Well, dear friends, the Christmas season is fast approaching and preparations are afoot across the land for this most festive of seasons. As in most families it is the female of the species who leads the way. Here on our small estate, our female guardian has secreted away little gifts throughout the year that she has deemed suitable for various members of the family. Nothing ostentatious nor vulgar you understand, merely tokens of appreciation that are deemed suitable for an individual who may enjoy a small gift in keeping with this joyous occassion.
For those relatives abroad, little gifts have been despatched, well wrapped and protected for the long journey, chosen with great care and love for the recipient in mind. Each gift intended to be enjoyed with full Christmas cheer.
Christmas food is such a joy to behold, however, my guardians are not ones to overindulge, mindful of the largesse one could very easily partake of during the festive season. Therefore a few chosen delicacies will be selected with the intent of savouring good food in proportion. The delightful fruits and vegetables will be enjoyed, along with a beautiful moist ginger cake baked by my guardians relative and, oh, what a dish to enjoy with a cup of something warming; quite a delicacy it has to be said and much awaited throughout the year.
In the coming weeks, fresh holly and ivy will be collected and used to decorate our little abode with a modicum of seasonal style; treasured decorations prepared and hung.
My sister and I will no doubt take time to approve the necessary arrangements. We ourselves do not partake of the human exchange of gifts believing in time spent quietly together as a family, counting our blessings for our own good fortune, indeed there are many less fortunate than ourselves. My sister will continue her charitable works in the run up to the season to ensure all is well for Christmas; no stone will be left unturned to ensure warmth and comfort on Christmas day.
Alas, I must leave you to undertake some preparations of my own. I bid you good evening for the time being.
L
Sunday, 7 December 2014
Friday, 28 November 2014
Anniversary
My dearest guardians celebrated their 32nd Wedding Anniversary yesterday and what a joyful day for them. Far from having to arise at the earliest of hours, they rose at a more conducive hour, after a leisurely lie in. My brother and I were delighted to hear them chatter about their wedding day and how time flies; tempus fugit and all that. It was a misty cold day but this did not dampen their spirits. My brother and I chose to stay warmly by the fire whilst my guardians decided to call for the carriage and spend some time admiring a local house and parkland, bedecked in its finery in preparation for Christmas. They spent a number of hours thus, admiring fine architecture, paintings and an exhibition of fine needlework and clothing across the centuries. My dear lady guardian has a penchant for historical portraiture and thoroughly enjoyed those on show. Sadly, their walk amongst the parkland was cut short by the inclement weather but did not dampen their spirits. Homeward bound, they stopped off for some tasty delicacies for a celebratory supper to be had by the fire, a good book apiece. My brother and I were most delighted as this allowed us the most delightful opportunity of a quiet evening spent with our guardians. What more could one want on a winter's evening.
Friday, 21 November 2014
Such calamity, dear friends!!
My poor dear brother has had a most difficult week. Our dearest guardians returned from their daily endeavours to find my brother in a somewhat more subdued mood than was entirely normal. On closer inspection, the reason was to be espied. Quite what my brother had been doing was beyond us but his injuries required a visit to the local establishment known as the
V-E-T. This word is not oft uttered and never within my brothers hearing for it quite unsettles him for many a day. However, he was at their mercy, our guardians being firmly in the belief that he required urgent assistance for his injuries. Thus saw the carriage brought forth late in to the night and they did rush forth to seek medical attention. Two of the kindest ministering angels did attend to him, ensuring he was pain free and fully assessed. My brother was beside himself upon the knowledge that an operation was required but, kindly souls that they were, it was agreed he could rest at home prior to his urgent surgery the following morning. Now, by far the worst information for my brother was not that he would require surgery but that he was to be deprived of food from that moment until after surgery and that his diet would be restricted for a period after surgery due to the injuries he sustained. Why, this was a body blow indeed for he is very fond of a late, early and middling repast between meals. I do believe he felt quite faint at the very thought. Alas, nought could be done but to bear this with good grace and fortitude; it was a grim party that saw my lady guardian off in the carriage that following morning with my brother . In view of his advancing age, there were a number unmentioned concerns amongst us, however, a good stiff upper lip was maintained by all and he was most beautifully cared for; returning late that night minus one or two necessities removed from his person to facilitate a full recovery. He bore it all bravely, relishing in the ready supply of freshly cooked chicken for the first 24 hours - essential protein to recover, one understands.
