Back Home - First Report

Sunday 8th October

Not a lot to report this week, other than that the Transport Company lost track of the floorboards for Coventry so there was no point in going up there, but of course I now have very little time left this week to actually finish the job – c’est la vie!!

Anyway, last night was the return of “Come Prancing”, and the first episode of a new BBC filmed version of “Robin Hood”, so we had something of a couch potato evening, but in between, we listened to Radio Devon on the Internet, so it still felt a bit like we were still on holiday!! Much amusement as poor little Jake has turned into a three legged dog, he does look funny!!! Nothing serious though, probably strained by too much running to keep up with Sasha and Caspar, or from dodging and twisting out of the way when Sasha was trying to beat him up ;~}}

Today we schlapped them all off to Bernwood Forest, and we’d barely got into our stride by the time we went past the Mike & Helen pic-nic tree. We didn’t exactly get lost on the way back, it was just that Mum chose a path, and so we went back by the long pretty way, following a route that we’d done in reverse last winter – didn’t seem quite so long this time. Met up with a young couple with a young kid, a baby in push chair, and a six month old Weimie bitch, she was gorgeous, and with a non-docked long and waggly tail!!

We worked out tonight, as we included a couple of Mum’s baby leeks in our Sunday Lunch, that we’ve sampled all of the following from our garden this year, in some quantity or another. Masses of potatoes, two different varieties, and three different varieties of tomatoes, we’re still making our way through them. Plus runner beans, radishes, lettuces, spring onions, beetroot (the second crop’s now in), parsnips, leeks, garlic, rhubarb, Morello cherries and gooseberries. And the cauliflour’s are planted and doing something or other, not bad for a small Fieldfare garden.

Finally, thought you might like to see how humungous our Triffid has grown this year, there must be over fifty separate plumes.

Finally - the Fieldfare Triffids

Bet you never thought they'd grow this big

Hope you get your ‘pooter fixed soon, so we can Blog and Skype more regularly. With any luck, you’ll get this before you leave your latest Host this morning, glad it worked out so well and that you have enjoyed the last month, let us know how you get on talking to the peeps in Hawkes Bay.

Much Love

Mum & Dad aka Ma & Pa.

End of the Hols

Well, it's only about a week late, but finally the Diary is updated and complete, which would have been a whole lot easier if some stupid clunk hadn't upset a cup of tea into the computer's innards at the beginning of week two. All of the photos are now also edited, titled and captioned, and can of course be found here, http://www.jackiespage.co.uk/ just click on the "Hartland Hols" button. H&M enjoy, and hopefully we might even see some of your NZ images in the not too distant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday 18th September

Dad again!! This was the day when I conclusively proved that I know squat about OS Map Navigation. But more of that anon. Weather Forecast being for stormy rain later we set out early-ish for another walk, this time for the elusive Coombe Valley, which we sort of thought we’d already done. Parked near the bottom, by the road to Duckpool Beach again, and climbed the road back up to Stowe Barton Farm. Obviously in days gone by an extremely prosperous holding, but now yet another property handed over to the National Trust, and showing the usual symptoms of full blown National Trust decay and sterility, and precious little sign of any farming or maintenance being done. Anyway, a good start to the walk, and clearly way-marked, including a velvet mowed private house foot path diversion. Then down a green lane into the woods, back into NT Stib Wood and out onto a pretty hillside for lunch. After this it started going a little pear shaped, ‘cos when we came out onto a lane there was no sign of where the next path went, so we blagged it. But after losing all semblance of path through the next section of woodland, found ourselves deep in the sylvan depths with not a clue as to where to head off next. So moved off up the remains of a very ancient trackway which slowly became more and more impenetrable, climbed out of the bottom, found a sort of path which seemed to be heading our way (!!!!), and eventually found ourselves back at the end of the NT Stib Wood where we had had lunch. How we managed that without re-crossing our tracks I haven’t a clue. Anyway, now we knew exactly where we were, so the rest should be easy – yeah . . . right!!! A couple of crossings later, and the paths opened out into Forest tracks, so as we need to head back down this long sought for Coombe Valley, we, that is I, decided that bearing left again - because of course I knew exactly where I was this time – would take us back to where we had parked Yuggie. Mother of course stamped her feet and stated her case - of which she was certain - that we should have turned right rather than left, but as I’m the boss, and I knew I was right, we went my way, which quite unfortunately seemed to show that we would have would have indeed found our way back to Yuggie, but only if we had retraced our steps back through the Stowe Barton Farm where we had started, which wasn’t quite what we had in mind. So, having now been oh so gently and sweetly reminded of how Mum had suggested the correct route in the first place, yet another about turn, and this time we definitely found the path down through Coombe Valley, which turned out to be a hardcore Forest track, not dissimilar to last weeks infamous Tonka Trail!!! But the last few metres, past an unrestored Water Mill, with the remains of the Mill Leat, and the Water Wheel still intact made up for it. However, despite the navigation cock-ups by the chief navigator – moi – we had a great day out, the elephant powder worked as usual, and we weren’t even particularly tired, nothing that a brew in the Duckpool car park couldn’t cure, while we watched a trio of skinny young surfers trying to catch a wave in the raging high tide surf. Came back to the site in time to tie the awning down with the Storm Strap as the morning heralded rain squalls blew through.

