We seem to have created a monster here. I know it’s fine, and having lived through many renovations, restorations, new builds and additions, I understand the process that has to happen and don’t tend to experience too much stress over it. That said, it’s something of a mess. It all started with a garden project. … Continue reading To Lay a Garden Bed
The family pets have arrived all safe and sound, but a little daunted. It is something of a process to transport animals from one country to another, but thankfully under the current PETS scheme, it is possible to avoid the horrors of long term quarantine upon entry when bringing pets to the UK from Australia. … Continue reading A Cottage Full of Fur
I won't lie, that was a close call. It almost didn't happen. But the phone box has moved - I repeat - has moved. Thank God in His infinite mercy.... Sunday morning saw Paul-who-lives-in-the-church in our back garden fiddling about at the phone box. (Something to note: in an English village, your garden is fair … Continue reading When a Phone Box Goes Down the Lane
The thing about being back in a village like this, is that you gave constant reminders of where you are. It’s not as though the countryside speeding by as you drive from Heathrow airport to your little corner in the south west doesn’t remind you. Or the voices on the radio with their accents. Or … Continue reading Village Reunion
Well, hello everyone. I’ve been absent and I’ve missed you - but I’m back. There has been nothing and everything to write about, some crazy months behind us and the full force of time just flying by as it tends to do when you have a lot of tasks to complete. I’m in Australia, you … Continue reading Greetings from Down Under
Well, you could never accuse the Brits of being in a hurry, that’s for sure and certain. Apparently, a firm decision has been made on the phone box. Now, just in case you have forgotten or have no idea what I am on about – which would be understandable given the amount of time that … Continue reading The Phone Box Saga Continues to Continue
It was always predicted to be a colder winter than the usual. A long, dry summer not usually seen in England had us all wondering what would happen next. These un-seasonal events tend to preclude colder, drier winters so we remained hopeful - well, some of us did. Many were lamenting the arrival of snow … Continue reading When the Village Turns White
And so Christmas Day has passed us for yet another year, and we find ourselves in that strange space between nostalgia and reality. I do hope yours was lovely. Ours was spent quietly, and with our usual traditions as closely as possible. Our day started with the usual opening of stockings and exchanging of gifts … Continue reading After December 25th
While my Australian friends and family are waking to a summer Christmas day, it is still Christmas eve here in frosty England. We have had a cold and clear day, and walking through the fields this morning was a joy indeed. We have been baking for days, attending to the need for endless arrays of … Continue reading Nativity – a Journey.
Have I mentioned I love this village? Well, in case I haven't - I do. I also love Christmas to the point of obsession, particularly in England. So it was that when Jane Flower asked if I would help her decorate the church yard this year I jumped at the chance. The church yard as … Continue reading The Church Yard Extravaganza
