Bank Holiday Monday

We hear of people going here and there. Having nice lunches out,even better afternoon teas and sharing glorious photos after they have battled through traffic jams to get to their destination. Lockdown seems a million miles away for a lot of people as they head off into the crowds. Here we did what we did last year and enjoyed our surroundings. So many of our guests enjoying sitting out at the front of the house but we like to be up in the trees. It is like another world up there and guests are welcome to enjoy this space too. The added bonus is there is a stream too. We did the same yesterday with an acception we had a snooze on the grass first then Molly came with us. Yesterday Molly decided we didnt need to sleep and kept coming back and splashing us with her wet coat and stand on us with her muddy paws .Then she chased the cat who was for one moment we thought on her way to Heaven. The cat fought back and ruled the world once more climbing on to some logs and striking Molly in her forehead. Cats often strike near dogs eyes or on their noses so it is always safer to keep puppies and cats apart. There was still some bluebells out and wood anemones. An empty nut shell split in half as the squirrel has dined on his winter store. I thought Monty Don would be in his element here. I am sure if it was transported to Chelsea Flower Show it would certainly win a prize. How I would take the butterflies and dragonflies is another question and the birds are more than happy to stay singing in the trees here. As we walked back the wild mint was startng to grow. For a few minutes the mint over ruled the smell of the wild garlic which is in full flower now .

30 years where has that gone.

On the wall in my Dads kitchen is a cross-stitch I did back in 1991 that was 30 years ago. Nicholas was 11, he now has a daughter that age ! I thought I would show you it, so you could read the words. I feel it is very apt as today for our Sunday dinner we had everything home grown...the lamb, the new potatoes out of the greenhouse, peas from last year's crop out of the freezer. And homemade mint sauce. I made stacks of it last year as everyone was doing crazy things in lockdown and reckon I have enough to feed an army for the next ten years. My Dad and I went down to his greenhouse to pull up a root of potaotes for todays meal and then I was weeding the few strawberries he has in there too .The rest are outside in a raised bed. My Dad made it for my mum years ago,so she didnt have to bend down as she had a bad back. Believe it or not as there is no photo to prove it. As I pulled the weeds up I found 2 strawberries fit for eating.It was such a shock to get them this early. We had one a piece and the evidence was swallowed before I thought to take a photo. They were warm from the sun and very sweet. My dad loves gardening whereas I on the other hand think it is a toil of a pleasure but when you get rewards like this is makes it feel worth while.

What a difference a day makes

What a difference a day makes. As we made headways in the garden , tonights guest enjoyed the evening sunshine and "christened "our new sunspot with Duchess the cat. It looked a bit like a council bus shelter to start with its straight oak posts but hopefully as the roses,clematis and honeysuckle grow up the posts and cover the roof it will look more we envisage it been. It has been a long time since we welcomes guests to Carr House Farm and this monirng I cooked breakfast for 4 guests without burning the toast or the eggs. All plates we left clean, so that was a good sign.And as one guests left the table he said he wouldnt need anything for the rest of the day.With so many good eating places around I hope they decide to sample some of the local food on offer. But now with fridges for guests to use, there is no pressure to eat out. There is enough garden outdoor space for everyone and so guests

can enjoy local treats and have pincics and little snacks in the sunshine.

Cocker Spaniels and Bluebells

A combination of cocker spaiels and bluebells makes for a delightful picture to get you through the day. There is something about walking through a wood full of bluebells that raises the spirits. We are lucky to have our own bluebell wood and a couple of cultivated ones to which only 2 days ago had hailstones and snow on them. The weather is vey temperamental. Is it mother nature's way of saying the population havent learnt from lockdown wanting to clamber on to the first holiday plane to leave our shores. They said people would take on board to enjoy take things slower and look after our planet. And nature is now giving us a reminder. Anyway enough preaching for today even though it is Sunday. Yorkshire puddings to be eaten and important things like that to think about.

Puppy Love

Sometime you just have to help out. These two were just getting their noses poked out a bit as their mum a cocker spaniel had 9 puppies - 4-5 is usually what they would have. So these two are living a 5 star life on top of the Aga and having the best lives. When they get a bit older they will be introduced back into their canine family. What we would like to stress is as adorable as they are and look ,puppies turn into adult dogs and when you consider buying one you should remeber a dog is for life just not for a few months. Dogs give you unconditional love and they should have the same back.We are not saying spoli them or buy them expensive things . We know a lot of people do . Just look after them well and they will be your lifelong faithful friend.