) by the ton. Anyone thinking of sloe vodka or sloe gin making should come and try the bullaces instead. As usual most will fall to the orchard floor and feed the wasps. It does seem a waste.

a few minor hitches

2011-08-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely full of cold. Miserably snuffly, sneezy, coughing and full of 'stuff'. Ugh. Its been a week now. Would quite like to cheer up and get over it. Perhaps tomorrow? I remain hopeful despite bug. Also, beneath my new outdoor sitting area there lurks an enemy! A small and furry creature keeps pushing up a hill BETWEEN THE SLABS! The blighter. I keep removing the evidence, and he keeps squeezing up another hillock whilst my back is turned. I have taken away so much soil I do believe the slabs will all collapse in a heap shortly. I have reported this mole-ish behaviour to the Farmer, who seems powerless to stop the excavations. No room to get a trap into the run. I'm thinking about a strategy. Thinking. Thinking!

Fetched big boy from the airport. Now home, and almost unpacked. Wild hair cut and tidy, stinky traveller clothing washed and folded, stories told and photos admired. Soooooo glad to have him back. Of course I am letting go. Very, very slowly. The Farmer has a stack of tasks for the Big boy to do in the next few weeks to make up for his long, long travelling holiday.

I have now been 'on the wagon' for a week, and its not too bad! In fact, the Neurologist I saw yesterday said it was a worthless exercise as far as migraine concerned. He advised return to glass of wine soonest. However, it has to be said that I am actually enjoying the experience, so will keep my wagon seat warm for now. Perhaps, if my scan is clear, I shall revisit the demon drink. Perhaps. Or perhaps not. Have been prescribed new drugs for rather troublesome headaches, to collect next week, and looking forward to having something in the medicine cabinet to defeat the discomfort. Ha.

Earlier in the week I went to a different hospital to have a splint made for my dislocated finger, and was forgotten in the waiting room for an hour. Just like wearing a cloak of invisibility. Occupational Therapist mortified! Quite funny. Well, I laughed later. I had checked in with two Receptionists. And sat right in front of one all the time. Truly invisible. If only I could market it.

It has been a busy week with the two hospital visits, the Heathrow run (which included a night near Windsor with some dear friends) and a Charity Trustees meeting. Luckily will be relaxing next week in a luxury Spa. Just for the day. Can hardly wait.

Only photo I have is my Windsor friend's sleepy dog. Her name is Rosie. Little does she know that she is also an artist's model. Shhhh, its a secret! Next week's project will be to get her lovely, floppy face onto canvas. If its any good i'll blog it. If its rubbish i'll bin it.

So, from the surprisingly comfortable depths of my NON-DRINKERS chair, I bid you tata for now.

abroad on The Broads

2011-08-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

A few delightful days boating. Here I am upon waking after a night on the waves, feeling cream crackered, and a tiny bit worse for wear. Here also mine host who NEVER falls asleep during the day..., and also the Farmer trying to tip mine host into the broad. Finally the Farmer and mine host sailing incognito - well, sailing is an extremely generous description of their activities, which did save them from 6 year old twins' entertainment for about an hour. A good time was had by almost all, for almost all of the time. I won one night's Scrabble, and the Lady Hostess won the second night's challenge. That's two up for the girls. Of course. Rather innocently the Lady Hostess thought Scrabble was a fun, but slightly boring word game. She soon realised that blood was going to be drawn, gathered her wits, and put in a stunning performance to trounce us all in the second innings. She also turned out to be a Chief Superintendent of the Word Police, and in the absence of a dictionary we all had to abide by her opinion. Therefore, such valuable stand-bys as Fe, Fi, Fo and Fum, also Do, Reh Fa, La and Te were roundly banished and much brain power was expended satisfying her dastardly rules. Next time I shall pack a dictionary......!

A quick visit to Burnham Market to cheer the journey home, and now to my own bed. Always lovely to go away, and equally lovely to come back home.

Sunshine and lollipops!

2011-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

My little sun trap area is about finished, and if I can persuade the chickens to stop pooping all over the slabs it will be absolutely gorgeous! Today it was 85 degrees out there. I am as brown as a nut. Someone asked me the other day if I had been for a spraytan!!!! As if. It is absolutely lovely to have somewhere to sit in the sun for a cup of tea, and I only wish I had developed the area years ago. When my GIANT chimenea arrives next week I shall be able to drink my fizz out there in the evening too. Can hardly wait. Don't call in to see me unless you are fully prepared to sit outside for your refreshment, rain or shine.

The egg-shed is making extremely slow progress. The joiner is busy making some sliding sash windows for another customer, and also has an urgent order for a pair of hand-made hardwood terrace doors. Obviously these also take precedence over my little shed. However, a bit more brickwork was completed today, and its almost at the 'new floor' stage. I'm trying to be calm about it as there is still so much more to do, and my pile of buttons is diminishing!

Big boy to be collected from Heathrow on Monday and I can hardly wait. I am having a splint made for my dislocated finger next week too. Also going to see a neurologist about my interminable migraines on the 11th, so have much to think about. A lovely girl-friend is forcing me to spend a long and sumptuous day at Simpsons Luxury Spa, Branston Hall later in the month and I have reluctantly (ha) agreed to the indulgence. Can hardly wait! The weeks have slipped by until its almost time for me to start at college. Feeling pretty nervous about that now, and guess the anxiety will only get worse. Afraid I may turn out to be a complete dud artistically, and academically. That will be a leveller! Keep you posted. X

some progress

2011-07-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Some progress on the slabbed area near the back door which now cannot be scratched up by dog or chicken.... and some progress on my shed (aka studio) which is still a very long way from finished. Sigh. Only one puppy left in this house. A girl. She is going to live with a psychologist and a secondary school drama teacher at the end of the month. Until then she is left with her mother and her auntie.... and me. So, in a bid to find someone to play with her, Baby son brought her two giant soft toys from his place of work. He labours away every day in a gift shop on Butlins Holiday Resort. What a good lad. Earning money so that he has something to spend on beer when he goes back to Uni in the Autumn. Speaking of which, tonight I was frisked for a giant pile of buttons to pay for a student house for July, August and September. Which stands empty. No-one will live in it until october. Nice work if you can get it. Think I paid too much but obviously the cry was 'can we pay this money, its due in on Monday and nearly too late.....'. Feel a bit robbed. Just missing the mask and blunderbuss (oh, and the horse). Stand and deliver. A day shopping with a girlfriend tomorrow, but sadly spent all my buttons on rent...... gods damn it.

Big boy still away in New Zealand and taking a pride in not phoning or emailing any news. Independence. Do I miss him? You bet I do. Even though he has been in sunny Scotland all through the past year he feels very 'far away'. Counting down until his return. I am trying to let go, I really am!

Didn't win the giant lottery money. It would have been a miracle anyway. I didn't have a ticket! There are very special days when I realise that I have everything I need. Today was one of them. Its okay. Tomorrow I will be grumpy again! The farmer has treated himself to a dvd called "Mongrels". Mr B introduced him to the contents. Absolutely shocking! I can't watch any more. Too, too awful. Non-PC. Offensive to just about everyone. The Farmer is absolutely LOVIN' it. Thanks MrB. Hoping to go and see Harry Potter next week, on the Baby Boy's day off. Can hardly wait. That's the big highlight for the next seven days. So far. Oh, and giving blood, and a Ladies Dinner. Things are improving!

at a recent partaayyyy!

2011-07-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

with the baby boy and the lovely M. Celebrating the Cambridge graduation and 21st birthday of the kindest, most gorgeous, and modest young lady you could ever wish to meet. A beautiful evening.

AND I'm trying Twitter again. This time as oldfartartist. Find me and be my twitterfriend. Please.

Kew & queueing

2011-07-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

The sartorial splendiferousness that is Mr B (aka BlackLOG)inside a Kew glasshouse (or amidst the rainforests of Borneo, if you prefer)

And the nature loving, tree-communing Mrs B in full lovin' mode. Also, The farmer 'begging' as he queues patiently to see that old trouper 'Blondie' perform in Kew Gardens last night, and myself, trying to pretend that I have never seen the farmer before in my life. The farmer trying to recapture a hippy youth. Finally the auld slapper herself, on the big screen, and failing to hit any big notes, Blondie - who was surprisingly entertaining despite her continuing lack of singing skills. At 66 she put many younger women to shame. The wig was manky, the eye surgery was dubious, but the legs were gorgeous! We have made our tired return home to Lincolnshire this morning, to find that the baby boy and the lovely M have failed to keep the dogs safely at home, and also seem to have had some trouble keeping the home clean and tidy. Oh to be young and fancy free.... All now returned to normal. A good time was had by almost all, for almost all of the time. Mr & Mrs B threw an excellent BBQ party which we enjoyed very much. There was some difficulty with a German during the concert, but what can you expect? She was falling down drunk, loud mouthed and revolting. I shuffled away quietly whilst Mr B upbraided her for being on the losing side in the war.... honestly. Diplomacy skills 0 - Offence caused 1. Mr & Mrs B are kind to tolerate us as guests, particularly as I vetoed the 'top down' option on the Black Car for the homeward journey at 11pm. What a party pooper I turned out to be!!! Too old perhaps?

AND

2011-07-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Two of the remaining three girl puppies, learning to do some gardening without any supervision. AND having taken up the worst of the grassed area at the back door, the farmer has exposed the awesomely beautiful top of the outdoor well (there is also a similar well inside this house - eek). Probably 200 years old, the top bricks form a perfect half sphere. The depth of the water inside is 7ft, and from one side to the other is at least twelve feet. It is as black as soot inside the well, and it makes my stomach churn when I lean over the rim and peer into its midnight depths. The water is clean enough for tropical fish and contains a multitudinous population of daphnia(?)which my goldfish thoroughly enjoy. Wondering if it is safe to try and make a feature of the top of the well, or keep it safely sealed with the large slab that has covered it these last 50 years. My Dad convinced it might collapse underneath an unwary visitor, and would like it hidden away again for the next 100 years. A dilemma. Wouldn't get brickwork like that now, that's for sure, and has stood the test of time indomitably. The indoor well sits safely below a quarry tiled floor, sealed with a large sandstone slab, which has a huge iron ring bolted into the centre. When lifted out with block and tackle the apature reveals an equally scary sight of black, oily depths. Living in a watery wonderland!

snakey goings on...

