birthday boy

Today big boy started working at Chartered Surveyors. First day duties were moving sheep at Louth Cattle market all day! He had a great time, especially as it was his 19th birthday! Guess he kept quiet about that whilst penning sheep with a bunch of Lincolnshire farmers. Can't believe its 19 years since he was a newborn. That slipped by quickly. Still cream crackered from mammoth journey to look at Lancaster University yesterday (400 mile journey). Luckily baby boy liked it, though we thought it was very 70's. Very academic staff however, all published, just a long, long way. Leicester visit in couple weeks, I hope we all like it....

not sleeping in front of the TV!

My Dad, fed, watered and entertained, allegedly relaxing in front of our TV, to watch Antiques Roadshow. He is absolutely sure that he didn't fall asleep, and disturb other viewers with his snoring, however, the evidence is clear. He saw none of it. We have now packed him off home with food for tomorrow, hoping that he doesn't fall to sleep again on his journey.

dogs

One prisoner captured and subdued.

travelling

Just off to Sheffield for an Indian meal tonight - a long way to go for food, but worthwhile for the company! Next wednesday pottering up to Lancaster University with youngest chick for History Department meet and greet. We are worn out with all the travelling. For us home birds its proving to be a busy month.

Count Arthur Strong

Just setting off to Lincoln (again) to see Count Arthur, who appears weekly on Radio 4. Have seen him before, is gently funny, and looking forward to it. Sadly, pretty tired after yesterday's mammoth journey, and barrowing concrete up and down salt mines all morning. Day off tomorrow, so trying to keep jobs list small to enable some resting to take place. However, yellow horse got new shoes today (one had fallen off somewhere in the mud) so some riding seems likely, even though jockey old, stiff and not too keen. Horse appears to be quite ready to make a start with Spring training, so I guess its going to have to be faced. Have not sat on him for about 3 months, so hoping his memory is long and he doesn't mind. Can barely remember where I have put the saddle (out of the way) so will have to get it dusted off tomorrow. Always tomorrow.

all change!

Big boy has progress from terrible bar job, to lovely factory job through Lifesaver for Butlins, to dogsbody at local Chartered Surveyors. Today been to Harper Adams for successful interview for place on Chartered Surveyors Honours degree course (2011). So, now hoping to stay with Willsons (Chartered Surveyors) until August, when he does quick HNC in Scotland in 30 weeks (Commercial Fish Farming), then summer 2011 recovering, before he goes off to Harper for 4 year REALM degree and professional qualification thing. Looking much happier now he has found his way, and feeling like a real career now in his grasp. Its been a bumpy journey, but looks like he has found his own harbour.

It was really funny at Harper because all the young people looked just the same, farmer coats, wellies, muddy jeans, shotguns over shoulders, mud covered rugger teams etc. Slight shortage of the female form, but he will be too busy to notice methinks.

young and beautiful

My big boy, and his cousin Em, all ready for Young Farmer's Regional Ball on Saturday evening. A good time was had by all, and no sick buckets were needed. Marvellous.