tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91395579169212219012024-03-13T23:57:56.221+00:00LeafblogotanicalsThoughts, recipes and musings on life in a country cottage.Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-89353268178639754072011-02-05T09:33:00.002+00:002011-02-05T09:50:07.462+00:00A Day Off....It 'feels' like an age since I took a day off from work... but of course it is not as bad as that.. honest! <br /><br />Over here in England, we are enjoying gale force winds - I hasten to add that these winds are nothing remotely like the force poor folk in Queensland, Australia have recently had to battle through. And after all those horrific floods too. <br /><br />No, ours are just plain old ordinary gale force. Mildly irritating after a while... you know how strong wind rather sets the teeth on edge and generally makes everyone a bit tetchy.<br /><br />I am amusing myself right now by looking out my window and watching my little hens. They are being blown hither and thither by the wind, their 'skirts' are being blown over their heads, they are even being blown head over heels when they have their beaks to the ground to peck at some delicious morsel or other. They remain determined. They have a studied nonchalance that belies the fact that they are totally powerless against the force of the wind. <br /><br />They make me laugh.<br /><br />You know how much I love my hens. They are little charmers that wriggle their little way into our hearts. Individual characters with individual voices. They have taught me so much over the past 3 or 4 years we've been 'keeping' hens. And they gladden my heart every time I look at them.<br /><br />Whatever it is that gladdens your heart, I hope you have time to enjoy it this weekend. With love, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-81568550410144462942011-01-16T20:52:00.003+00:002011-01-16T20:57:45.843+00:00Been a looooonnnnng time comin'...Yes, it has indeed been a long time coming.. this post that is! Much has happened in our neck of the woods and we have, sadly, lost many good friends in the intervening period of time since I posted.<br />My darling Bear, for one, has departed, R's most lovely and wonderful father also. I've hated the thought of passing on bad news to you. So radio silence seemed the best and frankly, the easiest option.<br />But times move on and we are gently enjoying our lives again. And I hope to be able to annoy you in the future with some more posts from this side of the world. We have thought of you often and just as often, snuck in to see what you have been up to.. cheeky of us, I know.<br />Love to you all, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-64817854007566254372009-06-13T09:58:00.002+01:002009-06-13T10:16:11.604+01:00Simple things...<table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/jiDcEehg76UpiNepvbQOjw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIiT4Y2dyvmp0AE&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/Collages?authkey=Gv1sRgCIiT4Y2dyvmp0AE&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr></tbody></table><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/jiDcEehg76UpiNepvbQOjw?authkey=Gv1sRgCIiT4Y2dyvmp0AE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjNqE7eDhhI/AAAAAAAABWg/VS0qUJOMH0k/s400/2009-01-10%20leafhouseinsnow.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm late, late for this post - I said I'd post this yesterday but I didn't reckon with 'Fridays' and all that Friday sometimes brings with it. So my apologies to Christina of the beautiful </span><a href="http://soulaperture.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Soul Aperture</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and her celebration of the simple, everyday things in our lives.</span><a href="http://soulaperture.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sunshine on my face ~</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">my dogs ~ the scent of honeysuckle in the early morning light ~</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">you ~ a clutch of newly laid eggs ~ a rose ~ the warmth of your hand in mine ~ the grasses waving in the gentle breeze ~ the waves lapping on the beach </span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">I wish you a peaceful weekend in the company of all you love. Vxx</span></p><p><br /> </p>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-19637616044024083192009-06-11T08:08:00.008+01:002009-06-11T09:18:14.271+01:00It's raining, it's pouring....For nearly a week now, we've had rain, rain and more of the jolly stuff... I know the ground was far too dry and the farmers were beginning to be a little depressed but I didn't think we needed quite this much rain. Thunder storms and lightning. Tropical rain. Deluging. Flooding. You name it, and it's doing it! It's even been cold enough to light the fire and click the button to start the central heating going.<br /><br /><br /><br />The evening before the rain started, I had rather fortunately decided that I should take a few photos of some of the roses in the garden. Madame Alfred <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carriere</span> has chosen this year to put on her best display since being planted near our front door about 7 years ago. Gorgeous, shaggy blossoms with an intoxicating perfume. In the still evening air, the perfume is almost overwhelming.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/KQUZyeh3gVEV94UxE4XjMA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCw9JvQSzI/AAAAAAAABUY/PTz7t5Z_frI/s400/IMG_1333.JPG" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p>Here she is again, but in close up.</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/7kR2ZztZFfpE1iz5rGHckA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCw4VaBDAI/AAAAAAAABUU/Ifvw2LseIsk/s400/IMG_1332.JPG" /></a></p><br />And once more, even closer...<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/PH_guIX0NBgoHkYF7CRa2Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCxHzMKNzI/AAAAAAAABUg/vn8IdSP6UsQ/s400/IMG_1340.JPG" /></a></p><br />The next rose is '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sceptr'd</span> Isle' which is a David Austin rose. Simply perfect blooms with an extraordinary perfume - aromatic rather than sweet to my mind.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/IqkGHqb_k4CVKi2-q-AH9A?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCxO_upXxI/AAAAAAAABUk/ZIjadb1JNRY/s400/IMG_1349.JPG" /></a></p><br />And this is Buff Beauty. The first is the early stage of the flower with it's egg-yolk yellow centre<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/67qPfgPGCgIJxzcChFO2MA?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCxZOM38iI/AAAAAAAABUs/n1Ce-QZJbJc/s400/IMG_1363.JPG" /></a></p><p></p><p>and which slowly turns into this...</p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/Z_z8HfoQu25FciBgTwxjLQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCxgveB7fI/AAAAAAAABUw/HyT4sTxEbU4/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" /></a></p><p></p><p>A quick view of a couple of clematis climbing over a trellis fence - The President and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Broughton</span> Castle. The latter has been an amazing plant as when I bought it, the poor thing was such a mess that the garden nursery decided to let me buy it for 50 pence only. I guess they didn't expect it to survive, but this is only its third season and it's growing so well!<br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/bsOOwrmvCLepkDXKte2U1g?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"></a> </p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/RosesAndGarden?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/bsOOwrmvCLepkDXKte2U1g?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCxm7-4bgI/AAAAAAAABU0/iwItGLXcHug/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" /></a></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Finally, here's a photo of our younger dog. She is never too keen on having her photo taken and I think you can probably see that from her expression!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/uRg8dASHF_ZGjIVOzvPSfg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWA67rw5O6yJg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SjCz3YsnGQI/AAAAAAAABVQ/dbUAQHgoxho/s400/IMG_1368.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br />I hope you are enjoying warm and sunny weather - please could you send a little over this way?!! With warm wishes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Vxx</span>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-2145908819701177932009-06-10T08:12:00.007+01:002009-06-10T09:18:44.747+01:00New Hens...It seems like an age ago that we collected our 'new' rescue hens. At the time, I hadn't even thought of names for all of them, so I asked for suggestions from you... and I'm pleased to say that the two 'nameless' ones now have names. Gretchen and Miss Marple are the lucky ones (the other two already had names of Betty and Ellen).<br /><br />Here's a now rather oldish image of them enjoying their first time truly in the sun. I think it was taken late March this year and the ground was still too wet for them to enjoy a dust bath so they stretched out on the paving near the old tennis court and, I think, enjoyed their first taste of true freedom. You can see that they are still in pretty tatty condition. Ellen is at the front of the photo, Betty to the right behind her and Miss Marple is to the left of Betty.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/RV1whEVBviAQX7dz5OMh_g?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SienxVM1YaI/AAAAAAAABP0/hwDmaTIf27k/s400/IMG_1198.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/HensClematisAndPearTrees?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite">Hens clematis and pear trees</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Here's Gretchen - she's very sweet and probably can't quite believe that a) she can stretch out rather than being cramped in her cage and b) she's free to do whatever she wants... I've rather cropped her jaunty little tail feather which looks like a feather sticking out of a 'Robin Hood' type cap!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/tUfYh2YTf6srlyZ4XDrqFQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sien0LKUi7I/AAAAAAAABP4/xEomSo5cmYE/s400/IMG_1197.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br />Back when these photos were taken, the new girls were still being kept away from the other hens as I was very concerned about the strong territorial instincts of the existing hens. The two groups are now being permitted to mix together during the daytime but they are still not very keen on each other. I guess before too much longer I will put the four new ones in with the others at night and hopefully that should sort the problem out. Why haven't I done it before now, I hear you ask. Well, because the older ones try to keep the weaker ones away from the food and so they become even weaker...<br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/nnTXpYeE5SbYqSHZz8GTUQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite"></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/HensClematisAndPearTrees?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite"></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/nnTXpYeE5SbYqSHZz8GTUQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sien82dUoRI/AAAAAAAABQA/yZrgpcmrXMc/s400/IMG_1194.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />Miss Marple (above) was very badly damaged on arrival. Very, very bruised and she still holds her right wing in a rather peculiar fashion, although she is now able to use it quite well. She is such a character! As soon as she sees either of us, she comes running full tilt towards us, chattering away and weaving herself through and around our feet. She's so tiny that utmost care has to be taken not to hurt her whilst we try to walk with this little thing scurrying along between our feet... <br /><br />There is no doubt in my mind that these little creatures very definitely know that they have been given a new and different life.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/xmXogSzK2KpMBPeihalv1w?