2011-07-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

The farmer settled into his shed to do a job, and noticed some movement in the corner. Further investigation revealed an unusual lodger, who is nevertheless very welcome. Dining on small rats and mice the grass snake is very, very welcome to stay as long as it likes. Beautiful, elegant, silent and deadly to rodents. Hoping it brings some friends!

unwanted guests

2011-06-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

When the builders set to work this morning they noticed a low, background buzzing. Upon closer inspection the roof of my studio-to-be proved to be harbouring a new and very active wasps nest! As one of the builders is allergic to wasp venom he spent a tense and careful day working right below the newly erected wasp home. I was despatched to purchase a can of wasp nest foam to use after sundown. The nest itself is a beautiful thing, looking something like a white cabbage, or incredibly large flower bud. But busy, very busy, with active young wasps. This evening the baby boy courageously volunteered to don protective clothing (trackie bottoms, plastic jacket and one leather glove...). He climbed the step ladder somewhat nervously, and aimed the jet of foam at the nest. It felt really heartless. The nest was absolutely flooded with white foam, the weight of which brought down all the grub bearing comb parts, leaving the beautiful empty shell still attached to my tiles. Hundreds of poisoned wasps flopped to the floor, to meet a grizzly end, and fat white grubs splashed from the comb cells. Grim. One of the most unpleasant tasks I have ever been party to. However, no-one likes a garden full of wasps and I certainly can't expect the builders to remove and replace my tiles whilst they are alive with the stinging critters. So, goodbye wasps, and hello continuing renovations.

laydeez & gennlemen...

2011-06-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a night! Still laughing.

cross dressing!

2011-06-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

The farmer and I went to a partay last night. Photos at party awaited with amusement. Pre-departure appearance captured by baby boy - who was completely traumatised by the role reversal. Can't say wearing a suit and tie did it for me - but seeing men wearing bras and wigs was hilarious. Think this has to be theme for my own next party, whenever that may be - laughed and laughed!

queen of cakes

2011-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hardly a Master Baker, however I was surprised to find myself baking this afternoon, and here are the results, which I am rather proud of! I never make cakes. I am rubbish at it. Really, really rubbish. Savoury dishes? I'm your cook. Fancy puddings? I'll probably produce the goods. Cakes? Try someone else! Therefore - in something of a dah-dah moment - I can hardly wait for my family to come home for tea. The ones that are here, that is. The Big Boy has sent a message from Foreign Climes today. He is fine. Travelling. Probably meeting a friend at the weekend. That's it folks! Absolutely overwhelmed with all the information? Me neither. However, some news is better than none at all, so I'm trying to be grateful.

Pups growing bigger and stronger. Fighting, barking, complaining. Just like kids. Can't wait for them to start leaving for their new homes now! Soon. Very soon. Their mother has had a complete run of bad luck. She had a grass seed stuck in her eyeball, which took the Vets two days to remove. Very painful. Then a grass seed stuck between her front toes has made a huge septic lump, and now a bunch of grass seeds pushed in like arrow heads in her hind paw (which I have pulled out now) has made her limp and hop. Wondering if she would be better off living with a family in a desert location!

Baby boy working lots and lots of hours at Butlitz and enjoying his first experience of the Mysteries of the Retail World. I am so proud of his work ethic. Long may it continue in his life.

puppuppuppies

2011-06-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

All reserved! If you were tempted but didn't buy, visit now, and cuddle at will. They are all spoken for so the temptation has disappeared!

twitterati

2011-06-18T14:12:00.001-07:00

I've joined them - cathrynsw on Twitter. Be there or be square?

Hot weather? Bath with a friend!

2011-06-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

If this hot weather is just too, too much for you, here's a suggestion. Hop into the bath w

ith a friend or two - sell tickets, chat about it with family! That's what the chickens are doing and it seem to cheer them up no end. I do believe we should all try it!

Just one puppy still looking - could it be You?

2011-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Fourth puppy sold tonight, he's going to Boston, and the lovely lady was looking for her daughter, but I suspect she is going to keep him as her own companion - he looked at her from the box when she walked in - she scooped him up and it was love at first sight! Marvellous. Just one girlie left, she has a long thin white stripe down her chest, and gorgeous face, and no-one to love her yet (except me of course). There are tewo families coming to view her at the weekend, so fingers crossed. Have to say these cockerpoos have been easier to sell than the KC registered working cockers, perhaps because they are pets not working animals? My friend Gill was told by a dog trainer for assistance dogs (blind and deaf/blind) that the dogs he trains most of, the easiest dogs to train, are..... yes, you've guessed it - cockerpoos! Doesn't that bode well for the future of my puppies. Think we might have to try for cockerpoos again if we go through this process next year. And if I don't have a nervous breakdown! Got them here for another 4 weeks if you want as cuddle. Get them now!!!!

puppy marketing news:

2011-06-12T12:46:00.001-07:00

Three now spoken for! Just one girl and one boy left. Now I feel sorry for the ones not chosen!!!

owlie update

2011-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

I phoned my neighbour to ask if I could have a bag of frozen mice or frozen chicks to feed owlie. He keeps plenty in stock for his many and varied raptors, snakes and monitors. He called over with a bulging sack of the necessaries and took a look at Owlie. Lifted him out of the box. Checked his breastbone, wings, legs and feet for breaks. Felt his crop and realised owlie was very empty. I concluded that these were very experienced hands. And that indeed, they might be better hands than mine to look after owlie. Therefore the offer was made..... and after some diplomatic exchanges my neighbour has kindly carried Owlie away to rehabilitate in his vivarium where it is warm, be fed a more appropriate diet by a non scaredy-cat carer, and hopefully achieve release condition in double quick time. The relief is considerable and I do think that owlie has the best shot at normal life in the Snake-keeper's care. Good luck Owlie. Will keep you posted.

owlie

2011-06-11T00:58:00.000-07:00

My nephew came to visit at tea time yesterday. One minute after his departure he telephoned to say there was a baby owl sitting in the middle of the road, and he had only just managed not to run over it. We thought we would pop out and have a look. By the time we arrived it had shuffled into a nettlebed. Nephew was carefully keeping an eye on it. It looked very woebegone. Scrunched up, cold and its feet all curled up into little fists. The farmer, who had the foresight to pick up his work gloves, gathered the lonesome stranger into his hands. It looked pretty sad. We think it has fallen out of the HUGE ash tree which is close by. No sign of a parent. No sound from the infant. The newphew, his good deed done for the day, rushed off to work. The farmer and I brought the infant home in a small box. I googled Raptor Rescue. Nearest rescue is over 40 miles away. I telephoned for advice. Nice man said babe needed to be kept at 70 degrees, tried with worms, and if it survived the night might be releaseable on Saturday. Babe wouldn't eat any worms which the Farmer manfully dug from our parched and solid earth. I popped the owl box inside the chick box, thus sharing the heat lamp. Crossed fingers.

This morning Owlie is looking really perky. Still won't eat any live worms. I searched my drawers! Found an old syringe. Loaded it up with puppy boiled chicken and rice from my fridge. Topped up with water. Tapped the infant beak. His eyes opened wide! He opened his beak, made some quite cute noises, and stuck the syringe down his own throat. I pressed the plunger, slowly, and Bobs your Uncle, he fed beautifully!

Now all I need to know is how much, how often, and how can I stop Owlie becoming tame? Questions, questions.

2011-06-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Auntie of the puppies is causing some management problems with the pack. She is trying to take complete possession of the puppies. She jumps into the box and won't let mum in to feed them. She would also lick them bald if she could. She absolutely adores the puppies. She shivers with excitement at the prospect of being near them. It has been a hard decision but she has spent the last two days completely seperated from them. She knows they are in here, and its all she can do to survive without a sight of them. She has stopped eating. She whines and howls for them. Gods, its driving me ROUND THE BEND! Mum is putting up a brave fight to keep on feeding and licking them herself. Women. If only Auntie had done the deed with one of her swains she would have her own puppies. I guess she doesn't completely understand that!

And secondly we also have trouble with a neighbour. The farmer has sold 4 loads of straw to a commercial straw buyer, who has sent a lorry and trailer for same. The farm is on a very, very narrow country lane. The lane is overhung with native trees, of considerable height and antiquity. The high stacked bales of straw on the back of the lorry and trailer, and the long branches of the trees, have come into contact with each other on the lane. A little straw has been brushed onto the road. Its breezy. It will blow around and away, eventually! However, the neighbour "is NOT complaining, but would like the straw to stop, or be netted, because its blowing into his drive"! How dare it! I am ashamed to say that I laughed when he phoned to complain earlier today. Oops.

owlishly excellent

2011-06-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

6.45am. Dog walking duties. Barn owl searching field we are walking in. Then, out of an empty blue sky comes..... a little owl! Going home to bed I think. Owlingly marvellous.

day 19

2011-06-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Today they pups have lapped up some real food, and are racing in a wobbly way up and down their box. Looks like they all had too much vino collapso!

eyes open, wide awake!

2011-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Fat and gorgeous! Two weeks old today. This little girl is called Molly and is going to live near Nottingham in 6 weeks time. Her two brothers and to sisters hoping for equally lovely families to come and choose them.

puppies

2011-05-29T07:47:00.001-07:00

First girlie puppy now reserved. Eek, only 11 days old. Her new family will keep coming to visit until she is old enough to go home with them.

bingo belles!

