Alas , dear friends.....

Alas, dear friends, the antipodeans have flown the nest and are, at this very moment, bound upon an interminable journey comprising thousands of miles toward their estate in the Australias. They travelled yester morn to the capital once more and are born homeward. Parting, as one knows, is such sweet sorrow and a sad tear wend its way down my guardian's face at the time of parting. My guardians twin sister was also such afflicted - dear me, such sadness after such joy! However, it is a fact duly acknowledged that a delightful time was had by all; much merriment, many a meal partaken, visitations undertaken, family members gathered and photogtraphic recording. Why, my male guardian was most delighted to find a fellow chess player amidst the visitors. Many a studious evening was spent in contemplation, fortified by sweet treats for their delectation. Such as memories are made of.

The weather has, fortuitously, been most considerate during the visit - barely a day went by without sunshine and warmth allowing windows and doors to be thrown open and good wholesome exercise to be had walking hither and thither through estates, bountiful gardens, scholarly and historical places of interest and, dear reader, in truth, it has to be said, a fair number of hours in the pursuit of, ahem.. the latest fashions! The antipodeans assured us that this was most necessary due to the superior quality of the workmanship on offer in this fair land. Clearly, some benevolent acknowledgments were offered with knowing smiles and, of course, it would be rude not to partake for oneself, as my guardians duly instructed me, on revealing a number of items for the estate.

For my brothers part, it was all a little too close to home and he daily sought the sanctuary of a quiet spot in either the estate or home in which to secrete himself away. It has to be said, however, that he became a little more accustomed and relaxed, as time went by to the comings and goings but, dear friends, he really is at his most happiest when there is the minimum number of people in his vicinity... such a private gentleman!

I will endeavour to gather my thoughts and note for your perusal, the various visitations made during the visit. 

 It is notable that the farming year is moving swiftly toward the busiest time of year and indeed, harvesting of crops has commenced around us. Always such a joyous and bountiful time of year, do you not agree??

Oh, dear reader

Oh dear reader, what can I say.  Our sincerest of apologies, we have been somewhat remiss in keeping you abreast of the times here on our little estate however, let me just tell, pray, that the antipodean contingent of the family have truly arrived and my, my what a whirl of activity has ensued. Why, one can barely remember the days! My dearest brother has barely left his rooms such is his reserve and I have been left to entertain these lively visitors with my guardians. It has to be said that there has been much fun and laughter as well as general movement amidst the visitors. My guardians threw themselves wholeheartedly in to the visit as the running of such an estate would allow, and took the carriage North thus far then "took flight" bound for the capital of Caledonia - a place that my guardians hold dear in their hearts and are at pains to visit whenever possible. My female guardian had worked hard for many years past and been duly awarded for her troubles, an event which was the purpose of the Caledonian visit. It has to be said, dear friends, the days spent in the North sounded fulsome but much joy can be seen when they recount tales of their exploits. I am truly glad for my guardians, as they rarely leave the estate being bound by their duty to it, my dear brother and I - we are truly blessed. For my brother and I, we are happy to hear of the exploits from the comfort of ones own home; so much more civilised!

This very day the antipodeans are ensconced in our fair capital, partaking of the sights and sounds to be had within such a metropolis, due to return on the 'morrow. Therefore, I must escort my dear guardians through the house to ensure that the visitors' every need is catered for. No-one, dear reader, shall say that we do not know how to entertain in style despite my brothers reluctance. Sadly, this little snippet must satisfy the curiosity; I will, of course, update you as soon as I can. Til then, dear reader......

Hare today

Well, my dears, such delight to be seen admits the crops these last few days. I am so excited, why I can barely contain myself! Indeed you may ask yourself, what can it possibly be? Well, it was that most beautiful and mystic of creatures, the hare. Oh such a joy to behold; the power, the grace and such beauty, all to be found in this most athletic of creatures. Long associated in mythology with the moon, the sun and spring, I could not be more delighted than to see it dashing here and there amongst the pea shoots, one moment cavorting, the next delicately nibbling a sweet young shoot. The very sight of it filled me with joy, from the black tips of its long ears to the muscular hind legs bounding across the field at such speed! Oh joyous day. As the shout went up at the sighting, my female guardian attempted to capture the image for your own delight and perusal. A most difficult of tasks it has to be said, dear friends. My guardian therefore offers up these few pictures with her most profuse of apologies and fervent promises to "do better next time." For myself, I am delighted that any such image was captured at all, such was the speed at which it cavorted and the most excellent fur cape in which it manages to blend in to the background. A most useful of talents it has to be said.

Such a buzz....

Well, my dears, I do declare at such excitement to be had. Why, one does not anticipate drama in the kitchen garden however it was, in this very utilitarian part of the estate, where the full extent of the activity was to be seen this last week past. Much strenuous activity ensued with the intent of a final "push" to complete the last of the raised beds. My female guardian was cutting a definite swathe, once more, through the bed of soil when curiously she upturned a bundle of leaves. Thinking no more of this, she continued in her efforts only to be halted by the most curious of noises, an increasing crescendo of buzzing which appeared to be emitting from beneath her very feet. Without further ado, she requested the assistance of the male guardian- in-law who, in a most chivalrous manner, attended at her bidding. Bent close to the ground, they listened.....  Dear reader, a bumble bee nest had been unearthed much to the consternation of the inhabitants. The entrance had been unwittingly filled in during my guardians endeavours. The guardian-in-law acted without further consideration for his safety; a suitable home was sought and the nest swiftly transferred before the dear creatures could take breath. Why, it is a delight to report that no bee was harmed in the inadvertent re-homing exercise and, indeed, the delightful creatures do appear to have become somewhat fond of their new abode which takes the form of an old bird box. 