Tuesday 19th September

Unfortunately, later on Tuesday evening after the Fish & Chips, about which more anon, I caught my little finger in my post-prandial cup of tea, which I had placed beside the ‘pooter, ready to type up the days happenings, and – ‘nuff said!! In spite of instant panic, battery removal, and attempts to dry out, Lady P was effectively drownded, and refused to restart even 24 hrs later. Luckily, as is now self evident, she came back to life late on Friday evening, but ‘fraid the Diary has suffered as a result – however!!! After yesterday’s escapades, today was somewhat of an anti-climax. Looking at the Map for inspiration, a circular stroll down some Bridle Paths and Footpaths around the Tamar Lakes Reservoirs seemed interesting, so taking a somewhat circuitous route via Bradworthy, we started out. Boring Farm track only, but after struggling through some impenetrable jungle we landed up about one field away from the edge of the Lake, so we trespassed our way across, and had a very pleasant Lunch Break sitting on the edge, watching the Canada Geese about their honking business. Decided to abandon circuitousness, and returned the way we had come. Memory now a bit hazy here, but either today, or tomorrow, after our walk, we drove towards Bood to have a look at what I hoped would still be a sandy beach at Northcott Mouth, but the sea was roaring in, and it was nearly high water, so not a lot of sand, but not many peeps either. Tonight seemed like a good night to go for main Hartland Fish & Chips, but forgot that the shop was now closed on Tuesdays as well, so drove over to Chippy at Kilkhampton, and most excellent portions, some of the best for many a long day. Sadly watched Holby and then drowned computer as above, hence memory failure, since we’ve now returned home nearly a week later.

Wednesday 20th September

In view of imminent “Tail End of Hurricane Gordon” warnings, decided to take the awning down early as a precaution against having it blown away, and co-opted the young surfer from a few vans along to give us a hand, in spite of which, detaching the awning from the’ van without serious damage to the awning, the poles, the ‘van, or indeed the helpers, proved to be a tad problematic, so we were quite late leaving for today’s adventures. Which turned out to be an exploration of the top section of the Marsland Water Valley, starting out at a settlement called Avalon, down through the woods, and then back up Marsland Valley to a rather gentrified hamlet called Upcott. Then, through one of Caspar’s and Sasha’s favourite fields, ie one full of young cattle. Fun – Not!!! These woods are really very desolate and peaceful, and on this one I collected quite a nice handful of Hazel nuts, which might or might not last until Christmas. It was pretty windy overnight, but tomorrow should be windier. Dinner was good tonight, excellent steak, with extra low calorie McCain Oven chips!!

Thursday 21st September

Wedding Anniversary, with not a single card in sight – shame on us!! Then, just for a change, a gentle simple day out, another climb down – and back up – to Shipload Bay. This time, the sand was uncovered by low Springs, and Caspar and Sasha went absolutely beresque in mad zoomies round and round all over what had been virgin sands. Went in a couple of times and water still extremely uncold, the TV reckons about 16 or 17 degrees. Did NOT go too far out, no diving through breakers today, pretty big boomphies, but pretty good fun. The seal was still out there bouncing in and out of the waves but he didn’t want to come closer and play. Saw a young couple trying to climb down the wrong way, they gave up and went back, and until just before we left, had the beach to ourselves, and the dogs, all day. YC did reappear, but only as we were leaving, and they were back on top before we left the car park!! Took several photos on the way down, but for some unknown reason, didn’t actually take any while we were down there, while the surf, with the spume blowing back out to sea, was quite spectacular, plus if the light was right, rainbows appearing in the spray. Back to three course dinner, including Apple Crumble for pud’, but decided to move the ‘van with Colin’s tractor to the other side of the field for shelter from the gales, but unfortunately he turned up between courses, so Crumble had to wait. Had a much more peaceful night, and moved the ‘van back over in the morning.

Friday 22nd September

Today, Jackie chose the walk, and it was an inspired choice. Up Coombe Valley, ignoring the first Tonka’ish bit, past Sanctuary Farm, (Holiday Let Conversions) up a “Postman’s” Path, (and cornfield viewed from Stib Wood lunch stop before we got lost a few days ago) past Lee Barton, up a Green Road to have lunch, and through Cannapark Woods, down a lane to Ham Farm, then down on through Woodland Woods and Hollygrove Wood back to Coombe Mill House. Only about six miles, but a magnificent walk through lonely woods with only the odd farmer in sight, not another single walker. Best walk of the Hols so far. Tried for a brew at Duckpool, but too many people around, and still fairly windy. Various insane surfers braving the raging billows!! So on the way back, stopped for a brew on the edge of Bursdon Moor, sat in front of Yuggie, relaxed, and enjoyed the view, and took a couple more photos of Lundy, just for a change. Now had some more Lamb and Crumble for dinner, do we do well, or what???

