The Jubilee lunch, a run and the Royals

Not one for making a fuss, I entered the Diamond Jubilee weekend with a fridge full of BBQ and picnic food, bunting, Union Jack serviettes, and a grumpy face at the weather. I was persuaded to continue with our plans, so we packed the picnic basket, the neighbours and the kitchen sink, which included the croquet set and off we went to the Jubilee lunch, on the cricket pitch in the rain. It didn't rain too much however; the Brigadier organised the parking, the Compere did the BBQ'ing, and I was bitten by Lola the Labrador. To be fair to Lola, I was holding a dog snack and nothing comes between a Lab and food, not even my finger. It bled, a lot, but not wanting to alarm the children, I didn't make a fuss. Until last night, when it was red and painful and Mr B, who is not a doctor of dog bites, finally took a look at it and decided something needed doing. To cut a long story short, I have antibiotics, have had my tetanus updated (not at the Royal Surrey County Hospital who mistakenly thought I wanted a rabies shot! but that is another story), my finger is still sore but everything is OK.

Just as well really, because today was the big day for Godalming. Waverley Harriers hosted the inaugural Godalming 10km run. It was a fantastic occasion, supported by Sport Godalming and planned around an afternoon of activities for 'Sport for All'. We had a lovely visit from Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex who spent quite a long time talking to everyone and ending their tour by chatting to the Surrey Cadet Corps, who were impeccably turned out. 

I marshalled the race from outside the Charterhouse pub (honestly). It was a busy afternoon but all the runners said how much they enjoyed the run, which was won by  a Waverley Harriers star, Lee. These are my photos of the day.


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Right as rain

I'll lick you with my teeth!

OK, I did try, but not very hard, to find out the origin of this idiom. I confess I don't know, but that doesn't matter, as I feel right as rain today. Yes, it is showery, and no, I haven't planted out the seedlings yet, but apart from that, everything is OK. Shackleford has had its rainfall (and more) for April, the lawn is two foot high, the lawn mower is broken, the brambles are taking over, but the garden still looks lovely in its lushness.

The feeding frenzy goes on at the bird feeders. I can hear the hungry babies. So can the dogs. It puzzles them. But not as much as the squirrels who seem to have appeared en masse this week, to taunt them with their agility. At least the bird feeders are well squirrel-proofed this year.

The Village summer plans are in full swing now. The first meeting of the fete committee takes place at the pub on Friday night. The Village quiz night was on Saturday night, to raise funds for the Village Shop. We couldn't attend, but dutifully purchased raffle tickets - we won nothing, again. Still, that wasn't really the point. The Church treasurer is demanding a standing order for church funds, again. Now, please don't get me wrong. I do support the Church. I am pleased we live in a village with a strong church community. I deliver the parish magazines, I am on the rota for church opening and closing (and cleaning). I try to help out in the garden. But I just don't feel strongly enough to make a monthly commitment to the church bank balance. I prefer to make an annual donation, and have said so previously. And then there's the murder mystery night, the jubilee lunch, the harvest supper, the open gardens in the village... It seems never-ending.

Head and shoulders

Some of you may know that there are two other events happening in my life in May and June. On 19th May the ICDC Surrey will be holding a free educational lunch at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey. This is the implantable cardiac defibrillator club and supports patients and families, through a difficult time. Please do have a look at the website and pass on the information if you know someone in Surrey who has an ICD.

The second event is the Godalming Diamond Jubilee Run. On Monday 4th June, Godalming will play host to a family fun run and 10km race. This is the only event of its kind in the area and we are looking for lots of local support, so please, please pass this on.

Not another photo of me!

It's asparagus season and our local farm shop has their own asparagus ready to buy. We had our first of the season at the weekend, simply steamed, dressed in a light vinaigrette with parmesan and fresh bread.

And finally, the Boxers are being lovely. They have had a very sociable April. They don't know it yet, but the girls at the boarding kennels are looking forward to seeing them next week. They are adapting very well to the changes in their routine and are a delight to work with. Can't believe they will be five in June! 


Thanks for your support!


PS. Get well paws to Badger Boo x.

Forget-me-nots in the woods

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