Two Horses, 1 Carrot! Especially for Kelli & Family! and little E who isn't feeling very well!

This is following on from yesterday.................. The dry stone wall on our drive needed weeding & clearing......... however I had neighbours, so i had to go inside and find a carrot! Fancy a carrot? (notive I had been clocked by the eyeball!) You know you want a nibble! Oh go on then! mmmmmmmmmmmmmm! eat it all up! munch munch! munch munch! Bye Denise and say hello to all your blog reader from us, the neighbours to the left of your house! The wall still needs weeding & clearing! Distractions...................nice though!

2 Parables! 2 Horses share a carrot and 2 tomatoes!

It's raining, so rather than no blog, 2 parables. The Hare and the Tortoise! Yesterday, (Sunday) Jon had to work the morning, the weather was changing by the hour but when he came home we decided to go out on the motorbike. We would watch the sky for directions! This means basically we would ride to the end of our road and look for the sunshine! Off we went. As we left the village, ie 30 mph a bike caught us up and stayed behind us. At the junction, we were to turn right, the other bike meantime would turn left. We both stopped at the junction, waiting for a suitable break in the traffic to pull out. The other bike was a sportsbike, similar to our fireblade, which was in the garage..... the one above is a fireblade, a 2006 model which we had a testride on in January! (That is me on the back!) We however were on our CB1300, this is it, above parked at Scarborough the very first time we went out on it! So, getting back to the story! The other bike started to reving his engine....had we seen him, were we watching????? When he pulled out he screeched away, winding up his bike and screeched off towards Whitby. We pulled out, turned right and then first left towards Danby on our way to Helmesley via the moors. About 2 miles up the road we came across rain...a few yards further on Jon stopped. "All I can see is blue sky BEHIND us and black sky ahead of us!" He said......... So we turned round and at the junction turned right and headed towards Whitby. A few miles up the road guess who we came up behind? Yes boyracer! We casually overtook him and drove on to Whitby, to the Whistestop cafe. We parked the bike, took our helmets off and ordered out cups of tea! Minutes later, who should pull in but boyracer. He knew it was us, due to my duck backpack! LOL! We laughed all the way to Scarborough! Parable number 2, for anybody doing any DIY of any description, moving house or even building a house/extension etc etc the list could be endless........but there is something here for everybody! During the many years I spent as a primary school teacher I came across & shared many stories/parables with the children, some I found very relevant, this is my favourite. A woman found her house too small. So she went to visit the wise man of the village. He told her to move all of the sheep into the kitchen, all of the pigs into the living room, all of the hens into the bathroom and all of the cows into the bedrooms. Off she went and did exactly as he told her. At the end of Day 1 she went back to the wise man and told him she had done exactly as he had told her...there was no room for any of her family. "Remove only 1 sheep from the kitchen" he told her. She returned home and did this. The tiny space made by the sheep was small, but very welcome. She returned to the wiseman. "Remove 1 sheep from the kitchen every evening" he told her. This she did, and as each sheep returned to the paddock the space left in the kitchen increased, but was greatly appreciated. This system carried on for many weeks until all of the animals were returned to their paddocks and the woman was left with an empty, yet greatly appreciated house with the same space but which seemed so much bigger to the woman and her family. When we are in the middle of a job, think what it will be like when finished! Each process and stage of the job is like another animal being sent back into the paddock and the appreciation of the space left behind! 2 HORSES, + 1 CARROT......... .