2011-05-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am lucky to have a very large family. Among my relatives my brother has three beautiful and lovely daughters of whom I am very fond. I also have a younger sister who is equally fond of these young ladies. The beautiful young ladies aforementioned wanted to mark the memory of their Nan's birthday, today, in a special way. Their Nan used to go to Bingo with my own mother once a week. At Bingo their Nan and my mother would drink brandy, smoke endless cigarettes and also mark their bingo cards. Multi-tasking as it were. The girls thought it would be nice to go to the same Bingo Emporium to celebrate the Nan's birthday memory this evening. They thought it might also be nice to share the experience with two of their fond Aunties. You can see where this is heading. Therefore, 7pm found me rushing to the metropolis of Skegness, to a place called North Shore Bingo (?) and paying £20 for a few bits of paper with numbers on them. Before I could blink a DOBBER was pressed into my sweating hand, and the numbers were being called out at the speed of light by a man with a speech impediment! I couldn't make it up. Brandy and cigarettes did not feature in my evening's entertainment. By the time I had adjusted my ears to the timbre and pattern of the Caller's impeded diction the first game was over! Two of the nieces and my own sister had some experience in these matters and found the sight of myself and the third niece struggling with paper, dobber, hearing and technique absolutely hilarious. No talking seemed to be permitted, and the air was thick with the scent of body odour. Several people had actually brought their dogs 'to the Bingo' for the evening. My eyes were on stalks. One niece fell prey to a fit of the giggles, and it looked momentarily as if we would be ejected for causing a stir! About 3o game cards were eventually completed by our party, with mixed success, as some of us (who shall remain anonymous) were not able to catch all the numbers for every game, so frankly stood absolutely no chance of winning anything anyway. It was a very interesting experience, not for the faint hearted, though I think next year we should try to think of another way to help the girls mark their Nan's birthday memory..... On the strength of this experience, and the advice of the Landlady at the Countryman Pub, Ingoldmells, I have actually volunteered to experience an evening at the GALA BINGO in Boston. Honestly. I can hardly wait.

the piglets grow on

2011-05-28T01:23:00.001-07:00

Not piglets, but certainly bearing a close resemblance, the tiny dogs grow before your very eyes! Like a magician's trick. Their mother is much recovered from the delivery and her appetite has picked up nicely. She is not sharing the care with her sister yet. The first week saw her frantically digging holes in the garden at every opportunity. No idea why. Wonder if it was an urge to make a new cave for her babies? Whatever, her sister was permitted to assist with the endeavours, and its her sister in one of the larger holes on the photograph. I have pushed most of the soil back into most of the holes now, but the grassed area looks more like the surface of the moon. Good job I'm no gardener!

The Big Boy and The Scot have arrived in New Zealand this very morning, and been collected from the airport by family friends. How lucky is that! Worry levels are dramatically reduced, and they have a safe haven in case of difficulties. Thank you to Robert and Sharon, and their family. The Scot is hoping to stay in NZ for at least a year, we are hoping that the Big Boy comes home in 10 weeks time. Anyone's guess if we will all get what we want!

Thank the gods that a small amount of rain has fallen, at last, and would be absolutely delighted to see quite a bit more. Its like the Arizona plains here in windy Lincolnshire. More rain please Vicar!

cocker-cocker-cocker -DOODLES!

2011-05-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

We sat up for three nights with her. We are all absolutely cream crackered. When they finally started to arrive, the pups came at 3 hour intervals! Think they are all here now. Total of five, three girls and two boys. Their dad is a pedigree miniature poodle and their mum is a pedigree working cocker. There's just the one colour choice (again) this year it's jet black.... a few white toes/noses/bellies to differentiate! They should be compact, cheery and with a wavy/curly coat. Fingers crossed. They are smaller than the cocker pups last year. They are feeding very well. I am so ready for a full night in my own bed instead of curled up on the kitchen sofa. Can't want for bedtime.

ups and downs

2011-05-17T01:41:00.000-07:00

Coming back from Nottingham the other night I failed to capture the true drama and brilliance of this rainbow. I tried. Presently sitting here watching the little brown dog, who has had a restless night (likewise), a nap this morning (likewise) and looks like pupping some time today. Fingers crossed. Her sister knows that something is going on - she is giving the pregnant one a wide berth, and looking puzzled. For an eternal virgin (see earlier posts describing the sister's reluctance with the opposite sex)I guess that's not surprising.

Yesterday brought quite a major disappointment for me. The college where I have a place to do a Foundation Art qualification telephoned. Sadly they advise that owing to funding cuts (yawn) and lack of student numbers to balance the books (alarm) the course I had been accepted onto has been cancelled (tears). There is no other suitable course locally, and the Farmer doesn't want me to travel half-way across the county on a daily basis during the winter months to another provider base. Neither does he want me camping in a student squat on week nights. A rock and a hard place then. Having waited 34 years to learn more about the mysteries of producing 3D models, soldering, photography, ceramics, and screen printing etc I am thwarted at the final fence by bloomin' national funding. About typical. Its difficult to express my disappointment, even today, after an evening spent wallowing in self-pity, and a night's sleep.

The good old Open University doesn't offer practical fine art, and currently I am fresh out of ideas. Perhaps something else will suggest itself but on this occasion 'it was meant to be' doesn't cut it for me!!!

Big boy cutting it fine with his return to the farm prior to departure for New Zealand. Looks like he will, more or less, drive into the farmyard, throw out his bags from Scotland, and then drive onwards to the airport. Oh, to be young.

new residents

2011-05-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

The farm has acquired a peahen from somewhere. She goes to bed with the chickens, though sleeps on the highest rafter away from the cluckers, and hangs in the garden all day like a pet. She is a bit of a runt, and seems to have a crooked leg, which has perhaps been broken and healed badly in the past. I also think she has slightly defective eyesight, as she can't see anything smaller than a peanut to eat. She fits right in. Also featured is a trio of pedigree LEMON SABLEPOOTS (honestly). Brought home from market by the big boy (obviously) with strict instructions to care for them and hatch all eggs that are laid. Hence, a spare room now clicking and whirring with an incubator full of tiny white eggs. And I swore I wouldn't do this! The tiny sablepoot cockerel is absolutely savage, and would fight anything that comes close (including my arm and hand). Therefore, he is staying safely in the pen until he can learn some respect. The very much larger cockerel is one of the two replacements for Cocky (who was eaten recently: see earlier post). He is very polite, and moves away from humans, and is also kind to his girlfriends. His colleague in the mating game is a rich brown feathered and bearded bantam cockerel, who avoided the camera lens more skillfully than the Head of MI6! These two cockerels live peacefully together, and have shared out the girls nicely, so their stay at the farm may be a long and successful one. The farmer has dug, and continues to dig, lots of trenches to bring power water and drains to my new studio (the old Egg Shed). He's been as busy as a bee, and ably assisted by the hens, who have gobbled up each and every worm that has been exposed by the sharp blade of the spade. Many were rescued before the feathery predators could pounce, but many, many more have gone into egg production (think about it). The hens were running around yesterday with half of a baby rat in their beaks, falling out about the remains like lions over a zebra. So pleased with themselves. Just think. All that protien straight into the eggs. Yum.....

The little brown girl is one week from pupping, and is perhaps slowing down, just slightly. Our first litter of COCKERPOOS. So excited. Hoping they will be in an array of colours. Typically, yesterday, there was an enquiry about another litter of pedigree working cockers.... giving the farmer the opportunity to say 'I told you so'. He isn't keen on the prospect of cockerpoos. So I'm hoping they prove popular, and I can say 'I told you so' to him too.

Took baby boy back to University yesterday, so house empty, beds clean and changed, carpets vacuumed, fridge full and beer staying in fridge. Its not all bad! Big boy coming home in two weeks time, with a friend, for 5 nights, then they both require a lift to Heathrow as they set off on their Big Adventure. Returning in late August poorer and wiser. With regret, they are not taking any laptops or valuable mobiles with them in case of theft, so news of their progress will be sparse. Dreading it already!

Rowing Regatta results....

2011-05-01T00:18:00.000-07:00

Its a regatta, not a competition (oops). 72 Universities gathered their finest rowing teams in Nottingham yesterday. 42 craft made it through the preliminaries (including the youngest's Leicester team). And then. And then. All further races were cancelled owing to high winds! He's gutted. He worked out the total cost for him to attend was £70. He feels cheated. And for those teams who travelled from Scotland and Southern England what a huge disappointment. A great big pat on the back to whoever organises these gigantic events (its never going to be me) and deepest sympathy to all the students who turned up and didn't get a stab at the finals. Next year?

buying and selling

2011-04-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Been sooooo busy, sadly haven't taken any half decent photos. The days are just motoring by, and I can't seem to keep up. The big boy has gone back over the border for his final 4 weeks of hard work and exams before he packs up his remaining goods and chattels, to spend about 5 days in Lincolnshire prior to flying off to New Zealand for the summer. It has come around so quickly, and I still feel very peculiar about him being all the way around the other side of the world. Youngest hanging at home until 9th May, then in a fabulous denial of any value for money at all, he returns to Uni for 2 weeks (you got that right, 2 weeks) of lectures, then its 'study independently' until the end of term. What a freaking waste of money. We have to pay for an entire term's accommodation and food, and he's not even expected into University. So, he's coming back home after the two weeks, to find a summer job, gainful employment being a better prospect than titting around campus, library, and the Union bar for 6 weeks. I DO hope that Second year is better value. It has always been the Farmer's opinion that Open University is a better deal than campus University, and the saved money invested in world-wide travel and culture vulturing. I think he may be right.

Its been absolutely wonderful having both sons home for Easter including all their friends occupying all the beds every weekend. I shall miss the hurly burly when the youngest pushes off to Leicester again.

I have my new website up and running at www.clearance-service.co.uk. I don't know if I will have any interest, but thanks to Malcolm's efforts I am having a go! The farmer is buying me a small lorry - just looking for one now. I have also accepted a price for the conversion of The Egg Shed into an Art Studio/Gallery, just waiting for the builder (and his Dad) to begin. The joiner was at school with the Big Boy (which makes him seem VERY young)and his Dad is doing the small amount of bricklaying that's necessary. I am so excited I could practically BURST!!! Wondering if I need another website to advertise art works - including those of other Artists? Thinking about it anyway. Obviously I will need more and more wallspace for gallery evenings.... the possibilities are endless.

In addition to all this I have reserved a place at art college for the Autumn. If I'm too busy to go I will postpone, see what September brings!

