Early to bed
Early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

We have to be in Taunton by 7.30 am tomorrow for MTL's annual check up. We expect to be back the same day but am taking an overnight bag as insurance.

Been wondering for days who and what this was. Hope you like it too.

Gone in a Flash

MTL reminded me that 26 years ago today we moved into our house. Sorry about the quality - it'sa faded photo taken from a plane.
How lucky we were to find it and what fun we've had here with all our extended family. It's on a hill but the garden is flat - a bonus. How everything has grown since then.

The Gate

The Gate

Timber slatted,

flaking paintwork,

round-arched frame in high brick wall.

Clicking latch-key,

creaking hinges,

rusting bolt that slowly draws.

Secret door to unknown garden,

opening to another world,

entrance to a different lifetime,

exit gate from yours.

By Sharon Longworth

When I read Sharon's lovely poem - Sharon I immediately thought of the gate I had spotted in Fremington in May 2009 on a path just up from the quay. Maybe one day I'll pluck up the courage to see what is on the other side.

Good Pub Grub

Our French son wanted to go to a real pubby pub for lunch so we decided to go over Exmoor - always a pleasure - to The Royal Oak at Withypool. It's important to name the village as there are many Royal Oaks in this area. The heather was hiding in the dark - but it's there.





Exmoor ponies with their lovely curvaceous bottoms remind me of Thelwell ponies.

Can you just make out the Bristol Channel - left above the heather?



We always stop for horses.

And locals - having a chat.



Too warm for the usual roaring fire. We had seared salmon, liver and bacon and steak and kidney pie folloed by Bailey's Creme brulee and sticky toffee pudding. We drove back a twisty pretty way through Winsford happy that another successful mission had been accomplished.

Buster

Good vibes please for Buster who is recovering from an op. My DIL was up till 4am with him this morning
aand he's still feeling a little sorry for himself. Buster or Granite Balls as I call him, is a smashing dog
with a great SOH. Get well soon GB!