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What’s in the box in the porch?

It’s dear little Mabel

Across the road Bella (the Dexter cow we sold to our friend) produced a calf this morning.

And two other of our Dexters, that we sold to a young couple in a nearby village, both gave birth to calves today too. Well done to mothers and babies and their owners.

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Pink Fir Apples – NOT apples at all

Simply the BEST salad potato. We used to grow them in Devon over 40 years ago

These have been stored in feed sacks in a metal bin since last autumn and still haven’t shown any sign of sprouting. They store better than all our other home grown varieties
They are my absolute favourite salad potato. Bon appetit
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Wednesday walking and talking

I even got my photo taken on my 65th birthday!
And have been thoroughly spoilt with cards and gifts

Including a glorious, potted rhododendron, an animal tracking night camera, whisky, vodka (do folk think I’m an alcoholic?) fiction and non fiction books, bath bubbly, a shawl and bird boxes. But still NO PENSION! If I am spared to live another year I might just draw it then.

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Goats and blossom

I don’t think that the plum blossom has ever been so beautiful

I stood under one of the plum trees and looked up into the fragrant, white blooms whilst the goats ate their breakfast slowly and chewed contentedly
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One year on and it’s been a difficult 12 months for mum and she has been very brave

In the beginning we couldn’t visit at all and the residents were confined to their rooms as covid claimed some of mum’s companions. Then we were permitted to visit at the window and the residents began to socialise once more in the dining room and lounge. Staff wore, and still wear, PPE and first one and now two vaccinations have been given.

The year has also taken its toll on mum. We have seen a decline in mobility and mental agility. Maybe inevitable at 93 but probably exacerbated by the situation. One year on and when I saw mum today she looked old and frail and it made me feel sad for her. She is remarkably brave and uncomplaining and always manages a smile. When the weather is warmer I hope to be able to spend time with her in the lovely gardens of the care home. For now we talk by telephone, smile and blow kisses. One year on…..