Brown dog beginning to look really 'full' around the middle. The Toy Poodle seems to have done his job, and a litter of Cockerdoodles (Cockerpoos) is expected in three weeks time. The black dog just looks virginal. Drat her! One more chance for her and a paramour in the Autumn then she will be speyed. Some girls just won't!

The Royal wedding day brought us three social engagements. An 18th Birthday luncheon, a Royal Wedding tea party, and a dinner engagement with friends. The farmer and I ate so much cake, gateaux, chantilly cream, birthday cake, trifle and chocolate biscuit cake (Queen's recipe apparently) that today we are unable to move around, and our skins are splitting..... The calorie count must be terrifying. Am walking the dogs and walking the dogs to try and move my bones but its tricky to motivate all that cake-fat! Oddly, today, the farmer and I didn't much fancy any puddings. Can't think why.

Youngest has been to Nottingham for a fairly serious rowing competition (not sure if that's the right word in rowing circles) and I await his return home in an hour to hear how it went. As he declined to describe his race on the telephone I feel pretty sure its not good news. Its the taking part that counts, after all!

Yellow horse has almost moulted out his pale winter coat, and the rich golden palomino colour is coming through again. Hoping to get him to the Riding Club show this month, if he stays sound, and his shoes stay on (two fairly unpredictable outcomes to aim for). He has been extremely good out hacking recently, and have asked the farmer to find me a little bit of off road space for some schooling again, when he has time. The sun is out and the wheat keeps growing. Wondering if its too much to ask for.... a drop or two of rain please?.....

feral child

2011-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

The farmer and I travelled almost to Brighton today to make a delivery. Boy, was that a long journey. We broke our homeward travels at the home of Mr & Mrs Black - aka The BlackLog blogger, and many thanks to them for ensuring that we actually completed the journey in a reasonable mental and physical condition! On our arrival back at the farm we noticed the flames of a fire in the farmyard. Upon closer investigation the inferno proved to be the work of the Big boy. It seems he had shot a rabbit, skinned and gutted it, and then set up his own spit arrangement to see how long it takes to spit roast the carcass, with the intention of eating it. Dear gods, we only left him for 12 hours, and he 'goes feral'. So far there has been much prodding and poking to see if the juices run clear, but no eating as yet. Oddly, my appetite quite suppressed.... Vegetarians - stay away. Think the Big boy is practicing living wild for his summer working in New Zealand. He has now skinned and eaten a deer, boiled and consumed the crayfish, and spitted a rabbit. He is a competent pheasant dresser and fish filleter. The horse's prospects are a bit dubious. On the day of the revolution I hope he's on my side.....

On a lighter note, today was the London Marathon event. My lovely niece and her equally scrummy partner took part on behalf of Arthritis Research and Care (their sponsorship is in excess of £4000). Joe finished in a highly creditable 4hrs+, and beautiful Alice just over 5hrs. I am so proud my eyes are watering at the thought. I hope and trust their mammoth efforts will benefit lots of sufferers of this horrible disease. What a team. They were supported by Alice's two sisters and her mum, who pursued the runners around London to encourage and cheer. Cor, what a family.

The wet room at the Farm is finally finished, whooppeee, just got the dust to clear up. Strangely, its taking me quite a long time to get around to it. so much to do, and so few hours in every day. Looks like my new website is about ready for launching too - pretty excited about the 'reveal'. A few more days!

crayfish nightmare

2011-04-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Our river has been invaded by signal crayfish, an American non-native breed which out competes our smaller native species. The big boy brought a crayfish trap back from Scotland. The big boy set his trap with a huge bream which had died and washed up on the river bank. (It gets worse) For several days the trap has remained stubbornly empty except for the increasingly stinky bream. Today - hey presto - two signal crayfish and two eels! The eels were released without harm back into the river. The crayfish revealed themselves to be the invidious signal variety. Big boy loaded them into a carrier bag. He has brought them home. He has stolen some water from my goldfish to keep the crayfish alive in the base of a bucket. The pan of water is currently boiling on the stove. I hear the click, click, click of the barbeque tongs as the Big Boy fishes the larger crayfish out of the bucket and into...... the pan of boiling water. Its partner will join it in one minute. We are supposed to be eating them for our tea. OMG. This boy could survive in the desert or on the mountains. I wouldn't and that's for sure. The crayfish have turned from brown to bright red. Its time to eat.......

a Black weekend!

2011-04-10T07:28:00.001-07:00

Mr and Mrs Black came for dinner! They helped to celebrate The Farmer's 50th. We walked their legs off at Gibraltar Point on Saturday afternoon in glorious sunshine. Saturday evening the 6 of us had a pretty appalling meal at the Eaves (Little Steeping), however the weekend was redeemed on Sunday by the Farmer's decision to take a boat trip en famille on the Boston Belle! Once again the weather was absolutely stunning, and the boat trip was simply lovely. Calm water, excellent company, tranquil surroundings and a very respectable picnic lunch provided by the Belle Staff. Well done that Farmer.

All now weary. Thanks to Mr and Mrs B for sharing nicely.

a naughty thing

2011-04-03T09:26:00.001-07:00

an imp of mischief has arrived in this locality, and is putting up a small, brave fight as a lone voice in favour of wind turbine technology, on the basis that we have to start somewhere, and nuclear is a bit scary. I wonder who it can be?

Blog of War

2011-03-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

If you have time do visit http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/ for information about the Blog of War. Blog on Blog Action, all very near the knuckle! I'm not entering as I am a pacifist, but am happy to support Mr Black in his endeavours to set up the competition!

finding time

2011-03-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

A friend commented today that she doesn't know where I find the time to blog, and use Facebook. Well, I'll tell you! My clothes go unironed, the dust lays thick and grey, and the cobwebs hang from my ceilings. (Among many other housekeeping shortcomings). However, I am happy and content in my dusty, creased and cobweb infested world, so what's to change? Pity the poor farmer though!

Trying to incubate a small new business which is stealing even more time now. The poor yellow horse is giving up contact time for that. Which reminds me, the horse dentist came today (dear gods the expense just goes on, and on). He found lots of hooky bits on the back teeth, which are now all rasped smooth and comfortable for another year. A half hour's personal dental attention and travel for £25. Better value by far than my dentist. Next time I shall be baring my own teeth for his inspection and treatment - well its tempting....

Time though. Tricky stuff. Passing quickly, and slowly, dragging and flying. Couldn't we all do with just a bit more?

Varsity Rowing Challenge

2011-03-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

The farmer and I drove 100 miles this morning - in a bid to see the Baby boy compete in the annual Leicester Universities Varsity Rowing Challenge. It was an absolutely glorious morning. We were only a little late, and arrived just in time to see the boy's first race - coxed 4s. His rowing team rowed very strongly, indeed they pulled about 4 lengths ahead at the finish, and they won. He was very pleased. He consumed two bananas in quick succession (miracle food) and prepared himself for his second race just an hour later. Coxed 8s. We had time to ask a team-mate about the dispersal of the 8 team members in the boat. It was noticeable that the middle placed 4 were the great big muscle bound monsters, and the two young men at either end were of more delicate proportions. Gorillas in the middle - he commented laconically. Also described as brawn not brain in the centre, brain not brawn at extremities. The Gorillas were the coxed 4 team, no brains needed in the smaller boat obviously. No counting the cox in either team!

The 8s went on to win fairly conclusively too, and the entire team leapt from their craft delightedly.

The farmer and I had no idea the sport was so 'complicated' just getting those long, long boats in and out of the water, and bringing them in to park was quite tricky. All very impressive. We were requested to support the University in pressing the baby boy to drop Rugby completely in favour of the rowing. He's not committing! We also met that rather fetching garment the ONESY for the first time. A sexy piece of fashion in the best possible taste, and an absolute must for the up and coming rower. I won't be ordering one any time soon!

Well done 8 young men, and the cox, of course. I am basking in parental pride.

cocky - your time is nearly up.....

2011-03-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

Cocky, the farm rooster, has been pushing his luck somewhat. 6ft2inch brother in law was shaken (not stirred) when Cocky took a dislike to his appearance in the yard and tried to see him off in manner of a guard dog. After the laughter died down the rooster received his first warning. Any more of that and its into the pot with you. This seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The farmer was to been seen this very morning collecting the newspaper from the garden gate clutching a yellow plastic spade with which to fend off aforesaid rooster, and I had to pick up a stick to poke the wretched bird away from the horse physio this afternoon. Therefore, I think that counts as a third and final warning. Sadly, neither the farmer nor I have the courage to actually do the necessary, so we await the return of the Big Boy from Bonnie Scotland. He'll do it. Probably. It will leave us cockerel free - but that will be a happy alternative if we have to endure many more days of apologising for the disgraceful behaviour of the current incumbent of 'top bird' in the farmyard!

The wrinkly old hand is mine (didn't that photograph badly!) and almost shows the swelling and bruising of the dislocated finger. If only it could show you the pain!!!

karma

2011-03-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

I was doing something very bad on someone else's land late this afternoon,whilst the farmer looked on crossly. I can't say what it was! However, in my haste to depart the scene of the crime I fell over my own feet and hit the ground with a resounding crash, flat on my face. I was immediately assailed by the pain of a badly sprained ankle. As I tried to get up on the very sore ankle I also noticed that my ring finger was hanging down across my middle finger in a very scary, detached, and dislocated, kind of manner! I have no idea what made me do it, but I pushed the finger back towards the upright, and hey presto it seemed to click back into place! The joint is swollen and tender, but moving fine. Back to the scene of the crime. I hobbled back to ther car, crying about breaking my finger and ankle only to be overcome by faintness for the rest of the journey home. The farmer is quite sure it is a judgement on me, and is showing no sympathy whatsoever for my hobbling lameness and home strapped finger! I have a new plan to more successfully achieve my aim, and my Dad is going to help me so that the farmer can distance himself from my wickedness!

Its been rush, rush, rush all week as the dogs have had to be taken to and fro for their lovemaking! 50% success so far, the black girl proving somewhat coy with her favours. Tonight the black girl is going to spend the entire night with the fur ball loverboy. If he doesn't succeed after the mood lighting, soft music and sweet nothings she will be coming home as virginally intact as she left!

