Sunday, June 17, 2012

Not so little pigs

So they don't feel totally unloved, here is a recent snap of our three Gloucester Old Spots...


They are pretty big! They are off to market on Tuesday, and we are looking forward to getting some more when we get on the farm. Really really enjoyed these three ladies, they love having their belly rubbed!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Man and Dog


Behind Martin and Howdy is Martin's dad's veg plot, of which I am very jealous of. I helped with the sowing and pricking out, etc, but don't get to watch it grow or admire its beauty. My only comfort in this matter is soon we will be able to build a beautiful walled garden that you see in old period houses and fancy estates. I want it to be a destination in its own right, with a water feature and jasmine to spice the air. On a hot day I expect it to take me back to the beautiful walled gardens of Seville. Note: Hot day for ENGLAND, not a hot day for Spain.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

HOWDY!





And onto more exciting news, Howdy! The wonder puppy! To say we have fallen hopelessly in love would be an understatement. This dog is so bloody cute, it kills me!

Here is a picture of Howdy and Bear, whom he sleeps with at night. Sometimes Howdy likes to pounce on bear and bite his nose, but Bear has the patience of a saint...



Howdy also has a fondness for feet...












And can often be found sleeping on ours or where ours once use to be....


Howdy has many fans...


 And his number one fan finds it hard to stop herself from giving him almost TOO much love...


We think Howdy fits in well with us...



and we can't wait to give him even MORE room to run around, which should happen a week Thursday! Hooray!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Diamond Jubilee, blah blah blah...

What I am really excited about is Howdy, our new puppy! But the Royal Jubilee really shouldn't be ignored. It was actually a great affair.

Two public holidays were had by those unfortunate enough to have a 9-5 job and the long weekend was spent watching various events on the TV and enjoying a general feel good atmosphere.

Saturday there was a Jubilee "festival" in our local village, so we went on down to watch the local cricket teams play each other, badly, and enjoyed an afternoon on the grass drinking bear and catching up with the neighbours. There were some booths set up selling random things, not all Jubilee related, there was a May Pole, and as it wasn't raining, everyone was in a good mood. (Apparently the car in this photo is worth £800K!)



Sunday there was a river parade which we watched on telly. It was okay. I did my knitting at the same time so it was a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. Probably not so pleasant for people who had to actually be on the river as the weather was shocking. Cold and rainy. Poor Queenie. Almost killed Prince Philip... (although I think we all secretly know he was probably just bored to death by it all and faked being ill)



 On the Monday there was a very large concert held for her Royal Majesty, and a very good speech given by her eldest. However, we watched this the following afternoon as we were otherwise occupied at our hamlet's Jubilee party. Everyone in the neighbourhood gathered round for some BBQ and general good cheer and fun.



 The following day we were off to Poole to move out of the flat, and listened to the Queen thank the nation for a lovely celebration, again on the telly. It was a lovely weekend and I love living in a country that has these sort of celebrations, history and tradition. Long live the Queen!

As a side note every time they played "God Save the Queen, I could not but help to sing the lyrics to "America the Beautiful". In my head, not out loud.

Another side note, looks like we are set to complete on the farm on the 21st, which means I should be packing right now!