At the moment, time is just flying by and we seem to have something on everyday. We went to a farm sale during the week and I should think that everyone from Exmoor was there. There were over 2000 lots – from a combine (circa 1952) to buckets of nails, old school writing book, portable gas heaters (which looked as if they should have been condemned), tools, baler twine, wardrobes, wooden skis and everything in between. Although we didn’t see anything we wanted to bid for, the weather was fantastic, the characters amazing, the views incredible and we caught up with quite a few friends and acquaintances. So all and all it was a great morning out.

We then went to Dulverton to meet our very good friends Mike and Jackie who came to stay for a couple of nights this week. The weather stayed hot and sunny and they managed to get a couple of walks in including one up to Dunkery Beacon.

We have a red rose called Fragrant Cloud growing along the veranda. It’s absolutely beautiful this year and as everyone walks past they get a delicate whiff of the scent. The lupines are also quite spectacular as well this year – watering and spraying have paid off.

All the baby birds that were nesting in the veranda have all flown now. The poor parents have been so busy still feeding them, trying to make sure that their babies stay safe, teaching them to fly, feed and fend for themselves. Something’s are the same no matter what the species!

Talking of which, we picked Lucy up on Friday from Exeter and she came home for the weekend to go to a wedding, see the dogs and Derek’s new horse and to catch up with her old boss and her son (I would like to think she came back to see us as well but perhaps that would be pushing it)! But it was lovely to have her home again.

On Saturday we had friends from the village around for supper. They have just moved into a bungalow in the village and having loads of work down. The stories they tell remind us of the time we were doing up the Dunkery Beacon – I NEVER want to go there again!