A perfect pre-spring day!

I haven’t written on our blog for ages as poor old Derek has been flat on his back with a suspected slipped disc for the past 3 weeks. However he is making a very slow improvement but as yet he is not up to doing any manual work including the horses, logs, dogs etc – lucky old me gets to do those!

We have been having a busy time of late with lots of family and friends coming to stay and wedding preparations are seriously underway. A couple of weekends ago Tim and Bex’s came down to meet the caterer and confirm the menus, order the cake and meet the photographer. Mum, my sister Julie and friends from the village came up on Sunday to have a big pow wow about the flowers and to have lunch. I was completely exhausted and at the end of the weekend our ‘to do’ list seemed only marginally shorter than Tim and Bexs but it is lovely to be asked to be so involved

I recently bought new walking boots and gaiters and as today was just too beautiful to stay indoors and work, I took the dogs up over the moor and walked the complete circuit of Winsford Hill. It took about half an hour to get all the new gear on as everything had so many zips, Velcro (that is so powerful it takes 2 of you to prize it apart and it will insist on closing before the zip is done up), buttons and clips. Once assembled I set off and promptly fell over my own feet - the new boots being slightly larger and feeling like clown boots!

Once I got into the hang of things we set off and had a fantastic walk arranging for Derek to meet us at the designated place. Throughout the walk there were loads of frogs spawn and any number of snipe, a couple of woodcock as well as pheasants and of course Exmoor ponies. The sky was as blue as a hedge sparrows egg, the only noise coming from the skylarks singing (my favourite sound) and the air was warm without any breeze - absolutely perfect!

On the way home we went via Dulverton where the graveyard is covered in a haze of delicate purple and white crocus. Dulverton is a very friendly old town where there is always something to see and someone to chat to. After a stroll around and going to see the ducks on the river, we came back and had a cup of tea sitting in the sun on the veranda watching some newly born lambs making the most of this fantastic weather. It really has been a special kind of day.

Walking on Exmoor

I cannot belive where time goes - its already the 29th January but its great that its still light after 5.00pm. Spring is definitely waiting in the wings – Snowdrop valley is starting to live up to its name and there are primroses in the hedges. Looking back at some of the photos Derek took last year we just hope that the freeze they are forecasting doesn’t come to anything very much!

I have just got back from an ‘exhilarating’ walk above Porlock and towards Aldermans Barrow. The weather has been beautiful today – lots of sun and with a sharp breeze. The dogs were on their toes and just galloped (well Abby hobbled) all the way. Derek is suffering (which means we both are) with sciatica and can’t walk. So he dropped me off and drove round to meet us. When Soda spotted ‘daddy’ again she tore off to greet him and jumped into his arms acting as if she hadn’t seen him for a week!

The moor looked beautiful in dusk and in the distance we saw a group of horse riders returning from a days hunting. While he was waiting for me Derek saw a hen harrier which are pretty rare while yesterday I followed a pair of dippers along by the river when I walked through Horner Woods. The birdsong has been very evident over the past few days – it’s so lovely to hear.

Last weekend we went up to Leicester to Tim and Bec’s engagement party and to meet all her family. We hade a great time and in the evening we went to a very crowded Greek restaurant. Obviously the restaurant had moved on from the usual plate smashing ceremony to ‘flinging food’. Poor Derek had a bowl of warm green bean in tomato sauce tipped all over him (by mistake I hasten to add). He was covered and we just didn’t know what to! He disappeared into the loo with Tim and re-appeared wearing a chefs jacket which was 2 sizes too small for him. To cover his chest up he turned his vest back and ended up looking just like a Greek waiter!

Wishing you a belated Happy New Year!

Christmas was a time long time in the preparation but a very short time going! Tim and Bex’s spent Christmas with her family in Leicester and then came on the 27th and Lucy was working. So we went to my mum, sister and brother in law for a very lovely lunch (first time I haven’t cooked in about 30 years)! Boxing Day was spent cooking in preparation for the ‘Brown fest’ on the 28th when 20 plus members of the Brown family descended on us, 5 of them being under 6 with another on the way. It was a great day with lots of noise, food, wrapping paper and party games.

