A special request...

Evening All!

I have my comfy, pre-bed attire on, Milo is chewing on a dried pigs ears (vomit), so it's blog time!

Firstly an update on the garden.  Simon my cucumber plant is going great guns!

He has even had his first babies!

Miniature cucumbers, that are the same thickness as regular ones, but only 4 inches long.  Perfect for a couple of sandwiches!

I'm getting a few peas, but they haven't done well this year.  I planted another row last week and they are starting to come up now.

The spinach and chard bed is overflowing!  I am picking a fair few leaves every day and the hens are loving it! The alpine strawberry plants were producing loads of fruits, but it kept vanishing.  I have since found out a furry faced terrier is partial to alpine strawberries and ever-so-gently eats them as soon as they are ripe.....

The girls are doing well, apart from Cornelia who is into 'extreme moult' mode. Getting her feathers ready for the winter collection is all well and good, but she does look scruffy.

Not to mention the state of the chicken run!  I am picking up handfuls of feathers every day! Egg production has dropped.  1 egg a day from 4 hens if I'm lucky.  Time to get a couple of new girls maybe?  I put two boxes of eggs outside my front door and they were sold in 30 minutes.

I finally managed to print my logo onto fabric, so now have labels for my sewn goods!  Just trying to work out the best way to print them on to the sheets of printer fabric as it isn't cheap stuff.

Mum and Dad are on holiday at the moment, so I have 12 days off work to look after Milo.  He is just such fun to have around.  Stanley the Rayburn was booked in for a service on Tuesday and I was dreading the engineer coming over, due to Milo's slight, erm, stranger issues.  Imagine my horror when he turned up with an apprentice!  Training lead on (Milo, not the apprentice) and Milo was absolutely fine.  He had a sniff and then wandered off.  I offered them both coffee and when I turned away to make it, Milo decided to lie on his back and let the apprentice tickle his tummy!  It would seem the dangerous attack dog is no more.  

Talking of dogs, there appears to have been a scottie dog explosion in my craft room! 

 As Caroline asked for a key ring a few weeks ago, here is one I made earlier!
I have made lots of different colours so far and am waiting for the Tiny Box Company to send me samples of small boxes for me to package them in.  Exciting stuff!  You see Caroline, ask and I will do my best!

I seem to be spending so much money at the moment. Stanley's service, an oil delivery planned for next week, logs being delivered and finally getting my new wooden double glazed bedroom window soon.  It never ends, but at least I will be warm this winter!  The Michaelmas fair is giving me stress and I don't know what to make for it.  

So far I have made - 

10 jars of Persian pickled garlic

14 jars of Fig & Whiskey jam

6 jars of Damson & lemon jam (delish, will def make more) 

Lots of scottie dog brooches and keyrings

1 Shopping bag.....

and very little else!  

I have cut out several mini hot water bottle covers but they are more for the Christmas fair in December.  I am stumped, just don't know what to make that will sell.  Any ideas folks?  What have you seen on my blog that you really liked?  I know the long hearts were popular, so will make more of those, but apart from that I just don't know.  Still in two minds as to doing the fair..

Seeing as Milo seems to be popular with my beloved readers (who can resist his cute little bear face), I'll leave you with this picture tonight! 

C x x x

Can a whale get a tan?

Hello everyone!

I am back from Portugal!  8 days at a friend's villa.  Sunbathing, eating prawns and garlic and doing bugger all.  It was bliss.

My tan started fading the second the aircraft left the runway in Faro.  I still have quite an impressive ultra white little backside, thanks to the speedos I was wearing all week.  Baring in mind the fragile state of the economy in Portugal, I didn't think it wise to go out in public in them. The few tourists there were, would have been frightened home!

I used my annual free ticket and it was touch and go.  I managed to get a seat allocated at the gate, so that was good.  We usually book a full fare ticket and rarely use staff travel, but it was so expensive this year.  Apparently there is some sporting event on or something??

Jase and I got back last night and caught the train from Gatwick to my Parents' house.  A wonderful greeting from Milo, lots of squeaks and bum wagging (him), a proper cup of tea, then back to Bramble Cottage.  Today was washing day.  The worst bit about a holiday. :0(

I took Milo for a walk in the mud, freezing cold and pouring rain.  A different world from Faro, with blue skies and warm days.  Ho hum, back to reality now.

