Good news, bad news and no news at all

Sempervivum flowers in bloom.
They remind me a bit of aliens,
reaching out to the Mother ship.
 July 2012, Lesley Beeton

There's quite a bit of news (and some interesting photo's), so I'll start with the 'no news'. The histology results have not yet been received. I am trying not to think about it, just getting on with enjoying the gorgeous weather. That's good news, by the way. 


Themba is less keen on the warm weather (bad news). His heart problem seems worse when it's hot, so today as well as ice cubes, I have set up the fan to keep the Boxers cool. It seems to be working. They are nice and calm. We will do our evening walk later,  when it's much cooler. We have had to modify our walks because of Brin's foot; we were advised to keep him out of muddy bridleways and stick to the pavement. It's not ideal but we did find that the path which runs alongside the Footballer's house is nice and cool.

Stink bug on greengage tree.
Last year the wasps were all over the ripe fruit.
 July 2012, Lesley Beeton

More good news is that with the weather fab this week the garden is at last bursting into colour, and the veggies are storming ahead. 

Squirrels have been retrieving their nuts from the lawn.
Hope they stop stealing the greengages off the tree!
July 2012, Lesley Beeton

Chicken palace under construction.
Chooks soon to arrive chez Beeton.
July 2012, Lesley Beeton

Some bad news is that the Molly Maid cleaners have decided they can't clean my house any more. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. This is part of the email I received. No phone call, just an email.

'... I don't feel comfortable with the girls I've got coming to clean for you I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to continue your service. ..... I need to train new staff to the standard that I expect and re-train the girls I have... '

Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?
At least the rain is over.
July 2012, Lesley Beeton

To end with more good news, I had great service from LJP Appliances, Absolute Security and the farmers at Garlic Wood Farm produce great conservation beef, some of which is now in my freezer.

What's been getting in the way of blogging this week?

It's been a strange couple of weeks, far too short to get everything done, including in the garden. And to top it all, this little fellow has been stalking me! 

It's Easter at The Gallery

Three months of the year gone already. Does it seem as though time goes faster the older we get? The Easter weekend just flew by with food, family and friends. I've updated my Restaurant reviews and locally sourced food page so you can read all about it. 

Waiting to go out

The Boxers are tired and happy. The Husband has been running and had loads of chocolate. We joined the Greensand Way 2012 fundraising run on Sunday - that was great fun too. What a glorious route around Hambledon - must take the Boxers for a walk there soon. 


I visited the fantastic farm project at Wild Croft Rare Breeds and learnt a little about pig and chicken keeping, and how special this meat is. We must get the chicken palace sorted now, so we can establish a small flock for eggs.


The plans for the house renovations are ongoing. The bathroom details have been finalised, just waiting for the total cost - hope I don't faint!

Rosie cat

I mentioned our lovely old rescue cat Rosie in a previous blog. I found this gorgeous photo of her - we had forgotten how pretty she was. We do miss her.


And just because I can, here are a couple of new photos of the 'boys' enjoying the fine weather.

My stickie!

I want that stickie!

And last, but by no means least, the delightful Jill at Christmas Pie Crafts has nominated this blog for a Versatile Blogger Award - so exciting! Thanks Jill. More on this (and my nominations) here.

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