Frank Meadow Sutcliffe

Have had a great 24 hours with JellyB who some spent the night here. I picked her up from Scarborough Train Station yesterday and we came home via Whitby. We spent a couple of hours in Whitby and had a look round a few of the shops. We had a also look in the Frank Meadow Sutcliffe Gallery. He was a famous local photographer...I am sure many of you will recognise his work. The picture above is of his daughters, Kathy and Lulu. Kathy is the great great grandma of some neighbours in our village. Last year Amy died, Kathy's grandaughter. She was a great lady and often talked about her grandfather. He took many photographs around Whitby. Check out the gallery here... http://www.sutcliffe-gallery.co.uk/ Last night I cooked tagiatelli. I used one of the chillis I had grown and chopped it in some olive oil. I added celery and cooked until the celery was soft. I then added mushrooms and then cream and pepper and spring onions. It was a vegetarian recipe, my own. I did some cooked gammon for those who wanted meat but to be onest it was nice just as it was. For starters we had our first tomatoes with rocket....delicious, and how could I not mention JellyB's home grown cucumber! My SIL & nephew came over and we drank lots of cava......a touch too much me thinks, but I seem to have said those words before!!! SIL & neph stayed over and this morning we had boiled eggs and solders for breakfast before going to Thornton - le Dale for lunch, on route to Scarborough Station. JB safely on way home.....with a pain in her leg!.........just near the teeth marks!!!! Guess who? Correct!

Ever had the funny feeling you are being watched!

Meet our neighbours! The horse in the field next to our garden.......... and her new addition! I was working on my latest plot when I caught glimpse through the trees! So as I read my blog, following the progress in the paddock I had a change of mind about planting out the strawberry plants. The paddock is a distance fromt he house, not a great one but further than the length of the hosepipe. I know we will have the waterbut over there in a little while but the plants need to be moved from the pots asap so the runners can be potted on. So for the time I have over the rest of today (Thursday) and tomorrow morning, I will be working on the area next to the stable which isn't doing anything at the moment. It is near enough to the tap to ensure adequate watering and if succesful I can use it for the strawberries next year! So remember how it looks at the moment.............................. watch this space! I have some housework to do and I want to get it out of the way as soon as I can so I can get out and work on my plot. I really do need to have a good de-clutter and quite fancy another shed, but dont think it will happen just yet. The porch is now home to the tomatoes which are coming along nicely. When we have the stable rebuilt a machine of Jon's currently in the porch is to be moved there, this will mean the porch is free so I may take up the carpet, which needs replacing anyway and have some floor covering to replace it...and few more shelves......this would then become my winter greenhouse/pottering palace......now I like the sound of that! When I am out working I will be listening to Radio 4! or, possibly Classic FM.......I would recomend a cordless radio to anybody! Great!

YIPPEE WE HAVE OUR VERY OWN COMPOST SITE!

TAKE AN EX-SEPTIC TANK! ADD............ Kitchen Waste The entire contents of one goose hut (goose poo & straw Fallen decomposing apples Trimmed leaves from tomato plants... and Hey Presto...... Am going to the tip with the original contents and will call into the factory and cadge some large cardboard flat pack boxes for the top! T he plot as you can see is on a slope, but we are working on that! Just shouting out "Plant me up" Think I may put my strawberries out there so the runners can take root! Then this water but can be moved round to the plot too. Will put it next to the shed so water can drop into it. Will have to make a device! As you can see, evidence that Jo does indeed enjoy company.... he has been sitting outside the kitchen patio doors! Close up though you can see the rich, green goodness! 70% recycled grass!!! Now, onthe new compost site!

Empty nest.....all on their way now to warmer parts!

I have just taken this photograph.... Yesterday day of the maiden flight........and what a day it turned out to be. Ella was sitting by the back door, wanting to go outside....... the minute I let her out I knew something was happening. Instead of scurrying down the garden she immediately stopped in her tracks and looked up towards the nest! The chattering, normally confined to the nest was very loud and animated.......when I looked, one of the chicks was perched on top of the drainpipe, on the edge of the funnel which feeds directly into the drain. Next to her was one of the parent housemartins, very agitated. Ella went down the garden, myself in hot persuit! I phoned Jon to tell him....he would set off straight away! I went outside to find Ella with one of the chicks in her mouth! I got Ella on the floor and managed to get the chick, no damage seemed evident. I examined the chick who was looking at me all of the time. I rested it on the shelf and quickly got Ella in the house. I put the chick on the ground and watched carefully, it was trying to fly. I picked it up and lifted it, and as I opened my hands it flew away into the low sky. The following moments saw the parents scouring the sky, encouraging the chicks towards the shelter and safety of the nest. At last they were in the nest and I could see the tail feathers of the parent birds and hear their chattering as they settled down for the night. I would like to think they were discussing today's flight plan and talking about the nice lady with the camera who rescued one of the chicks. Another second in Ella's jaws and it could have sustained damage which could have brought tragic results midst it's transatlantic journey! Here's wishing Travelling Mercies to our family! We will see what next year brings!

