“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Friday 27 September 2013

A Simple Woman's Day Book




FOR TODAY ~ Friday 27th September 2013

Outside my window...I've waited and waited before completing this section of the Daybook by answering all the other questions first, because I was hopeful that the grey blanket that enveloped us this morning would lift...and so it has, just! The clouds are still low over the hills in the distance, but there are small pockets of blue appearing. I'm hoping that they expand. 
The sun has just peeking out but it seems very shy today. I'll wait a wee while before I head out with the lawn mower...I don't want to frighten it away. Oops it's gone again!
The field at the back of the house is still and empty with only the silent growing of the lush green grass now that the wheat has been harvested. I'm hoping that we may have lambs come to prance and bounce about in the spring. When we had our first year here we were privileged to have them come to stay and it was fantastic to watch their antics. There was never a dull moment. 
We've been lucky to have a couple of deer coming into the field grazing, which is so special. I'm hoping that they settle and stay for a while.  
The wild grasses on the peripheral of the field have dried out now, their seeds scattered by the wind and birds. 
The trees are still green although the night air grows chilly. There is just a yellowish tinges to a few of the upper most leaves. I'm looking forward to the autumn colours but not the lower temperatures. I suppose you can't have one without the other! 
The large black and white milk tanker has just passed down the lane after collecting today's milk from the local dairy farm. Seeing it pass when you need milk can be very frustrating! I want to stop him and syphen off a few pints...hehe.
If you want to see my view then click here although it's not today's view, but it is very similar other than the sky. The photo was taken on the 1st September.
For those who might be new visiting I am taking a photo on the first day of the month to show how it changes over the coming months.
I apologise if Muffy's snoring is distracting, but she's had a busy morning...up early for her walk, chasing the neighbour's cat down the lane, checking the garden for overnight intruders and meeting the boiler service/repair man! 

I am thinking...that I really must take time out today to thank everyone who visits my blog because without you I'd just be wasting so much time tapping away at my keyboard. I know how busy lives can be these days which makes the fact that people stop to read what I'm nattering about even more precious. For you to take the time to let me know they've been here is just the icing on top of the cake ;D 
I adore seeing that you have visited...yes even the ones that never comment...I know you are out there because my globe tells me, plus where you are in the world and how many times you've dropped by. I'm truly staggered by how many countries spread so widely across the globe come to my little part of the world. So if we have never chattered I'd just like to send you a huge thank you, in fact everyone gets a huge thank you today. Maybe one day you might be brave enough to say 'Hi'? 

I am thankful...for the above.

In the kitchen...Everything is tidy. There are no cakes or baking surprisingly enough, but that could be corrected soon. 

I am wearing...my working gear because I'm going to be like a turbo charged demon any second, charging through all my chores this morning. So at the moment it's joggers, long-sleeved t-shirt, and a fleece (yep I'm afraid so...well it's a little chilly sitting here until I get up and running). Anyway I needed them on this morning for McMuffty's walk. Don't worry I'll get dressed up after I've finished my jobs and showered ready for Friday night! Yay!

I am creating...a new home which is taking up all of my time. I desperately want to keep creating my art, but it's difficult to fit it in at times. But I WON'T give in to all the other demands...I will keep trying. I have visited a few little galleries this week and even chatted to some lovely artists. They have kindly given me lots of information about local classes that I will research over the coming week. I also want to carry on with drawing my cards and there's a few other ideas jumbled in my mind that hopefully will form an orderly queue. 

I am going...to continue to reaquant myself with the local area and what's out there. It's been strange because some things are so familiar to me but only once I've rediscovered them. They have been tucked away in my memory but more and more are resurfacing.  
I've got castles, parks, galleries, historic buildings and much much more lined up. Phew! 

I am wondering...well this is a strange one and maybe not one for you to read if you're having your breakfast or lunch! It's about poop! Well I did warn you but it's not as bad as you might be thinking...it's just that something come's into our garden each night and leaves a call card shall we say. I can't for the life of me work out what it can be. I've gone through the usual suspects cats, foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, deer, etc and they just don't fit. I've even gone to google images to check! Did you know you can find poop images out there...yeah I agree it's so gross unless you need to know :( and I wish I didn't need to know. 
I forgive you if you want to move on to the next question but if there's anyone out there that might have a clue then please let me know. 
Now comes the description....
It's quite small green pellet like rounds in one pile all grouped together. The whole thing is about 2 inches in diameter max. I was thinking of posting a photo of it but thought that was pushing our friendship a little too far. I'd be interested to hear your verdicts...polite comments only please! 
I can't believe that I've put this in my post today, but it's really bothering me...Sorry now on to more pleasant things.

