Honour

It is an emotional time when undertaking someone's last wishes, for they are not able to do this for themselves. One is caring for the deceased's last requests once they have gone. It is an honour not to be taken lightly, nor faltered in, nor allowing oneself to depart from the brief by those left behind. It can be an onerous task but, also, a most rewarding task to ensure that all is as it should be. It is emotional for all concerned and can cause consternation and upset BUT, one should always remember that if you are undertaking the last wishes of those no longer here, you are fortunate to be alive, as are those around you. Do not sway from the path you have been set, it is not yours to deviate from; yours will come in turn but, let us hope for your sake that, it is a long time coming and life is to be lived.

We have lost two most loved members of our family in the last year. Their last wishes where possible adhered to; one completed, one nearing completion. It is the last respect we can pay our beloved deceased.

What a beautiful moon....

I do believe, dear reader, that there is quite the most beautiful moon sending a glorious light shining upon us this evening. Why, it almost has a halo surrounding it that is most apparent in the inky deepest of blue skies. So very romantic and a perfect ending to such a fine spring day. Cool but building to a bearable temperature and, oh, that expanse of blue sky to gladden the heart. So simple and yet so heart lifting. As the sun sets and the moon rises, the cool clean Spring air is at its most apparent. Indeed, one can feel quite tipsy on the intoxicating freshness of it all. I have dutifully inspected the estate and, most importantly, the sanctuary garden. Alas, the orchard, and more alarmingly, the restful garden that borders the orchard to the rear of our small abode, appear to have been visited by the Talpidae family, more commonly known as the mole. The sight of those mounds of earth can be most exasperating for the keen gardener. That said, country dwellers such as ourselves, whilst briefly annoyed, tend to cope more readily such is the tendency of these, and many other species,  to make use of the various corners of the estate. 

The evenings remain cool therefore my guardians and I still enjoy the warmth of a well tended fire. Such a comfort after a day of toil and the flames so mesmerising in which to lose oneself. I do find the lure of a log fire difficult to resist and have found myself, ahem, snoozing upon the hearth on more than one occasion. My poor guardian does concern herself at how close to the fire I rest but, my dears, she daren't worry for I believe my male guardian and I are particularly fond of feeling a little warmth on our skin and bones. Sheer bliss after a day spent walking ones estate, do you not agree?

Laughter, the best medicine

My lady guardian has spent the afternoon with one of her family, taking time to remember and enjoy their parents. It gave me great joy, dear readers, not only to hear my lady guardian's laughter but also the tales to be told of growing up with such delightfully fun loving parents. My heart did lift at hearing the joy in the words spoken so fondly and of shared remembrances that brought about such joyous laughter. As the afternoon grew cooler, the fire was lit and much tea partaken, for talking and sharing is thirsty work. I, for my part, lay upon the hearth, listening to memories of them and it did lift my heart. For sharing and talking is healing work and hearts are on the mend; let us hope that all the family members are able to partake in such moments throughout the coming months and years.

I have begun to spend more time in the sanctuary garden, making sure that all is well and the planting being undertaken is suitable for our small estate. One cannot let standards drop. Easter is nigh upon us and there is nought so delightful as a fine display of spring flowers; primroses, daffodils, why even the damson tree has sent forth a light sprinkling of blossom to show that Spring is truly here. All around lawns are being trimmed and winters  garden mantle is slowly being discard for the fresh, bright, acid green shoots of growth, just in time for The Easter weekend. Oh, the anticipation of hot cross buns and, the most delicious of biscuits, Moores Easter biscuits, by far the most superior quality of Easter  biscuit. My dear lady guardian is most partial to this delicacy, such is the balance of spices, crunchiness and all over deliciousness. My, my, how one's mouth does water in anticipation, dear friends!

Spring, it appears, has sprung

Oh, my dears, what glorious weather we are experiencing. Yes, a tad on the cooler side but, oh, the delights of a clear blue sky. How it does restore one's equilibrium to prepare for what lies ahead.

 My lady guardian did spend a large part of the weekend in the garden, tidying and sorting in preparation for the internment of her Mother's ashes alongside those of her Father, together again for eternity in her sanctuary garden, such was the wish of both parents. Such a request one that my lady guardian sees as a great honour and took most seriously, fulfilling as they should wish. Those members of the family that were able, were present, either personally or via the incredible advancement of technology. Thus, those across the water were able to join in the final farewell. Despite the chill wind, the sky was clear blue, the beautiful floral tributes such that would have delighted her Mother, her final resting place with her beloved husband. 
Final respects paid, the task of keeping memories alive begins, so eloquently voiced in this delightful poem. 