So........The Plot Thickens!

Gosh, it is past midnight and my eyes are closing but I must tell you of the great steps foreward we have made today! I was doing a coffee morning early on, so doid not get home until 1pm, but we started on the plot just after 2. Chris, who works for Jon came to help us out. Jon rotavated the future veg plot, Chris removed all rocks, stones, pebbles, bones and other debris. So my job, first thing tomorrow is to take what Chris removed, to the tip. We are going to spend the first part of tomorrow looking round to find other rubbish to fill up the pick-up! I am sure it wont take us long! As you can see, the plot is coming along............................ The shed is now home to the rotavator. I cleared the branches of the trees, weeded and made a leaf collection point! It was fun! I had several comments from Jon re blonde using a hammer! We did have a good laugh! It started to rain but we carried on. We normally go to Whitby on a Thursday night and meet up with our biker pals. However as we worked in the garden it seemed pointless to stop and go to Whitby for the sake of an hour, so we pressed on! It rained, the sky was dark! We did what we wanted to do and I can honestly say we didn't miss going out on the bike! Looking up the paddock from the shed, you can see we have lots of potential growing area at our disposal....but we will take it one step at a time. Jo kept an eye on us from his pond! We also had the company of Wilma and Max. Max loves to sit by me, always managing to find a stone or pebble for me to throw! I know this fallen apple has deteriorated, but nevertheless I found this a beautiful subject for a photograph! One of the apple trees had produced a lovely crop of apples, so we picked them.... chutney making is now on the cards................... However, I left this one well alone, supper to some garden guests! Oh and for those who love our housemartins............ enjoy whilst you can, they will be leaving very soon for their long journey to warmer shores for winter! So, it is now happening! I am exhausted, yet excited and fulfilled by the progress we have started to make. Tomorrow we will continue, weather permitting! Dx

Back to the Plot!

Was talking to a friend who looks at my blog the other day, infact last night. She said I needed to show where we are up to with the plot/plan/projext......... so here is a report! The veg plot...................well Ok dont think nothing has happened...we have had a couple of fires and the next thing to happen will be hubby digging......not because I wont, he wants to do it! He has got the rotavator working, a bargain at £20! You can see how the land slopes where we intend to grow the veg.... the shed you can see will be moved.... and will be re-sited on the area under the sycamore. We will fill in the old septic tank area and the shed will be ideally placed there. It will house the rotavator and we will have a water but there and also the compost areas. The Greenhouse plot is still awaiting preparation. So progress has taken place, be it on a small scale! It is all down to hubby's business. It is a very busy time at the moment as he is doing maintenace & repair work for firms who are operating a "shut down" as we speak, ie when production stops for repairs etc. It is a tightly scheduled time, ie all work has to be completed ready for the production to commence on time. As hubby is the main breadwinner, there is no compromise or discussion....no work, no money! I do my bit by supporting all I can...both in the workshop and at home. This morning I delivered a tool to the factory and brought several mould tools back for Jon to machine. It is strange driving the pick-up. I have to take roundabouts very carefully as the tools rest on pallettes in the back of the pick-up. Damage can be caused if they were to move quickly and bang around...... so I drive slowly, much to other drivers annoyance! I just smile at them! Oooohhhhh look what arrived today! Our organic veg delivery! I like to use the veg straight away, whilst it is fresh! This afternoon I am going to make.... Vegetable Soup Cheese & Onion Quiche Leek & Potato Bake Lamb Stew and will source some recipes for spinach, lettuce, mushrooms & peppers! My Rocket & Salad leaves are coming along! Definately better in egg sandwiches than the normal cress! So plot update completed! Hope it fills in the picture Marie! Dx

Housemartin chicks!