I'm reading...The Ivington Diaries by Monty Don


Monty Don and his wife Sarah moved into their semi-derelict farmhouse at Ivington in 1991. Their garden is the most tangible symbol of the spectacular way in which they have since thrived. Springing with amazing vigour from the soil behind the house, this space has been central to Monty's life; ever since he dug the very first border, he has obsessively written about it. The Irvington Diaries is a personal collection of Monty's jottings from the past fifteen years. Generously illustrated with his very own photographs, and beautifully packaged, this book promises to be one of the most delightful garden books ever published. 

Now I know why I love the month of May...just read Monty's eloquent description in the photo above. He discribes it so beautifully. Oh how I wish I could write like that.

About the Author: Born July 8, 1955 in Berlin, Germany. Montagu Denis Wyatt "Monty" Don is a British television presenter, writer and speaker on horticulture, best known for presenting the BBC television series Gardeners' World. He was brought up in Hampshire, educated at a variety of schools and at Magdalene College, Cambridge. 
He and his wife, Sarah, set up and ran a costume jewellery business in the 1980’s but the business collapsed, since 1988 he has worked full-time as a gardening author, journalist and broadcaster. 
If you'd like to read more about Monty click here
He also suffered a mini stroke in 1988 read here for more details about his incredible recovery. 
Monty has written many books so this one won't be my last.  

I am hoping...that my son's course hits the spot and keeps him on track. So far so good. He seems to be enjoying it which is wonderful. But I'll carry on crossing my fingers and toes just in case. 

I am looking forward to...getting my veggie plot under way. It's going to be a lot of hard work but I'm hoping that it will all be worth it. I love to go out into the garden to pick flowers to bring indoors, so to be able to nip out for a tattie (potato) or carrots for dinner will be brilliant. I think there's nothing better and it's so rewarding.
I know I need to start the preparations soon because there's such a lot to do and spring will be here soon enough. Did you notice that? I just skipped over winter with ease! 

Here's a photo of my latest pickings from the garden.


Around the house...there are a lot of spaces which needs to be filled. I'm not one for clutter or minimalism so I want to reach the right balance. There needs to be lots of shopping trips soon.

My favourite quote for today...Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you ~ Oscar Wilde

One of my favourite things...is a Friday night. It can be the simplest of nights just lighting the fire and candles, a good meal and a glass of wine, then settling down for a relaxing evening after a hectic week. My daughter sometimes travels from Edinburgh to stay for the weekend and then I'm a really happy bunny having all of my chicks in the one nest :D  
    
A few plans for the rest of the week: A bit of everything really...you name it and I'll probably be doing it! Well within reason obviously...no ski-diving this week! 

A peek into my day...we are organising a few extensions (Gasp)


Not the usual conservatory, garden room or even a greenhouse extension (those are on my to-do list) but bird nesting boxes. Since we arrived back to this property the bird population in our garden has grown exponentially. To carry on looking after their welfare I want to provide not only good food and water but safe homes to enable them to hang around and provide beautiful sights and sounds to be enjoyed by all. I've just got to work out where the best sites are located. It'll be an on-going project that hopefully we'll reap the rewards when spring comes.  
I'm wanting to put up owl boxes too because I've heard them calling so I know they're here. 

 So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit and if it's your first time reading my day book entry, I hope you'll be back again soon.
Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Woman's Daybook and check out the other day book entries.
I can't believe that I've only just managed to write this Daybook for September...I nearly missed it!
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1511763.gif I hope to see you again soon...Have a wonderful week.
Have fun and hopefully the sun will shine for you!!!



18 comments:

  1. Good morning, NN...
    I loved reading your post today...
    I am in the middle of a move and snowed under but visiting a few blogs while having my 2nd cup of coffee.......
    Hope your day is a good one.

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    1. Good morning to you too bj ;D
      Oh my heart bleeds for you and your move...I hope that it's all going smoothly without any stress or trouble. I do hope so because I know from experience that it can be such a difficult tiring time.
      But I'm glad to hear you are being sensible and taking tea/coffee breaks!