Saturday 23rd September

Last day!!!! My choice of walk, and rather like the Curate’s Egg it was good in parts. Based around Kilkhampton, the first couple of hundred metres took us past the Sewage Works, then after a short section of woods, lots of Farm Tracks, and yet another field of cattle for the dogs to enjoy, so much so that Caspar banged his head and shoulders on the gate in his excitement to get in there at ‘em. Then in my usual skilful manner, turned left instead of right, and headed away from our planned route!!! However, at Woodlands Farm, looked for the ubiquitous Devon Green Lane, but outside yet another gentrified Farm, the track was completely grown over. Still, by crossing the field alongside, we had lunch, climbed down onto the track, which was still fully passable, and then found ourselves in yet another Woodland Wood, which really showed little sign of having been traversed in recent memory. Even when we found the actual footpath, it showed no sign of regular usage, and it felt as if we were the first walkers for ages. Not as good as Jackie’s choice yesterday, but as I said, in places, very very good. Only downside is that somewhere in said lonely woods, Caspar’s long extendable lead remains, awaiting our return sometime in the future. Chances are, it’ll still be where I dropped it, if only I could remember when last I had had it in my hands.

To Summarise

Home tomorrow, with memories and photos, but certainly a lot more inland exploration, and nowhere near so much cliff and coastal walking. Strangely enough, apart from our first day out to Bowithick, Bodmin Moor and Boscastle, the infamous Tonka Trail and larder stocking up in Bideford, plus the brief visit to Poughill and Northcott Mouth, we probably didn’t stray more than twelve miles away from Stoke Barton the whole time we were away. Our total mileage for the two weeks was only just over two hundred miles, while the walking mileage will have to await being traced out on the Map with the mileage wheel. Just one last thing. Once we were completely packed up and driving out of the Camp Field on Sunday Morning, the view of Lundy was about the clearest ever. Trouble was, it was the one which got away, ‘cos both cameras were buried so deep it simply wasn’t worth unpacking the car!!!

The Hartland Holiday Blog

Well, if this works correctly, my £1.00 per Orange day Internet Connect should post this Blog so that you can read it direct from the Stoke Barton Camping Field, connected by nothing more than Bluetooth via me trusty old Mobile. There may or may not be a Slideshow to be found on http://www.jackiespage.co.uk with a Link Button for Hartland Hols, but that's going to take a bit longer to complete and upload, and I'm not sure how long it will take. Read and enjoy - we are.

Best Love

Mum & Dad
S, J, & the Grey One

Friday 8th September

Dad’s gone off to work in Coventry, whilst I almost had a lie in !! I wrote my list of jobs so I knew what needed doing. I made the coffee and walnut cake and did my ironing. Hoovered the whole house, shortened two pairs of jeans, my cycling trousers and my walking trousers. Made some biscuits, sorted the clothes for going away, more washing and got dinner ready. When Dad came home we were both too tired to do much more.

Saturday 9th September

It took us quite a while to get ready, but we left the house about 12.00, and with a few bits we had to pick up on the way, i.e. Caspar & Sasha’s food, this left even less room in the car. Once on the way the dogs quietened down, mainly I suspect because of the pills Caspar had taken. We were slowed down on the other side of Bristol due to heavy traffic, and the car was extremely hot, we arrived in Hartland at about 4pm. It took a while to get everything out of the car, and as we had some stuff that needed to go in the awning we put that up as well. This time of the year the field is very quiet and not many people about. Not tonight !!!! There was a huge marquee up ready for a wedding party and obviously lots of guest staying in tents and milling about, which really had Caspar going. And some twit trying to fly a kite, which had Sasha going. At 7pm we went to get fish and chips but our usual pla(i)ce (ha!ha!) was closed, the one over the road was OK but not the usual quantities, so we had a big bit of cake when we arrived back at the caravan. By this time the party was in full swing, but we were very tired and went to bed. We woke a few times to hear the music, but we’ve had worse at home. (A bit like the hunt appearing over the hill!!!)

Sunday 10th September

Over a fantastically cooked breakfast, we decided to walk to Hartland Point, or at least start off that way along the green road. It was very hot and I wasn’t sure I could do all of the hills, so we (I) chickened out and we turned off to go back via the coastal path at Blegberry (you can see the farm from the caravan). Of course there was an event going on there, a Charity jump off the cliff, so again not a very quiet walk. We stopped at the next little beach hoping for a quiet time to have lunch, thoughtfully brought by moi!! However we met a couple with two Dalmatians who our dogs seemed quite happy to meet, until came a bit near Sasha’s stick, so she beat her up ! We sat beside the stream so Sasha could have a swim, when a party of young walkers decided to make a short cut across the stream, right in front of our lunch !! How rude was that !! We climbed back up the hill, which I found hard and very hot and we collapsed in a heap outside the awning, where we had a very pleasant afternoon. I made lamb chasseur, from my Rosemary Conley magazine, which was very scrummy. I used my own yellow tomatoes, potatoes and green beans !!!