Taken, about 30 minutes ago whilst standing on a chair in the bathroom. Seconds later mum flew in with some food. Need to find a way to adjust the shutterspeed so I can capture some more precious moments. By the looksof the chicks I would think they will be getting ready to fly quite soon, so time is of the essence! Dx

New Life!

Our Housemartins! If you look carefully you will be able to spot a tiny head peeping out... these are the recently hatched housemartin chickse , under the eaves of the back of our roof. They built a nest last year and we watched the progress over the summer. We were thrilled when they returned this year! I will be following the progress again, armed with my camera but takingcare not to frighten anybody. I have a great observation point....perched on the top of a stool in the bathroom. The airbrick in the picture is actually on the outside wall of the bathroom, the window being just out of view in the picture. The Maternity Ward of the Strawberries! As you can see, 12 babies, now all in their own little beds.......being watched by matron! So as we begin a new week it is with new life! Alice's funeral 1.30 today in our village church. For Everything There Is a Season For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace. From Ecclesiastes

A request.."Please God, could you ease off with the deaths please?"

Received a phone call mid morning to say another one of our bike acquatances died at 3am this morning, leukemia! We didn't know him well, but nevertheless he was part of the Thursday night crowd who meet up at the Whistestop cafe in Whitby. It was Les who phoned...he is a long distance lorry driver and the one who changed the wheel on one of the funeral cars when Harry died, in split second timing. The poor chap had gone to the doctor's with some ailment as a result of which he had further tests.....and was told he had leukemea. It all went down hill from there and only last Thursday had he made the effort to go to Whitby, along with his wife, just to see the crowd. Needless to say it all made me think...what is it about being a biker that is so special...... I came across this...author unknown!....enjoy! After riding for some 35 years and owning more bikes than I can count, I am still a little confused when someone asks me the question, "Are you a biker?" Do I ride? Yes. Do I own a motorcycle? Yes. Do I saddle up often? Yes, usually daily. Is riding a motorcycle the most important thing I do? Yes, right behind being with my family and making a living. There are many definitions for real biker. Many riders think being a biker means that you ride a scooter constantly and probably don't even own a car. Some think that only Harley riders are real bikers, while others believe that being a club "1 percenter" is the key to the biker title. I've also heard guys say things like, "Real bikers ride in the rain." Well, I guess I'm not a real biker because I drive my truck when it's raining. But I consider that an intelligence issue. I also hear conversations that if you have a good job and make great money, somehow you have been disqualified from being a real biker because you are now a yuppie or a R.U.B. (rich urban biker). Well, I plead guilty again because I have a pretty good job, and I do okay. I guess I've lost points again on the real biker scale. Do tattoos, outrageous haircuts or earrings get you closer to the Holy Grail of real bikerhood? How about the folks who ride sport bikes, Gold Wings or trikes? Are they real bikers? Can a Gold Winger ever become a real biker? According to many so-called experts, once you get a Gold Wing, you get busted back down to Private. Zero points on the real biker scale. What happens to a real biker if he suddenly loses his mind and -- God forbid -- buys a British bike? I'm sure many of you are a little like me and wonder what makes a biker and whether or not we qualify. Do I think like a biker? Do I look like a biker? Do I have to dress for work like I dress when I'm riding my scoot to be a real biker? Do I make too much money to be a real biker? Do I have to put bike parts into the dishwasher to be a real biker? Can I take my scoot to the dealership for an oil change and still keep my Real Biker Card? Recently, as I drove home from work, I came across a young guy pushing his Honda cruiser down a country road. After stopping to investigate, I went home and got my trailer and some tie-downs and came back to help this guy get his scooter home in one piece. It was apparent early on that he wasn't a "true biker," that is, an experienced biker. I didn't know the exact definition of true biker, but I knew he somehow didn't qualify. He would need to serve some time before applying for his Real Biker Membership Card. After we got to his house and unloaded his bike, he offered payment for my services, and I refused. He thanked me and then proceeded to tell