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXW_dvNxIWWFg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SieoIJ7-Q3I/AAAAAAAABQM/qQtD7n0-nN0/s400/IMG_1191.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br />This photo above shows you that they were still in quite poor condition, feather wise. They are slowly improving and growing new feathers to cover their little pink tummies. They are becoming so much stronger and I know it won't be too much longer before they fully integrated with the other girls.<br /><br />I hope you are enjoying warm weather and sunshine! With warm wishes to you, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-84453321357791122992009-06-06T09:12:00.007+01:002009-06-06T17:05:14.165+01:00Sverige nationaldag... and just as you were getting over the party from yesterday's celebrations for Danish National Day, they hit you with...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344125007648298514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiolYUwolhI/AAAAAAAABQ4/qn9jilAZOsg/s320/Flag_of_Sweden_svg.png" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Swedish National Day! Oh no; another party!</p><p>Here are a few photos from our last trip to Sweden - we travelled to the island of Orust to visit the Hallberg Rassy yard during their Open Weekend... BIG mistake! We stayed at the iconic Handelsman Flink Hotel for a couple of nights and rather wished we'd booked for longer. This is one view from outside our room which was very comfortable, spotlessly clean - we enjoyed sitting outside to drink in the views (and a beer each...).</p><p>I also wished that we'd booked into the little cottage right on the waterfront - you can see it just above the hire car - it looked absolutely divine.</p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/pqyOyvgXOq-4I8ypn7XkbQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiozG1hUyKI/AAAAAAAABSA/s5ZTMWUMPPM/s400/scan0005.jpg" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/MyScans?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite">My Scans</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br />Here's another view across the sound to Orust - how lovely it all was. </p><p><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/2HWZn2NjacGbyM7wwvL5qQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sioy5rM9uYI/AAAAAAAABR4/xmYQ9q49L6g/s400/scan0003.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/MyScans?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite">My Scans</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Here's yours truly, enjoying the sunshine and one of those beers I was talking about earlier. Not my favourite drink I have to admit - which is not something I can say about Champagne :) ... Sadly the colour has scanned very badly - it was far more restrained than it is in these photos. </p><p><br /></p><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><p align="left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/pA-5sLmqHJ_Gbw_JFxYxIQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Siozn8MHjJI/AAAAAAAABSE/TkU0Y2hEYkE/s400/scan0007.jpg" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/MyScans?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite">My Scans</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br />On our last day visiting the yard, we had organised a couple of test sails. The last one was on the Hallberg 54 (a BIG, BIG mistake...) and Magnus Rassy himself kindly took us out for this one. My husband Richard is at the helm, and you can see the big smile on Magnus' face as my husband gave us an absolutely cracking sail back towards the yard and marina... Magnus is delighted because Richard is catching the HR48 which had started out before us. Richard is smiling because the guy at the helm of the HR48 has sailed in the Olympics... (<em>and made all the more special because the HR48 was under full sail whilst we were only under staysail... yes, I'm proud of him!)</em><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/mB9v-vvTumeC-ruglpJgbA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sioy_5VvWkI/AAAAAAAABR8/adAX62KZUic/s400/scan0004.jpg" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/MyScans?authkey=Gv1sRgCPe3s-igxLf0kwE&feat=embedwebsite">My Scans</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I guess that you can see from the last couple of posts that we love both Denmark and Sweden. Both countries are stunningly beautiful and the people could not be more charming and friendly. Perhaps one day we will turn that love into a home. As to the yacht, well that is definitely on our list of 'must haves'! And then we'll be able to visit another country that we love very much - Finland.</p><p>We have yet to visit Norway but I suspect that it too will become a firm favourite with us.</p><p>Anyway, here's to Sweden, the Swedish people and their National Day!</p><p>With warm wishes to you, Vxx<br /><br /></p>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-45810126555965050372009-06-05T11:13:00.004+01:002009-06-05T11:43:54.742+01:00National days<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SijwDDoNNfI/AAAAAAAABQo/Cd11ikP6MLU/s1600-h/Flag_of_Denmark_svg.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343784893179311602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SijwDDoNNfI/AAAAAAAABQo/Cd11ikP6MLU/s320/Flag_of_Denmark_svg.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Here in the UK we don't really celebrate any 'national days' which is a shame! Today is National Day in Denmark. We love Denmark and the Danes! A couple of summers ago my husband and I chartered a yacht from a company based in Kerteminde on the island of Fyn and sailed around that island, with small detours, for two weeks. It was fabulous! Actually, there were three of us on board... Fizz was there. Here he is in Årøsund looking after the boat while we popped ashore for a walk:</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343789448250388754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sij0MMlx8RI/AAAAAAAABQw/XjhTpUnG93k/s320/HR34Linette.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>We had meant to spend the night in the lovely town of Haderslev but, having sailed 6 miles up the stunningly beautiful river to the town harbour, it was full! So, 6 miles back again to the entrance, turn right for a few miles and into Årøsund. That's one of the (many) wonderful things about sailing in this area: you are never far away from somwhere nice.</div><div> </div><div>So, very best wishes to all our Danish friends on their day! </div><div> </div><div>Warm wishes! Veronica. xxx</div></div>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-11850012319662840262009-06-03T08:36:00.006+01:002009-06-03T10:21:08.895+01:00'Tis the season...Actually, it's well into the season. You might be forgiven for wondering if this little creature is some form of particularly well-moustached mouse ...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/bpU-OAweQs5E3dtu52U8vA?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiYnkV6PBqI/AAAAAAAABNM/aGqLYvUqui4/s400/IMG_1261.JPG" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/2009_05_11?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite">2009_05_11</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />...when in fact it is just a little Dunnock collecting 'Bear hair' (from my dear dog, Bear) in order to do a little home renovation/refurbishing..<br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/vCsaBHSxr9KwDD6vDsmRuw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiYnpLQ82cI/AAAAAAAABNQ/g__-P4IAY7M/s400/IMG_1262.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/2009_05_11?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite">2009_05_11</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Just how these little things manage to collect so much into their little beaks is a mystery - or maybe a miracle<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/Fy_g2wWXoTXUaVU_125-ug?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiYnr24RR6I/AAAAAAAABNU/-Lu35zqlugI/s400/IMG_1264.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/2009_05_11?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite">2009_05_11</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />But I love to watch them wandering around the garden collecting straw, grasses or fur to do their mid-season work. How industrious they are and how 'house proud' they are !<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/cs8aamAhUEcWBQ1ZI8L8gw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiYnyUGKFMI/AAAAAAAABNY/0aJr0rDt-4Y/s400/IMG_1267.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/2009_05_11?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite">2009_05_11</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Still, a bird has to know just when enough is enough and head back with the collection for re-lining the nest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="WIDTH: auto" align="center"><tbody><tr><td><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/sm7ibYMTmL5O0iv7ig4edw?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SiYn1wuXtzI/AAAAAAAABNc/BNjbGHk0I5E/s400/IMG_1268.JPG" /></a></p></td></tr><tr><td style="FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: arial,sans-serif; TEXT-ALIGN: right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/VeronicaHayes54/2009_05_11?authkey=Gv1sRgCLK8nN-9pYXvnAE&feat=embedwebsite">2009_05_11</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />I hope you'r enjoying a sunshine filled day. With warm wishes, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-20286648010363676882009-05-28T09:18:00.000+01:002009-05-28T09:18:53.407+01:00Thank You...It's been sometime since I last posted - and goodness how a few things have changed on Blogger! Seems I have to spend a bit of time re-learning how to load images etc! <br />
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These photos of some flowers in my garden are to say <strong>Thank You</strong> for all the wonderfully kind comments I have received since my last post (which I've deleted...)<br />
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This first image is specifically for my friends in Iowa (Russell and Bailey) as I had promised to do a blog on the lilacs in my garden but never quite got around to it... sorry guys and I hope you'll forgive me!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3572070271/" title="lilacblog09 by vrnchayes, on Flickr"><img alt="lilacblog09" height="321" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3572070271_32260d4475_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
This next flower is commonly known as Bleeding Heart but more correctly as a Dicentra...<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3572880086/" title="bleedingheartblog09 by vrnchayes, on Flickr"><img alt="bleedingheartblog09" height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3572880086_9ae44bd4df_o.jpg" width="410" /></a><br />
</div><br />
And finally, a Clematis that flowers in late winter just outside the window where I type here for this blog... the view is taken from directly underneath the flower heads so as to be able to see into the little blossoms rather than just from the side as normal...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3572883554/" title="clematis2blog09 by vrnchayes, on Flickr"><img alt="clematis2blog09" height="281" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3572883554_cdf3278701_o.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br />