Mum and Dad picked up Milo again, as I am due back to work at 7ish tomorrow. A five day block, starting with Milan for the night tomorrow - nice and warm - and then Edinburgh for the night on Wednesday - not so nice and warm!

Not much else to report really.  The garden is a jungle, so I did a bit of tidying up and tying back of plants.  The hens are laying really well and I came back to 4 boxes of eggs that my next door neighbours had collected whilst I was away.

I have the fire lit now as it is so cold.  Shocked that it is July.  Waiting for summer, hoping that August/September/October will be better.  It can't be any worse.

No pictures I'm afraid as I didn't take my camera with me.  It looked so dodgy with the flights I didn't want to check a bag in, so managed with hand luggage.  Was actually quite impressed at how little I needed.  Speedos and P20 sun tan lotion and I was away!  I did buy 2 kilos of garlic though.  The bulbs are huge and I plan to pickle them for the Michaelmas fair.  I made 10 jars last year and they sold well.  The smell in my trolley bag may take a while to go.

The fire is crackling away now and I think it's time for a last cuppa then bed.  Up early to head to the airport......

Night night all!

C x x x

Oap?

Two weeks ago I planned to sit down and write my blog.  Ooops.  After receiving 2 emails today reprimanding me for not doing so, I am sat here with a vegetable cup-a-soup (I know how to live) and will blog away! (Thanks to Hazel and anonymous for the comments)!!

Another Birthday has been and gone and according to my calculations, I am now 38.  Not quite sure if that is possible, but born in '74 means it must be.  I still feel about 15, although the lines of time seem to be stampeding across my face at an alarming rate.

Been a tricky year, bit painful, lonely and well, odd to say the least, but also lots of good stuff has happened.  J and I are still good friends, probably better than ever, Milo is just a dream come true and always makes me smile and Bramble Cottage, my comfort, is a sanctuary.

Even though I have a Kindle, the greatest invention of the modern age, I am still a sucker for a good book.  It is fantastic for work, holidays (once a year, as love being at home) but nothing beats the feel of paper and stunning pictures.  I saw this book last year and refused to spend £16 on it.  Well, I can sniff out a bargain at 50 paces and saw it on offer at £4.  Rude not to buy it.

I finally got around to ordering gravel for the back and courtyard gardens.  Jewson said they could deliver by the Ton bag, so paid up and waited in the next day.  Decided to walk Milo, so left a note on the door for them to contact my next door neighbour who would explain where to drop the bag off.  An hour later, I turned into the road to see a bag of gravel at the top of the lane; I live at the bottom!  They couldn't get the lorry down.  Bugger.  Luckily the lovely Dudley from next door (who must be late 60's) grabbed his wheel barrow and a shovel and helped me shift it all! Back breaking, but now the back garden is finished and I am so chuffed with it.  Admittedly, not the best picture, but it has been raining here since 2008 - well it feels like it anyway.  

I have also had my first harvest from the Bramble Cottage veggie garden!  Not very exciting, but home grown none the less!

The really big news is that I now have a logo for my little craft business!  I contacted the adorable Laura from Cupcakes for Clara and she agreed to design a logo for me.  Her first email contained 4 'sketches' as a rough draft and I loved them all, but decided on this one! I love it!  

I already have an Etsy shop which is empty at the moment, but plans are afoot to fill it with lots of lovely things.  Watch this space, as soon as it goes 'live'  I will post about it and include discounts for my faithful blog readers! ;0) 

Been busy using felt this week.  I love proper wool felt, not that synthetic stuff that sets your teeth on edge.  Scotties were very popular last year at the craft fair and I even made a few custom orders!  I found a wonderful craft shop in Frankfurt and they sell every colour of wool felt you can imagine.  It took a lot of restraint, well, some, but I picked up this stunning sage green and pale lilac.

  

After a bit of cutting, sewing, stuffing and tinkering, the brooches are done -

How cute?

I just have to work out how to print my logo onto fabric and then I can start sewing shopping bags and hot water bottle covers.  I have already made labels for the paper bags (just need to make products to put in the bags) and have ordered the most amazing stickers from Moo! which look fantastic.  It is all coming together nicely now.  

I have decided to do the Michaelmas Fair in September and will be in Studio 12 (Maggie's) for both days (not in the main hall this time).   Better get my backside in gear and I have nothing to sell yet! Started my making some damson & lemon jam today.  The kitchen smells lovely.  

