Mid-May 2011

I think May could be perhaps my favorite month.  It is absolutely lovely here.  I know we are desperate for some rain, but the sunshine has done marvels for flowers in the hedgerows and garden.  So let me see if I can show you where I have been and what I have seen this morning.  Although its a bit grey, I was thrilled with my pics!  Here we have so many wild orchids - I think this is the Pyramidal Orchid - whatever it is lovely - and we have loads of them!

So here are my geese this morning - saying that they would like a bit more grass - or even some more clover!  One of them is forever escaping and then standing the wrong side of the fence wondering why he is all alone...  At least I can get him back in easily and quickly!  Very tame.

Our lazy piglets!  They are soooo tired and its such an effort to get up and say good morning!!
Now what is happening - we have lots of ducklings come on to the lake - and disappear, which is rather sad.  There are plenty down the river I see - which perhaps offers more protection.  The lake is awash with beautiful yellow flag iris, red campions and the like.  I always like to find a white campion - which I have done!  Not so common.  I have seen two large grass snakes - which is enough for me!  The birds on the webcam in the dining room have reared 4 chicks - and I think they are going to fledge today - as they keep hopping up to try out the big wide world.  I am going gardening, as its all getting out of control as usual!  The veg site is ok - except the parsnips failed.  The polytunnel is full and we need space.  Is it too soon to put the courgettes out - perhaps...
Well I have loads of pictures which I had thought to put on this page - but it all seems like too much effort!  I will try and be a bit more organized ... what a fantastic year for roses!

Spril 2011

We have been thrown immediately into Spring this year.  The days are hot and the evenings cool - but Dorset is very beautiful, well worth a visit. 
So, what has been happening this April with the lead up to Easter and the Royal Wedding.
We have been relatively busy with guests, which is very nice.  Easter is fully booked.  The lake is very busy this week - as the schools are off, but to be honest, today it is full of grown-ups! 
The fish have been coming out quite well, and we have some very nice photos on the web site. 
The cuckoo has been heard across the valley - sadly not by me. 
We have lots of butterflies - orange tips, brimstone, tortoiseshell, peacocks and the odd cabbage white fluttering about.  A poor slow worm had met its demise on the farm track.  The swallows have been here a while and are dipping across the water.
The birds have started nesting.
The geese have been laying and my friend let me have 8 eggs last month.  Sadly, they have not hatched, so am feeling very disappointed, especially as The Farmer (husband) always says just go out and buy, doesn't know why I bother.  Makes it all go flat.
Lots happening in Bridport this month, Easter egg hunts for the children,  beautiful gardens open, my son went swimming yesterday - yes I thought it was too cold, but obviously not....
Am now going to get on with the garden - sweetpeas in today, some more lettuce into the polytunnel, main potatoes in today I think too.  Lots to do, and think about.
A more interesting blog will appear soon - once I have given it more thought!