me how he had bought the Honda to go to Sturgis with friends and how wonderful the experience had been. He went into his house and got some photos of his trip to show me. He explained how exciting the whole biker experience had been, how friendly the biker community was, and how surprised he was to feel so welcome. He said he had recently gone through a divorce and the Sturgis experience had rejuvenated him, served as a sort of therapy. As he explained what had apparently been a life-changing experience, it occurred to me that he was putting into words the whole biker experience from the fresh point of view of someone who had just arrived. He was so excited, it almost made me laugh out loud. I realized he was describing what being around bikers was all about. It was like he was re-introducing me to an old friend, a friend I had almost forgotten about and was very happy to re-discover. I'd been around bikers for so long I'd forgotten what gives our lifestyle such appeal. I had taken for granted the essence of the experience that had super-charged my Honda-riding friend. Then he asked me if I was a biker. Taken off guard but also responding very quickly, I said, "Yes, I am a biker." For the first time in my life I didn't have a problem understanding the definition of biker. I didn't question my qualifications, brand, style or dress. I'm not even sure I had a Harley T-Shirt on. It doesn't matter. At that moment, I understood that being a biker was that feeling of comfort you have when enjoying a sport that celebrates the outdoors and a free spirit. It's the feeling you get when you ride alone or the thrill you feel when you hear 100 bikes rumble down the road. It's also the feeling you have when you sit around the fire at night planning the adventure for the next day. It's like those T-shirts that say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." The experience I had helping a newcomer to the biker world is also a part of the real biker definition. It hit me like some sort of religious epiphany that being a biker was not really what you looked like or what you ride or how often you ride. It was the inner peace that you achieve when you are on that scooter and you're a million miles from work, worry and pressure. Real bikers are all members of a kinship with no concern for status or wealth. Instead, they have a "Live and Let Live" philosophy, while still watching each others' backs. After all these years, I've finally discovered the answer to the real biker question. If you get a shiver up your spine when a good sounding scoot goes by, have ever stopped to help another rider in distress, or can't sleep because you're thinking about the morning adventure, don't worry, you're a real biker. It doesn't matter if it's a sport bike, a cruiser, or a dirt bike. If it's got two wheels and you get that special feeling when you saddle up, you get the membership card for life, no questions asked. Somehow, this two-wheeled piece of steel has become a catalyst for bringing out realness in people. So the next time you see a Gold Wing or a sport bike go by, or you run across a broken down Honda, give the rider the respect he or she deserves, because they probably are a real biker. My Honda friend was. He was a real biker the minute he pulled into Sturgis and got that special feeling.

The same beck in June!

 

RAIN!....The view today!

This is a picture of the beck which runs through the village. This was taken at the bottom of our garden a few minutes ago......the result of constant rain today!

1st August!

Just to start the day a couple of my latest pics of Jo............ last night, asleep on his feet! and Sunday night....notice his foot! It was a good job I decided to load these pictures as when I went into the sitting room to pick up my camera, dear Wilma had had a dose of diorhea! Oh bless! Early start today (NOW!) as J was up at 6am and off to workshop. This is so he can get a couple of hours in before the phone starts ringing. Last night he didn't get in until approaching 8. I had his bath ready and had cooked pork & mustard sausages in an onion, tomato & mushroom gravy, carrots & mashed potato. We watched TV, part 2 of Silent Witness..........the episode where Harry does not get involved because the victim is an ex-girlfriend and he follows a professional code throughout........... right! LOL! Not quite sure what I will be doing today, well that is once I have given the carpet another clean up! Possibly awaiting the professional carpet cleaner to come round then, all depending on my efforts. I will have to do some baking/cooking for the freezer today and as it looks like more rain, will probably read some more of my lasagne gardening book. May add some poetry later........August! I had a look online this morning and a lot of poetry was focussing on August being the first signs of Autumn...............really! Dx