Monday 11th September

We had decided to go to Bossiney as there are very low Spring tides this week, so packing a lunch and cossie we set off. We climbed a minor Tor (!!!) on Bodmin Moor first to give the dogs some exercise, it was quite windy but warm, and we decided to eat our lunch, sheltered within a burial mound. Jake wanted to have a dig under the rock but we dissuaded him !! A few cows appeared, not that close, but we had to keep the dogs on their leads just in case. However on the walk back down they could run free. On the way back to the main road, Dad stopped to have a look in a small newly opened RAF Davidstow Moor WWII Museum. It was quite warm by this time and I fancied an ice cream. As we had to pass Boscastle we drove down to get an ice cream. But as the car park was full with cars queuing to drive in, we decided to have a look on the way back !!! At Bossiney there were some sheep at the top so I was dog hauled down the cliff path. There were still a lot of people on the beach and several dogs, which meant trying to stop Sasha running up to every dog we saw. We changed into our cossies and took the dogs into the sea. Jake was happily splashing about but we did not have a ball for him to play with. Sasha was happy to swim out with Dad while I held Caspar who does not like the water, but he was quite brave and did a bit of compulsory swimming, and a lot of splashing of the front paws. I had my turn and swam out quite a way into the bay. By the time we were out and changing Caspar was shaking with cold. !!! Sasha hauled me back up the hill quite nicely, and after they had a long drink, back at the car, we heard nothing more from them. We went back to Boscastle and the place was still heaving, but we bought our Roskilly ice creams as we were really hungry and drove back. The Roskilly’s were £5.20 for the two, I do not think we will have anymore! We finished off the lamb chasseur and had strawberries and nectarines for pud. At least the site was quiet and we all ached so another early night

Tuesday 12th September

Mike will be pleased, we did not have a cooked breakfast!!! We just lazed around the caravan and had a light lunch outside in the sun. I played fetch with the dogs and gave Caspar a separate play as Sasha always pinched the ball!! We left the dogs in the caravan and went down to Hartland Quay for a swim?? There were several people on the beach, and as the tide was quite well out, plenty of sand. It was too boomphy to swim so we just played in the surf. It was a beautiful evening, so we walked the dogs down to the standing stone from the camp site. There were no sheep so they all had a good run round. Unfortunately I was using the ball chucker and hit Dad on his shoulder. There is a lovely round mark left on his tee shirt. I heard it rain hard in the night, but it was not for long.

Wednesday 13th September

We had a reasonably late start, and as it was windy I quickly rinsed through our clothes and hung them up before we went out. Unfortunately there is still the tennis ball mark on Dad’s tee shirt, but he said he will wear it with pride !!! We had decided to go for a walk, but first we went to Welcome Mouth. We were the only ones on the beach for a little time, but with Sasha and Jake playing and barking they attracted the dogs that were in the car park, and five of them came down. One had a go at Jake, and although Caspar was on a lead he waded in to protect him. Several other people came down, but with all the dogs on the beach they decided to leave !!! Dad climbed up the waterfall, which did not have much water coming down, to collect our swimming things and lunch. We had some cuppa soup which was surprisingly good. Dad then took the dogs back to the car and we went in swimming. Well it was still boomphy so we did not go in too far. We then went for a walk down a path, through some woods down to a stream and back round to where the car was parked. So more tired dogs. It rained again in the night and seemed quite windy.

Thursday 14th September

We had another cooked breakfast and made lunch up ready to go out. This time we went to Duckpool Beach at the end of Coombe Valley, and climbed up the Coast Path to the top of the cliff and walked on towards the Goonhilly of Devon, the GCHQ listening station at Morenstow. We walked passed the Satellite Dish Station, down to Stanbury Mouth, then up the valley and across fields until we came to Hollygrove Wood and back to Duckpool, about 6 miles, passing a lovely hamlet called Coombe at the end and across a Ford. Dad made me a cup of tea at the car park, but I was too achy to go for a swim, and the surf looked quite rough !!! We had a lovely mooch round the villages and tiny roads and eventually arrived back at the camp site, only to find loads of earth has been dumped in the middle of the field, presumably to divide it off to park more ‘vans down the centre.