      It's good to know that you had a little time out and enjoyed your visit.
      Good luck with the rest of the move. I'll pop across to see how you are going soon.
      In the meantime have a great weekend! :D
      xoxo

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  2. Hi Nessie, Love your post as always...you do surprise me that wee Mcmuffin likes a early morning stroll I was convinced the little madam would rather stay toastie in bed until at least 10am....Can't help you with the mystery poop...I'm afraid..Now I won't sleep trying to figure that one out!! even asked DH no idea either....Enjoy your Friday night...I'm off to bed soon as working this weekend ...Good luck with the owl extension.. Have a great weekend... Hugs May x x x

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    1. Morning May ;D
      Oh how well you know McMuffy because you are quite right...she would stay curled up til noon if she was allowed to. It's me that wants to get started with the day and the walk has to be done first on the list! Sometimes I think she's part camel as she can certainly retain water...there's never a rush for that first wee splash!
      I'm sorry I've given you a sleepless night but the mystery thickens because yesterday I pulled up a low chicken wire fence that is attached to the higher outer fence. It had been trampled down. Pulling it up was to prevent Muffy sticking her head through and since then there's been no greeting card left. Sooooooo I'm thinking it's smallish, and maybe a rodent although not that small?
      I've seen hedgehog poop so I know it's not that...hmm...this could mean I have to stay out all night with my torch! I just need to know now!
      What a shame you have to work at the weekend. I hope it's a quiet one and you can get off early. Well you can wish eh?
      I'll be reporting on all of the extension when hopefully we have new residents.

      I can't say have a great weekend can I really with you in work...but I hope it's not too busy...how's that?

      Hugs to you too xoxo
      McMuffty sends her love and licks too ^..^

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  3. Loved your day book as always Denise. Been slow to visit this week. Health issues, but I'm here now! I just had to click back and see your view again. How very beautiful. It always takes a while to settle back into a routine after you move. But eventually you do, even if it's a completely different one! About the poop, no idea. Mind boggling to say the least. xxoo

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    1. It's good to hear you're feeling better Marie ;D
      I normally give myself six months to settle when we move. The years of practice had lead me to this concusion! So we've still got time.
      I do feel settled already but there's just so much to get me to where I'd like to be. Patience is a virtue.
      Don't worry about the poop because as is often the case since I mentioned it they seem to have moved on! Typical :$
      I hope you're enjoying your weekend...the weather isn't bad so hopefully you'll see the sun :D
      xoxo

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  4. Well! Quite an interesting read today. Everything from poop to gardening to cooking and decorating. :) Then there's a bit of planning and lots of thinking and.... As I said very interesting! Now, small deer or porcupine? Hope you'll share pics of your excursions to town or just out n about getting reacquainted with the area. You're living in an area that totally fascinates me. I love history and there's certainly a bunch of that in Scotland! Next, the birdie houses are so comfy looking. Do you call owl houses extensions? Love the early fall bouquet. You can just see a bit of color change on one of the leaves. Hope the Friday night was relaxing. Thanks as always for sharing and letting a few of us live vicariously in your neck of the world. Hugs, Nan

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    1. Welcome to my world and thought process Nan...I flit all over the place and the journal shows just what it's like to be in my head! Scary eh? ;D
      You could be right with your guess of a possible small deer but definitely not porcupine! Unless that is that things have changed since I left...I don't think porcupine are here in Scotland!
      I've been gathering lots of photos to share Nan...it'll just be a question of when and how to post them. There are some amazing sights so I hope you'll enjoy them when I get my act together.
      I was mentioning extensions as in building additions on to our house, but no we don't call the owl houses extensions just an owl and bird box.

      Friday night was great and Saturday even better. (Hehe)
      I hope yours was too ;D
      Hugs to you xoxo

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  5. Hi Neesie
    Do you do all the lawn mowing? I think you need to develop a hay fever allergy! I'm sure that if you either delegate the lawns, or get in a whole more of your mystery creatures to keep the lawn down, then you'd be sorted for some extra time in your studio! He he
    Your bird nesting boxes look amazing, but then I've seen the bird food you put out. No wonder you've had to extend the accommodation on offer, it is resort living at it's best! Owls would be a wonderful addition to the family.
    Absolutely loved having a peak into your week,
    Wrenx



