Time flies when you're having...fun?

I wouldn't call this year fun. It hasn't been bad, just busy. With interludes of fun. I don't suppose it helped that building work began on our extension in the darkest days of winter. That there have been days of mud and noise and disruption. Frozen fingers, endless cups of coffee, and more questions for the architect than I ever thought possible.

I am, however, maintaining my zen. The hens are laying again. The dogs get on well with the builders. The spring bulbs are out and the sun is shining.

Mr B ran the Marrakech marathon in a personal best time. We stole away for a few days of couple-time in Dubai. We have managed a family crisis, a serious bout of man-flu and a dramatic visit to the vet for two excitable Boxer dogs.

We have made time for friends and family. Going out with friends gives us a break from talking about the building work! And soon, we will be able to have friends round to our home, not to a building site.

The work we do for the ICDC Surrey support group is taking up quite a bit of time, as we prepare for the annual education day. Despite repeated requests for volunteers, maintaining the website and social media still falls to me, and I worry that I'm not doing enough.

The practice is still evolving and demands my attention on most days. Happily, our secretary is settled in her new home and so calm has been restored. Thank goodness the patients are so understanding.

My own work is taking a back seat. No writing for some time, and certainly no networking or business planning. Even my hobbies have been neglected. Very little photography, painting or sculpting.

The recent spring-like weather has prompted me to sort out the solar lights for the garden, and these do cheer me up, even if I don't have much time to garden. I have been looking after my compost heaps over the winter and I can't wait to use the lovely rich compost for my tender spring garden.

I'm getting ahead of myself. There is a bit of winter yet to come. So I'll light the fire and snuggle down with the Boxer dogs. That'll be fun.

See my dog blog at Surrey Life.

See my travel reviews.

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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