Newsletter December 2009
Seasons!
We have had another busy three months. Whoever said nothing ever happens in the countryside? We could rival The Archers! Perhaps not quite the sometimes weird storylines, but it’s certainly been busy, busy, busy!
We have had the end wall of our bungalow renovated, thankfully during the few dry weeks in early autumn, just one wet day when the boards were off.
(Before and after photos)
The weather has seriously changed now, with waves of storms passing over, and rain being flung down in angry handfuls.
With winter approaching we are getting huge clouds of starlings in the afternoons dipping and swirling, swooping and chattering as they search for a night time roost. There is a great noise from the whirring of their wings, and trees are black with birds when they land. It is mesmerising to watch the random fleeting shapes swooping and swirling like a flying shoal of fish.
Hatched, Matched and Despatched
Frankie, our superb black ride and driving cob, has been sold to a five star home in Alvechurch. On the return journey we brought back Samson, a piebald ride and drive cob to re-school and sell on. Samson took exception to the journey and proceeded to trash our trailer! We had to stop on the hard shoulder of the M42, and the motorway police who inevitably turned up, very kindly said “What’s the problem and how can we help?” We got Samson sorted, he had thoroughly frightened himself, and he stood like a statue for the rest of the trip!
Dave, a part bred Irish Draft gelding has been sold to a pony club mum who lives near The Stiperstones. He is a really nice unspoiled young chap, and Wendy will bring him on as a riding horse for herself.
Adams Family BBQ
Richard’s sister and brother in law hosted a barbeque
on Vron Top, part of The Beacon, a large area of common land just the other
side of the Beguildy valley.
It was a glorious September day, wonderful food, spectacular scenery, and excellent company. Who could ask for anything more? 
New Kid on the Block
Ben – another failed housedog! Ben
came to us at the age of 7 months because his lady owner was becoming
increasingly dismayed by his excessive exuberance.
He immediately made
friends with Bill and Sam, and is showing a gratifying interest in the
sheep. Which is just as well, since Sam (lovely dog
though he is) just grins as he watches Bill run his socks off working the
sheep and seems to be thinking “Ha ha, I’m getting the same dinner as him
tonight!”
Comments?
We really do welcome comments of all kinds. We get many plaudits, which is of course wonderful, but equally we welcome suggestions for improvements, as we would much rather know why we have fallen short, rather than have guests vote with their feet.
Download the December 2009 newsletter (pdf)