I'll be spending a bit of time catching up with your blog over the next few days or so.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> With warm wishes, Vxx</span>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-49456975554857639352009-04-18T12:30:00.016+01:002009-04-18T14:17:49.830+01:00Thank you...<div>Firstly, this post is very late in coming as it seems like ages ago that Spencer from <a href="http://bellamerecottage.blogspot.com/">Bellamere Cottage</a> so kindly gave me these awards. I've been having the strangest problems trying to load the images onto my blog but happily that mostly seems to be resolved now -I'm still having trouble with a couple of the images but if I wait for that to sort itself out then I might be waiting a long time. Too long for politeness, that's for sure! Spencer does know that about this so I hope that she will still forgive for the inordinate amount of time it has taken me.<br /><br />Secondly, I am absolutely delighted to have received these awards so Thank You Spencer for your kindness and generosity in giving them to me. Actually in truth it must be said that I very much doubt that I deserve them at all, so it just goes to show what a lovely person Spencer is! I love her great sense of humour, and even though she has only just started out in Blogland, Spencer is already making a multitude of friends because of her pretty blog and her charming posts - she seems to bubble over with happiness even when she is going through a sad time. So if you haven't had the pleasure of meeting <a href="http://bellamerecottage.blogspot.com/">Spencer</a> then please visit her blog and introduce yourself to her.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sem-xkMVUtI/AAAAAAAABFY/ipKrsLnxOXE/s1600-h/chandy_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325997793080595154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sem-xkMVUtI/AAAAAAAABFY/ipKrsLnxOXE/s400/chandy_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sem_WMyRBhI/AAAAAAAABFg/yO3kNrqwu7I/s1600-h/riet_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325998422452405778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sem_WMyRBhI/AAAAAAAABFg/yO3kNrqwu7I/s320/riet_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And finally, the Friendship award which asks me to pass this onto 8 more blogging friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sem_5SDTEEI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh8JVSA8jnA/s1600-h/shirley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325999025161441346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sem_5SDTEEI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh8JVSA8jnA/s320/shirley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Friendship Award also comes with the following message:-<br />"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated." It adds:-<br />"Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."<br /><br />I have to say that it is the Friendship Award that strikes a chord with me because of the friendships I have made from blogging. So many wonderful people scattered around the globe who have touched my heart and who I feel are my friends. Thank you all and thank you once again to Spencer.<br /><br />I do understand that many people in Blogland are very, very busy and maybe don't even care to receive these awards so please don't feel obligated to go through all the steps here - just know that I think YOU are special and that I'm grateful to know you. If you want to take up the awards and name a further 8 people then that's great. Just copy and paste the images and post them (well, try to...!)on your site and link to the other 8 people's blogs. I'd like to be able to pass the award onto each and everyone of my blogging friends, so please, please feel free to pick up any, or all, of these awards and post them onto your site. I'm well aware that this is probably breaking the 'Rules' but how can there be rules with friendship? </p><br /><p>Anyway, here's my list:-</p><br /><p align="center">Meggie from the wonderful Life's Free Treats - my first blogging friend with a fabulous, thought provoking, insightful blog -<a href="http://lifesfreetreats.blogspot.com/">http://lifesfreetreats.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">Deedee who is also quite new to blogging but has quite a following of enthusiastic fans - look at her blog and you'll see why! -<a href="http://deedeecutadrift.blogspot.com/">http://deedeecutadrift.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">Jack, my good friend with a such a wonderful sense for a good post - he's not feeling too well right now so please visit him and cheer him up - <a href="http://jackc50.blogspot.com/">http://jackc50.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">June is simply Wonderful! That's really all I have to say because that describes her perfectly - excepting that she is also the kindest, most gentle person around blogland - <a href="http://laughingwithangels.blogspot.com/">http://laughingwithangels.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">Pondside, my dear friend from Vancouver Island - beautifully written and thoughtful posts, all judiciously mixed with such a sense of humour and love of life - <a href="http://pondside1741.blogspot.com/">http://pondside1741.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">Russell from Iowa with a fantastic blog - well, let's face it, it's really the gorgeous Bailey, his dog, with the fantastic blog (sorry Russell!) - <a href="http://iowagrasslands.blogspot.com/">http://iowagrasslands.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">Tracy from Norway who has befriended me and has such a beautiful blog - she is extraordinarily talented and makes exquisite jewellery and knitted items for her fabulous Artfire and Etsy shops - <a href="http://pinkpurl.typepad.com/">http://pinkpurl.typepad.com/</a></p><br /><p align="center">and now someone with a wonderful eye for a sublime photograph/image. Maureen posts regularly and has some wonderful studies from around her famous home city - <a href="http://maureendonegal.blogspot.com/">http://maureendonegal.blogspot.com/</a></p><br /><p align="left">I can't finish this post on Friendship without mentioning my friend Marie from Dreaming of Wild Roses (<a href="http://dreamingofwildroses.blogspot.com/">http://dreamingofwildroses.blogspot.com/</a>)- we have so much in common and I'm so grateful to have met her. Marie is going through an immensely busy time right now, with no extra time for all these awards entail, but I wanted to take this opportunity of acknowledging a special friendship. Hugs to you, my friend.</p><br /><p align="left">I hope you are enjoying a sunny and happy weekend! With warm wishes, Vxx<br /><br /></p>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-7191443948728353972009-04-14T11:02:00.007+01:002009-04-14T11:11:46.275+01:00Blue, White and some Vintage...A posy of blue and white flowers from the garden. Simply because they are there for the picking now - such a treat after the winter.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRfdTCIPjI/AAAAAAAABEA/kxGDx3HSkwA/s1600-h/blue+moods+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324485616388816434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 364px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRfdTCIPjI/AAAAAAAABEA/kxGDx3HSkwA/s400/blue+moods+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br />Another view -<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRf4wxyzaI/AAAAAAAABEI/n1A9AwkCfV4/s1600-h/blue+moods+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRf4wxyzaI/AAAAAAAABEI/n1A9AwkCfV4/s400/blue+moods+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324486088229834146" /></a><br /><br />An old platter that was my Mother's. It's from our days in Malaysia and I love both this and the one to follow dearly.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRgWnE6wRI/AAAAAAAABEQ/FfTV7hz3o34/s1600-h/blue+moods+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRgWnE6wRI/AAAAAAAABEQ/FfTV7hz3o34/s400/blue+moods+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324486601021767954" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRgkEAfC2I/AAAAAAAABEY/3irPihj4QH4/s1600-h/blue+moods+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRgkEAfC2I/AAAAAAAABEY/3irPihj4QH4/s400/blue+moods+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324486832126102370" /></a><br /><br />Some enamel work on the back of a spoon...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRg2jElyXI/AAAAAAAABEg/Vjt8vQGenII/s1600-h/blue+moods+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeRg2jElyXI/AAAAAAAABEg/Vjt8vQGenII/s400/blue+moods+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324487149702465906" /></a><br /><br />A few of my favourite things around the home - hope you like them too! Warm wishes to you, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-66304560332786772162009-04-13T12:25:00.009+01:002009-04-13T14:25:37.034+01:00Scenes from the Weekend... Part 4<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMhUVk7etI/AAAAAAAABBk/srfYROxhxpA/s1600-h/Recovered+Autosave1.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMhUVk7etI/AAAAAAAABBk/srfYROxhxpA/s400/Recovered+Autosave1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><br /><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"></a></div><br />We enjoyed a very pleasant evening at The Queen's Head... There were only a few people around this time, either chatting to friends, having a meal, reading newspapers or just relaxing at the end of their weekends. It was nice to catch up with a few of our friends and find out about the things that they had been doing over the course of the weekend - Sarah and Mark had been gliding, and Roger and Maureen had been busy in the garden and windsurfing.<br /><br />Here's an image of the main fireplace at the Queen's...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMkBeJ44sI/AAAAAAAABCE/cyOBxrz5JSI/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+200.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324138792175067842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMkBeJ44sI/AAAAAAAABCE/cyOBxrz5JSI/s400/birthday+weekend+images+200.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is one view from the table we sat at to eat our meal. There probably aren't too many pubs even in this country with the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom on the wall... England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are each represented on this Coat of Arms. If you look at the top right hand image in the collage, then you can probably get a better impression...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMl3WTz-QI/AAAAAAAABCM/VnmXvAnWoow/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+196.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324140817293768962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMl3WTz-QI/AAAAAAAABCM/VnmXvAnWoow/s400/birthday+weekend+images+196.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here's the other view from our table, looking through into the bar area itself. Roger and Maureen are seated to the left.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMmi3GWNaI/AAAAAAAABCU/xd0nlRWDBB4/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+198.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324141564830037410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMmi3GWNaI/AAAAAAAABCU/xd0nlRWDBB4/s400/birthday+weekend+images+198.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here's the view from the other side of the bar, with Jerry doing his stuff behind the bar - he's an excellent bar manager. We're standing and chatting to Sarah and Mark who had just come in as we were finishing our meals...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMnw4zUt9I/AAAAAAAABCc/outAvHEunug/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+201.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324142905316915154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMnw4zUt9I/AAAAAAAABCc/outAvHEunug/s400/birthday+weekend+images+201.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They decided to eat also so we sat down with them whilst they enjoyed their meal. Here's a close up view of the beer engines behind the bar, taken from the table just near the fireplace.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMoUlKOAUI/AAAAAAAABCk/r8zkyAQZJJE/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324143518519525698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMoUlKOAUI/AAAAAAAABCk/r8zkyAQZJJE/s400/birthday+weekend+images+210.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and a final view of that wonderful fireplace with the wood burning down at the end of a very pleasant evening.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMpE3Bg88I/AAAAAAAABCs/27aKEycUJgo/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+203.