appreciating friends

This week I have appreciated the incalculable value of dear friends. Mr and Mrs B invited us to spend a night or two in their holiday cottage with them in Norfolk. We headed off gladly and enjoyed two really wonderful days with them, and their friends Joe & Kirsty; discovering, in addition to any number of other things, this bold young starling on the seafront. He was determined to taste human flesh if at all possible.

Joe and Kirsty's dog 'Sir Alfie Mackenzee', who reminded us very much of the long-gone, but not forgotten Poppy. Alfie, however, was much less malodourous. Indeed, he was positively endearing. Quite a surprise for a Patterdale.

Whilst in Norfolk we arose early from our beds to attend a 'moth trap party....' We were lucky enough to meet, at close quarters, this giant hawkmoth, an Eyed hawkmoth and a Poplar hawkmoth. Also, a very cute snout nosed moth, and a white fellow who had feathers rather than wings. A very interesting morning (even though I am just slightly afraid of moths......)

Here are the trapped moths, in pots, for inspection, cataloguing and subsequent release. We were amused to note that a fearless robin was hanging around with a determined look on his beak. He has learned that escaping moths are fair game, and seemed to view the entire moth operation as nothing more than a visit to a fast food restaurant. He was, obviously, fat and smug!

Furthermore, this week, I am grateful to a friend for the opportunity to spend an entire afternoon in a screen printing production area. AND another friend has provided son number 2 with the opportunity to spend a day or two in the office of a very successful Chartered Surveyor observing and learning. AND, yet another friend has provided son number 1 with work experience alongside the Manager of aViscount's Estate near Windsor. (The son met the Vicount today and found him charming and generous). AND furthermore yet another friend is housing and feeding son number 1 during his sojourn in foreign parts (that's Wokingham.....)

I am humbled by all the kindness we have experienced in the last week or two from those above, and others. Sometimes its difficult to find ways to say thankyou. So here is a big fat thank-you to friends everywhere. Lovely, lovely friends. Where would we be without them? In a lonely place, that's for sure.

Baby boy has officially left his teenage years behind, as of yesterday, and the Farmer has today fetched an enormous scull (boatish thing) and all its accoutrements as a birthday gift. Watch out for a speeding dart on local waterways. That'll be the rower giving it his best. Exciting times.

Mucho. X