Hopefully the brown dog will produce a small litter of cockerpoos (yes really) on or around 20th May. Fingers crossed. Should be neat, small dogs with curly coats and affectionate natures.

Poor horse has been at the very back of the queue for attention this week, so has been concentrating on his eating and resting skills. All vital.

My shower room is making very slow progress, and has half a floor and a shower trap set in the concrete so far. The dust is an inch thick and very disheartening, but hoping the end of the week to come will bring a bit more progress.

During the week ahead we hope to go and watch the youngest rowing in the coxed 4's and the coxed 8's in a Varsity Challenge. We are not permitted to draw undue attention to our presence by any action as unseemly as shouting or cheering. We shall see about that! No photos this week, its all been too chaotic!

giant felling photos

2011-03-16T05:04:00.001-07:00

The giant apple tree, the naked wet room and the abandoned facilities on their way to be smashed up. Progress.

felling a giant

2011-03-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Will take my camera out tomorrow. The farmer has felled an ENORMOUS old apple tree with a trunk diameter of about 1 metre. Extremely sad, indeed tragic, to cut down such a giant. It upset the farmer so much he was heard to remark that he couldn't do it for a living, he felt like a murderer. Nevertheless, it was totally blocking our cottage garden, and placed right where an extension is going. It will provide applewood fire logs for many years to come and give the farmer gainful employment for the forseeable future whilst he saws it up and stacks the wood away.I have planted two more apple trees as compensation. Of course, at such a size some of the boughs were rotten, (though less than you would think) and the lichen is about a centimetre in depth. A complete microcosm of critters are now baling out and looking for new homes. Plenty more trees to go at.

The builders have moved into the farmhouse at last, and today saw the last of the ground floor shower room disappear out of the back door. The reverse of the elderly shower cabinet had been inscribed by the fitter 'Ron Portus 1969'. So, its given good service and should probably have gone into a museum!. A tiled wet room will replace the terrible old shower room, and I can't wait.

I have also asked a young man to come and give me a price to turn the farmer's Egg Shed into a studio/granny flat. So many plans, so little time!

Both the dogs (bitches) are now in season, and are lined up for the 'Stickney furball' aka a pedigree miniature poodle. If they are willing. They are so crabby I think they might eat him instead of making out with him. I don't envy him when he tries his luck with them both this week. Fingers crossed.

Will post some photos of all this progress in next day or two.

spurned at Spurn Head

2011-03-05T13:43:00.001-08:00

The farmer and I have experienced s 'difficult' day. It began well. That translates as 'breakfast was straightforward'. A dinner dance which we should have been attending this evening was cancelled at the last minute, leaving us with an unexpectedly quiet weekend ahead. I went to fetch the yellow horse to take him for a spin after the uneventful breakfast. He had a shoe half off. The farmer managed to remove the offending article, but the horse had to go back into the field as he's pretty useless with three wheels. The morning now loomed, completely empty of scheduled tasks. I asked the farmer if we could have a run out to see Spurn Point. It has been recommended as a day out over and over again, so perhaps this weekend I would be lucky enough to see it. Its approximately 100 miles from here, so quite a long round trip. We packed the dogs into the back of the car and set off. Indeed, we had quite a comfortable journey. On arrival at the access point to the long and lonely promentory that is Spurn point we noticed a small man clutching tickets and waving at the car to pull over. He said '£3 please'. I asked what for. I was advised that it was £3 to drive down the road, but free to walk. He also pointed out that we had a dog. I said 'In fact, we have two dogs'. He cheerily advised that dogs were not permitted. The farmer now joined the fray and said that we would be leaving the dogs in the car. Still not permitted. I reclaimed the £3 and gave the guy his ticket back, and we left with our shameful dogs still in the car. By now I was pretty hungry and thirsty. 100 miles, an argument and a quick pee stop for the girls had not brought much in the way of sustenance. We chose the next pub on the roadside which happened to be offering two meals for £7. It was locked up tight. Never mind, there's an attractive visitor centre at the Humber Bridge and a Nature Reserve where the dogs can have a really exciting walk. We arrived at 3.35pm. The cafe closed at 3.30pm. The poor dogs got a very quick spin, and we motored home at some speed for a cup of tea. We thought it might be nice to go into our village for a fish and chip supper, to make up for the missed lunch. The railway line which crosses our access to the village was closed. We had to park and walk a mile just to get our supper! How we laughed. Not. What a day of disappointments. So hoping that tomorrow is an improvement!

Photographs of girls in their new basket, the mess they make with their food and Sunk Island. Some of my ancestors were born in this auspiciously named settlement. And we passed it today as we beat our retreat from Spurn Head.

roadkill art

2011-02-21T10:39:00.001-08:00

Donated the roadkill art to Work, and my very clever sister noticed that I was holding it THE WRONG WAY UP! Therefore, I have posted it the right way up here, so that you can see how much better it looks!!!

road kill art?

2011-02-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Whilst we were in Scotland, touring and looking at the scenery the Farmer turned his attention from the road to me briefly and said 'Just seen a painting in the road, shall I stop?' I thought he meant that he had seen a painting (piece of road art) actually daubed on the road perhaps as some kind of project. I wasn't that bothered about doing a Uturn to have a look, and said so. However, by this time he had pulled to the side, and achieved a commendable three point turn, and we headed back the way we had come. There in the road was a very large oil canvas! All alone, with no place to go, and no owner anywhere in sight, just laying there, minding its own business, across the white lines. As we were in the middle of a small forest it seemed unlikely that someone had hurled it from a window, and we could only think it had fallen from a trailer, or roofrack. Whilst we considered what we should rightly do another vehicle only just missed it, so I scampered from our car, and scooped it into our boot. Perhaps not to my taste, but it will always be a reminder of our little holiday, and our big boy's Fish School year.

OTTERS, OTTERS, OTTERS

2011-02-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

The farmer and I popped off on a jaunt to Scotland to see the big boy, who has just celebrated his 20th birthday. We took him out for dinner on Wednesday evening. On Thursday he went to Fish School, and we drove an 80 mile circuit around the area taking in the views, and spotting two RED SQUIRRELS which we have never seen before. And they were lovely. We were blessed with a bright and sunny day. During a very pleasant lunch in a converted mill in central Dumfries, sitting at a window that overlooked the river which flows fast and furiously through the town, the Farmer turned to me and said he could see two otters playing in the water. Obviously I laughed like a drain, as I have fallen for his stories on too many previous occasions. However, driven by his expression I too found a position where I could see out of the tiny window, and there, diving and playing were two of the cutest mammals I have ever had the pleasure of watching.

We paid our shot quickly and rushed outside to the riverbank, and stood for an hour watching and listening to the otters' feeding and diving. Despite the fact that they were right in front of one of the busiest areas of the town, with scores of people strolling by, no-one else seemed to notice. How lucky were we? I was so excited the farmer thought I would drop my little camera into the river!

We left the otters still feeding and chasing each other up and down the river to meet the big boy, and enjoy a guided tour of the fish farm area of Barony College. We shared another evening meal with him and said our goodbyes ready for our early departure to return to England this morning.

Rather disappointinly we had a flat tyre this morning, so experienced some delay trying to leave Dumfries whilst we located a puncture repair shop. Never mind eh! £15 lighter we had a great drive home. The youngest and his lovely young lady had kindly dog sat. When relieved of their duties they made their way back to Leicester Uni and I have settled down to have a better look at the otter pics. Will put them all on Facebook if you want to see them. Tired and travelworn, now looking forward to a night in my own bed.

So, if you want to get up close and personal with a pair of wild otters make your way to central Dumfries and listen for their very distinctive call. Well worth the trouble! And the red squirrels were easy to see, galloping down the roadsides like rabbits. I kid you not. Feeling a bit like David Attenbrough tonight. What a wonderful couple of days.

WINE FLU OUTBREAK

2011-02-06T01:35:00.001-08:00

There has been a virulent outbreak of that terrible virus WINE FLU in this region. It is probably not connected in any way with the large 60th birthday party held last night at Irby in the Marsh. Not connected at all. No way. The farmer is suffering...

sis in law's 60th birthday party

2011-02-05T15:40:00.001-08:00

What an absolutely stormin' 60th for sis in law Maggie! At home in her very roomy barn of a house about 100 people wearing 'Glamour through the Ages' turned out in really awful weather to help her celebrate reaching retirement age!. Wellies, sandals, spats and bare feet all featured in the footwear department, and the outfits were just as varied. The vibe was chillin'! The birthday girl(?) sang as one fifth of the BOOBETTES in her conservatory, and the cheers could have been heard 5 miles away! A great party by anyone's standards. Happy birthday.

Reviewing the photos I'm beginning to wonder if you can tell that one member of the family is a dentist? The kids teeth are beautiful aren't they? Well done Helen. A gift to last a lifetime! Would have liked to grab a photo of the farmer and his three surviving sisters, but the rooms were SOOOOOOO crowded, and the tempeature so roasting that I couldn't manage it. Waiting for a cooler opportunity!

Godparenting surprise!

2011-02-04T02:18:00.000-08:00

I accompanied my Pa to the funeral of one of his longest-standing friends yesterday. In itself it was not a sad affair, it was a celebration of a long and successful life. As the ravening hoards settled into the tea and cake afterwards one of the many grey haired gentlemen reached out to shake my hand, and introduce himself to me. He claimed he was my godfather! In disbelief I turned to my own Pa, who nodded his confirmation in some amusement. The new godfather went on to apologise for being somewhat less than attentive in his godfatherly duties over the past 50 years, and attempted to make good all his ill-deeds in the space of 10 minutes. Indeed, it has to be said that he rather succeeded. It turns out that he is the 1958 gold medal winner Commonwealth & British Empire (those were the days) indoor cycling time trial champion at 1 minute 12 seconds. I thought he was making it all up at the funeral tea. Surely someone would have told me that I had a Gold Medal Commonwealth AND EMPIRE Champion as a Godfather? No. When we arrived home I googled him (Neville Tong), and indeed, there he is, on the board of European champions, proudly named along with Chris Hoy etc. My godfather. I had to wait 50 years, but it was worth it!!! To complete the story his wife at the time was my Godmother, and has been somewhat more scrupulous in her attentions. She does at least know who I am! All was forgiven in a rush of hugs and laughter and I am very proud to call him my godfather. Hoping it won't be another 50 years before I see him again. Unlikely!!