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324144347948577730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SeMpE3Bg88I/AAAAAAAABCs/27aKEycUJgo/s400/birthday+weekend+images+203.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for joining us and I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we did. Warm wishes, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-12325790395638040102009-04-09T11:28:00.027+01:002009-04-09T13:11:09.567+01:00Scenes from the weekend... Part 3Right <a href="http://jackc50.blogspot.com/">Jack</a> and <a href="http://pondside1741.blogspot.com/">Pondside</a> have you everything you'll need... wallet, handbag, coat or sweater? Okay, jump in my car and let's head off to the Queen's Head. Our table is booked for 7.30pm but we'll leave about 7pm so that the light is still good enough to show you some of the sights along the way. Seat belts on - it's the law over here. Comfy? Off we go!<br /><br /><p>We pull out of our drive and head to the right, south, and to the village of Hawkedon. It's England so that's pronounced with 3 syllables as in Haw - k' - d'n...</p><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3RbshaSDI/AAAAAAAAA8c/SghMWWKVAiU/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+165.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322640608359761970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3RbshaSDI/AAAAAAAAA8c/SghMWWKVAiU/s200/birthday+weekend+images+165.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We go past Stonecross Green which of course you already know about and head out into the open countryside. Unfortunately for everyone else, we are heading into the sun so the images have come out a little dark but hopefully you'll be able to see fairly well... This is looking towards the next village, Rede (as in Reed) which is quite charming although you won't get to see it all as we turn left at the junction into the village and leave it behind us.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3c74zmqdI/AAAAAAAAA-s/2gYpgNPHhEA/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322653256041015762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3c74zmqdI/AAAAAAAAA-s/2gYpgNPHhEA/s320/birthday+weekend+images+166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The road's quite a winding one and we cross over this little bridge...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3dO44xLMI/AAAAAAAAA-0/0mbUS6GK3s4/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+167.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322653582480190658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3dO44xLMI/AAAAAAAAA-0/0mbUS6GK3s4/s320/birthday+weekend+images+167.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />now you can see Rede church ahead of us...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3d2pDHliI/AAAAAAAAA-8/W6tWMIj2-Yc/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+169.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322654265423402530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3d2pDHliI/AAAAAAAAA-8/W6tWMIj2-Yc/s320/birthday+weekend+images+169.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and here we are at the little junction on the outskirts of Rede... of course, you could always catch the bus to the pub if you wanted to?...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3ePwaEZ1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/JckgG51o3Dg/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 163px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3ePwaEZ1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/JckgG51o3Dg/s320/birthday+weekend+images+172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322654696895440722" /></a><br /><br />Having turned left, we're heading in a south westerly direction. Before you know it, we're sort of on the 'outskirts' of Hawkedon. We're just going past the Hawkedon Veterinary Surgery where we have a major financial interest due to all the times we've visited over the years. When we first had to come here it was with our younger dog. She was just a puppy and it was an emergency visit (aren't they always...), Sally the vet looked at our puppy and said to me, 'Here, hold this...' and thrust her 6 week old baby daughter into my arms whilst she got on with the serious stuff... those were the days when the surgery was in a tiny little 'Portacabin' arrangement... so, as you see a major financial investment here... But I still think that they do a fantastic job and wouldn't consider taking my pets anywhere else...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3W6FbozuI/AAAAAAAAA98/mQvOq7Z5DSc/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+181.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322646628000648930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3W6FbozuI/AAAAAAAAA98/mQvOq7Z5DSc/s320/birthday+weekend+images+181.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On the crest of the hill and now you see in the distance the village of Hawkedon...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3Yc2R6bLI/AAAAAAAAA-E/MJPcFrgv4U4/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+186.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322648324740377778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3Yc2R6bLI/AAAAAAAAA-E/MJPcFrgv4U4/s320/birthday+weekend+images+186.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />down the hill and you see the village sign...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3Y08acY6I/AAAAAAAAA-M/p67bXBkST0g/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322648738703631266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3Y08acY6I/AAAAAAAAA-M/p67bXBkST0g/s320/birthday+weekend+images+188.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Perfect! Not too many people here but enough to mean that we have to park the car here on the road, just outside...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3ZjMpRZpI/AAAAAAAAA-U/oqJaXL0VpGY/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+191.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322649533334775442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3ZjMpRZpI/AAAAAAAAA-U/oqJaXL0VpGY/s320/birthday+weekend+images+191.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's a photo of the outside of the pub - maybe you can show your families back home where we went for a meal, a drink and a chat...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3aDuZwlDI/AAAAAAAAA-c/VQfjs0FyQFM/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+193.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322650092152329266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3aDuZwlDI/AAAAAAAAA-c/VQfjs0FyQFM/s320/birthday+weekend+images+193.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Queen's Head in the village of Hawkedon, Suffolk, England.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3atkKvEdI/AAAAAAAAA-k/A_Mfxhw1PRE/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+195.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322650810959466962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sd3atkKvEdI/AAAAAAAAA-k/A_Mfxhw1PRE/s400/birthday+weekend+images+195.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Grab your coats, it's cold now - let's go inside and see if there's anyone we know there and we'll introduce you...Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-84884216989326508012009-04-07T16:45:00.025+01:002009-04-07T19:15:02.308+01:00Scenes from the weekend... Part 2Palm Sunday morning; gorgeous blue sky and some real warmth in the air. This morning we're off to our local community centre where a few members of the village cricket team are gathering to do some preparatory work for the coming season. The pitch has to be marked out, the grass mowed and rolled. The practice nets need to be checked and mended. The grass where last year's Guy Fawkes bonfire was situated also needs some work to it before it can be played on.<br /><br /><br />It's not a 'serious' team but they enjoy quite a few social matches and we all chip in to do our bit. I don't play but my husband does and I thought it a perfect opportunity to snap a few photos for my blog!<br /><br /><br />The first thing we saw when we drove into the carpark was this hot air balloon - not sure if it had a 'learner driver' at the controls but it seemed to be having some problems with sufficient lift. By the time we'd parked and I'd managed to grab my camera and scramble out of the car, it had gained some height...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduFiCg-pbI/AAAAAAAAA54/2x99zhKpw50/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321994204505613746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduFiCg-pbI/AAAAAAAAA54/2x99zhKpw50/s320/birthday+weekend+images+076.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />only for it to skew off to the side a little when it then lost all height and dropped into the field... that it wasn't supposed to land in! It dragged along for probably 100 metres or so and then started to climb once more... no doubt the basket removed quite a lot of the crop as it dragged along the ground!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduGl1wDLFI/AAAAAAAAA6A/KjiM6ikoMcA/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321995369310268498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduGl1wDLFI/AAAAAAAAA6A/KjiM6ikoMcA/s320/birthday+weekend+images+081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fortunately, it regained good height and headed off to wherever these things head off to... but I rather suspect that the passengers got a little more excitement than they bargained for.<br /><br />The guys got stuck into the area of grass that needed to be repaired from the bonfire. Although new turf had been laid here, the heavy winter rains had done a bit of damage to the soil levels and it needed to be levelled out a little to make it safe for all.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduIFPsAZEI/AAAAAAAAA6I/L5ei3or_MOc/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321997008360203330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 99px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduIFPsAZEI/AAAAAAAAA6I/L5ei3or_MOc/s320/birthday+weekend+images+099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I thought I'd leave them all to it and take the opportunity to see what was hiding in the 'outfield' or the rough grass. Maybe head over to one of the benches whilst I watched them all working - what a treat! When I reached the first bench, I decided that there wasn't quite enough sun to enjoy so started to walk on by. And that was when I noticed that it was not actually the nice quiet little spot I'd originally thought it might be...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduJSCPbo1I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/6yT5DL8NsSw/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321998327600620370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduJSCPbo1I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/6yT5DL8NsSw/s320/birthday+weekend+images+098.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's one of those compressed air bird scarer guns and it was only about 30 or so feet away from the bench! Mind you, I guess it would be pretty peaceful after you'd had your heart attack.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduKShDtG1I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/8PxV89Q84YU/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321999435384560466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduKShDtG1I/AAAAAAAAA6Y/8PxV89Q84YU/s320/birthday+weekend+images+104.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A sweet little violet blossoming in the shelter under some trees and below a photo of some leaf bursting through on a horse chestnut tree... and clearly an angel had brushed by this branch.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduK3EPfdhI/AAAAAAAAA6g/Jygpg9bxq3c/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322000063304529426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduK3EPfdhI/AAAAAAAAA6g/Jygpg9bxq3c/s320/birthday+weekend+images+108.