Tomorrow morn sees a return journey to the V-E-T, to ensure that all is healing and mending as it should. We have spent the last 48 hours quietly at home to encourage rest and recouperation, a steady supply of warmth and human contact to support this.
Quite what led to this contretemps is beyond us but we are thankful that my dearest brother appears restored. We are grateful indeed for small mercies and, indeed, to those dedicated souls who cared so well for him during his hour of need.
V-E-T. This word is not oft uttered and never within my brothers hearing for it quite unsettles him for many a day. However, he was at their mercy, our guardians being firmly in the belief that he required urgent assistance for his injuries. Thus saw the carriage brought forth late in to the night and they did rush forth to seek medical attention. Two of the kindest ministering angels did attend to him, ensuring he was pain free and fully assessed. My brother was beside himself upon the knowledge that an operation was required but, kindly souls that they were, it was agreed he could rest at home prior to his urgent surgery the following morning. Now, by far the worst information for my brother was not that he would require surgery but that he was to be deprived of food from that moment until after surgery and that his diet would be restricted for a period after surgery due to the injuries he sustained. Why, this was a body blow indeed for he is very fond of a late, early and middling repast between meals. I do believe he felt quite faint at the very thought. Alas, nought could be done but to bear this with good grace and fortitude; it was a grim party that saw my lady guardian off in the carriage that following morning with my brother . In view of his advancing age, there were a number unmentioned concerns amongst us, however, a good stiff upper lip was maintained by all and he was most beautifully cared for; returning late that night minus one or two necessities removed from his person to facilitate a full recovery. He bore it all bravely, relishing in the ready supply of freshly cooked chicken for the first 24 hours - essential protein to recover, one understands.
Tomorrow morn sees a return journey to the V-E-T, to ensure that all is healing and mending as it should. We have spent the last 48 hours quietly at home to encourage rest and recouperation, a steady supply of warmth and human contact to support this.
Quite what led to this contretemps is beyond us but we are thankful that my dearest brother appears restored. We are grateful indeed for small mercies and, indeed, to those dedicated souls who cared so well for him during his hour of need.
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Joy in the little things in life
Dear reader, I am at best, happy, at worst, sad. Why you may indeed ask and I will readily tell. Our antipodean relatives guardian sadly gave us the news that our dearest of cousins, Oscar, has gone on to greater things in another life. He was an elderly gentleman who had done in life more than many a feline will ever do. Why, he traversed the wide world many times, criss crossing the skies between dearest Blighty and the Australias; wherever his guardian went, he did follow. Why, his passport held more stamps to it than both my guardians together. It was whilst my guardians had set foot for the first time in the Australias that they met the dear boy. My, they were enchanted and have many, many happy and joyous memories of their time with him. On his many travels home to Blighty, my brother and I met him and, indeed, my brother shared quarters with him. One of the good and great of the feline species; he will not be forgotten.
I know for certain that dear Oscar would also share our joy in the smallest of things. It is with great delight that I report the first fire of the year. My guardians felt the time had come to ensure that all was in working order with the logburner and so it was that last evening the great occassion happened. Oh how happy my brother and I were. There is nought so heartwarming than the crackle of an autumn fire; curtains firmly closed against the dark, lamps ablaze and a warming cup of the finest tea. Why my lady guardian spent a splendid evening thus. Alas, our dearest male guardian was duty bound.
I know for certain that dear Oscar would also share our joy in the smallest of things. It is with great delight that I report the first fire of the year. My guardians felt the time had come to ensure that all was in working order with the logburner and so it was that last evening the great occassion happened. Oh how happy my brother and I were. There is nought so heartwarming than the crackle of an autumn fire; curtains firmly closed against the dark, lamps ablaze and a warming cup of the finest tea. Why my lady guardian spent a splendid evening thus. Alas, our dearest male guardian was duty bound.
Wood
Well how delightful to be able to tell! My dearest guardians are most fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to assist their dear relatives in collecting wood. Dear me, what an offer and oh my, what wood.The finest of oak and beech to collect for the home fires. Now, this may seem a small matter but when one says collect, one does not mean to send a man to bring home the spoils, oh no, dear reader, no. A special heavy duty carriage was hired, fortifying breakfasts partaken, a small collection of energising food collated and a journey undertaken to collect said wood. The sight, my dearest friends, upon their arrival was a extremely large pile of felled trees of both oak and beech (higher than my guardians head) waiting for their ministrations. Why, it fair took my female guardians breath away. Unthwarted by the size of the felled trees, my guardian and her male relative set forth; he sawing with his mechanical device and she transferring large hunks of wood to the carriage. Such was the quality and weight of the wood there were one or two pieces my guardian required a little assistance with, much to her chargrin. The large carriage hired for the day was filled twice with their efforts. After many hours toil, with sore and weary muscles, they set homeward. One is reminded of good honest toil of our forefathers. And the joy, the deepest of joy at a job well done, a job shared and completed; and joy in the knowledge of the plentiful supply of wood, stacked to season for the years to come. So satisfying.
