Flaming June

The last week of June. Mid-summer. Half a year gone. And just to make sure we all make the most of the summer days, the social calendar is filled with fêtes and fairs, and garden parties, and picnics and Pimm's. Wonderful. Exhausting. 

Life in the village has been typically busy. Something on very weekend this month. I think it may be a bit too much, and we haven't been able to fit it all in, with work, and travel, and quite a lot to do in the garden, too. We enjoyed the party in the Brigadier's garden, but passed at the Garden Safari. Today is the open garden at Norney Wood for the National Gardens Scheme, a Jekyll-inspired garden. Next weekend is the Shackleford fête, and the village will have its bunting out again. Of course, we'd love you all to join in.

The cricket season is in full swing. The Shackleford Cricket Club has an active calendar, and we can hear the familiar crack of ball against bat, and shouts of 'catch', as we walk the Boxers in the woods.

And if you do drive through the village, be sure to stop awhile at the pond, and 00h and aah at the gorgeous cygnets, with their own Facebook page.

What's not to love about village life? Visit Shackleford.

Mid summer madness

The mad dog woman is taking a few days off. To recover from the mayhem and madness. To be nice to Mr B, and to bond with BriniZozi, and not be Mrs Shouty-Mummy. I'm leaving the chaos behind. The man pulling the kitchen apart, the other man slopping the concrete everywhere, the crazy mole-man, and the annoying pump man who never does what he's supposed to do. 

All these men, who are supposed to be improving the quality of my life but have actually made the last week almost unbearable. On top of which, Dad has been ill and his washing machine broke down. Now, Dad hasn't bought a new appliance in over 30 years, so we had to get the repair man in. That didn't work, so ended up having to buy a new washing machine - on top of the unsuccessful repair bill. It's not worth thinking about, when you're dealing with old Dad's logic.

Anyway, I let them all get on with it yesterday, and I disappeared to the Shackleford fete. I was photographer and dogsbody. It was a busy but fun day. I bumped into Dawn from Me, Myself and I, Himself and Badger Boo. Badger Boo should have won his group in the dog show - shame on you Judge! I wasn't wearing my welly boots, but if I had been, they would have been adorned with the gorgeous purple welly toppers (left) made by the multi-talented Dawn aka Stone Pit Crafts. Get yours here.

Zozi came second in her group, handled in the ring by Mr B, much to my amusement. They both seemed to enjoy it. All the fun of the fete photos are in the Shackleford village photo gallery.

Today is the Woking Cats Protection fundraising event, supported by Jill at Christmas Pie Crafts, who does a wonderful job fostering kittens. Local people, please pop along and give generously, or even adopt a kitten.

Too tired to cook last night, we celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary a few days early with a meal at our favourite little pub, The Donkey in Elstead. It was delicious, as usual. Thank you ♥

'See you' next week with 'Tails from the Forest' ☀ but in the meantime, why not read my new post 'Wild West Surrey' at Surrey Life magazine.

PS. On the Boxer heart health story, I have had several responses and lots of new information. I will be compiling this and reporting back next week.

Fun Dog Show at Shackleford Village Fete Saturday 22 June

Update: See all the photos from the fun of the fete.

Bring your family pet dog along and join in the fun.

The Shackleford Fete opens at 2pm. The Fun Dog Show starts at 3pm.

Class 1 Waggiest Tail
Class 2 Best Junior Handler
Class 3 Cleverest Dog 
Class 4 Best Six Legs
Class 5 Best Golden Oldie (dogs over 10 years)
Class 6 Dog the judge would most like to take home

£1 per class or £5 for all classes.
Pay on the day.

There is a prize for the winner of each class.

BriniZozi hope to see you there.