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, the guys were starting to get a little serious with their work, so I decided to wander back and take a some photos of their efforts. Discussions were held about the correct area to mow - or was that about the correct way to mow the area?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduMP891XOI/AAAAAAAAA6o/owIs02icSno/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322001590359776482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 172px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduMP891XOI/AAAAAAAAA6o/owIs02icSno/s320/birthday+weekend+images+125.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some manpower went into the cutting and the rolling...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduMxF3AaLI/AAAAAAAAA6w/U26upSY_S1I/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+139.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322002159682742450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduMxF3AaLI/AAAAAAAAA6w/U26upSY_S1I/s320/birthday+weekend+images+139.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />then more cutting whilst some fertiliser was spread over the cut grass...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduPEfzUC4I/AAAAAAAAA7I/TAADCyOVdnI/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322004692087344002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduPEfzUC4I/AAAAAAAAA7I/TAADCyOVdnI/s320/birthday+weekend+images+146.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and the batting practice nets were mended...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduNaSjtqhI/AAAAAAAAA64/vzK_xBrusco/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322002867466119698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduNaSjtqhI/AAAAAAAAA64/vzK_xBrusco/s320/birthday+weekend+images+141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But clearly they enjoyed themselves and a lot of fun was had by all.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduN3yzoWRI/AAAAAAAAA7A/PwTOAcX7Ma4/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+149.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322003374339021074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SduN3yzoWRI/AAAAAAAAA7A/PwTOAcX7Ma4/s320/birthday+weekend+images+149.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Time to have a little chat about this and that before we all headed back to our homes, lunch and whatever other plans we had in place for the rest of the day.... for us, a little more work in the garden, a lazy lunch in the sun and then later on we were heading off to the Queen's Head for a nice, relaxed evening meal. Hope you can join us! Warm wishes, VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-1480572788449512202009-04-06T10:35:00.018+01:002009-04-06T12:34:27.107+01:00Scenes from the weekend... Part 1The Saturday before Easter and the weather is superb today. Whilst the air temperature is not exactly on the cosy side, the sunshine is wonderful and, if you can get out of the cool breeze that's blowing, then there is definite warmth in the sun! We had an exciting morning visiting one of the local supermarkets (I know, I know) and then headed off to an agricultural supplier to get some more grit and various bits and bobs for the new hens. More of them later. Then back home and a few chores around the home before heading into the garden... lots and lots of chores to be done there at this time of the year.<br /><br />In tune with Easter, a bunch of (mostly!) yellow flowers, some from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">supermarket</span> visit earlier this morning whilst the daffodils are from our garden. Just in an old white jug and placed in the hall...<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnNXuFzoyI/AAAAAAAAA3I/Amr8kyAU2mQ/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321510242108023586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnNXuFzoyI/AAAAAAAAA3I/Amr8kyAU2mQ/s320/birthday+weekend+images+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><br /><br /><p>I love these two green crystal bowls you can see here - they are old but I don't know how old they are. However, I think the etching is charming. I expect that they are the type of bowls that would have been placed on a dining table, ready for the dregs a wine glass to be emptied into when a new wine was to be served...</p><p></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnOuijh3rI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/BIt70cjM4ak/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321511733660081842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnOuijh3rI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/BIt70cjM4ak/s400/birthday+weekend+images+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In keeping with the yellow theme, some freesias with their delicious perfume wafting through the kitchen. Fortunately, you can't really define the dead <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ceanothus</span> through the window - it didn't survive this last winter even with the protection of the house close to it, so this weekend it's going to go!<br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnP2hSPTUI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/zaseTU5EvtU/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321512970269707586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnP2hSPTUI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/zaseTU5EvtU/s320/birthday+weekend+images+041.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p><br />More on the theme of yellow - this time some self sown cowslips in the garden underneath one of the pear trees. There are masses in this area of the grass but these are the first to show their faces.</p><p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnQrBMPprI/AAAAAAAAA3g/FLRyLdxr7qY/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321513872187696818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnQrBMPprI/AAAAAAAAA3g/FLRyLdxr7qY/s400/birthday+weekend+images+034.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><br />Just behind the cowslips are these deep blue grape hyacinths or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">muscari</span> - these are pretty little things and as with the cowslips we seem to have thousands scattered around the garden. Even my bulb digging hens don't seem to be able to destroy these. Thank goodness!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnSHOJ4HkI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qe4HCCYI4DI/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321515456215391810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnSHOJ4HkI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qe4HCCYI4DI/s400/birthday+weekend+images+036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And some white hyacinths just by the old well in front of the house. The bulbs are planted in the grass so happily my little darlings are not able to scratch these pretty flowers out of the ground.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnTZxMVTTI/AAAAAAAAA3w/E-W6IV7LqC8/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321516874370207026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnTZxMVTTI/AAAAAAAAA3w/E-W6IV7LqC8/s400/birthday+weekend+images+039.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The grass had its first cut for the season. This area of 'lawn' has been ravaged by a mole (and the hens) so we have some serious work cut out for us in order to firstly deal with dear little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Moley</span>, and then to get the lawn into shape again. Irritatingly, the ride-on mower decided that it is still on winter holidays, so refused to start. An acre or so of unkempt winter grass is a pain to cut with an normal mower!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnVHM2-OgI/AAAAAAAAA34/jRt1O_-R2hw/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321518754402548226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnVHM2-OgI/AAAAAAAAA34/jRt1O_-R2hw/s400/birthday+weekend+images+043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Reward for effort!! The sun is now well over the yardarm (it's about 6.15pm) and so I made a cool, refreshing gin and tonic for each of us. Delicious!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnV-YTfuCI/AAAAAAAAA4A/GTtznh-h2ao/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321519702367778850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdnV-YTfuCI/AAAAAAAAA4A/GTtznh-h2ao/s400/birthday+weekend+images+047.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A few more things to be done outside, tools to be cleaned and put away, the hens to be bedded down for the night and safely secured in their runs. By now, it's cold outside, the light is going from the day and it's time to light a fire in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wood burning</span> stove in the Snug. Time also to turn some lights on inside the house and to think about preparing the evening meal.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdncAmG-p4I/AAAAAAAAA4I/3Fqnjh5E7NU/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321526337502881666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdncAmG-p4I/AAAAAAAAA4I/3Fqnjh5E7NU/s400/birthday+weekend+images+050.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you were coming to share a meal with us tonight, you'd see this view of our front door...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sdnc6_JWWiI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/ejDuBsN9Uq4/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321527340656122402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sdnc6_JWWiI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/ejDuBsN9Uq4/s400/birthday+weekend+images+071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />before being welcomed into our little entrance hall where we like to have lots of candles burning, no matter what the season or weather...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sdnds9ZSwTI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MMLzmRiM2lc/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321528199179583794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sdnds9ZSwTI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MMLzmRiM2lc/s400/birthday+weekend+images+067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />perhaps you'd care for a glass of chilled white wine before your meal?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdneKm9ryzI/AAAAAAAAA4g/fgYaBimyCB8/s1600-h/birthday+weekend+images+073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321528708554279730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdneKm9ryzI/AAAAAAAAA4g/fgYaBimyCB8/s400/birthday+weekend+images+073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope you enjoyed your Saturday as much as we enjoyed ours! Warm wishes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Vxx</span>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-78518649965738239502009-04-04T09:20:00.005+01:002009-04-04T09:54:06.409+01:00StonecrossSometime ago, I mentioned the remains of an old stone cross just down the hill from our home. I've been waiting for some sunshine to take a photo but eventually I decided that if I wait for the sun, then maybe I won't be able to take the photo to include the daffodils that flower around the old stone base. The cross itself was removed centuries ago, probably when Henry VIII sacked the Abbey... there is a strong rumour that the cross was buried in what was then a field but is now the grounds of one of the local homes...there is an even stronger rumour that it was recently dug up and then hastily re-buried...<br /><br /><br /><a title="stonecross blog 2009 by vrnchayes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3411464632/"><img height="272" alt="stonecross blog 2009" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3411464632_9d0b3c862c_o.jpg" width="410" /></a><br /><br />The stone cross has now lent its name to the hamlet of homes that surround it... Stonecross Green...