It is perhaps understandable that both workers slept well, my friends. Hard work, however, is also good for the soul and my guardian is much restored after a weekend spent thus. The simple things in life can make me one so happy and contented.
It is perhaps understandable that both workers slept well, my friends. Hard work, however, is also good for the soul and my guardian is much restored after a weekend spent thus. The simple things in life can make me one so happy and contented.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Alas, dear reader, it has to be said that one can never really understand the creatures known as humans. You may indeed ask yourself for why I have made this very statement and, my friends, I will readily tell.
Our guardians are hard working people, undertaking goodly works as is required of them each day in work that devotes itself to this very nation of which they are so proud to be a part of. As with many , they toil away happily each day and readily give more than is required. It has to be said however, that there comes a point in a life where, after many years of good honest toil and will, a person begins to question what they are doing for the very reason that, despite giving readily of their time and goodwill for no gain, it has become a requirement of what they do to go even beyond this. Year on year this happens. One of my beloved guardians works with several other such colleagues who all undertake a role that is beloved by them. BUT, and here is the problem; one becomes exhausted and, sadly, my dear friends, disallusioned with what they do by this very fact. A point that is missed entirely by those who should listen and act.
It is no mean feat, to work daily with humanity; to respond to their needs and give of oneself each day and to do this year in year out for the lifetime of a career; to respond to the ever evolving needs of a nation that is increasing and, sadly, greatly more demanding in its' requirements. This very fact puts one in mind of Dostoyevsky when he quoted in The Brothers Karamazov " I love mankind, he said, "but I find to my amazement that the more I love mankind as a whole, the less I love man in particular.” This statement questions that of Hammerstein II who is oft quoted "There is a very real relationship, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between what you contribute and what you get out of this world.” Maybe, BUT, when we see our guardians return at the end of each daily toil, we see the mark it leaves upon them. A mark that is not necessarily seen by others.
However, such is their dedication they will work through this once again and, as we update you, go about tasks to bring joy to us all within our small country estate, which my female guardian reminds us, is warm, homely and comfortable. We offer our sincerset apologies for the lack of news but have spent our time ensuring the comfort of our loved ones. We work this very day to collate further for your perusal.
Our guardians are hard working people, undertaking goodly works as is required of them each day in work that devotes itself to this very nation of which they are so proud to be a part of. As with many , they toil away happily each day and readily give more than is required. It has to be said however, that there comes a point in a life where, after many years of good honest toil and will, a person begins to question what they are doing for the very reason that, despite giving readily of their time and goodwill for no gain, it has become a requirement of what they do to go even beyond this. Year on year this happens. One of my beloved guardians works with several other such colleagues who all undertake a role that is beloved by them. BUT, and here is the problem; one becomes exhausted and, sadly, my dear friends, disallusioned with what they do by this very fact. A point that is missed entirely by those who should listen and act.
It is no mean feat, to work daily with humanity; to respond to their needs and give of oneself each day and to do this year in year out for the lifetime of a career; to respond to the ever evolving needs of a nation that is increasing and, sadly, greatly more demanding in its' requirements. This very fact puts one in mind of Dostoyevsky when he quoted in The Brothers Karamazov " I love mankind, he said, "but I find to my amazement that the more I love mankind as a whole, the less I love man in particular.” This statement questions that of Hammerstein II who is oft quoted "There is a very real relationship, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between what you contribute and what you get out of this world.” Maybe, BUT, when we see our guardians return at the end of each daily toil, we see the mark it leaves upon them. A mark that is not necessarily seen by others.
However, such is their dedication they will work through this once again and, as we update you, go about tasks to bring joy to us all within our small country estate, which my female guardian reminds us, is warm, homely and comfortable. We offer our sincerset apologies for the lack of news but have spent our time ensuring the comfort of our loved ones. We work this very day to collate further for your perusal.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Dear, dear me....
Well, dear friends, what a week it has been thus far. One cannot countenance the events I have to discuss.