The 'front' garden that is on the lane has had a makeover.  Lots of weeding, digging in compost, muck and planting & it starting to look nice.  The local family-run garden centre is great for cottage plants, so tried to stick to those. Money is a bit tight, so was horrified spending £70 there this week, but needs must.  It is nice when people walk past and comment on how good it is looking.  A few more weeks and things will start to fill out and flower.  

Pru had a few lady problems this week and was put in the hospital bay (a box in the shed) for a bit of TLC.  She was still quiet the following day, but is now fine.  Cornelia then refused to walk and when I nudged her, she was limping badly.  I gave her arnica pillules for a couple of days and she is now fine. Must have been a sprain.  She even laid a lovely dark brown egg! (Her first since April, the little madam)!  

I have another week off now, as Mum and Dad are away, so I have Milo sitting duties.  I love it.  We go out walking 3 times a day (his rules, not mine) and I have a saddo app on my iphone that tracks the walks.  We are averaging 5 miles a day!  No wonder I am losing/maintaining my weight.  I am due back on the 24th, so Jase will be dog sitting overnight.  I am sure Milo will keep him entertained.  

I will leave you with a thought for the day -

Sorry I have been away for so long.  I will be back soon, I promise.  

C x x x

When is a corner, not a corner......?

...when Christian is trying to crochet!

Evening all!

Just a quick update on life at Bramble Cottage.

Milo is doing well and I have had a few visitors this week.  He is interested at first, but soon wanders off when people ignore him.  Training is working slowly!  No growling or nipping in weeks!!

I have the window man coming on Friday, he has been warned!  I need a new bedroom window and don't want to put UPVC in the house.  Wooden double glazed windows cost the earth, but that is what I would like.  Will get the bedroom one done first as the curtains moving with the wind is freaking me out now!  2 needed in the kitchen and finally the spare room one day.

Cannot believe it is the 16th of May and I have the fire lit.  It's my Birthday in 3 days and it is always nice and sunny.  The cold weather has tempted me to relight Stanley the Rayburn, but I don't have loads of oil left and wanted to save a bit as it is supposed to be summer!  Will need to order more soon, as the price has dropped a bit.

I have now sold 8 boxes of eggs from the front door!  Business is booming! When the weather is better I might even put a few jars of jam outside.  You never know?

Elsbeth and Agnes are laying well, Pru a couple of times a week and Cornelia is clamped to the nest.  Still.  5 weeks that hen has been grumpy and fluffed up, with little concern for her house mates, as she barges them out of the way to get to dried mealworms and mixed corn.  She is in for a shock when she stops being broody.  I think the others are tolerating her mood swings as she is hormonal.  God help her when she snaps out of it!

Just back from a quick stroll round the field with Milo.  I have to say, when it is sunnyish and not raining, the eye candy and their dogs go walking!  A couple of very suitable attractions were out this evening!

Had another mini crochet lesson today, thanks to Jen at Beaker Button at the Weyhill Fairground.  I'm still incompetent when it comes to squares, can't seem to figure out what a corner is.  Slightly concerned by my lack of ability, but it'll all fall into place. Unfortunately, a new fabric shop has opened next door, so I can fuel my addiction within 45 seconds of the front door.  They even stock Moda fabrics, so if you don't see me for a while, I'll be hiding amongst bolts of fabric at The Fairground...........

Time to switch off the laptop and do some reading.  Am totally into the Game of Thrones series of books and cannot seem to find enough time to sit and read.  I no longer have Sky tv, so can't watch the latest series on the box.  Will have to wait for the dvds.

Night night everyone.

C x x

Matchsticks needed

Greetings everyone, a tired hello from Barcelona!  I was up so early this morning I have no energy to go out, so thought I would update my blog.  Having pilfered all the lovely Aveda toiletries from the bathroom, it's time to sit and write!

On my last days off, I did manage to pop to the garden centre and get a few bits.  I wanted some garden mint and needed a couple of bags of compost to fill the last raised bed.

Just the gravel to order now and the back garden will be done.  Once my brother has sorted the garden tap, I can plumb in the watering system and get planting!


The pear tree that Mum bought me is doing well, even if it is a strange shape at the moment.  It'll look ok in a couple of years with careful pruning.

I couldn't resist the terracotta pots, so planted up some tiny alpine strawberries too. 

Work has been full on, with just one day off between 2 working blocks, I haven't had a chance to write/do much.  2 more days to go and I have 12 days off which I am looking forward to.  Plus it is my Birthday soon!!

