My new 'neigh'bours...

..bad, bad joke I know, but I couldn't resist...


So, I live in a village on the edge of a town. We have a moor (or heath) opposite us. In fact our house was built around 1840 when the village was founded and the property is one of a few, which come with "Rights of pasture". This means that the owner of the house is free to graze their sheep on the moor; which could come in handy when I want to let my sheep stretch their legs!

The moor is a lovely place to walk the dog and let the kids run around. Last Sunday they went and wadded into the stream. As someone who grew up in the middle of bustling, grimy London, it was lovely to see them take their socks and shoes off and paddle in the clear water. They tried to get Cookie our pup in too, but she doesn't like to swim. At the moment there a hundreds of conkers on the ground as the moor has many Horsechestnut trees. We collected lots so that we can harden them and have conker fights.

But the best thing about the moor are the wild horses, they are so quiet and gentle and will come over to see if you have any good stuff to eat.









Enjoy your week,

B x

Memories of Greece...

We didn't have much when I was growing up. Mum was a single parent and times were hard. However one of my best memories is of a holiday we took in Wales. It was me, my Mum, my baby sister, my Nan and and my great Grandma. I was about 5. We were all cramped into this tiny caravan which was parked in a field. Sometimes, it rained. But I would welcome every new day on that holiday, as every morning when the sun was coming up I would look out over the field and there would be not one, not two or three, but a GAZILLION bunny rabbits chomping on the grass all around us! It was such an amazing sight and one I shall never forget and to this day reminds me that all the money in the world can't buy happiness and beautiful memories.

Our holiday this year on the Greek island of Rhodes was an unqualified success. You know how sometimes you go on holiday and the expectaion is so high that the holiday almost can't live up to the dream? (Or is that just me?!) Well not this time!

The villa was ok, but just ok. We had a pool and that was all we needed. The kids are that bit older, and we all worked together to make the most of what we had, it was a joy.


No crying about sand in their shoes or having to put them down for naps.



We taught them how to play blackjack and Eva learned how to swim.


We even had our own 'holiday pet' the kids named her "Ursula" and she brought her 3 babies every day to say hello.




We went on a road trip all around the island,





which took us up into the mountains where we had a beautiful view of the other Greek islands just as the sun was going down.








And 'Babe' even let me use the perfect backdrop to take his picture!



It was so lovely to see my family relaxed and getting on so well; there was A LOT of laughter!



Actually I feel a little bad as I often didn't take my camera and missed many great photo opportunities, but sometimes you just have to put the camera down and live the life, before it passes you by; you know?


So, here's to a fabulous weekend my friends, making beautiful memories.

B x

p.s as usual my photos are unedited, what you see is what you get :O)

Welcome...

...to Pear Tree Cottage.

Come around the back and have a look around...this is the old stable

and here are our gardens...








At the moment things inside are very...disorganised....



..and there's a lot to be done;
like getting rid of the pink wallpaper in the Living room...



But we love it and are looking forward to making it home.

Thanks so much for stopping by, next time I'll make a nice pot of tea...when I find the kettle....



B x

Finally!

Firstly, I want to say a big "Thank You" to all of you who sent me encouraging words after my last post - you guys have no idea how much you help to bolster me sometimes.

Secondly, we're in! Pear Tree Cottage is ours and we are all really happy to finally have somewhere to call home. We only got the keys last week but there will be lots of photos to follow - promise :o)

Lastly after our time spent apart; me and the kids in Canada and Chris is the UK, we decided to get away and spend some stress free quility time togther. So, I am currently writing this in an internet cafe somewhere on the Greek island of Rhodes! We will be here for 2 weeks and then back to prepare for the kids starting at their new schools.

So, I just wanted to check in and let you know that I am still here and will be back soon with lots of pics to share. I hope you are all enjoying the sun where ever you are. I'm so looking forward to getting back to 'normal' and chatting to you all soon.


B xxxx

What will be, will be...

I know, I know, I've been a bad, bad blogger. I'm sorry; you deserve better. Things are just a little up in the air at the moment. Pear Tree Cottage (our new home) is looking less and less likely to happen, as a touch of damp and an uncoperative vendor with an ego the size of Texas (eg. very big) hamper our every move.


But you know what they say, "never say never"... so we sit and wait for the lawyers to do their thing...



In the meantime, we have moved out of our lovely holiday home on the farm and are nomading around. Luckily my sister is on holiday and in exchange for looking after this little beauty...




...her name is Mini...







...we get free bed and board for a week - sweet deal!




So, instead of getting down about what coulda, woulda, shoulda been...my moto for this week is; "What will be, will be".



However, I am the worlds worst control freak... and if I don't see some progress soon, someone is gonna die...calm, calm...must stay calm...

Anyway I'm sure if Pear Tree doesn't happen for us we'll end up in something even better...maybe something like this...?

...what's wrong with a little wishful thinking!?

Wishing you all a stress free, fun-filled week x







(Edited; Cottage picture changed July 26 09 11:38 GMT)

All the fun of the Fayre

One sunny Sunday in a lovely Hertfordshire village...

...lovely ladies were selling yummy cakes...

...which were devoured by little munchkins...

...and treasures were waiting around every corner...

David conquered Goliath...

...and princesses rode magical chariots...

...and they all lived happily ever after.

There's no place like home...

Phew, what a couple of weeks we've had! But I'm back and happier than even I'd thought I'd be to be home. We've been here for a week and although we are not in our new house yet (which I will be showing you around as soon as I get a chance to get in there) we feel pretty settled already.

At the moment we are staying in a converted barn in Hertfordshire a few miles from where we will soon be living. Let me show you around...

You get to it via this country lane...




Keep going, til you pass the tree in the middle of the field...



Stop and say "Hello" to the sheep...



Wonder why there's a door in a tree...



Look we're nearly there - can you see the house?





And here we are. I hope you like it. Next time I'll take you inside (I have to tidy up a bit first)






But before you go take a look at my view in the evening...

...it's so good to be home.

I hope you have all had a good couple of weeks - it's great to be back. B x