Friday 15th September

It’s Dad this time!! Mum has quite often wanted to walk some of the Tarka Trail, so called because Henry Williamson wrote his Tarka The Otter books when he lived near here. Had a good country lane mooch to drive across towards Great Torrington, where we were going to start walking, parked the car, and walked uphill up a road to a village called Frithelstock, so as to do all the road walking at the start. When we found our footpath, the field was full of cattle, which were determined to escape as soon as we opened the gate, and which followed and challenged us and the dogs all the way up and across the field!!!. Then a bit more peaceful, until we found another pleasant spot looking down the valley to have lunch. Quite soon we found our entrance to the Tarka Trail, at Watergate Bridge, which follows the old Bideford to Torrington branch Railway Line. Unfortunately, in order to create full “access” it has been completely tarmac surfaced, thus effectively destroying the quiet charm of what would have been a delightful derelict railway track walk, and creating what is effectively just another country lane. So of course, the grey one had to be on his lead ready to meet any passing cyclists. Mum now calls it the Tonka Trail. Other than that another great day out, with lovely views across typical Devon Countryside.

Saturday 16th September

After much discussion and heart searching we decided to at least have a look at the path down to Shipload Bay and just maybe give it a go. The National Trust still have their “Danger – Closed” notices in place, and have made no attempt to re-instate the path where it slipped away, or to maintain the other 95% which is perfectly negotiable. Anyway, it was obviously well walked and climbed so we went on down. Neap non-moving tide was in, so we laid amongst the rocks and soaked up our first rays of the hols. Of course, two other groups of bods came down, but the dogs were reasonably good, and once the tide had nearly gone down a tad we braved the rocks, and surf, and crawled out onto the sand level, and had a good bounce around in the still fairly boomphy waves. The climb back up was nowhere as bad as a year or two ago, when Mum had really had probs, only fifteen minutes from bottom to top, somewhere in the region of about a hundred meters and nearly four hundred steps!!! One of us looks fairly pink – aka lobster red – but Mum was more sensible, and is only faintly pink. Back to Sirloin and chips tonight, so another excellent day in Hartland land.

Sunday 17th September

Obviously as yesterday was so sunny, the weather forecast for today was for rain drizzle and low cloud and mist, and we’ve probably had a bit of them all, although the evening’s turned our bright and sunny, so apart from a short doggy exercise walk, slobbed around the caravan all day. Played some Scrabble, and Mum texted Mike to say that I was beating her,’cos she had all vowels, however, as she has now drawn the J, X, Y, & Z, and scored twice double on the X and including the J, I don’t stand a chance, as usual!!! Had excellent Mum cooked Sunday Lunch, Pork Fillet Chasseur, with Roasties, and including our own garden yellow tomatoes. Updated Photo Album, prepared it for WebSite, edited Mum’s pages, added these last couple of days, and made ready to send it all up as a Blog.

Mid August Up-Date

Mon 21st August

Dad is leaving early as he is working in Coventry for the next three weeks, which means I am having to cycle to work every day, so of course it’s been raining, hasn’t it. Luckily it cleared up after not too long. Still very quiet at work, and HR are trying to find me a job with another department. The woman that had my position before me is leaving this week and apparently BD do a leaving lunch, so we were booked into the Coach & Horses at Chiselhampton. We left work about 12.15 and got back about 3pm !!! Very nice lunch, and there were 19 of us.

Washing machine finally given up the ghost. Put the wash on when we arrived home from Hartland, the noise was incredible, and it started walking across the kitchen floor towards me, so Dad leapt up and turned it off. Apparently, one of the concrete weights had finally given way, and crashed it's way through it's own innards!!!

I have been given some more work, I'm sending out tenders for maintenance contracts, so am having to work out the price and adjust the contract accordingly. A bit complicated but not difficult. About 2pm on the Friday I landed quite a bit more of this work, as the woman is going on holiday.

Made a coffee and walnut cake, yummee. (Just had the last slice as I type this into the Blog, Sat 2nd Sept, so it lasted well - Dad)

Sat 26th August

We got up at a reasonable time and Dad took the dogs out. We left about 10am and we arrived at Matt’s at about 12.00. Dad backed the car up to the washing machine and Matt’s Dad came out. So we heard all about the marriage and break up etc. Anyway we managed to get away and went and bought some fish and chips from the Littlestone chippie. Apparently they now have new owners, who had only just taken over 10 days before. We sat and ate them looking out over the sea by the Holiday Camp, and then we stretched our legs and I had a paddle, the first of the year !!!

We drove away at about 2pm, and got to Asda at High Wycombe about 4pm. The place was crowded. We bought a couple of pairs of jeans for Dad, as he has lost a bot around his waist, (Funny place to lose it really – Dad) and of course the usual socks and pants !!! It took us ages to do our shopping in a new supermarket as we could not find anything. The dogs were pleased to see us but we were absolutely shattered.

Sun 27th August

Leisurely breakfast in bed, and then took the dogs out. We went to the Stream field but before we reached the fording place Caspar had found an easier place to leap in and have a drink. We through (Do love Mum’s typos, and there’s a lulu coming up at the end – Dad) a ball for Sasha so she could go and have a paddle, but it was too shallow for any of them to have a swim. Then back home for the usual cleaning and help Dad fix the washing machine. Just thought, no wonder everything aches this week, it must have been the strain of lifting that into the car and house !!! I did masses of washing as I could choose the quick wash for most things.