Don’t Cry for me

Don't cry for me now I have died, for I'm still here I'm by your side,
My body's gone but my soul's is here, please don't shed another tear,
I am still here I'm all around, only my body lies in the ground.
I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
I am the frost, that nips your toes.
I am the sun ,bringing you light,
I am the star, shining so bright.
I am the rain, refreshing the earth,
I am the laughter, I am the mirth.
I am the bird, up in the sky,
I am the cloud, that's drifting by.
I am the thoughts, inside your head,
While I'm still there, I can't be dead.

Author unknown.

In like a lion, out like a lamb

Certainly, these early days of March have roared forth with quite alarming winds; one can only hope that the old proverb prevails and it goes out like a lamb, meek and mild. At this very moment I am suitably ensconced upon a most delightfully warm lap in front of a glowing log burner, such a delight on these inclement evenings. All around our small estate, however, one can see the emerging signs of Spring sallying forth. Why, the dancing heads of golden yellow daffodils, the shy primroses peeping forth amongst the verges and the slow unfurling of tree buds make ones heart sing. The lighter evenings are beginning to stretch out a little more each day and the cloak of winter can be seen, and felt, to be slowly losing its wintery grip. Oh, how we do love the British seasons and rejoice in the changes to the scenery around us, delightful, quite delightful. 

My guardian's are already planning the refilling of the log shed for next winter and space is being made to accommodate a plentiful supply. They are, after all, hosting the Australian contingent of the family once more who will no doubt feel a little chilled by the cooling weather of the month of October. There is something so satisfying to complete this task early in the spring and be reassured that the wood is well seasoned for the coming winter. A primeval instinct perhaps, a little like ensuring one has a plentiful larder for the winter months, full of home grown produce and preserves to take one through to spring when the cycle is completed and begins again

For myself, I like to inspect the completed work but until the weather is a little warmer, will restrict my duties to the confines of our home, allowing my guardian's to complete their duties unfettered by my interest.  From our dual aspect I can watch the rites of Spring, hares and lambs in the fields, the sound of chattering birds, owls hooting, foxes screeching and rejoice in the simple cycle of life through the changing seasons. Such a joyful season, full of hope of things to come.

A final goodbye....

Well my dears, my lady guardian is nearing completion of her Mother's affairs. The final duty, to inter her with her beloved husband, is nigh upon us. To bring six siblings together from across the world was never going to be an easy task, however, the date has been set. Technology is such that those unable to physically attend will be present despite the miles that part us. All other commitments put aside to pay ones final respects, a day of sadness but joy also, from this life to the next, whatever that might be.

The last few weeks, indeed months, have been a time of reflection; of photographs, shared memories, guilt, joy and laughter, all of the normal emotions, amidst the great sadness. To bring up six children in times of hardship, a feat to be admired. As each generation passes, the lives of the former compared to the present appear austere, perhaps harsh, but is as it was. Six mouths to feed, expectations to endure; six personalities to  nurture and encourage to flourish. Each child now an adult in lives that have been proudly discussed by parents and upheld with joy, each achievement, however big or small, celebrated, no one individual rising above the other despite the normal sibling rivalry but joy at the collective achievements. A parent to so many, a difficult task that cannot and should not be underestimated, at the same time as working and keeping a warm, loving home that is remembered to be strict but fair and laughter in abundance. Yes, there were hardships, upsets, childish disagreements and clashing personalities but in the words of Tom Collins, "such is life". My lady guardian holds nought but admiration and great love for her late mother and father. Therefore a celebration of a good life shall be the order of the day, in honour of an amazing lady, sibling rivalry forgotten and adult respect and love at the forefront of our minds. John Bradford wrote wisely with the words "there by the grace of God (go I)" for we all go this way but once. Remember how you want to be remembered a maxim of great sensibility.

Birthday celebrations and Autumn plans

Well my dears, such excitement. My darling lady guardian and her delightful twin sister celebrated their birthday yesterday on different sides of the world separated by land and time but as one. The repeated enjoyment of wishing her twin a happy birthday hours ahead of herself, with the meaning of being twenty minutes older stretching out to eight hours and twenty minutes older, will never cease to stop amusing my lady guardian. Older in years but wiser, maybe a little sad but delighted at the celebration of life lived and yet to be enjoyed. Such vast possibilities for all concerned. It is with this in mind that plans have begun for the next antipodean visit due in the autumn of this very year. With great delight my guardian's have booked tickets to see a Shakespearean play at the Globe Theatre in London when they join her twin on arrival in England. A few days spent enjoying the delights of our capital city before returning to our small rural estate. I, myself, will spend time quietly at home awaiting their return, abley looked after by my lady guardian's older sister, whose estate lies close to our own. Discussions are already under way regarding the best establishment to partake of afternoon tea, and the opportunity to view some of this country's treasured art should not be missed. 

For now, however, my guardian's enjoy a few days brief respite from professional toil. As always, simple pleasures are partaken; a good book, gentle music, fine food and, more importantly, time spent, the three of us,  enjoying each other's company. What more could one ask for.