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    1. Yep...I'm a sucker aren't I? It's amazing just how busy everyone becomes when the lawns need doing! Having got your sympathy I have to confess both my boys have given me a hand at times. Each time I cut them (4 in total) I think that that will probably be the last time this year...but my sister informed me the other day that she has cut her lawn as late as Novemeber in the past!!!! I was NOT amused I have to say.
      It's fun you should mention hay fever allergies because both my boys have the allergy!...Hmm...I wonder? :$
      Mystery creature seems to have got stage fright because since I mentioned him/her they've not called!
      Hehe...you're right about the amount of bird food that is on offer...it's costing a fortune but I can't resist. I love to see and hear all the different kinds enjoying visiting my garden.
      I've heard the owls so I know they're out there...now I just have to entice them by having a des res on hand ;D
      I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the Daybook. It makes me stop in the 'now' and think about what's happening around me...instead of me tearing through in my usual manner!
      Enjoy your Sunday.
      Hugs to you xoxo

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  6. I really enjoy your Daybook posts because I get such a good big peek into your life. How wonderful that you are doing so much to encourage the birds to flock to your garden.

    Darla

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    1. Oops...in that case Darla, I'd better do lots more thrilling things so that next time you take a peek I'll be doing much more than hanging up nest boxes! ;D
      Seriously though I'd so amazed how popular this post is. I'm certainly flattered that people enjoy hearing about my little spot on the planet!

      Have a wonderful week...let's make sure it's a good one
      xoxo

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  7. I, too, love your daybook posts! Even once a month--they're such a treat to read. I am not sure what would leave a pellet pile of poop, but it does sound like maybe it could be a rabbit who has spent time eating in one spot for a while. I am so glad you are planning to tend to the birds so you will have lots of pictures for us--maybe all year round. :)

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    1. Hi Rita,
      Good to see you.
      Nah...it's not rabbit...I know them well. I hate to be even more discriptive but even a rabbit with a problem wouldn't do these. They are pellet shape not round. A rabbits are definitely round. These are more like animal food pellets!
      Anyway we haven't had any fresh deposits for a few days now so maybe I've blown its cover and it's decided to move away. Or possibly because I've pulled up the chicken wire around the outer fence, it's proved too much for them. We'll see...but don't worry if I ever find out what it was, I'll let everyone know. ;D

      I think by winter it's going to be like a bird santuary here. I hope to set up a camera to be able to take better photos in future. I did capture the wood pecker the other day but it was through glass. They are very nervous and flighty so any movement makes them take flight. Unlike the finches...I can be filling up the feeders and they are just above my head in the tree waiting.
      I have seen that people have them come on their hand to feed, so who knows if I ever get enough time and patience to stand there I may be lucky.

      Let the week commence and let's hope its a good one.
      Have fun xoxo

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  8. I enjoy your posts so much. It is fun to create a home and I can just imagine if I lived in your setting I would be overjoyed. I loved Scotland when we were there!
    Sandy

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    1. Hello Sandy,
      It is fun but also hard work getting this place as I would like...I think I'm going to have to accept that it's going to take time. It's a work in progress shall we say ;D
      When and what part of Scotland did you stay? I hope the weather behaved?

      Enjoy the run up to Halloween. Have fun :D
      xoxo

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  9. These posts in particular are the ones that go best with my tea and cake :-) They are full to the brim with gratitude and positivity so they make my heart sing. Often I answer the questions for myself which is soothing and comforting too.

    Your bird boxes are pretty swish! My favourite local nursery has two in a giant gum tree and even installed a camera so that customers can see the bubs when they arrive. So sweet.

    Hubby is making me Gnocchi tonight and the chilly weather is persisting here in Perth so you know what that means don't you... Warm socks and Escape To The Country! Yay!
    Have a super week lovely lady.... ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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    1. Aww Angy thank you so much. I can imagine you sitting with a cuppa and cake and that's the sort of thing I imagine when I write these posts. It's just a nice chat amongst friends ;D

      Now you're talking my kind of language there...hidden video cameras to show the inside of the nest boxes! My sister used to have one and I will no doubt be purchasing one soon...along with the squirrel and owl boxes.
      Can you hear that till ring? Ker.....ching! Ker...ching!

      Your hubby's Gnocchi sounds wonderful (as does he spoiling you but rightly so)
      Get cosy, rest up, enjoy ETTC and get well soon.

      You have a super week too. Just behave and enjoy what you can do and leave the rest for another time...it'll wait!
      xoxo

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I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

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