Busy bees...

Oh my, what busy bees the dear guardians have been this very week;  hither and thither, why I am quite, quite exhausted by all the activity. Why my dears, my male guardians carriage returned to the carriage makers for a thorough review and some general repairs dealt with, and the small city whence this was undertaken visited by my guardians for some new footwear for my lady guardian. Once their business was concluded, and a light repast enjoyed, they returned home to the estate. 

As is necessary for all of us at times in our lives, a number of health checks were undertaken to ensure our guardians remain in robust health, thankfully reassuring.  The front boundary hedging required a good cut and thus saw my guardians occupied mid week, confirmation of their very good and robust constitutions with a day spent in heavy labour. A large and very satisfying bonfire was enjoyed by both my lady guardian, and her sister, with the debris from both estates; such was the intensity of the fire that my dear guardian did come away a little singed around the edges - do not fear dear friends, no injuries were had, merely the smell of  singed hair that alerted both ladies to the proximity of my guardian to the leaping flames! Nevertheless, a most satisfying time it was and all of the garden debris from both Estates dealt with in one fell swoop. 

A day of rest was also had with the added excitement of a visit to a local establishment to see a "motion picture" one afternoon, such is the joy of technology and the decadence in an afternoon spent thus.  A most delightful afternoon was had enjoying the simple pleasure of losing oneself in fiction and a little tasty morsel or two partaken. Most blissful.
My darling guardians have also enjoyed the pleasure of rising at a later hour, breakfasting in a leisurely fashion, the warmth of a late fire and the joy of a good book (or two!). Sadly, as with most things in life, this leisurely pace comes to an end and the normal routine will return after the morrow. At half past the five O' clock hour every morn, my guardians will rise to go about their usual work and routines along with many other such hardworking souls; the back bone of our society.

Well.....

Dear friends, what a day. The weather has been most inclement, why, it continues as I write this missive. Sadly, this has meant that my lady guardian has spent a large part of the day inside, quite abhorrent for a staunch country dweller such as she is. The rain has brought forth torrents of muddy water from the fields once more, despite a most becoming white frost this morning. Alas, this beauteous state did not linger and was replaced with clouds pouring forth cold, driving rain; such is the Great British weather during these winter months, nothing if not changeable. 

This has meant, however, a fire lit early to warm our home through, nourishing food and warming drinks to maintain the spirits. 

The day began wrapped warm in bed against the cold air, a cup of tea apiece amidst the wrapping paper. A delightful leisurely breakfast, the broadsheets and good coffee. Onwards to supper, home made and all the more delicious for it. What more could one ask? My lady guardian was most happy with her day, delighting in the comfort of our home, spending time appreciating the patina of warmth and charm a home bestows upon its inhabitants, all for the price of a little tender loving care over the years.

A fond Bon anniversarie, my dear lady to you and your twin sister in the Australia's, may you enjoy many more.

Happy Birthday, dear guardian

Happy Birthday to our dear lady guardian for tomorrow. We must not forget, either, her twin sister in the Australias who will be a year older than her twin for a number of hours whilst the earth rotates. Such a gleeful joke to be had when one's family live across the world. We really are quite amused by this little fact. Tempus fugitive indeed, for I know my guardian, largely,  does not feel her age and is at her happiest undertaking some physical activity. "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there", the opening line of  L.P. Hartley's The Go- between and one so true. Looking back over my lady guardians life, despite her young years, can see changes in all walks of life. Why, the very technology we are using for this epistle was not even invented in the year she was born. My, my, how the world has changed, for better and worse in varying stages. The importance of a life well lived, however long or short, cannot be mistaken. Shakespeare, in his wisdom wrote "All the world's a stage, and the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his act being seven ages". The importance, however, is to enjoy every day, indeed, as no doubt both my guardian and her twin sister will do so on the morrow; thousands of miles apart, bound by family ties and a shared birthday. The joy in knowing a small token of affection and birthday wishes have been sent with love, for each other's delectation, how simply divine, dear friends.

So, to our dear lady guardian's twin sister, we wish you a fond Happy Birthday, dear lady, knowing that you will waken in a few short hours to celebrate ahead of our own beloved guardian. One year older for eight whole hours. I do declare, the hilarity that this simple statement doth cause is quite breathtaking.

