Most of the autumn leaves have fallen and many of the trees in Mourne Park are now looking very stark against a very grey wintery sky. Another season – more changes – different work to do around the place. Lots of wood chopping still needed to keep the home fires burning, heaps and heaps of leaves in the garden and on paths to be collected, and drains to be cleared of debris – apparently Chris’ stable cottage has been flooded in the past! The “boys” have been busy with all the above – weather permitting of course. I have helped out as needed. Collecting leaves has been tricky and time consuming – imagination and persistence needed. The preferred method of attack has been to use a leaf blower and garden rakes to move leaves into piles before scooping them up into rubbish bins or the front bucket of the JCB – the famous back hoe tractor thingy – to be dumped later. Very labour intensive – the leaves are light but the continual bending and scooping is keeping the tummy muscles firm – saving on gym fees if nothing else!
Talking of tools/machinery etc we recently drove into Kilkeel with Chris. Went down to the wharf – lots of fishing boats and activity, walked down to the pier – lovely views out to sea, and visited a “highly prized” hardware shop. Reg and Chris were surrounded by lots of their favourite things – they spent heaps of time chatting about about the benefits of different brands, levels of horse power, power packs and attachments, chain length, voltage etc. Sooooooooooooo interesting!!!! We then headed for the supermarket to get some groceries but first checked out yet another hardware store near the main street! Think I might stay home next time!
Our biggest and most exciting news is we now have another family member living at Mourne Park. Chris has adopted a 3 year old Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross – his name is Frodo. He is absolutely gorgeous – gentle in nature – full of character and energy (?!!) He has settled in well – but then Mourne Park must be one of the all time best places for a dog to call home. Definitely 5 star. So much room to run around in, so many different areas and hidden places to sniff, mark, and explore. Frodo stays with me sometimes – the back up dog sitter – when Chris is not here. While happy enough he misses Chris and is always keen to track him down – they have become very attached very quickly. Frodo also loves it when Marion and Alan’s dog Minnie comes to visit – another Jack Russell cross. They run around like crazy together – their little legs moving like whirlwinds, and often cuddle up together on the comfy arm chair in our kitchen. They have become firm friends. However, Frodo is yet to make friends with Maurey – our house sit horse. I recently took Frodo for a walk on his lead to visit Maurey – we’ve been trying to get them used to each other! Rainy day so the grass was wet – Frodo arrived soaked. Maurey’s field was like a muddy bog – his coat looked a wet dirty grey rather than the usual white – but he seemed happy and content. Suddenly Frodo slipped out of his collar, ran through the wire fence, and straight under Maurey’s feet!! One very little dog – one huge startled horse. Me yelling, Frodo barking, Maurey leaping about!! Fortunately no damage done – except my shaking legs and racing heart!! Frodo quietly trotted home – back on his lead, covered in mud, not perturbed in the slightest. I actually think he enjoyed himself! Just another “doggie” adventure in his new home.
Love to all
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in House Sits, Mourne Park (2), Mourne Park, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Fantastic post Di and got Frodo down well, the little monster is here fast asleep on my lap here now. Will have to go back to tool stores next week, so much fun!! ????????????????
love that little dog – bet he looks like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth snuggled up there on your lap xxxx
might give the tool shops a miss if you don’t mind !!!!!!!