With ironing being my least favourite chore, it didn't take much to distract me, when Milo decided it would be fun to explore under the spare bed.  He is ever so camera shy, so I took my chances, lay on the floor and called him from under the quilt......out he came, all waggy tail and I got this picture!!  I love it and it really shows his cute side.  I decided to enter it into a competition to win worming tablets (I know, hardly exciting, but why not)??

If you would like to vote, click Here You can vote every day if you have the time....I only need another 5000 clicks to beat the current winner! ;0)

I thought one was special too.

I am to blame for the cold weather.  On the 30th of April I was busy packing for a trip and decided that May was 'round the corner, so turned Stanley the Rayburn off.  He has been guzzling oil at a rate of knots and needs a service! May day arrives and I get up for work at some ungodly hour to discover it is 2 degrees outside!  Apologies.

My basil seedlings are growing slowly.  Not looking too good, but should be ok. Am tempted to buy them from a supermarket next time, separate and pot them on.

The crocheting isn't going to well.  All fingers and thumbs still and think I need another lesson.  I have the basics, but am struggling to make a square.  I have resisted the urge to stab my hands with the hook, although sometimes I feel like it. Added to the fact that Milo has taken a liking to nicking my ball of wool and running off with it, things are progressing slowly.  'Dog drool' granny squares aren't the most attractive. 

Having spent the best part of 2 hours sorting out the garden, cleaning out the hens, (Cornelia is still broody and grumpy, the others are staying out of her way wisely) and adding composted farm yard manure to the long bed along the front of the house - the soil is like dust as it gets so little rain - I came back in to find yet another ball of yarn on the front door mat, courtesy of Milo and not a terrier to be found!  I called and called and dashed upstairs to see if he was asleep on my bed - something he hasn't done yet.  Couldn't find him anywhere!  Back into the garden to find an exhausted terrier spark out by the new raised bed.  He is a dog after my own heart - likes a nap! 

Things seem to be going well and I have had a few visitors to test the theory.  Mark and Ed popped in with strict instructions to ignore him and avoid his Yoda stare.  Not easy when you are sat in the kitchen and a dog is sniffing your crotch.  They did very well (as did he) with a lick of Ed's hand, I think we are making progress.  Mark still won't look at him.........

(side note * sorry Linda, not been in contact but will email you soon re visit*) ;0) 

I have received a couple more emails inviting me to various craft fairs in November and December!  I have no stock and am worried about accepting.  Jams and jellies sell well as do the hot water bottles but I seriously need some new ideas on what to make and sell.  Time just seems to be flying by and the fabric stash keeps growing, I have to use some of it up before it takes over the house! Answers on a post card please...

The Cadburys Dairy Milk with Turkish delight is calling me.  My brain is saying 'feed me sugar', so I think I will have to do it.  Just can't keep my eyes open.  Pick up is at 4.50 in the MORNING! At least it is only one flight and I can have a nap when I get home.  Looking forward to Thursday afternoon when I can pick up Milo and chill out for a few days.  

Time to go and find the chambermaid to complain about the 'lack' of toiletries in my bathroom! 

C x x x  

Hand/eye coordination - One man's struggle...

Evening All!

Been a tad busy for the past couple of weeks, but back now!

Firstly, let me start by explaining about a little blog I discovered.  It is called Attic 24 and I have been following for a couple of years now.  She is a crochet Genius and I stare in awe at some of the things she makes.

Take this granny square blanket for starters.  How yummy is that?  I think something similar would look great in my lounge, to snuggle up with on cold winter nights.

I mean who cannot love the colour of yarn??  Look at these - I think a throw/snuggle blanket would look fabulous in these colours........

(Pictures borrowed from Attic24's blog - do a google, her stuff is lovely)

Last Thursday, I had an appointment with Pauline the Dog Whisperer.  Mum and Dad came over as they needed to learn the best way to make Milo a true Wonder Dog, as he is so often described on my Facebook updates......

3 hours and lots of lessons to be learnt later, she left and the training started in ernest.  He is doing so well, but I struggle to find enough people to come round and 'test' him out.  Am tempted to place an ad in the paper;

WANTED

Brave souls to pop in and help train 

rabid, snarling rescue terrier.

Tea, cake and full body armour provided. 

I'm not sure how many would apply.......