As there is no room in the garden yet, I potted up all my seedlings of wallflowers, just in case they suffered whilst we were on holiday. There’s still loads of them to do. We had one of those big creamy trifles for tea (not all of it!!).

Mon 28th August (Bank Holiday)

Had a lovely phone call from Helen, she thought she would catch us before we left for work !! We have been leaving earlier than that as David is still working in Coventry. I hovered all of upstairs and all of down stairs, (Told you. Harry Potter and Quidditch have nothing on your Mum when she really tries!!) again, didn’t realise how bad your dogs are, Harley didn’t make this much mess, and of course they are always up and down depending where we are.

Whilst Dad was dead heading and generally tidying up, I carried on potting up. He dug up the rest of my potatoes and tidied the plot. We weren't sure whether or not to plant out the beetroot plants as they do not generally do much after August. However, I planted over 200 beetroots, and about 50 cauliflower, these will not be ready until the spring !!! When I had done that I was shattered with a capital K, and had a bad back, so into the bath for a soak, and an early night. !!

Tues 29-31st August

On Tuesday, Dad took me to work so I could have a rest !!! Had quite a bit to do for this other group, so day went quite quickly. We hadn't had our roast lamb over the weekend, and whilst I was cooking that, I made two pillow cases from that cream material we bought, they will go in the caravan as extra support in the evening.

Still cycling to work and still shattered. At the Gym on Wednesday night I ached all over and was so tired we thought we would have an early night. Big mistake - tossed and turned until about 12.00, and then kept waking up. The alarm goes off at 5.50 and Dad gets up and takes the dogs out, which he finds the hardest part of all at the moment. Still they are very good until I come home and let them out.

Well we are now up to date. You must tell me how much food they give you, so I can cut down my portions as well !!! Jen is off to Sri Lanka on Sunday so will not be going to the Gym for 3 weeks !!!

That’s it for now, more to come next week.

Love Mum, and Dad.

Hartland 2006 - At Last

Fri 18th Aug

Left work at 12.00 for journey to Hartland, Devon. Caspar was a real pain as he kept barking at everything !!! He eventually quietened down when we got on motorway, Not bad around Bristol, but masses of traffic the otherway for miles. Arrived at about 4pm and got cleaner to vacuum up all the flies. Dad was expecting it to be like the Flies film, but it was not that bad. We cleaned and washed everything, some utensils were rusty so they were thrown and a few things had gone off. However we had taken most things home in November. We finally had everything unpacked and went out at 7pm to take the dogs for a run and go and buy our fish and chips and sat above Hartland Quay to munch them. The dogs had a final walk and we settled down for the night. Caspar on my seat by the table, Jake underneath the table.

Sat 19th Aug

Slept really well until 7.50. We both feel more relaxed. Had a scrummy cooked breakfast and played Scrabble. We cleaned up a bit more and went for a long walk down to Speke’s Mill and back via Catherine’s Tor and back up to the field. Had to be careful of the sheep in one of the fields. A couple of rock climbers were trying to climb up the waterfall wall whilst we were there. Also loads of people so had to keep dogs close !! When we got back it was a bit showery and there was nowhere we wanted to go so carried on playing Scrabble. Took Jake out and played ball with him, and then gave Sasha a short go, but she was more tired. All dogs went out to the field later and as usual Caspar runs the full length of the field which is a bit worrying as some of the sheep had escaped into one of them and the gate was open.

Sun 20th Aug

Took all dogs to field at 7.30 as they had had a large Bonio, well Sasha did not as she would not eat her dinner otherwise. Dad is now cleaning the caravan outside, one side and the roof is really dirty. Still it will be nice and clean for our holiday. Caspar is shut in the bathroom as he keeps barking at people going past. Lots of text from Helen & Mike regarding Scrabble !!! Took nearly all day to finish cleaning the van, and left at about five for home. Looking forward to coming back for hols, but not looking forward to three weeks of the alarm gong off before six for Dad to get up early to go to Coventry.

The Sleeper on the Steamer

I could get used to this Caravanning Life

Actually, it rather suits us both

Seven letter words? Easy Peasy!!

But Mum still won!!!

Ready, Steady, Go

See, when Dad takes us all for a walk, he expects us all to sit down, calm and collected before we're allowed to release all that pent up energy in our race to see who gives up first, or who's call of nature wins out over any normal dog's desire to bog off faster and further.

All lined up, waiting for the off

OK Dad, we're coming, we're coming!! And may the best dog win!!!

OK, not too bad, but let's try it again!

Nope, apart from the ears, that didn't work too well, either!

Right, Stream Field this time, line abreast, let's go.

