Hi all,
Had a lovely trip from Dorset to Hampshire – a one day car hire, different drop off point, worked out well. We traveled via the New Forest area. Very famous for its beauty and for the wild ponies that have free wandering rites! A very peaceful area – a little haven in the heavily populated and busy south of England. Lovely villages; an enjoyable days travel.
We are now in the village of Catherington, Hampshire. Not really what we would call a village, though I am sure it was a one point. Lots of development in the area and the local villages seem to run into each other. You can’t tell where one ends and the next starts. The main street of Catherington is still great and the local pub – The Farmer Inn – retains all the feel of a village local. Very friendly, helpful owners (Anita and Shaun) and chatty/cheeky locals. We have definitely heard about the dismal showing of the Aussie cricketers in the 20/20 series!! Questions like “What’s Ricky going to do on his month off?” have been asked with great relish. Still England have just been put out of the finals so things may be a little quieter. No car at this house sit so enjoying the local walks. Lots of public footpaths/trails cutting across the countryside throughout England. Shops are also in walking distance so easy to stock up on groceries.
Now on to our current house sit pets. First there is Bobby, a very elderly Cocker Spaniel who is blind and fortunately walks very slowly. If he misjudges the doorway or walks into the coffee table he just gently bumps then corrects his path. Loves a pat, but basically sleeps 90% of the time.
Next there is Lucky, a tiny Yorkshire Terrier – 2 years old and is fully grown but looks like a puppy. He wears the smallest collar his owner could find but it still swims on him. He is very friendly and loves to jump up on our laps for a cuddle. Also loves a walk on the lead – gets very excited about venturing out of the yard, has to investigate every nook and cranny available. He also loves a walk off of the lead if he gets the chance! He is Houdini when it comes to escaping – he is so small he just wriggles through any available gap and takes off. We’ve had this happen once and it was terrifying. The more we called him the more he ran. Anyway we got him home safely in the end. I kept imagining this tiny little dot squashed on the road. Not a good feeling! He is peeking at me over the arm of the chair as I am writing this. The look on his face says “I would never do that” – but I know better!! So we have two very opposite dogs, one very quiet and slow – the other like a whirlwind. They are great company for each other (and for us) and they get on extremely well. They spend lots of time together, often cuddled up on the lounge.
We also have Sukie the Persian cat who is very old and very loud. She just howls until she gets your attention, usually to be lifted up onto the washing machine to reach her food. She has had her fur trimmed so her legs look abnormally long – a real sight to behold. Keen to have the odd cuddle but normally keeps to herself.
Picking up a hire car in the morning. Planning to get out and about for a couple of days – looking forward to it!
Cheers and much love
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Catherington, Hampshire, England, House Sits, United Kingdom