<br /><br /><a title="stonecross blog 2009 by vrnchayes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3411463190/"><img height="252" alt="stonecross blog 2009" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3411463190_80aec939aa_o.jpg" width="410" /></a><br /><br />Here, the road leads further to the south of our home. If you read my post about the Queen's Head pub, then all you have to do is follow this road and in about 5 minutes, you would be at the pub...<br /><br /><a title="stonecross blog 2009 by vrnchayes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3411460120/"><img height="272" alt="stonecross blog 2009" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3411460120_931df393f2_o.jpg" width="410" /></a><br /><br />I was parked in Robin and Becky's drive so if you pull out of their drive and head along the road to the north of the cross, past Herringbone Cottage (sorry you can't see the absolutely stunning herringbone pattern brickwork to the front of the house... another time perhaps!), round the bend in the road, cross the bridge and then continue up the hill, we're the first house on the left. Pull in the drive, park your car and welcome to our home!<br /><br />Have a great weekend! Warm wishes, V xxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-6504768453282325722009-04-02T14:08:00.009+01:002009-04-02T14:54:40.876+01:00Roses, Sunshine and Spring...The sun is finally shining today after a cold, misty start. It's true to say that the sun even has some genuine warmth to it and I have been pootling around the garden, chatting to the new hens. They're doing well, and have begun to venture a little further afield from their little coop.<br /><br />All my rose bushes are beginning to develop new leaves, new shoots and before (too) long, I hope to see the first flush of flowers. But in the meantime, I can enjoy some lovely roses in my house...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdS5LTli08I/AAAAAAAAA1o/HMpezsPjys4/s1600-h/roses+004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320080663718843330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdS5LTli08I/AAAAAAAAA1o/HMpezsPjys4/s320/roses+004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The paintings are quite old, and we were blessed to inherit them a few years ago from a very dear friend. I love these paintings and sometimes the 'right' roses are in bloom together in my garden and then I am able to recreate these pictures in reality on my dining table or other places around the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdS49Iy03ZI/AAAAAAAAA1g/AOgjkaOkUrw/s1600-h/roses+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320080420303592850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdS49Iy03ZI/AAAAAAAAA1g/AOgjkaOkUrw/s320/roses+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>I think this next one is my favourite - well it is today! I dither between them but I guess who really cares which is 'better' - they're all lovely and a joy to look at when winter is here and all is grey outside.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdTDPhrjNrI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/rCLC0XDF3JU/s1600-h/roses+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SdTDPhrjNrI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/rCLC0XDF3JU/s320/roses+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320091731337885362" /></a><br /> </p><p>Wishing you a lovely sunny week and weekend to come! Vxx<br /></p>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-69180710120346067522009-03-29T09:29:00.011+01:002009-03-29T10:10:58.785+01:00Rescue day for our new hens....Yesterday was the rescue day for our four new hens. We had to be at the collection point between the hours of 2pm and 4pm so we planned to drive to the town of Maldon (home of the superb Sea Salt for cooking) and to have a little picnic by the water, take a few photos and then pootle slowly along to collect our girls.<br /><br />The weather had other ideas and Saturday dawned cold, wet and pretty miserable. So the picnic plan was abandoned for another, sunnier and warmer day. By the time we arrived at the collection point, the weather had deteriorated even further! Ugh, what a day to have to collect poor, frightened little hens. It was raining so hard that the hens had had to be kept in the horse boxes they'd been stacked into when they were removed from their battery cages. Here's one of the good volunteers lifting them out ready for those of us who were there to collect them and bring them home.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zNRXYj_I/AAAAAAAAAz0/DK5XRcIn2Pc/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318525988040642546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zNRXYj_I/AAAAAAAAAz0/DK5XRcIn2Pc/s320/stonecross+hens+010.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Here the hens are being placed into open pens so that they are easily lifted out and placed into the new owners assorted boxes or crates. They look a pretty motley crew but in fact are in excellent condition by and large for ex-battery hens. It was raining so the plastic you can see piled up is to cover the hens in case it really started to belt down. They have never been outside in their lives before this.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zVVygcUI/AAAAAAAAAz8/bzjP_vPDK9k/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318526126667100482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zVVygcUI/AAAAAAAAAz8/bzjP_vPDK9k/s320/stonecross+hens+012.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Two more wonderful volunteers from the Battery Hen Welfare Trust - they are holding the girls up as the hens' claws have to be clipped before they leave the collection point. The hens have always lived in their cages so their claws grow long - no scratching at the grass or ground you see.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zgD07TjI/AAAAAAAAA0E/utOjXetp9fQ/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318526310823972402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zgD07TjI/AAAAAAAAA0E/utOjXetp9fQ/s320/stonecross+hens+013.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p>It's all done very quickly and efficiently; the hens are fine afterwards. Not too much off the claws but just enough to help them walk on the ground.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zta-7API/AAAAAAAAA0M/bSNesH3PHvA/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318526540378210546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8zta-7API/AAAAAAAAA0M/bSNesH3PHvA/s320/stonecross+hens+014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then back into their little pens to await their new owners.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8z6hSRyRI/AAAAAAAAA0U/9nY4oYIDOwM/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318526765408307474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc8z6hSRyRI/AAAAAAAAA0U/9nY4oYIDOwM/s320/stonecross+hens+020.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>When they arrived home with us, we popped them into their new but temporary accommodation. Our existing girls are pretty strong and hens being territorial little things, we want the new hens to have a chance to regain some confidence and strength before being allowed to mingle with the others. In the photo below, you can see Madge and Ginger inspecting the new arrivals. <br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc80ItN9yPI/AAAAAAAAA0c/n_aReHEG6MQ/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318527009129613554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc80ItN9yPI/AAAAAAAAA0c/n_aReHEG6MQ/s320/stonecross+hens+021.JPG" border="0" /></a> Once again, we were lucky with the girls we were allocated and all are pretty well feathered. Just very pale and quite stunned at all that happened to them over the course of the day! </p><p>If we had not collected them, if the Battery Hen Welfare Trust had not organised to collect and pay the farmers for these hens, then today they would all be at the slaughter yard. A quick end by either electrocution or gassing and then they would have become either dog food or good old Chicken Nuggets. Yes, you read correctly... Chicken Nuggets. It's so easy to blame the farmers but we have to look a little closer to home I'm afraid. We are the ones who demand cheap eggs, cheap chicken and egg products so this is the result. If I buy a cheap cake from the supermarket then I can bet my bottom dollar that it will have been made with battery farm eggs. Poor little hens.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc80WwWsjrI/AAAAAAAAA0k/GAHZjklBE0o/s1600-h/stonecross+hens+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318527250489708210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sc80WwWsjrI/AAAAAAAAA0k/GAHZjklBE0o/s320/stonecross+hens+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />She'll be OK with lots of new, good food and fresh water and fresh air. In a day or so, when they have settled a bit from their stressful day yesterday, we'll move them onto a larger area where they can roam a bit more. Hopefully, we'll be able to introduce them to the others in a few weeks. </p><p>Two have names already.... Ellen and Betty... but the other two are currently anonymous so if anyone has some nice ideas for a couple names, please do send them through! </p><p>Warm wishes to you and I hope you are enjoying your weekend! Vxx</p>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-42325132957362646792009-03-23T12:00:00.003+00:002009-03-23T12:11:47.148+00:00How on earth............??Look what we found in my car this morning! We cannot begin to imagine just how this little guy jumped up into my Jeep but jump he obviously did. <br /><br /><div style='text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;'><a href='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Scd563pVEZI/AAAAAAAAAxo/EvvhZhSJVgM/s1600-h/005.JPG'><img src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Scd563pVEZI/AAAAAAAAAxo/EvvhZhSJVgM/s400/005.JPG' border='0' alt='' /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div><br />My husband had given the vehicle a thorough clean out yesterday so the doors were open for a few hours whilst he vacuumed a zillion yellow labrador dog hairs out from the carpet... and sometime or another this little mouse decided to hitch a ride. I imagine he had a pretty disconcerting overnight stay - he certainly did not look on top form when we found him.... he has now been removed to greener pastures and hopefully he won't be returning in a hurry.Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-59866721013837611532009-03-17T10:11:00.005+00:002009-03-17T16:38:53.803+00:00Hens, havoc and I must be crazy...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3361819005/" title="hens fighting over the dustbath by vrnchayes, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3361819005_8795e27971_o.jpg" width="266" height="400" alt="hens fighting over the dustbath" /></a><br /><br />I must be crazy... there's no other excuse. Here you can see the kind of havoc my dear little rescue hens have made around one of the walnut trees in the garden. There used to be bulbs here. Lots and lots of bulbs. Now all I have is the dessicated remains of some lemon balm/melissa and lots of dust baths. You may even be able to see the original levels to the soil surrounding the walnut tree. The hens have excavated, fluffed their feathers and enjoyed many, many dust baths here. As you can see.<br /><br />They've had a wonderful time (times) fighting over the prime spots. Even though these images were only taken about 3 weeks or so ago, now the craters are so deep that the hens can actually disappear from sight if they want to. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34245361@N06/3362633826/" title="hens creating havoc by vrnchayes, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3362633826_7d562b5c42_o.jpg" width="400" height="245" alt="hens creating havoc" /></a><br /><br />But make no mistake, I love them dearly and just grit my teeth whilst I sweep the path yet again. <br /><br />However, back to the crazy part. I've just committed (hmmm, that's an appropriate word...) to take on FOUR MORE rescue ex-battery hens. They should be ready for collection on Saturday 28th March... So that's 40% more destruction in my garden. Crazy but I can hardly wait... stay tuned!