Oh well, if Dad can't click the shutter in time, it's not our fault!

My toys, and you're not having them!!!

Who's a pretty boy then??

Elegance, and comfort?? Don't be daft, I'm a Weimie!!

Just thought you'd like to see how the dogs seem to be taking over the world, and dictating their exercise and leisure activities, or in the case of the grey one, leisure inactivities.

Love

Dad

Dad's Gone To Coventry

Monday 7th August

Did we tell you there are loads of red kites flying round the dog walking area now? And there are loads of different butterflies all over the Buddlia and Scabious. Jen and I managed to get our routine correct at the Gym tonight !!! But as Jen had already done Pilates at lunch time she was finding it a bit hard especially the rowing machine, the one she dislikes the most. It did seem like forever and we only did half the time we should have done, and only one set of crunchies and squats. When we went swimming we saw a woman from ACNielsen and she is now working for Linda Wooloff. I bet she is not earning what I am !!! But then again who knows. I did some power swimming whilst Jen was talking, and I was shattered when I got home.

Tuesday 8th August

Dad picked me up lunchtime to pop into the Bank, and I got some sandals from Scholls as my other cheap pair were splitting. It is some time since I wore wooden shoes and they are going to take some getting used to. Several of the Business Assistants were invited to go to a BBQ held at Hawkwell House and hosted by Carlson Wagonlit the travel agents. It was very pleasant sitting outside having a drink and chatting. We had new potatoes with a mustardy sauce and roast vegetables on a kebab. There was a salmon kebab and chicken pieces, sausages and a lamb thingy in the shape of a sausage. They had a strawberry mousse and creme caramel. The others were shown round the hotel, but as I had spent plenty of time in the meeting rooms whilst at ACNielsen, I just chatted to the Carlson Wagonlit people.

Wednesday 9th August

Dad got up at 6.15 to take the dogs out before he went to Coventry. He dropped me off at work and that was the last I heard from him until I rang at 3.50 to see if he was picking me up!! One of the girls from work took me home at 5pm. I got a lovely welcome from the dogs who had been good, apart from a plant knocked on the floor behind my chair. Dad was still not home when Jen picked me up to go to the Gym. We went through the whole card, so that was 115 crunchies and 115 squats, plus 12 minutes on the stepper, 6 minutes on the rowing machine, and 12 minutes on the bike. When we got back Dad was home, so we had a light supper and went to bed, both shattered.

Thursday 10th August

Dad got up early again as he had to go back to Coventry. I was expecting to be taken out to lunch at the Boot Inn, which has now been taken over by an Australian. There was chaos at the airport due to the foiled bombing. Lars had come to the UK the previous night and Alison picked him up. They rang me to say there had been an accident on the M40 and they were stuck in traffic. Half an hour later they rang to say they were turning back. 'But I am starving !' I said, but to no avail, however he promised to come and see me again and take me out then. No stamina some people. So there was me with very little money and no lunch. However the other girls in the office took pity on me and we went round to Georgie's house and she bought sausage and chips !! Georgie is near my age, and her son lives in our road. There were loads of chips and I would have eaten more but the other two left theirs !!! Dad rang to say he would not be back in time, but Sue took me home again. It was about 8pm when Dad got home as he stopped to get some milk and also he managed to find a Tesco's Finest Fish Pie. Apparently he got up in the night and put various lights on and I slept through it all. He woke me up to turn over so we both then wandered around. I think I slept a bit better as it was cooler and we had the duvet back on, so we were not constantly hanging on to the sheet which only just covered us - not a pretty sight, Dad

Friday 11th August

In no hurry to get up. I eventually came down stairs at about 7.45 when the phone rang. I yelled to Dad to pick it up - there's a surprise, Dad - and he thought it was on the television !!! Luckily, Helen rang again so we could have a nice long chat. Crawled in to work about 8.40, hardly anyone in anyway.

So there we are up to date. Hope you are both OK. It sounds as though you are going through the end of the holiday and would love a nice cup of tea and your own bed, but of course you can't. Never mind another couple of weeks you will be seasoned travellers and getting restless staying in one place too long.

We'll try and ring you over the weekend.

Love and hugs to you both

Love Mum and Dad

A Scandinavian Connection

How are you both? Are you moving on today or going back to Auckland? Have you been able to look at those emails from the Mac user group in NZ?

Thursday 3rd August

I had a phone call today from the guy from Sweden, he wants to come over and meet with me and Alison and take us to lunch next week. i have also had another call from HR and they will look into trying and find someone I can help next week.

Friday 4th August

Half day today. Not that we did much. After we did our normal shopping we sat in the garden and played with the dogs. Jake is such a happy chappy not matter how often Sasha tells him off and takes his toys, he just wags his tail and finds another one. One arm will have better muscles than the other, and with the bending to one side from the chair one side of my waist will be thinner (some hope). One of the buttons on my new trousers came off, the secondary one on the waist. I could not find it and so I used the spare button to sew on. After spending ages to try and match the cotton I sewed the button on. Then I realised it was on the wrong side !!! So I took it off and sewed it on the right side !!! When I came to button it up the button was too big for the hole !!!! Definitely an electric plug!!!