Talking of the little poppet, he doesn't really like having his picture taken.  One day I will catch his dopey side.  The Milo I see everyday when I wake up and he is looking at me, with love in his eyes and a cheeky wagging tail, just so excited to see me. 

He knows just the right time to look away.........

Training is going well and his recall is excellent.  He can sit and lie down on command.  I say recall is excellent unless deer are involved.  Or pheasants.  Or partridges.  Or another dog.  Or clump of grass.  Apart from that, he comes back every time.  

Spent the week planting more seeds into yoghurt pots and generally pottering around the house constantly hoovering up Milo fur and mopping paw prints off the kitchen floor.  Am tempted to recarpet upstairs in a a nice tan/black colour..

I picked up a Glasgow night stop from Stand by last week and simply had to visit one of my favourite shops.  Mandors in the city centre, just 1 minute walk from the crew hotel.  Being slightly strapped for cash, I was tempted with several metres but walked away with just 5.  Aren't they gorgeous??  The wellie boot one also comes in a blue/grey design that I might just have to order later.

I have cut out lots of pieces already, to make in to hot water bottle covers and shopping bags.  Still have loads left, to squirrel away for another day.  It was fun sat with a bit of sewing.  Has been so long since I sat upstairs with the purring of my machine and Milo at my first keeping a close eye on spare threads that he could play with.  

Within the first week of moving in to Bramble Cottage, Mum and I planted around 100 daffodil bulbs.  Stupidly, I forgot to take any pictures, but here are a couple of the narrow beds along the length of the house

I had no idea that there were bluebells all the way along, which came out just as the daffs were finishing.  Stunning. 

 All the hens are laying well, so I decided to sell some eggs from the front door.  I made up a little sign and popped them all in a box with a lid, a couple of plastic bags and a dish for the money.  They have only been out there one day, but have sold a box already.  As if on cue, Cornelia then decided to go broody and has been fluffed up and clamped to the nest for 2 solid days now.  She has pulled all her feathers out from her tummy to line the nest and is looking sorry for herself.  A bad tempered hen who will not tolerate being dragged from the nest kicking and screaming!  I have to otherwise she won't eat or drink.  Just glad that I am off for a few more days.

A friend posted this on Facebook and i just had to steal it.  Perfect use of 'upcycling', I believe the term is.  Looks great anyway.

The good news is that I have paid my admission fee for the Christmas fair at  The Fairground in November I think it is.  Will keep you all posted of the exact dates.  Work started yesterday on what to make/bake and sew for it.  I love the Christmas fair and look forward to it all year.  It takes a lot of work but anything Christmassy doesn't feel like a chore to me.  Stockings are already in the planning/drawing stages.  Exciting!

Still undecided about the Michaelmas fair in September as they are charging so much for the stall.  It just wouldn't be worth doing.  £95 for 2 days is an awful lot of jam to sell before I break even.

For once I have sat down and written my blog in one go.  Without breaks and trips to the loo, copious amounts of tea and visits to the garden for a ciggie.  Quite shocked at that, so might have to dash off now.  Yes.  Back in 2 shakes of a terriers tail.

Right, I'm back.  Did you miss me?  Ok, so today I did something that I have wanted to do for ages and actually the point of this blog post.  I had a crochet lesson at the Fairground Craft Centre mentioned above.  I sat with Jen for 2 hours and now realise that my fingers do not listen to my brain.  I have no coordination with left and right, top or bottom, but having that lovely sage green alpaca yarn in my hand was lovely (and a little bit weird sounding to those that don't know yarn).

After several hours I have now mastered the chain/foundation stitch that most children take 40 seconds to learn. My tension is all wrong but that will come with time according to FB friends and my Jedi crochet-mistress.  The one who can crochet a poncho, behind her back whilst practising steps to Riverdance.

I am a long was off from the blanket pictured above, my fingers hurt, but I will get there.  Just need to find room for a wool/crochet hook stash and I'll be away.  Me thinks that wool is going to be another expensive addiction......but hey, it's cheaper than cocaine.  Need to master Double crochet next. God help me.

Thanks for reading and speak to you all again soon.


If I don't stab myself with a wooden crochet hook.


C x x x

Time for a blue rinse?

I had a really nice day today, despite the freezing temperatures......after a quick walk with Milo, the dog who avoids water and mud - strange lad,  I headed back to the luke warm house.  Apart from an encounter with a hyper active miniature Schnauzer, he was very well behaved.  