Firstly, as you know, our lady guardian has an elder sister whose estate is close by to our own. This dear lady and her husband set forth last week to holiday in the beautiful area of Cornwall. A most exciting time for them. My lady guardian was charged with caring for the house and, particularly, the kitchen garden whilst they were away. All was going well and my lady guardian was diligent in her duties,as well as enjoying time with my male guardian away from their usual working day. Returning from another days walk in the surrounding countryside, they did espy the carriage of said sister and her husband within their very own estate. My guardians were most concerned for her sister and husband were not due to return til the end of the week. What could have happened? Despite my disinterest in their D-O-G-S, I would not wish them harm and was most concerned as to the relatives and their animals good health.
My lady guardian duly visited and returned some hours later with the most unexpected news; her sister had slipped and fallen, breaking one of the lower bones of her leg near the ankle. Oh my, the calamity. (I was earnestly assured that no alcohol played a part in this little contretemps.) Dear friends, my guardians sister had nought but the highest of praise for the local services and ministrations she did receive. Alas, the small country estate at which they were staying was surrounded by steep hills and gullies, most unsuitable for an individual thus restricted therefore a return home was considered best by all concerned and thus they arrived. It has to be said, when one is not perhaps at ones best, home is the place to be, surrounded by the comforts of one's own home. Methinks a good many hours will be spent in the simple pastimes of sewing, knitting and hand craft, accompanied by the panacea to all ills, the finest of Bristish tea and maybe even the odd tit bit to tempt ones fancy.
Secondly, much to the chagrin of my beloved brother, further work is being done to secure the home from the onslaught of the weather. During the works to renew the windows, one of the ancient oak beam lintels that sit above the windows was found to be rotten thus requiring a new one to be sought. Much time has been taken by our most competent artisan builder to find a suitable replacement hence the timespan since the last work. Today however we are once again under seige according to my brother who took himself off this very morning the moment he heard a whisper of the workman's carriage upon the drive. Alas, we will not see him for some hours until he deems it safe to return. My brother, I am sure, will be most grateful however for this gentleman's endeavours on our part when the north wind blows its worst in the depths of winter. I, for my part, will play the perfect hostess and keep him well supplied with warm beverages and the odd light repast.
Firstly, as you know, our lady guardian has an elder sister whose estate is close by to our own. This dear lady and her husband set forth last week to holiday in the beautiful area of Cornwall. A most exciting time for them. My lady guardian was charged with caring for the house and, particularly, the kitchen garden whilst they were away. All was going well and my lady guardian was diligent in her duties,as well as enjoying time with my male guardian away from their usual working day. Returning from another days walk in the surrounding countryside, they did espy the carriage of said sister and her husband within their very own estate. My guardians were most concerned for her sister and husband were not due to return til the end of the week. What could have happened? Despite my disinterest in their D-O-G-S, I would not wish them harm and was most concerned as to the relatives and their animals good health.
My lady guardian duly visited and returned some hours later with the most unexpected news; her sister had slipped and fallen, breaking one of the lower bones of her leg near the ankle. Oh my, the calamity. (I was earnestly assured that no alcohol played a part in this little contretemps.) Dear friends, my guardians sister had nought but the highest of praise for the local services and ministrations she did receive. Alas, the small country estate at which they were staying was surrounded by steep hills and gullies, most unsuitable for an individual thus restricted therefore a return home was considered best by all concerned and thus they arrived. It has to be said, when one is not perhaps at ones best, home is the place to be, surrounded by the comforts of one's own home. Methinks a good many hours will be spent in the simple pastimes of sewing, knitting and hand craft, accompanied by the panacea to all ills, the finest of Bristish tea and maybe even the odd tit bit to tempt ones fancy.
Secondly, much to the chagrin of my beloved brother, further work is being done to secure the home from the onslaught of the weather. During the works to renew the windows, one of the ancient oak beam lintels that sit above the windows was found to be rotten thus requiring a new one to be sought. Much time has been taken by our most competent artisan builder to find a suitable replacement hence the timespan since the last work. Today however we are once again under seige according to my brother who took himself off this very morning the moment he heard a whisper of the workman's carriage upon the drive. Alas, we will not see him for some hours until he deems it safe to return. My brother, I am sure, will be most grateful however for this gentleman's endeavours on our part when the north wind blows its worst in the depths of winter. I, for my part, will play the perfect hostess and keep him well supplied with warm beverages and the odd light repast.
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