<br /><br />Warm wishes to you VxxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-7687365219926152352009-03-16T08:55:00.021+00:002009-03-16T19:41:06.793+00:00Sunday, Sunshine and Spring...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb4VHm9h34I/AAAAAAAAAuc/O_iAxUfQ10Y/s1600-h/queens+head+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb4VHm9h34I/AAAAAAAAAuc/O_iAxUfQ10Y/s320/queens+head+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313707830805651330" /></a><br /><br />Isn't it amazing how our spirits lift when the sun shines! Yesterday was a beautifully sunny day here, and today looks as though it's going to be at least as good. The first of our daffodils have begun to open their blooms so it really does appear as though Spring has begun in earnest. It's been a difficult week as dear old Bear has not been so well. Yesterday however, she was able to lie in the sunshine and that seemed to perk her up quite a bit. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb4WIb_orJI/AAAAAAAAAuk/MtKV-Z8jJvg/s1600-h/queens+head+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb4WIb_orJI/AAAAAAAAAuk/MtKV-Z8jJvg/s320/queens+head+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313708944553192594" /></a><br /><br />Finally the ground seems to be drying out from all the rains and snow. The mud is almost gone - hooray! So it's time to get out into the garden and sort a few things out before we are inundated with all the new growth. The gardening day started with the planting of a new section of Yew hedge along the road side of the property. This is the second hedge we've planted here - the first was a Pyracantha hedge which died back after a few years or so. But first things first... barrow loads of horse manure needed to be dug in to enrich the soil. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb5UIo1uCJI/AAAAAAAAAv8/dBUtoBIJ2rM/s1600-h/queens+head+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb5UIo1uCJI/AAAAAAAAAv8/dBUtoBIJ2rM/s320/queens+head+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313777117722183826" /></a><br /><br />After a long day in the garden, we headed to one of our local pubs for a bite to eat. It's a beautiful old country pub which sadly is not located here in our village (or maybe that's a good thing!) but it's less than 5 minutes by car so we still take advantage of its proximity to our home. <br /><br />When we made the reservation on Friday night, we had thought the pub would be pretty much empty, but on arrival we found it was busy with locals. Of course, everyone had enjoyed the first real day of Spring and so wanted to continue their day and weekend for as long as possible! We decided on a Beef Rogan Josh curry for me and my husband chose a pizza for his meal. A glass of chilled white wine for me and a pint of beer for him. It was delicious! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb4dc4Ahb5I/AAAAAAAAAu0/CpQeAJjIyTE/s1600-h/queens+head+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb4dc4Ahb5I/AAAAAAAAAu0/CpQeAJjIyTE/s320/queens+head+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313716992251883410" /></a><br /><br />Here a couple of images of the little room we chose to eat our meal in... it has a fireplace and it was warm in there. The day might have been sunny and warm but the night air brought a chill to it. However the main reason we chose this room was because I could take some decent images - too many people in the other rooms to be able to do so... after all, who wants to have their photo taken on a Sunday evening when all you want to do is relax and be comfortable! The pub is called The Queen's Head - nothing at all to do with the stuffed boar's head on the wall though!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb5RIxqvbMI/AAAAAAAAAvs/Q3_FMdy-L74/s1600-h/queens+head+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb5RIxqvbMI/AAAAAAAAAvs/Q3_FMdy-L74/s320/queens+head+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313773821557173442" /></a><br /><br />Here's a photo of that all important fire... the pub has another fireplace which is wonderfully impressive but it's very much a prime location and had a crowd gathered in front of it. Perhaps I'll be able to get an image for you on another occasion... ah, the lengths I'm prepared to go to for my blogging friends....<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb5SewhEk3I/AAAAAAAAAv0/MDqnRBiFSrY/s1600-h/queens+head+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/Sb5SewhEk3I/AAAAAAAAAv0/MDqnRBiFSrY/s320/queens+head+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313775298716930930" /></a><br /><br />I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend and the coming week is good to you.Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-11839293132943619572009-03-09T08:29:00.015+00:002009-03-09T09:31:42.782+00:00Banana Bread and a Spot of BotherI would have not only baked the cake, but I would have blogged about it too... but for some reason I couldn't upload the images I took... Surely you all heard the explosion from over this way?? Or maybe saw the 'blue air' floating your way? No? Well, that certainly surprises me! Perhaps this cake or more accurately, bread, was never meant for public consumption because right from the word 'Go' it was troublesome.<br /><br />I love Jane Grigson's Fruit Cookbook - my dear cousin gave it to me many moons ago and it is well used. In particular, I love Mrs Grigson's recipe for Banana and Walnut Bread. So on Saturday, I assembled the ingredients and arranged them to photograph. Took the shots. And then realised that - shock! horror! - there were no walnuts in the house. Which is pretty weird given we have two walnut trees in the garden.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTY70nIsfI/AAAAAAAAAqU/RK_MNpaRM2w/s1600-h/banana+bread+cooking+recipes+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311108382823330290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTY70nIsfI/AAAAAAAAAqU/RK_MNpaRM2w/s400/banana+bread+cooking+recipes+003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a tad too late in the day to rectify the situation, so Sunday morning I headed off to dear (and you can use that word in many ways...) old Waitrose, one of our local supermarkets. Whilst I was there, I noticed that they had their current food magazine in stock so of course, one came home with me... here it is on the hall table...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTZg75ed2I/AAAAAAAAAqc/QMLS4950ReI/s1600-h/banana+bread+cooking+recipes+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311109020434462562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTZg75ed2I/AAAAAAAAAqc/QMLS4950ReI/s320/banana+bread+cooking+recipes+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have an obsession with recipe books, food magazines and I have carted several hundred around the world with me. I won't embarrass myself by showing you photos of all these just now, but the next image shows you about one third of all the cook books (excluding the magazine numbers ) I have at home...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTaXoiuzJI/AAAAAAAAAqk/7N9ctd-XwUE/s1600-h/banana+bread+cooking+recipes+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311109960131595410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 161px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTaXoiuzJI/AAAAAAAAAqk/7N9ctd-XwUE/s320/banana+bread+cooking+recipes+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However, here is the recipe for the Banana and Walnut Bread with some introductory text from Mrs Grigson. </p><p>"There are many recipes around these days for banana bread, with more or less bits and pieces added to the basic mixture. This simple recipe is my favourite, because it needs no butter when it is newly made, and for a day has a crust that is crisp and buttery golden brown. Put it in a box and the softens.</p><ul><li>125g/4oz butter</li><li>175g/6oz caster sugar</li><li>2 large eggs</li><li>2-3 large bananas (500g or 1lb approx)</li><li>60-90g/2-3oz walnuts, coarsely chopped</li><li>250g/8oz self-raising flour</li><li>1/2 level teaspoon salt</li><li>1/4 level teaspoon cinnamon powder</li><li>1/4 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda</li></ul><p>Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, and add the eggs, beating them in well. Peel and mash the bananas with a fork: do not use a blender or processor or the bananas become too liquid. Add them to the mixutre, with the walnuts. Stir together the dry ingredients and fold them in using a metal spoon.</p><p>Line a 23 cm (9inch) loaf tin with baking paper (Veronica says - I just grease a non-stick pan well) and brush it with melted butter. Spoon in the mixture, levelling it out. Bake at gas 4, 180 C, 350 F, for an hour. Test with warm skewer and give it longer if the skewer does not come out clean. Leave the cake in the tine for 15 minutes when it comes out of the oven and then turn it onto a wire rack to cool. When the cake becomes too dry to eat with pleasure on its own, spread the slices with brandy butter." Note from me - it's never lasted long enough to get to the brandy butter stage!</p><p><br /> </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTfjeNHJiI/AAAAAAAAAq4/chGptNsken8/s1600-h/banana+walnut+bread+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311115661073131042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbTfjeNHJiI/AAAAAAAAAq4/chGptNsken8/s320/banana+walnut+bread+001.JPG" border="0" /></a>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-70412985815051252852009-03-06T11:40:00.022+00:002009-03-06T12:55:03.131+00:00St. Petronilla's...<div>March, July and November of every year I wander up the hill to our little church, St Petronilla's. There I join Lesley to help her clean the church. This is not an onerous task given the tiny size of the congregation, so it's generally a simple matter of dusting the pews etc, sweeping the floor and vacuuming the carpeted areas. It usually only takes about 45 minutes, every Friday morning of those months. I started doing this as a way of participating in the day to day activities of our little village. Apart from that, I rarely set foot in the church, just attending local funeral services, the annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight service and perhaps a couple of other services or fundraising events that may be going on there.<br /><br />It's a really lovely sunny day here today although I guess it's also typical March weather - namely it's also jolly cold outside! So some of these photos have some camera shake but given that I was shaking from the cold, it's hardly surprising...<br /><br />Here's the view from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">car park</span> looking over the 'new' graveyard and across to one part of our little village...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbES_DY9dtI/AAAAAAAAAmY/WMrrFyYHEyg/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310046310097581778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbES_DY9dtI/AAAAAAAAAmY/WMrrFyYHEyg/s320/St+Petronilla+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And this is the gate into the churchyard itself with some the old gravestones to be seen. Most of them are in a pretty precarious state and only on a very few can you actually read the inscriptions... a shame really because I enjoy reading old inscriptions. Some can be amusing, others downright vitriolic!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEUBDDADSI/AAAAAAAAAmg/_k051PbFD50/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310047443876842786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEUBDDADSI/AAAAAAAAAmg/_k051PbFD50/s320/St+Petronilla+053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Inside the church, the stained glass windows are stunning...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEUs3sYqGI/AAAAAAAAAmo/P7M6jkpEUUA/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310048196743440482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEUs3sYqGI/AAAAAAAAAmo/P7M6jkpEUUA/s400/St+Petronilla+011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEVOMgy-jI/AAAAAAAAAmw/sN1AJngu1gY/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+013.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310048769267661362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEVOMgy-jI/AAAAAAAAAmw/sN1AJngu1gY/s400/St+Petronilla+013.