After a quick breakfast, although ocean white fish kibble, with warm water smelling like an explosion in a 'Scampi fries' factory, is enough to put anyone off their cereal, I hoovered up the copious amounts of dog hair.  I now have enough to fill a sizeable cushion. Available on my selling blog soon!! ;0) 

I popped into Scats Countrywide and got yet more compost and a couple of packets of seeds! *Will forget to mention the offer on Cadbury's Mini eggs* 

...all planted up in my old yoghurt pots! 

By lunchtime, it was time to take Milo on his afternoon 'long' walk.  This turned into a 2 hour epic, but was great fun.  The Herta frankfurters cut into small bits kept him very interested in coming back when called.    His interest in horses is slowly waining, as he no longer gives them the 'Medusa' stare when he sees them in the field next door.  Although I am sure he still isn't too keen.  On the way home, he met Archie the giant retriever and wanted to play!  He was like a puppy bounding around and had a great time. 

When we got home, my dear Postman had left a note to say 'parcel in barbeque'!!  He sneaks around the back and hides parcels in my garden.....a bit like Father Christmas, but in a tight polo shirt which barely covers his tummy and a pair of shorts no matter what the weather.  

I ordered these watering thingymabobs so that I could put some pots in the courtyard garden.  I have no water supply out there and these looked perfect.  Just screw on a plastic bottle filled with water and away you go!!  Am experimenting with a climbing rose I planted earlier in the week, if that works, then I'll put a few large pots out there.  Just need to drink even more diet coke for the bottles now. 

One final picture of the other raised bed.  Ready with hazel rods for the runner beans and sweet peas.  I need to sort out the watering system as soon as my Brother moves the outside tap, but the hoses are nearly in place.

I have also signed up for a crochet class. I know, I know, will my addictions never end!??   The local craft centre, which is 30 seconds away, offer classes for £6, so I thought 'why not'??  I have been inspired by the granny square blanket craze that is sweeping the country.  I want one!  £6 doesn't seem too bad to me as I am the only one on the course.  There is the price of crochet hook, which is made by a Ecuadorean blind goat, that hobbles on 3 legs and has 11 kids to support.  I do like to support Fair Trade items.  And the wool.  Natural fibres, of course at £5 a ball, but several other accessories I am sure I will need.  Sensible shoes and a poncho maybe? I am going to be skint aren't I??

Right, time for bed.  The fire is dying down and Milo is already asleep under my bed.

C x x x

A bleary eyed post..

Let me start off by saying sorry.  I was up at 3.30 this morning, so spelling mistakes & poor grammar a-plenty in this post!! 

Been a horrible week, but it is over work wise now.  I have 4 days off and not due back until 6pm on Monday!! 

Let's start with the shopping trip with Jase to Ikea!  My much loved and ancient blue and white checked bedding finally wore out.  I really don't know how long I have had it, but it is my comforting, lovely cosy bedding that is snuggly.  It has been lovingly re-sewn in the past, but it so thin now that I couldn't save it.  It will be used in a sewing project for sure, as it is lovely.  Am thinking patchwork quilt or two?  

I have this new bedding now that will become 'old faithful' one day I'm sure.

Have been on the look out for a bistro style table and chairs for the back garden for a while now.  Couldn't resist this set from Ikea for £35!  Bargain!

It was a friend's birthday and I couldn't post a picture of the pressie I made her, just in case she saw it!  I can now!  2 'pukka' pads and a cover!  She is an obsessive list writer (unlike me - Pinnochio nose growing longer) so thought this would come in handy. 

The weather was lovely last week, so I took to the road and visited Long Acres garden centre in Bagshot!  A mighty drive from here, but they had the pre fab raised beds I wanted!  Having dug out the clematis (and moved the barrel that Milo liked to sit in), here is the new bed in situ.  

...and with Milo proofing........

Plus a second smaller bed near the chicken run - 

The twiggy edging is just there as a temporary measure to prevent Terrier-based-digging-up-of-veggie seedlings when planted.  One more bed to get and then I can get the gravel for the rest of the garden.  A ton of gravel to shift will be fun. 

Got excited with the warm weather and bought some seeds.  The first of many packets no doubt. 

On a roll, so decided to paint the shed as my Brother had removed the old rotten wood and felt and re-roofed it.  Iris blue is very fetching don't ya think?  Just the top to do in white with gloss (I hate gloss paint) and then it'll look really smart. 

