in search of the kiwi: fergus and family come to stay

hiding in a hide L-R Me Don Ginny & Fergus

My godson comes to visit, it’s half term in the UK and Fergus and his parents, Ginny and Don are here for three very quick days. Lodged in comfort in the B&B just down the road (in case the weather was cold and autumnal) they have come to lend a hand. That hand has already been well used, with a whole suitcase of goodies that I have been ordering on line inthe UK to take advantage of free delivery. It has been arriving at theirs for the last three or four weeks and transported as hold luggage for a fraction of the postage price. Thank you SO VERY much.

I am now fully kitted out with all the chainsaw security clothing, all I need now is a chain saw!! have decent solar lighting that will do fine till the next stage of investment is arranged. Various english food items including baked beans and christmas pudding - something that I have been raving since a conversation a few weeks ago, I’ll keep it till nearer the time and enjoy the wait knowing that it’s there.

My guests loved the place, the whole area in fact and thoroughly enjoyed their short time with me. We got plenty done in the garden, namely the second vegetable bed properly dug and composted, the lights up in the chalet and, importantly some decent time spend discovering my locality.

I have the most amazing lake about ten minute drive away, a huge nature reserve that is frequented by tens of thousands of migrating birds each spring and autumn, we happened upon a guide whilst we were looking who explained a great deal of what happens and the kind of birds expected. Next visit will be in the late afternoon as that is the period of activity, as all the birds return to roost. Safety in numbers.

That same guide proposed an amazing restaurant, well, farm where one can dine. You have to book, so we did so and enjoyed a fabulous meal one lunchtime, emerging into the sunshine mid afternoon, fit to bust, and in no fit state to participate in strenuous activities. A leisurely afternoon was spent strolling around my closest market town, checking out the architecture and a fascinating junk shop ( to become a frequent haunt I am sure).

I breakfasted leisurely at the B&B each morning, sneaking in an hour or two of tasks before hand, the neighbours invited us in for drinks one evening and with a trip to the market the time was gone, far too fast. It was wonderful to have guests, especially now that I am better equipped and in the knowledge that there is shelter and comfort, to some small degree, should the weather turn. Will be thoroughly ready by the time spring arrives. Future bookings now being taken.