Nota bene; we apologise for the lack of imagery but I believe the statement "technical difficulties" is one to be used at such times. We do so hope to resume our normal missives with imagery as soon as possible.

Winter months......

Well, my dear friends, we may be in the depths of the winter months but planning aplenty forges ahead. What to grow in the kitchen garden, of course a priority, but also many a show and tell session regarding the cutting garden as well. Dreaming of the bounteous and fruitful baskets of produce a delight to entertain these cooler months. A new trug, a gift to my lady guardian for the festive season, will no doubt provide sterling service, along with a sturdy basket to transport the wares from one estate to another. Much excitement this week regarding a larger and more sturdy wagon to transport all manner of items was purchased by our lady guardians brother in law. My, my such a joyous thing to behold. The very first journey will be to purchase some fine compost to enrich the kitchen garden, a must for any serious gardener. The benefit of the larger wagon meaning only one trip is required to transport this important produce. 

Planning also for the continued upkeep of the estate; a little like the forth bridge but we a merely keepers for our time. An old home requires love and attention on a regular basis hence the annual review of the estate, with lists drawn to prioritise the work and tradesmen required. Following on from the new windows last summer, is the internal decoration of all, yes all rooms. My guardians are modest in their requirements and therefore the walls will be freshened with paint only. New drapery is required in the dining hall and my lady guardian will set to once the material has been chosen and purchased. The estate garden as always requires upkeep and my guardians will fit this in amongst the other requirements. 

The joy of winter however is the quiet evenings spent enjoying the fruits of one's own labour; the fire burning in the grate with logs cut by ones own hand, a nourishing meal all made from one's home grown produce and the benefit for one's mind and body in ensuring the continued supply of both. February can bring some of the harshest weather therefore a plentiful larder and log shed are warming thoughts in themselves.

My lady guardian has spent these evenings fashioning a crocheted blanket for the expected first born of a colleague; with care and attention a delightful blanket is forming before our eyes. I do believe one should test these things before they are given, alas my lady guardian is most strict about this matter and keeps it firmly packaged away from my brother and I.

Ladies and Gentleman, may we respectfully introduce...............

My sister and I have great delight in presenting to society our new Australian cousins, for the first time. Such delightful young things as you can see and SUCH beauty. One could fall deep in to those beautiful blue eyes, and, Oh, those matching coats. Such darlings. As one grows older one appreciates fine young things for their grace and energy. Why, as you can see, such is their energy that even the modern day technologies have difficulty in capturing them at speed. I am sure you will agree, they really are quite lovely.

Timmy





Tammy

Speed of light - yes there are two kittens here

Great news, a happy occassion

Oh, my dears, such delightful news, I cannot tell you! As I sadly reported last year, my lady guardians twin sister lost her beloved companion, Oscar, a dear old gentleman. Since then their home has clearly not felt like a home without the comforting presence of a resident feline. Clearly this was to be remedied at some point and I am quite beside myself to tell, that yes, there has been a new arrival of not one but two felines in to the Australian household. The household is once again complete and in the safe hands of two young felines. Wisely, the Australian family have obviously noted the splendid balance of feline attributes from our very own therefore both a male and a female kitten are in residence. So wise to follow such a perfect example, do you not agree. We will, of course, keep you apprised of any updates on these delightful new arrivals as we receive news. Due to the wonders of this new fangled technology, we are due to talk to our Australian relatives this very weekend. Oh, the excitement of it all, I am beside myself with joy. One very much hopes to post a likeness of these delightful additions if our relatives are in agreement and technology allows. Til then, my dears, til then.

Beauty amidst the inclement winter weather

My dear friends, whilst I was about my duties upon the estate this afternoon, the sky brightened between the rain clouds and the wind, and the sun shone brightly forth. My lady guardian, who was accompanying me, and I paused to witness this golden glow across the countryside. What a joyous sight to behold amidst such inclement weather. Here again, I believe in the maxim oft attributed to Kurt Vonnegut " Enjoy the small things in life because one day you will look back and realise they were the big things". So apt my dears, so apt! What a joyous celebration of golden, do you not agree?

I do so hope you are as beguiled by nature and the elements as my guardian and I.