So: losses - one mate of my Pa.
....gains - one godfather

The day was completed by a long and lovely cup of tea with my own longest standing friend (50 years - my entire life), and a even longer cup of coffee with my cousin and his family. It was a very tired and worn god-daughter, friend and cousin who wended her way home to bed.

The unlikely upshot of this interesting day is that I am hoping to coerce the Farmer to accompany me to Appleby Fair this year. (Its a long story). There will be photos.

January - I blinked and you were gone....

2011-01-30T05:00:00.001-08:00

Some friends have stuck at dairy farming and diversified into bottling their own milk. The result of the bottling process is an excess of cream, which they have also been bottling and selling. However, as the butterfat in their milk is rising they have so much cream the female half of the team has begun to make her own butter too. And here it is. We were gifted half a pound last night and are saving it for morning toast tomorrow. Can't wait. Therefore, if you wish to try home churned butter or cream so thick you can stand an army of spoons in it - contact Rich Pastures!!!!

I have also posted a photo of our oldest cat today, on a 'get it while you can' basis. He is so old I am surprised every morning when he turns up for his breakfast. He shuns the dogs courageously, even allowing a full body snuffle without running away. He still has a good appetite and a lovely temper. Think it might be time to start looking for a new kitten if we are to replace him.

Also, you will see that I took the camera out in my pocket whilst riding the horse today. After weeks of the yellow equine behaving like a complete loon when out on the roads, today he was an utter saint. Thought I might try to refine the 'through the horse's ears' style of photography. Or maybe, christen it 'horse eye views'? Perhaps not. We shuffled round a peaceful and picturesque 4 miles early this morning and both enjoyed our outing enormously. After weeks of hating the cold, wet and temperamental steed it was a pleasant change. Long may the sensible head continue.

And finally. Last year's Easter chicks are now laying eggs fairly regularly, and the eggs are like a rainbow of colours! We have blue, greenish blue, dark brown and honey brown. Absolutely delighted with output, just need to keep the fox away. The eggs look good enough to eat....oh wait a minute - we can eat them. Pass a spoon.

Farm life very quiet in absence of fridge monsters at University. Tidy, warm (owing to doors being closed) and restful its like being on holiday all the time. We wait patiently for the two cockers to come into season, at which time they will be paying a visit to the tiny poodle I want to be their boyfriend this year. Cockerpoos. Let's see how well they sell. That is, if the girls actually come into season. As they are both crabby and off their food I am hoping that's a sign. Can't think why.

The farmer and I had A DAY OUT last weekend. After a hearty walk through the lincolnshire wolds we made our way to Beverley (foreign parts) for lunch and dawdled home via a local nature reserve. A good day was had by all (included the dogs in our outing) and we are hoping to make a habit of a day out in the future. How times change! The farmer is now completely 'ploughed up' including the headlands. The plough is washed, repaired and tucked up until the autumn. This means that he is free to turn his attention to the renovation of a derelict cottage on the farm. He is waiting for 'building regs' to be provided then a start can be made. Quite excited about it.

We have hordes of barn owls out and about just now. Obviously I have no idea why but it is a joy to share our space with them, and I hope their hunting is successful. We disturbed a LITTLE OWL last night which is a much rarer sight. As usual my camera was not in my pocket at the time.

Hoping the weather continues its benevolence which is much appreciated in this neck of the woods!

more later.

2011-01-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Just a note to advise that a car crashed into our telephone pole 8 days ago, and it has taken the full 8 days for BT to replace the pole and reconnect us. In that time we learned that it is very hard to do without the Internet and a landline. Uncomfortably difficult! Now back in the land of the living, with internet access and every other damn thing. Thanks be. Got big boy off to Scotland, still with the flu or something similar, but perhaps better than when he arrived home 2 weeks ago. He intends to spend June and July in New Zealand doing his work experience, and August in Australia doing 'travelling'. Oh boy.

Youngest returning to his education on Sunday. Then its just the farmer and me. And the dogs of course. Is it unmotherly to say I can hardly wait? Probably.

Have returned to work. Its cold. Its muddy. Yellow horse has his new shoe on, but I can't find any enthusiasm to rush out and ride him just now. Give me time, and perhaps a ray of sunshine......

2011 - buck your ideas up!

2011-01-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

Can't help noticing that my arms have become very itchy all of a sudden, indeed, it feels like a small army of ants are crawling about under the skin. I checked the washing powder (Fairy non-bio) and the washing up liquid (Fairy as before), same perfume, same clothes, same moisturiser. To distract me from scratching off my skin I googled 'itchy forearms'. Oh dear. It would appear that any day now I am going to wake up as a wrinkled old prune of a crone, with not a mg of oestrogen to my name...... Not much help in terms of relief (suggestions vary from the wacky to the completely mad) but at least I understand why I feel so very scratchy. One of the many and varied symptoms of becoming old whilst also being a female. Ugh. Still better than the alternative....

Am also about cheesed off with being chief nurse down on the farm. Eldest STILL coughing and barking fit to burst, with a raw sore throat and varying degrees of headache. Things were so bad yesterday that we called the out of hours doctor service for a bit of advice. In a nutshell that advice amounted to 'stop wasting my time' and 'go to A&E if you have concerns'. Ouch. Second son is the beneficiary of half a course of antibiotics which I found in the back of the pantry. Only slightly out of date too, when I blew the dust off to look at the use by details. Luckily they seem to be for chest and throat infections (among other things), and something of a miracle has happened for him since he began taking them yesterday. Sadly they will run out too quickly. Hoping its enough to bring him to full health. The green sputum seems to have retreated for him anyway, which has made his life much more comfy. I know he should not be taking old drugs, however, I can't get him to a GP surgery for love or money, and he has been so ill for the whole of Christmas that I am desperate. Fingers crossed. And the Farmer. He says he feels quite a lot better today, enough to realise how very off-colour he has been throughout Christmas and the New Year.

What a festive period. Hot lemonade by the bucketful, packets and packets of aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetemol (not all at once I hasten to add), decongestants, throat sprays, nose sprays and lozenges. This house resembles nothing so much as a Chemist's shop. This bug (or bugs) has been hanging around making everyone miserable for two weeks. Its time for it to BUG OFF!

Fetched in the yellow horse for a second spin in three days. Now that the thaw has come I need to exercise the ants out of his pants too. However, following the trend as highlighted above he has cast a front shoe. Lost in the mud. Therefore, back out into the field he went, as he's no good with only three wheels on his wagon, and now we must await the attentions of the farrier. More thumb twiddling.

Cleaning at work tomorrow, 8 showers, 8 toilets, 4 kitchens, 13 bedrooms etc etc. Perhaps the activity will push the itchy arms to the back of my brain for a while! Would like to be able to say that I have innumerable SALE bargains, but I would be fibbing. Couldn't face the melee this year. Hoping I didn't miss anything too bargainish!

Hoping that January brings the builder who promised me a new shower room prior to Christmas. He didn't say which Christmas.

And to round off this tale of woe, here's a final story to cheer you.

Before Christmas the dishwasher decided that it would go a bit mad. It wouldn't switch off or complete a cycle. The man who mends the washing machine was duly telephoned and promised to come on Friday. He didn't. He was phoned again and said he would come the next Friday. And didn't. In order to stop me rushing to the shops to buy a new dishwasher, the Farmer telephoned a new advertiser in the Local paper. The advert went something like this: 'phone Frank for domestic appliance repairs, any distance, no callout charge etc'. Sounded Fantastic. Frank said he would come on the Saturday before Christmas. I couldn't believe my luck. And Frank did come, and he brought a burly mate with him. Frank pulled out the dishwasher, agreed it was the microchip, asked his friend to cop a hold of the other end, and carried the dishwasher out to his white transit van. Hoho, said the Farmer (and I), where are you going with that then? Oh, to test it of course, when I get the new part that will be £80 fitted and working. See you. And there you have it. In a nutshell. And we let him take it! No card, no details, no phone number (except for the one in the paper, which I have BURNED by accident). Has it been stolen in the boldest scam I have ever experienced? I think so. What fools we are!!!! Go on, have a laugh on us! Anyway, I'm in the market for a new dishwasher......

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T10:17:00.001-08:00

That's all! Have a wonderful 2010/2011 weekend, then its back to the daily grind. Enjoy. X

Ugly Christmas outfits cause a stir!!!

2010-12-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas tea at my brother's house was the first outing for our own Ugly Outfits. Then, on the 27th 50 guests gathered at the farm wearing their own creations! What a success! So proud of all the guests for making so much effort. They look so fine. Regret, not a single photo of me in mine! How could that happen? Saving it for next year. Wishing one and all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR. Big boy shooting today, youngest muscling up at the gym. Farmer having a couple of hours nap after exertions preparing and clearing party, and I am battling a migraine (result of too much wine and not enough sleep so only self to blame).

troublous times!

2010-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

The farmer and I slid a vehicle over to Leicester to collect the youngest and all his belongings from University for his Christmas break on Friday morning. AFter a long night out in his home town on Friday he has simply slept. There have been brief periods of wakefulness during which he has taken in calories and conspired with the in-house plumbing, but otherwise he has just stacked up the Zzzzzs. It would seem that he was a tiny bit short of rest, and burning the candle at both ends does mean that eventually the wick meets itself in the middle and the flame puffs out! Am hoping that another day or two of sleep will rid him of his horrible chesty cough and allow him to function for an entire day!

Big boy drove down (up?) from Scotland yesterday, stopping at his Aunt's for food and succour before he got home! This almost makes her a child stealer!!! We were at a formal dinner, which we left when he arrived home. He is full of flu, and really unwell, so I am nursing him kindly, and delighted to have the opportunity to do so. hopefully the next 48 hrs will bring some improvement for him too.

