Summer time

The last few days have been so beautifully hot that we have had to wait until the evenings to take the dogs out and let them cool down in the river. We went to Larkham Foot and walked up towards Exford and it took about 20 seconds before they were all in swimming and having a wonderful time. The bluebells are just about at their best now and the smell is quite heady.

We weren’t the only ones making the most of some river dipping. All the cows and calves have been turned out and were meandering down towards the river bank for a drink and cool down.

We have got new neighbours - 2 swallow nests being built in the eaves and a family of sparrows are living in the roof of the veranda! Julie and Helen are with us again at the moment and were heading off towards Hawkridge this morning leaving behind instructions for coffee and doughnuts to be bought to the river at around 11.00!

Derek is busy pulling out all the wallflowers and getting the beds ready for re-planting and although its very dry, the garden looks lovely. I’m heading off now with the dogs and then playing tennis this evening while Derek is going off riding this evening when its cooler – what a life!