A Bit of a Farm Update

I am pretty aware that I have talked quite a lot about the house lately and not so much about the farm. I thought therefore that it was time for a bit of an update. 

The lambs are growing fast and even the pet lambs are out side now. They are with a group of ewes with triplets who need a bit more feed and a special eye kept on them. The boy I look after became quite attached to the pet lambs and was a little disappointed that they didn't know him once they were out in the field.

Like all youngsters  there are a few mischievous ones.

The pet lambs are pretty good at breaking out and have to be escorted back.

These ewes with triplets have done remarkably well nurturing all three.

Meanwhile the crops are growing. The potatoes are coming on well.

Poppy and the cats still all accompany me on my walks.

We have a new flock of hens which are now well into lay and enjoy the opportunity to be outside.

They are a curious lot which is rather uncomfortable for poor Poppy.

Take Three Thursday: A Royal Treat

Thursday is here again and that means that it is time to join Mary Lou with her Take Three Thursday where we post three photos of something from the week which follows a theme. I have had a very special treat this week. It was a gift from my sister for my birthday last November. It was a day out and these two signs greeted us as we entered. There are a couple of clues to where we were going. The owner is certainly of "the old school " as the left sign suggests. He is also a keen follower of the organic way.

Yes it was a visit to Highgrove which as the plaque on the wall tells you is the home of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. This is actually my second visit but it certainly stands up to more than one trip. What has changed since I last came was that photos are now allowed in the visitor areas prior to and after visiting the gardens. Photography is still strictly not allowed in the gardens themselves. My visit was at a different time of year so a lot of the gardens looked quite different. The meadow flowers were particularly delightful. 

The tour takes two hours. Our guide was very informative with a strong knowledge of many of the flowers and trees. Prince Charles' influence on the design and maintenance of the gardens is very strong. Certain parts reflect his interests and passions. The belief in organic methods is very evident. 

My sister had given me a champagne tea tour which as well as the delicious tea which we enjoyed in The Orchard Room afterwards means that the group size is smaller. There is the opportunity to have your photo taken by a professional photographer with Highgrove House as a backdrop. Ther is also a departing gift of a glass candle holder.

The champagne tea was definitely a good way to finish the tour with as you can see a good 'spread'. We were rather taken with the china which is based on a tea service at Clarence House. It is for sale in the shop but at near on £30 for a cup and saucer we decided to go for a couple of plants and a tea towel to purchase!

All proceeds go to his own charity The Princes Trust.

Should you ever get the chance I would heartily recommend a visit to this interesting and lovely place.

Busy Days

I'm still here, I just haven't had much time to blog. That's reading blogs and writing mine. I'm hoping for a few spare moments soon!

The house is progressing slowly. We would really like to see more of the electrician, the plummer and the floor tiles! The latter are on their way from Spain.

So in the meantime here is a picture of a gorgeous yellow flower in my garden that no kidding has been flowering since last summer.

Take Three Thursday: New Life

Mary Lou at Patiopostcards hosts a meme every Thursday where we post three photos of something that catches our eye. This week I have chosen one especially for Mary Lou who loves horses. Yesterday Student Daughter and I walked down to see the new foal. 

She is nearly two weeks old and is quite a little stunner.

She belongs to a lady who rents our field. She regularly handles the mare and foal that makes her very friendly.

Written by Hand

Whilst I was away on holiday I found quite a few pictures  that would qualify for the Summer Photography Scavenger Hunt in particular No. 14 A handwritten sign. The National Trust properties were a favourite for these. This one at Castle Drogo was useful if you had brought your picnic with you.

This next one made me smile. The writing was so small and the sign so far in on the lawn that you almost had to step on the grass to read it!

This one greeted visitors at the entrance of Trerice house and gardens. What a lovely thought.

This was also at Trerice. I really wasn't sure about this. The swallows had been prevented from entering the barn so that it could be used for corporate events. 

I know this isn't technically handwritten but I would have liked to have borrowed this for our bathroom and I would like to add a bit more. Use your own towel, put the cap on the toothpaste and replace the loo roll if you use the last sheet!

The coastline is another popular spot and don't you just like this one?

There were sadly a lot like this next one on the cliffs around Treyarnon. I guess they are loved ones favourite spots and probably a location for scattered ashes.

A lot of different messages being imparted in these different signs.

Take Three Thursday: Three Windows, Three Views

Each Thursday I try to join Mary Lou with her Take Three Thursday meme where one shows three photos connected by a theme. Most of you will know that we are currently renovating part of the farmhouse. Things continue to progress although we are at a bit of a waiting stage. We await the floor tiles arriving, the electrician and plumber returning and the kitchen to be fitted. Today we have chosen the granite for the worktop. A lot of the woodwork has been painted and soon wallpapering can start.

Today I am showing three views that we will enjoy from our windows.

From the kitchen / breakfast room.

Through the French doors in the lounge.

Out through the dining room window which is to have a window seat in it.

A Trip Back

A requirement of any Cornish holiday is a picnic and luckily the weather was kind to us to be able to achieve this. The spot we chose was on the cliff just outside Porthleven on the road to the Loe Bar.

Just a little stretch away from the car park gave us some seclusion and a fantastic view for our lunchtime feast.

 

Our main aim of this day out was to visit the place where my mum was born. Although she was brought up in Bodmin her maternal family originated from Porthleven. Her mother was here visiting when she gave birth to her first of seven children (my mum).

You can see how close it is to the sea. My Gran was also born here and was often heard to say that if she had been thrown out of the window when she was born she would have landed in the sea. Fortunately she was not!

The compulsory photo was taken outside the house by an obliging passer by. We have many photos taken here over the years. Sadly the house always appears to be empty when we visit and is presumably somebody's holiday home.

Other members of the family lived in these two cottages which are at right angles to the other house.

The harbour is only a short distance down the road.

Porthleven is a fishing town on the South coast of Cornwall. It is now a very popular holiday location.

It is dominated by the clock tower at the end of the harbour which is part of the Bickford Smith Institute. 

Pictures are often shown in stormy weather of the waves crashing down onto the harbour and institute. Two policemen were unfortunate to lose their lives when their patrol car was swept off the harbour. Hard to believe on such a calm day as when we visited.

The two guns either side of the harbour were lifted from the wreck of the HMS Anson which sunk off the Loe Bar.

       The old lifeboat house which is now an art gallery can be seen on the other side of the harbour.

Finally here is a picture of my Gran ( my mum's mum) taken on the harbour wall in I would think the 1920s.