So, boys home and needing as much care as when they were small. Lovely! Bring on the beef tea. The farmer has been flat out working which is quite an unusual state of affairs. What a challenge. We are short of heating oil, but owing to the enormously inflated cost of this necessity just now, we have turned down the heating to minimum and enjoying plenty of sitting room fires instead.

Looking forward to a family Christmas complete with ugly sweaters, bring on the healthy children!!!!!

wine flu

2010-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

My brother in law has explained the condition'wine flu' to me, and I was so amazed I am taking the opportunity to share the description of this debilitating condition with you too.

Wine Flu: the condition shows itself after a variable period of alcoholic sampling. Some of the symptoms might be: the room becoming unstable, a queasy feeling in the digestive area, an undeniable urge to make a complete fool of yourself, the necessity to sprint to the loo to re-inspect the contents of your stomach and an inability to arrive home with any kind of dignity. If you suffer any of these symptoms I can pretty certainly diagnose that you are suffering from wine flu, which is prevalent during the festive season, and other celebratory occasions.

The flu may sometimes last throughout the following day, necessitating much holding of the head, and horizontal moaning. Do not despair. The symptoms will pass, given time, and possibly a 'hair of the dog'.

The spread of the disease is still being researched,there seems to be no single infecting agent, so keep your eyes peeled. Pretty sure that drinking Christmas spirits will keep the bug at bay. worth a try anyway. Have a Merry One!

from the depths of ICE WORLD - Merry Christmas!

2010-12-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

wicked Grandchildren

Glittering party guests

Da boyz in Budapest

hands full of trouble!

Fun and games at the wild 18th!

My Dad and me at the 50th PARTAAAYYY!

And so, another year has almost slipped by. 2010 has seen the eldest working hard, in a large local factory and as an assistant Chartered Surveyor. He has accepted a place at Harper Adams to study Rural Chartered Surveying in 2011, and headed off quite happily in August 2010 for a one year HNC Fish Farm Management course in Scotland. He is enjoying freezing his ass off on fish farms north of the border so much that completing a degree in Aquaculture at Stirling University (which will take 2 further years of study) is now also an option. He is flying off to New Zealand to do the Work Experience portion of his HNC next summer, and there is also a chance that he might stay there. He has been warned that his mother will be joining him if he even hints at staying so far away from home long term!! He has celebrated his 19th birthday and seems to be thriving in the freezing climate that is Scotland this winter. I am looking forward to his return for the Christmas holiday. Very much.

The youngest celebrated his 18th birthday in hilarious style in the heat of the summer, surrounded by friends and family in the garden. Hardly a sober person on the premises, and egg and spoon racing, water fights and 'horsey, horsey' were the order of the day (and night). He went on to celebrate the end of his A levels with a 'boys only' holiday to Budapest. This was their first foray into parentless travelling, and they all survived, indeed enjoyed themselves very much. He worked all summer for a large holiday provider locally and celebrated yet again when his A level results came through. Two 'A' grades in Maths and History, and a 'B' in Biology. Off he went to the University of Leicester in September to read History where he is having a fine old time. We have only been graced with his presence for one night since his departure. He was kind enough to drag himself away from the high life of an Undergraduate to help me celebrate my 50th birthday. I am looking forward to gathering him home for Christmas too. He is rowing for Leicester University, which has proved to be a chilly pass-time during the cold snap the country is enduring.

We had a litter of 4 pups from one of our cocker bitches. All have moved on to fine homes and we are delighted to receive periodic updates.

I celebrated my 50th. As we awaited the arrival of some of our smartest friends prior to the event one of my sons (who shall remain anonymous for his own protection) set the sitting room chimney alight. There followed ten minutes of utter panic as he endeavoured to safely extinguish both the grate fire, and the inferno halfway up the chimney. A large fall of soot ensued. I left to greet my first guests at the party venue closing the door on a scene of chaos. Some sort of fairy must have descended, because when we all returned home at 2am every sign of the catastrophe had been expunged from hearth and home. Thank goodness. A jolly time seemed to be had by all at the party, and £921 was raised for Macmillan Nurses in the process. I am closing my year without my usual bob hairstyle, and have chosen instead to have all my hair cut off short. Its a change!

The farmer has taken up ploughing and is perfecting his 'straight furrow' technique. His wheat cropped very well, and he is settling into life as a professional arable farmer with enthusiasm. It seems to mostly involve a morning lie in, plenty of tea during the day, and much tinkering with farm machinery.

We have only managed a few days in the North of England with friends as our holiday this year, the cost of two sons in Higher Education meaning that our button collection is under pressure. We hope to save enough for a holiday to celebrate the farmer's 50th in the New Year. Fingers crossed.

Its been a hard year, with all the usual ups and downs, but hope springs eternal for 2011! We shall become accustomed to our empty nest and continue to look for new challenges to keep us busy.

coming soon!

2010-11-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Having written my Christmas cards today (yyyeeeeeessssss!!!) I am thinking about my Christmas letter, which is going on Skipper's blog instead of in all those envelopes. Just waiting for a bit of inspiration...

50, 50, 50

2010-10-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

50th birthday photos @ www.lincolnshirephotographers.co.uk - absolutely hilarious!

dog walking & warthogs

2010-10-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful morning today. A band of mist hung in the air giving the landscape a haunting, ethereal gauziness. The dogs, however, couldn't give a monkey's cuss. It was all I could do to capture these snaps with a moderately steady hand, whilst being pulled with the combined might of two cocker spaniels in the direction of the next interesting aroma.

Is the large yellowish creature a giant pig? A Hippo? A warthog? No. Its Skipper. Enjoying the balmy morning, and absolutely covered in mud from his daily bath. He seems to be as fat, and happy as he looks, and only being ridden once a week, or even once a fortnight doesn't seem to make any difference to him whatsoever. My hero.

Looking forward to the brief return of eldest son for college break. Is driving down (or up?) from Scotland 'sometime this weekend' - oooohhhhh, can hardly wait! The house is tidy, the bedrooms are tidy, the washing is done, the ironing all complete. The fridge has vacant shelves, the fruitbowl keeps its contents for more than 48 hours, and all the rooms are empty, empty, empty. I HATE it! Doubtless, like all empty-nesters, I will become accustomed, but for now the WELCOME mat will be firmly outside the door all weekend!

The America travellers have returned today. This means I can have my day off at the weekend, (oh, joy!) and look forward to spending most of November at home, napping, shopping, riding, dog walking and visiting. There's no sunshine holiday for us this year. The expense of two young men at University, and the prospect of a new shower room, means we are guarding our buttons a bit more carefully this winter.

Art night-class begins tonight, I feel like I can hardly pick up a pencil, never mind a case full of painting materials, but hopefully some enthusiasm will bubble forth after work.

university ho!

2010-10-04T06:39:00.001-07:00

The luxury of University accommodation! Took my baby chick yesterday.... easier than I was expecting, and he pushed us out of his room door before I could get a snap! His room was like a comedy set from the 1960s. Cupboard door fell off into my hand, cracked tiles and peeling ceiling. Carpet embedded with black grime. He thought it was wonderful. The kitchen facility I did manage to snap (just) and as you can see it is less than impressive for between 8 and 12 students. Nevertheless, he has optimistically taken possession and is now, no doubt, completely exhausted from his own freshers first night.

The nest is now empty. Rattling around and tidying up. I have never, ever had such a tidy home. Quite a surreal feeling. Big boy coming home for half term in two weeks, which should be just in time to prevent the farmer and me descending into a complete pit of despair, or alternatively, civil war!!! I have a builder coming to overhaul shower room and exterior, a plumber for a price for a replumb and later a kitchen company. Poor old farmer.

The salt mines still lacking any other guiding hand but mine, whilst sis and her husband gadding around the Carolinas. I am very ready for a day or two off, and its been a long, hard and demanding slog for September. However, the end IS in sight, in more ways than one, and should be welcoming other Salt Mine detainees back into the compound this weekend coming. Salt Mine Housekeeping Supervisor finished today to enjoy a holiday prior to her statutory maternity leave so staff levels are at an all time low.

The wonderhorse looks more like a yellow hippo with each passing day, and our quick scurries around the block together, racing the sunset are not satisfying anyone - least of all him.

Central heaing ON, fat duvet for the bed ON, chimneys swept and logs in stock. Autumn racing in and I am ready!

Lincolnshire Skies

2010-09-26T01:07:00.001-07:00

This morning I thought I would take a peak at the coast, as the weather has been really grim and stormy. The sea was turbulent and dark, and the sky? Well, I think its brooding. I am a rubbish photographer, but these images took themselves! Even the old Salt Mines look desolate under the lowering clouds. Obviously the Salt Mine visitors are all cold and miserable. The Mines themselves are now closed to vehicles, which adds to the general air of depression and hard-done-to-ness. Still another 5 weeks of open season, so can only hope for a mild and balmy October. Please.

The Big Boy remains incommunicado in bonnie Scotland. A few brief notes through Facebook are all his doting mother has received. Today it is my intention to call him... He seems very happy, settled and upbeat, though I have no details of his experiences whatsoever!

The youngest is counting down the final 7 days before his own departure. No more bar work now, and only 5 more days at the Holiday Park Reception checking Touring Caravans in and out. He has never complained about all the hours he has worked this summer, and has a wallet full of buttons for beer as a result of his endeavours. If his University experience proves to be only half as satisfactory as he is anticipating he will still have a unforgettable time! Almost all his friends have departed to their various seats of learning now, and all are texting madly to say how wonderful it is. Beer talk so far I fear!

The farmer is 'ploughed up' (a technical term I believe), and awaiting access to more of his land when a tenant departs in November. He will then return to the yoke (or tractor) and whizz around another 30 acres - unless the rain doesn't stop, in which case he will be ploughing off the back of a boat!!!

A builder has been to price up repairs to the exterior of the house.... which will need scaffolding all round whilst new guttering is fixed, and the chimney stacks are repaired. I know its going to be painful. More buttons please.