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEVqcjSAUI/AAAAAAAAAm4/3uMtcuFKEyQ/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310049254609387842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEVqcjSAUI/AAAAAAAAAm4/3uMtcuFKEyQ/s400/St+Petronilla+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These are all different in each of the window bays...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEWLRzzY7I/AAAAAAAAAnA/578S5eLCyRc/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310049818661577650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEWLRzzY7I/AAAAAAAAAnA/578S5eLCyRc/s320/St+Petronilla+025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But my absolute favourite is the window above the loft where the bell ringers sit. You will just have to imagine the magnificence of this window as the sun had not moved sufficiently to show its true glory...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEc3WpWBPI/AAAAAAAAAng/BmVJ89rvK1k/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEc3WpWBPI/AAAAAAAAAng/BmVJ89rvK1k/s400/St+Petronilla+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310057172943897842" /></a><br /><br />Here's part of the door leading into church, showing some detail to the carvings...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEXWldobKI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/ajZDMYTfYlE/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310051112427482274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEXWldobKI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/ajZDMYTfYlE/s320/St+Petronilla+029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And finally, a photo of the church, showing the path leading into it... shame the rose isn't in bloom because it really is superb with the most beautiful perfume to it...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEYDE-e3cI/AAAAAAAAAnY/5MBUNQZO7QI/s1600-h/St+Petronilla+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310051876801011138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SbEYDE-e3cI/AAAAAAAAAnY/5MBUNQZO7QI/s400/St+Petronilla+043.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Over the years I've been meeting Lesley here to do our little bit, I've grown very fond of the church and I enjoy the peace and quiet here. Mind you, Lesley and I tend to put the world to rights as we chat away (teeth chattering too through the cold inside the church!) and we share many giggles about this and that. All in all, I think I'm the lucky one who receives far more from this 'chore' than I ever expected to. What a bargain!<br /></div>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-38152013923099206222009-03-01T13:07:00.013+00:002009-03-01T13:41:04.841+00:00Sunday afternoon...It's Sunday afternoon and I'm feeling a little jaded... we went to a 60<span style="font-size:78%;">th</span> birthday party last night and Maggie (the birthday girl) and her husband, Mike put on a great party for us all with lovely food and even a disco afterwards. So having danced the night away, I'm still feeling a little 'weary' today. I'm supposed to be studying for final exams tomorrow so I'm trying to motivate myself - it's not working too well ... sigh.<br /><br />All I really want to do is just lie on the sofa in the Snug and snooze quietly. With lots of cushions and warm, snuggly throws it's a good place to be on a rather grey, misty day.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqJ532gn3I/AAAAAAAAAlc/_3eZwKIggmw/s1600-h/Sunday+afternoon+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308206738147680114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqJ532gn3I/AAAAAAAAAlc/_3eZwKIggmw/s400/Sunday+afternoon+001.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /><br />My husband has brought in loads of firewood and has lit the woodburning stove so it would be perfect to snuggle down in front of it.... The dogs know that it's a great idea and have claimed their rightful places in the prime positions. Troy is a little miffed because she really prefers to be in the spot that Chelsea has claimed.... and Chelsea is wondering if perhaps there might be any toast and honey for tea...? No, they don't get that kind of food but it's the sort of thing that would be most appreciated right now. Well, it's what I'm thinking of anyway.</p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqK4Q6KWLI/AAAAAAAAAlk/hqoGHvSBsKA/s1600-h/Sunday+afternoon+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308207810025773234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqK4Q6KWLI/AAAAAAAAAlk/hqoGHvSBsKA/s400/Sunday+afternoon+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p><br /><br />There's still room for my husband if he would like to join us ... just have to convince Troy that she needs to move so that he can actually have somewhere to put his feet.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqMPAV6_aI/AAAAAAAAAls/HnU3HFk-LFU/s1600-h/Sunday+afternoon+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308209300227423650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqMPAV6_aI/AAAAAAAAAls/HnU3HFk-LFU/s400/Sunday+afternoon+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Snug is where we mostly hibernate for the colder months of the year - although it's not as light as the sitting room, it does have a really cosy ambience with all the beams and the fire. Lots of lamps placed around add more warm light to the atmosphere. We tend to shut the other end of the house down during the colder months. Gosh, doesn't that sound grand! It's not I promise you, but it is a practical solution to a much cooler part of the home. </p><br /><br />Anyway, I hope you've all enjoyed your weekend as much as we have so far. But for now, I'm going to stretch out and shut my eyes for a quick nap. Hopefully I'll be able to then convince myself to get back to the books!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqPOk7vWlI/AAAAAAAAAl0/6MSdLrGldfc/s1600-h/Sunday+afternoon+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308212591404735058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SaqPOk7vWlI/AAAAAAAAAl0/6MSdLrGldfc/s400/Sunday+afternoon+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Warm wishes to you all! V xxVeronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9139557916921221901.post-55827756347330354912009-02-20T17:40:00.011+00:002009-02-20T18:29:41.146+00:00Goats and kids...I can't say that I am normally too keen on goats. They seem to have a 'malevolent' eye in most cases and are smelly... rankly smelly. However, one lives and one learns. I should state that the smelly problem does not seem to arise with goats cheese - in fact, the smellier the better. Strange person that I am!<br /><br />Our friends, Matt and Ruth, live just down the road from us, on their smallholding. They are pretty much self-sufficient with all their vegetables and meat. The only vegetable they don't have sufficient land for, is potatoes. They have chickens for eggs and chickens for meat. Every year they raise pigs and sheep, selling off the surplus to the lucky ones (like us!) as a way of paying for the purchase of the young and associated costs of feeding and raising them.<br /><br />Ruth is amazing! She does so much - looking after a vast vegetable garden and looking after the animals is a full time job. But she also makes beautiful, hand painted cards, sews and knits, cooks like a dream and is generally a lovely person. Accomplished and articulate - grrrr!!! And Matt is pretty cool too - calm and gentle with a great sense of humour.<br /><br />However, they have never been able to provide for their own milk requirements. At least not until a couple of months prior to Christmas when their first goats arrived. Ruth kindly invited us down to view and of course we went, albeit a little reluctantly (see above and reasons for...).<br /><br />We were introduced to Iona and Bracken. Iona is three years old and Bracken is only 7 months. They are Golden Guernseys... or is that Guernsey Goldens???... oh well, hopefully they'll forgive me and they are far from the aforementioned 'types' I was expecting to see. Extremely attractive with kind eyes and charming natures and characters. Iona was already 'in kid' so as to ensure a milk supply from her.<br /><br />Two days ago, the happy event took place and Iona's twins were born. Ruth tells me that normally goats aren't the most maternal of animals, but Iona is turning out to be an excellent and devoted mother. So sweet!<br /><br />So, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce to you, Iona and her two little babes or 'kids' as I really should call them...<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7sVPSFBMI/AAAAAAAAAkw/SOWxPiEm4L8/s1600-h/goats+011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304937260712789186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 347px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7sVPSFBMI/AAAAAAAAAkw/SOWxPiEm4L8/s400/goats+011.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>In the picture above, you can see the young male being 'kissed' by Iona and the female is just turning in for a nap in the corner.<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7sKoGAAuI/AAAAAAAAAko/8Ujp9cLoZM4/s1600-h/goats+022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304937078394454754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7sKoGAAuI/AAAAAAAAAko/8Ujp9cLoZM4/s400/goats+022.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Sibling love! They have bonded well as a family unit already and are very affectionate towards each other - aren't they a beautiful colour? Their coats are as soft as silk too. Sweet little faces.<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7r71OXAHI/AAAAAAAAAkg/TRr6opyNNVc/s1600-h/goats+023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936824221139058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7r71OXAHI/AAAAAAAAAkg/TRr6opyNNVc/s400/goats+023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I'm tired! I just want to go to sleep please...</p><p>Below is a photo of Bracken - girls just check out those eyelashes!!!! Bracken has been rather excited by all of this and Ruth thinks that she probably hasn't had a lot of sleep since the youngsters were born. Today, however, the sun was shining and she was starting to relax and calm down.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7ry9p9_WI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Qr24uCT0bo8/s1600-h/goats+025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936671865601378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7ry9p9_WI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Qr24uCT0bo8/s400/goats+025.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Bracken also has a new party trick, which she displayed the day the kids were born. She has taken to jumping on this box and Ruth was trying to encourage her to do so for our entertainment... but Bracken was having none of it. Just give me the food please.... so Ruth and I walked away to have a little chat about life in general and....<br /><br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7riLnyToI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/ZPB2yGmMpCo/s1600-h/goats+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936383556767362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7riLnyToI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/ZPB2yGmMpCo/s400/goats+033.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bracken immediately jumped onto the box as to say, well I can do it if I want to... oh and by the way, aren't I just too pretty....<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7rS6AJXnI/AAAAAAAAAkI/aCvQT4HP-FI/s1600-h/goats+043.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304936121129066098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ozP5rh_naE0/SZ7rS6AJXnI/AAAAAAAAAkI/aCvQT4HP-FI/s400/goats+043.JPG" border="0" /></a> </p><p>As you may imagine from someone as talented as Ruth, she has already begun to make cheese from the goats milk.... which is where I come in again.... yum!<br /></p>Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15387346861463008525noreply@blogger.com14