 

My brother, for his part, found all of the excitement rather tedious and more than he cared for thus spent the afternoon in his study proof reading. Whilst he enjoys a countryman's pursuits, he has little time for the chitter chatter and excitement that can accompany them hence his retirement to his inner sanctum. Perhaps more wise than we give credit for in the face of an irate  nest full of bumble bees!

 

"How does your garden grow..."

Well, dear friends, here we are but a few days later and oh my, the difference one can see within the garden landscape. My previous missive enclosed a few small pictures of the beauty to behold as one strolls amongst the estate but, my dears, that was nought compared to the delights that the spring rain has bought forth; why the roses are in abundance, the hydrangea positively beautiful in its maidens blush of colour, the geranium aglow with colour. Indeed, one is reminded of the eighteenth century nursery rhyme with question" How does your garden grow" - well, dear souls, I have to admit, bountifully and beautifully. However, I do such wonders of nature little justice with the inadequacy of my script therefore I will merely add further pictures for your own delight.

 

How delightful to listen to the sound of the bee as it moves amongst the blooms; the excited buzzing when a new source of pollen is found and the drowsy droning that fills the air is redolent of a warm English day. How perfectly divine, do you not agree?






Whilst the moment presented itself amongst the spring weather, I permitted myself a brief respite in which to renew my vigour for further searching on your behalf ; my only wish is to bring the very best of blooms for your perusal. I do hope you enjoy them.

Busy as bees

Dear reader, your patience is most, most appreciated during this time of
preparation for "the visit" from the Australian contingent of the family. Why such a frenzy of activity is to be observed; indeed, best viewed from the highest perch for ones own safety. The windows have been thrown wide at the earliest opportunity, there are lines of washing blowing in the breeze, much discussion regarding bed linen, beds to be aired and such like. Why, rooms have been cleared, cleaned and decorated in preparation, furniture moved and positioning contemplated. It is quite, quite exhausting - I have fallen exhausted in to my bed each evening with the whirlwind this activity has created. However, it must be said, dear reader, that the estate is looking most becoming if I say so myself. The gardens are at their most plentiful at this glorious time of year; there are roses aplenty, ladies bonnets, hydrangea, iris and many more. The air is redolent with the most becoming of natures scents. Today, my gurdian received a most delightful posy of rocket from one of the gardeners, the most delicious and heady of smells that fills a room; absolutely charming and so beautifully "country" in a simple cream earthenware jug; quite, quite delicious.

 

 


The kitchen garden has been transformed with the recent warm weather and crops are growing aplenty. Such is the success thus far that some most serious discussions were had, heads scratched and much consideration undertaken, whereupon a plan was hatched to create two, yes, two further raised beds! Well, my dears, I did not envy the task ahead and I will tell for why.  The soil was heaped waist high topped with borage, nettles and weeds aplenty that needed to be parted through the middle to allow the building of the beds in the first instance, all the while weeding and sorting. Once this had been done, the rest of the soil also required digging, weeding and sorting. One can only admire the way in which the shoulders were squared, backs straightened and thus they set about that very task. The soil was parted just as if Moses himself decreed it, allowing raised beds to be built. There was not a cloud in the beautiful blue sky for the two days this work was  undertaken, frequent breaks to slake ones thirst were had and on the second day a joyous moment when golden scones of the savoury cheese variety were partaken - a welcome repast for the workers. There is but a relatively small amount of digging yet to be completed. My brother and I offered our services but, for reasons not quite clarified, we were shooed away to "rest awhile and save our strength", which of course, one adhered to with utmost stringency and alacrity.

Now that the electronic billet doux machine has been sited once more, I will endeavour to keep you abreast of the goings on.  I leave you sadly for I have sight of my female guardian with that look in her eye I have seen too oft these last weeks and fear I must secrete myself somewhere comfortable and safe before a further frenzy of activity ensues. Until tomorrow, dear friends...

Oh my, my.....

Well, dear reader, firstly apologies for the lack of missives but oh my, my what a busy time we have had with the visitor from America. Lunch was enjoyed and much merriment was had by all concerned. Lunch was partaken by various members of our guardians family, much news exchanged and tales told. There were many years on which to report (to be exact, 43 years since our guardian had met our visitor last) and photographs to be taken. Once luncheon was completed, the visitor from across the water accompanied our guardian home and spent some hours conversing with our guardians. I, of course, felt duty bound to introduce myself, as all well bred felines should, and spent some time being duly admired, of course. For my dearest brother however, this was a most difficult occasion being naturally shy and retiring. Our visitor was most complimentary about our heritage and on a number of occasions commented upon this. Dear reader, I bore this adulation with great dignity. My brother however, once introduced did what all self respecting males have a tendency t'ward when faced with a gathering of largely chattering females, and withdrew to his private suite until the all clear was sounded. He only resurfaced once calm was restored and hunger drove him out. 

 

Such is my brothers fear of social gatherings that he only felt truly safe once the estate was secured for the night. Then and only then did he fall in to an exhausted sleep and slept the night fully through. I felt myself drawn to him in his hour of need and comforted him with my physical presence as he slept.

 

Dear reader, we thank you for your patience during this visitation.