I have been gardening in and around the pond the last few days and keeping an eye on the wildlife. The wilder throes of passion seem to have died down amongst the frogs but I have noticed long ribbons of toad spawn in the Ibiza pool tangled up amongst the tapioca style frogspawn. The toadsContinue reading “Nippy the Newt Strikes Back”
Author Archives: karenifountain
Another lockdown birthday
Wednesday saw Keith’s 66th. The festivities commenced at breakfast with indecent quantities of sausage. The now traditional bunting was still out (it has now been agreed that we may as well leave it up until my retirement celebration at the end of the month). Home made cards and wellington themed gifts were produced. Lachlan rustledContinue reading “Another lockdown birthday”
Why is it always sunny on workdays??
Just saying…. The lemon tree grown from a pip is absolutely loving it. I am branching out into an avocado next – watch this space.
Not quite Daktari
Does anyone remember the African vet show with the hero in a slightly dodgy safari suit? Well today was pretty much nothing like that. However I did “rescue” one of our feathered friends…… Today was a working from home day. Resplendent in my new office attire of ancient T shirt, cashmere lounging bottoms (what canContinue reading “Not quite Daktari”
A touch of sun
Four solid days in the garden. I am, as they say, Kerry Packered. But what a difference a bit of sun makes! Friday and Saturday were pretty cold and it was fairly grim hauling the buttercups out of the icy clay soil by the pond. I resolved, therefore, to finish by three today and makeContinue reading “A touch of sun”
Lessons learned
I participated this evening in my first Zoom drinks with two old friends in different parts of the country. We’ve struggled for ages to get together. Inevitably one of us is unable to make it when the others can. We could have been doing this ages ago! The only major downside was that Bernice’s sonContinue reading “Lessons learned”
Not Fetch, but larceny
Lyra has not fully grasped the concept of “fetch”. After an endless performance of waving your arms about like a loony trying to attract her attention to a stick or ball or even Evil Penguin” she will often deign to go and pick it up. However, rather than bring it back she will hare pastContinue reading “Not Fetch, but larceny”
Making a splash
It was gloriously sunny today – a bitter irony for a working from home day. However, I went out at noon for a pooch around to see what was new and found myself down by the pond. Lachlan and Lyra were checking out the frogs and in a spontaneous meeting of minds it became clearContinue reading “Making a splash”
Covid Management Update
The denizens of Ruthven and their families continue to thrive, Covid 19 notwithstanding. Ishbel is back on her feet, has finished knitting yet another scarf and will be back at work on Monday. The bunny crumpets have run out…. Lachlan has volunteered for something. He is not entirely sure for what but has submitted hisContinue reading “Covid Management Update”
the Birthday Party (apologies to Pinter)
Lachlan was 21 yesterday and we celebrated in compliance with official guidance. Home made cards and decorations festooned the house- the old curtain bunting finally finding its role. Presents have largely been held over until the right kind of shops reopen. it is clear that the right kind of shops are the expensive ones. HoweverContinue reading “the Birthday Party (apologies to Pinter)”