With apologies to those of you who were unable to book into Aspen House this weekend because of The Secret Birthday Party, we feel it only fair to tell you that a good time was had by all. The Birthday Girl (aka Billy Whizz, aka The Dynamic Duo, aka Sal’s Mum) knew nothing of it [...]
Had a visit from Frank’s dog again this morning. Anyone might be forgiven for seeing this as a particularly spectacular non-event. However, allow me to elaborate. Frank’s dog is a bit of an institution around here. A celebrity, in his own little way. Frank’s dog, in human terms, is about 140 years old and looks [...]
The chickens from next door are still using our garden as a food-and-comfort zone, a cross-country rally venue or a military assault course. One or all of the above. As quickly as we block up holes in the fence to prevent access, they create new ones. They might look about as bright as a new [...]
As I was coming back from collecting eggs this morning, I saw a weasel dashing across the road. Or it might have been a stoat. But don’t ask me to explain the difference. What? You don’t know? Okay, well, for those of you who really don’t know . . . the one is weasily recognised [...]
A day to remember. To get it off to a good start, it was the fifth day of the Fifth Test of the 2005 Ashes tour. After a predictably spectacular defeat against the Australians in the First Test, England had proved tenacious since then, effectively outplaying the Aussies and now trying to prevent an Australian [...]
Spotted some little visitors in the garden this morning. What you might call a bunch of gorgeous chicks. Beautifully kitted out in new plumage, and quite endearing, but industriously destructive too. Or destructively industrious, if you prefer – the result is the same. In fact, it is amazing how much bark mulch can be turned [...]
Half past seven in the morning, there we are in the kitchen preparing for breakfast, when a little squeak of excitement from Sally alerts me to something going on outside. Looking out onto the patio, I see we have had another visit from the sparrowhawk, but this time, rather then flying off with the prize, [...]
Farmers Market day today, but it wasn’t possible for us both to go in, so I volunteered. Parking the car in one of our usual spots, I walked the half mile into town, all smirks and self-congratulation that I had created this opportunity for an extra bit of exercise, despite suffering from a lower abdominal [...]