The youngest had a contratemps with an established hawthorne hedge beside a country lane last week, the hedge came out of the ordeal in much better condition than the Skoda he was driving at the time. Still awaiting the return of the car from the body shop. As I result I have been driving the Salt Mines landrover for a week. Horrible instrument of torture. Be thankful to return to the seat of my old Ford. And I have now heard every one of the jokes regarding the pointlessness of sending a Skoda in for repairs.

My burned and scalded foot is now improving rapidly, and I can get most footwear on with care and dressings. This is a relief as for the past two days it has proved to be necessary to wear wellies. All the time. COME ON WEATHER - IMPROVE.

feisty arachnid

2010-09-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to say that the fate of the HUGE spider was the vacuum cleaner. It deserved better, but the clatter and rattle as he stomped up the kitchen wall, then squatted there threatening me was too much to tolerate. I couldn't get the saddle and bridle on him, so the vacuum hose was waved in his vicinity, and he succumbed. Thankfully. The other photo shows my sister performing a very classy piece of furniture moving at the salt mines! It raised a few eyebrows, and smattering of chuckles, and was much, much easier than man-handling the mattress from one end of the Mines to the other. A departing guest commented that her accommodation double bed was too uncomfortable to sleep on, so we thought it was probably time for a change. Mission accomplished.

And now for home news. Ploughing continues apace despite inclement weather. New bedroom carpet fitted in big boy's bedroom. Slight oversight when I ordered luscious, plump and comfortable underlay. It wouldn't fit under the bedroom door. Door is about 200 years old. As are the screws, and hinges. Removing the door was HUGE task, and regrettably the lower hinge was broken in the process. Obviously this means that the door is still propped against the bedroom wall, waiting hopefully for a miracle. Could be some time I fear, though by the end of the week I might phone a joiner! Had a new bathroom carpet too, the fitting of which was a piece of cake by comparison.

All friends of youngest chick packing their bags and baggage for their first forays into University life, they are so excited and its such a pleasure to be part of it. First one is off his blocks and on his way this Sunday. We have about three weeks to go. Bags are standing open on bedroom floor, and clothing etc is beginning to creep out of cupboards into the capacious interiors of the luggage. Inside I am crying.

A level news

2010-09-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

The baby boy achieved two A grades and a C grade. The C grade was almost a B, just one mark off. He would receive a £1000 bursary from University with AAB, therefore the school advised that the paper should be re-marked. There is a small charge for this, and the risk is that some more marks are deducted. Nevertheless, he paid the £30 and the paper was duly submitted for reassessment. Today the school telephoned. They said they had never had such a large differential in marks - he has received another 5 marks for his Biology paper, taking him from a C grade well into B territory! There is also no charge for the service as the error was on the part of the exam marker. He is ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED! And the University confirm that he will now receive the Bursary. Hooray. Every little helps!! He is feeling on top of the world as an AAB student rather than an AAC student. Good for him!

no photos, just news!

2010-09-08T05:53:00.001-07:00

Big boy has gone, disappeared into darkest reaches of Scotland to get wet and learn about fish. Missing him. Hoping we might glimpse him during Scottish half term in October. Otherwise, the farmer and I are taking a weekend break in the Lowlands and embarrassing him by calling in..... He seems to be settling into his accommodation well, and learning the art of serious drinking from Scots and Irish co-habitees. Its good to turn to professionals at a time like this!!!

Youngest is now busting a gut to be off to his own Ivory Tower, in his case Leicester University, to read History. We have been shopping for some slightly less raggedy clothes and shoes in preparation for his departure, though he had no information about duvet, pillow and linen requirements. Therefore these will have to come from his budget, not mine. My University expenses account is now officially closed!! He is working three extra weeks at the day job for additional funds, and also his bar job in the evenings stretches until his departure. He has proved to be extremely hardworking and determined during this summer break and will leave the nest with plenty of beer money in his pockets. This is a good thing, as there is no beer money to be had from my University fund account (the same one that has now closed...)

With no pups left the kitchen has returned to its usual state of only slight disarray. In presence of pups it turned into a whirlwind of chewed paper, nipped toes & ankles and nibbled shoes and slippers. Routine also re-established for pup Mum and Auntie, and I get an extra 30 minutes in bed. Yippee!

September at Salt Mines peaceful and calm with the madness that is the children's school holidays behind us. Holiday units full until well into October, but it seems that guests are all more sensible, and much less demanding. Some time now available to make plans for my own empty nest activities, and marking the special birthday that I shall celebrate in October. Its a sobering thought to have reached my half-century with so much still to do, but have every intention of rectifying that in the coming few years! I shall be that dangerous old lady with a determined gleam in her eye driving erratically all over the region, talking to strangers in the street, and happily drawing attention to rude and snooty service industry employees. These are some of the things that I shall look forward to as old age creeps up!

Yellow horse fat and happy, much like his pilot, though there is the promise of more exercise for both of us now that the silly season is drawing to a close. He has had a couple of outings with a 10 year old pilot in the saddle, and he has been very kind to her. So much so that she is now looking for her own trusty steed! Poor parents. Skipper must take the blame for this.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by M A Shaffer and A Barrows

2010-08-31T00:20:00.001-07:00

My sis lent me this book the other day. It has quite an uninspiring cover. However, owing to the lack of any alternative I picked it up last night to give it a go. I crept upstairs after everyone else, still clutching the book to my greedy eyes. I lay awake until the small hours to finish it. Tears poured down my face sometimes, and soaked my pillow. On occasion I smothered hysterical laughter. To round off this emotional roller-coaster I read on the dust jacket that one of the co-authors, for whom this was a first work, died upon its completion. I hope she knew what an absolute masterpiece she has written. It is one of the cleverest, most poignant little publications I have ever had the pleasure of perusing. A joy. Spend a few pounds and steal a few hours. Read it.

stormy weather!

2010-08-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

What a weekend! Only one pup left, which is causing some canine management problems! The infant is unceasing in his efforts to suckle, therefore he has to be seperate from his mother all the time, but doesn't like it in the shed on his own.... so, his aunt is reluctantly babysitting, but she doesn't think much to that either. In the middle of all pup and aunt complaints the mother is voicing her concerns that her sister might be murdering the youngster. Can't wait for him to go, and he's a very lovely little chap, but he needs a family!

Last night the farmer disappeared after dark for one or two more rows of ploughing. I sauntered off upstairs to cleanse and pamper, don my night attire and dressing gown and swan downstairs all warm and clean to enjoy my gin and tonic. At 9.30pm a bedraggled farmer turned up at the door requesting emergency assistance. He had got his plough stuck in a 'wet patch' (for this, read shallow lake) and needed a tractor and plough driver whilst he towed it out of the mud with the teleporter. 'What now?' I cried. But the answer was yes. So, I donned a pair of odd socks, my pink wellingtons and headed off into the dark and drizzle to drive a tractor in my nightie and dressing gown. Thankfully, after 30 minutes of complicated backwards and forwards stuff involving chains and pneumatics, the tractor emerged from the sticky depths of the ruts complete with plough and none the worse. The same cannot be said for me. Crabby, cold, argumentative and even possibly unreasonable, I left the farmer to tidy up and headed back over the ploughed land in the dark, to the warmth of the house.

Today's stormy weather has brought down a silver birch tree, not much of a loss except it was the woodpecker's home. Shall miss seeing him popping in and out of a hole in the trunk, though that may be a contributory factor to the death of the tree. Well, that and the gale force wind which is currently blowing.

My sis and her husband are about to head off to sunnier climes for 4 weeks so I am moving swiftly into super-crabby state of mind. A busy month down at te salt mines, during September, and I never enjoy sole charge. Hoping no awful difficulties arise, though just now most likely to tell them all to go home, and come back next year!

And to round off quite a difficult Bank Holiday weekend, had to light a fire this afternoon, as its so bloody cold here it could be mid-winter!

a morning to remember

2010-08-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

This morning the dogs put up, among many other feathery things, a WOODPECKER! That was a first. The first puppy departs this morning with his new owners. He is going to be known as Bertie and seems to have an over-active greedy gland, which I hope will settle as he gets older. The first son also leaves home this morning. Luckily I had to depart for work prior to his leave-taking, and managed to remove myself from the house with my dignity intact, tricky though. He is soooooo excited, and the little Skoda packed to the rafters with stuff for cold weather, wet weather, snowy weather, and icy weather. Also fishing equipment, shooting licence (just in case) smart clothes (also just in case) and plenty of wellies, waterproof leggings and the like for his Fish Farming HNC. Its a big week, with two more puppy collections on Saturday morning early. Thankfully we still have one son and one puppy left for a little longer, and the yawning gap is only at half size....

unexpected visitor!

2010-08-22T01:59:00.000-07:00

Hiding behind the muddy, wet wellingtons this morning, and hoping no-one noticed him sheltering from the torrential rain was this rather handsome, but shy visitor! He was carefully evicted into the dyke. We had torrential, scary rain last night, somewhat prolonged, and the drain outside the back door blocked.... quite wet in the porch, though today's sunshine assisting with the drying. Eldest got up at 5am and collected a friend to head off to V Festival, tickets courtesy of some extremely thoughtful and generous friends known as Mr & Mrs B. More of their news at BlackLOG. Big boy so excited he couldn't sleep last night so by 8pm this evening he won't be able to keep his eyes open. Youngest calming down slightly after A level results, and University place confirmation. He spent yesterday evening trawling UTube for Leicester Uni student micro-films, and researching his own soon-to-be halls of residence. Forms to fill in, ID photos to send, and most importantly cheques to write and funds to find. Its going to be an expensive few years ahead for all of us!

Big boy leaving next Wednesday morning, so has produced a mountain of washing which needs to be done and packed in next 72 hours, despite his absence at the Festival! Well done mother. Pups now on countdown to departure too. Their bags packed and ready. They are a complete handful, chewing, biting, barking and fighting! Absolutely gorgeous, in some else's house!

delicious donkey babe!

2010-08-19T04:23:00.001-07:00

This gorgeous little fella was born 2 weeks ago, just around the corner from where my sis lives. I have stolen her photograph of the beast to blog! What a happy snap!