Saturday 5th August

Had an early call from Helen and Mike, I had already got up for the next stage of the Ciabatta bread, and made David a cup of tea. I left the dogs outside as he was still sleeping, and then you rang. So sorry to hear about the problems you are still having with your car. We had a very lazy morning and watched the kitchen programmes, and decided to take the dogs out at about 12.00 to Toot Baldon. Big mistake, it was so hot and the humidity was so high, it was a real struggle to continue and we were at the furthest point. Caspar just lay in the shade panting and David took his muzzle off and put him on the lead. I was glowing all over, which is most unusual for me. Well that was it for the rest of the day. After a late lunch, Dad went to sleep on the lounger and I admit I had half an hour on the bed. This was because Dad had fixed the steamer by drilling wood to stop it falling backwards, so I could not lie back in the chair!!! (My excuse!!!) That night we put the sheet back on the bed as it was so hot. Exchanged a few text swith Joy, I had forgotten to tell her my new number, so she wondered if I was the person with 3 dogs, one who barked a lot !!!

Sunday 6th August

Got up at a reasonable hour, and put the cleaner round whilst Dad cleaned the wall behind the cooker in the kitchen where the Sicilian bowl is, much better. We took the dogs out but I did not want to repeat the previous day, so they only got a short one, well Sasha and Jake did. Caspar and Dad caught up with each other at the next field's gate ! I had masses of ironing to do, so while Dad went to the tip I made the beef burgers and caramelised onions and did the ironing. I put the horseradish in the burgers, they were very nice, and we made some coffee ice cream, not so strong as Mike and I like !! We started a game of Scrabble about 2-ish and finished it about 5-ish. It came over really cloudy but still no rain. My tomatoes are getting quite big but are still green. Masses of Dahlias flowering, and another deep red scabious behind the pool. Another very hot night, tossing and turning.

Well that brings me back to today, Monday 7th August and writing up my report !!! I have left my mobile at home so cannot text any messages.

Look forward to hearing your news when you can get in touch. I thought perhaps we cannot put everything on the blog as we may be chatting about various things we may not want others to see.

Love to you both and hope you find somewhere to settle for a few weeks.

Hugs and kisses and hair ruffling

Mum and Dad

Another Week Nearly Over

Tuesday 1st August

Leg feeling a lot better now. Alison came in today so we had a little chat, and she has been asked for me to work with the Account Manager from Sweden, as I have time. I also wanted to work for someone here as well, as I am not busy at all, so we may hear something from HR.
A real breakthrough, we got a new lid from Brabantia for our kitchen bin, which Harley insisted on breaking into. Luckily there was a 10year guarantee on it, but they did not reckon on a big hairy German Shepherd breaking into it on a bi-daily basis. Cannot get used to pressing on it lightly. Have to put any left over Sasha's dinner up higher as Caspar keeps eating that as well. Took all the dogs for a run round the fields at Chiselhampton. The corn crops are quite high now, so Caspar could get lost, but the edges were all mowed. Took the ball chucker with us, and managed to lose one of the balls, as Sash keeps throwing the one she has received down and then chasing after the other one. They were nicely tired, Sash kept lying down whilst we were out, and when we got back, not that they are noisy or anything. Missing Helen as she always seems to ring on a Tuesday evening, just before the end of Holby !! However she finally rang as we were going to bed last night, which was really lovely. We then watched the programme on the Penlee Lifeboat disaster which happened 25 years ago, losing the entire crew from Mousehole, at Christmas time. We went there a few years later with Helen and my brother Robert, and they had all the harbour decorated with lights, but it was very busy, with crowds of people.

Wednesday 2nd August

David has gone for an x-ray on his knee, but will not here any results until next week, but they didn't see anything particular to cause concern, not sure if a swelling shows up or not (!!!). Now had several texts from Helen, they have just moved on to KeriKeri, and have had a look at the WebSite for where they are staying, looks really lovely. Went to the Gym tonight and made sure I took my glasses to read what we are supposed to do. The card said CV 1 - crunchies, 3 sets of 15; squats 3 sets of 15, CV 2 - crunchies, 2 sets of 20; squats 2 sets of 20, CV 3 - crunchies, 1 set of 30; squats 1 set of 30.
Well we finished CV2 absolutely aching and tired, and as I turned over the card I read what we did on Monday night should have been alternated with these CV exercises, so we went on the bike for 12 minutes and it was the longest 12 minutes we have done !!! I assume I will ache !!! We had a sauna and left to find it was pouring with rain.

Well I had trouble getting up today, but do not ache too much at the moment !!!

Love to you both

Mum

P.S. Usual to Mike !!!! And a special hug for you both.