Onto Milo the wonder dog.  After 8 weeks of a near perfect dog, he has turned in a terror.  It started by him spraying on my bed (yes, the new bedding)! and then biting a friend who visited.  No rhyme or reason for it, but really wasn't happy him coming into the house.  I wasn't happy about it either. A few days later a pregnant friend came over and Milo bit her!!  She has a massive bruise on her leg, but luckily he didn't break the skin.  A week of antibiotics though just in case.  I was so upset.  I called a few local dog training classes and explained.  None of them do individual training, but all mentioned a lady called Pauline.  I called and she is now booked for the 5th of April.

She gave me lots of tips over the phone, so have started training already.  He is not allowed anywhere near the front door unless I let him.  The kitchen door is always closed so he can't get to the front.  He is also kept out of the lounge when I am not here, so he doesn't get on the sofa to look out of the window (he never gets on the furniture when I am here).  I decide who I allow in the house, not him.  Already, just a few days, he is better with regard to barking at everyone who walks past.  We will get there.........I just had awful visions of having to take him back.  Not that I am giving up easily.  I cannot imagine life without the cute little man!

He is so adorable when he is with me and at Mum's.  Still in shock at the way he went for my friends.  Just wish the dog trainer could fit me in quicker.  She says it can be sorted with lots of work.  Work I am fully prepared to do!  Milo the wonder dog (MWD) will be at Bramble Cottage for a very long time hopefully!

C x x x

The boy has found his voice....

....I am not referring to my West end debut.   Although, one day perhaps.  I am talking about Milo the wonder dog who, for the first 4 weeks, didn't bark.  He had a little op last week to remove some, erm, unsightly dangly bits from between his legs and has since become a barking hound!  If anyone walks past the window, he barks whilst sprinting to the door, with all the ferociousness of a grapefruit.  He tries to howl if he can get there in time.  Training is needed.


Today wasn't a promising start.  Grey and foggy with drizzly rain, but it soon brightened up to a glorious day!   I picked up Milo last night and he soon settled back into Bramble Cottage routine again.  Woke up at 7 this morning!  I have one day off and could have done with a lie in.  Anyway, Milo was raring to go, so was walked by 8.30, which was just in time to get home for a Lady who was coming over to pick up my 2 old eglu runs.  Deal done and I have reclaimed more of my garden.

I spent a couple of hours hacking away at the old honeysuckle that dominated the garden.  You know the drill, a job you wish you had never started?  6 tub trugs later, I was done!  The plan is to remove the very sturdy trellis and relocate it to cover the oil tank.  I can then put a large raised bed in between the oil tank and water butt.  I have a pear tree ready to plant against the fence and will put another climbing plant in, to hide the ugly tank.

When pulling out the old honeysuckle, I found loads of ladybirds.  Having destroyed their home, I thought it fitting to give something back.  I'm good like that.  So I fashioned some insect homes from the dried bits and hung them around the garden.  Very rustic.  Will not be making them to sell...

It seems my earlier post about plentiful eggs was a bit premature.  Pru laid two eggs in 3 days, so I thought we were off to a good start.  She must have read my blog and snubbed me, as she hasn't laid since!!  Agnes and Cornelia started squatting a few days ago (which to non hen owners, means they will soon start laying) and today I was rewarded with a lovely Cornelia egg!  My egg skelter is not looking that full, with only 3 eggs since the 2nd of November.  One egg a month from 4 hens isn't bad is it?  Fret not Waitrose, my custom is good for a while yet.

Milo likes sitting next to the run and supervising the 'non' laying........

.....and the rest of my garden looking dreadful.  Give it time.  I need a couple of raised beds and a truck load of gravel and it'll look great.  (A couple of burly workmen might help too). 

 

One job I have finished in Jase's niece's baby quilt!  I started with 3" squares and soon regretted it.  Obviously 5-6" squares would have been easier and quicker.

Rather chuffed with the finished result!  It is only small, but then she is only a baby!  Will look great in her buggy! 

Have to dash now.  That is it, my one day off and back on for 5 days from tomorrow.  Athens and back.  My least favourite trip.  Ever.  I know what will happen.  Tomorrow will most certainly contain a row with the ground staff in Athens not allowing me off the aircraft for a ciggie.  How often to I have to explain that I simply cannot operate back with the general public without at least 1 ciggie to soothe my nerves?

C x x