You know how each year there is always one present that really hits the mark (and several that miss it by about 5 miles) – well Tim had it bang on this year with his godson. What more could a four year old boy want than a mouth organ AND a whoopee cushion (self inflating). Things started to go downhill rapidly after Noah had unwrapped them and any form of control I had over pass the parcel went out the window!

Becky invited me to go to Wiveliscombe to try on some wedding dresses at Isle Altar Hymn – all very beautiful and once again I was so pleased that it wasn’t me making the decision! On to Mole Valley Farmers for a bit of retail therapy plus a pork bap and then to Hemyock to visit mum and Julie – all in all a lovely few days!

Last year, the arrival of the New Year was heralded by snow and ice but this year it was wind and rain. Our spirits weren’t dampened however and we celebrated in style by helping to organise the Wootton Courtenay New Years Eve village party in the hall. Based on last years success, all the tickets were sold within 3 days with some people queuing to get them the day they went on sale! Panic ensued as we realised that the ‘committee’ hadn’t bought theirs but with a quick press of the printer all was fine!

We had a great time with groups of friends and neighbours bringing their own food and drink ranging from 8 courses plus champagne and port to a packet of bread sticks accompanying a thousand island cream dip! There was live music, mulled wine, raffle with money going to air Ambulance, a quiz plus lots of dancing. The hall looked beautiful in the evening and decorated with greenery and candles. The next day things were not quite so pretty but by mid morning and with the help of about 30 people, all was cleared and back to normal.

Now with the start of 2012 it’s back to work. But on second thoughts, looking out the window at the sun on Dunkery Beacon I feel it would be far more beneficial to go for a long walk with the dogs! I have been looking back at some of the photos Derek took over the past year and have decided to put some summer ones on the blog just to remind you of the sun and warmth to come.
P.S. primroses are out at Selworthy – unbelievable!

Happy Christmas!

As Christmas fast approaches it is the usual last minute panic regarding cards received but not sent, catering for the family who are arriving en-mass (‘do we really need all those potatoes’? ‘yes - its 25 and all will want mashed'), loosing all the forfeits for pass the parcel, trying to decide what to buy Soda, helping to organise the New Years Eve party…….. Derek’s contribution to the festive preparations so far has been a bunch of holly!!

The weather has been so much better than last year when, after cooking for all the family, no one could get here because of the snow. This resulted in a very impromptu lunch with many of our friends from the village.

We did have some snow last week when I took the dogs up to Cloutsham. While I was out walking we had heavy snow and sleet, gales and thunder and lightening all at the same time! I felt trifle a vulnerable but the dogs were totally un-phased by the whole and event and after 20 minutes the storm passed and we walked in brilliant sunshine.

To give this last script of 2011 a festive feel, I have attached photos taken early in the year during the snow.

Derek and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has stayed with us over the past year and we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Dunster by Candlelight

We have had a great few days. Tim and Beckie came down for Dunster by Candlelight bringing with them their friends Pip and John. We certainly had a houseful that weekend as many guests come to experience Dunster dressed up for Christmas. All the windows in the houses had candles burning in them, there were street entertainers, stalls selling all sorts of different gifts, music playing and all the shops were beautifully decorated and there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout.

The highlight for me was when Beckie asked if I would like to go with her and Pip while she tried on some wedding gowns at Parnham House in Dunster. It is a very special bridal shop and I have always wanted to go and in and have a browse. However, after 34 years of marriage I really don’t have the occasion! It completely lived up to my expectations and the gowns are gorgeous. When Beckie came out of the changing room she looked beautiful – I almost cried!

I recently went to Exeter to do a little bit of shopping and to see my old work colleagues at Exeter College. It was lovely to see them again and catch up with all their news. A lot has changed but several things remain the same.

As we are now closed for a few weeks, Charlotte and I have been busy giving everything a DEEP clean. In some ways I have been glad that the weather has been so rough as I haven’t been tempted to skive off all the time and go walking! But there have been some times where I just need to get out. Completely booted and waterproofed, the dogs and I have had some lovely long blustery walks over Exmoor – it is good to get fresh air in my face.

Derek has been suffering with a bad back but he has just had it treated so hopefully things will start to improve over the next few days. I have been trying to teach him some Pilates exercises but I starting to wonder if he is taking me seriously – those of you that know Derek will know what I mean!

I have been so fed up with this weather that I have resorted to looking at the photos taken in the summer!