The animal members of our Mourne Park family have become friends – well maybe not “friends” -but they’re getting on much better. Frodo still gives an occasional bark – but it’s more for show these days. Maurey the horse just gives him that look that says “yeah, what ever” – and continues eating his grass. Maurey is now in the top field next to our cottage – much easier for Frodo to visit and for me to give him the odd carrot. He decided to move himself one night, pushed down his fence – it was already on a lean due to the very wet ground near the lake – stepped over it and headed up the hill. He greeted Reg the next morning in the drive way – not interested in the stables – just walked over to the top field gate and waited for Reg to let him in. We discovered his footprints all over the place later on – he’d made the most of his time on the loose!!
Still dealing with the mountains of autumn leaves lying about – now burning them in a 44 gallon drum in the garden – a bit of a struggle – they’re still pretty damp. Reg has also been mowing the grass – finally grown enough – chopping up more leaves as he goes. It all helps! Frodo now spends more time outside with the “boys” – sniffing around, chasing birds and rolling in fox poo! Stays close by – just loves to be involved, always checking out what’s going on. I still get to have him inside with me – sometimes it’s safer – but it’s not long and he’s standing a the door wanting to go outside again. He’s changing from an inside town dog to a real country bumpkin! He certainly smells like it at times!
We went for a walk the other day. Freezing cold but a bit of sunshine – no rain. The three of us, our friend Alan, Frodo and Minnie headed off through the forest and along a walking track that loops around the back of Knochree mountain and up to the summit. The dogs where running absolutely everywhere – doing ten times the distance we were, waiting for us to catch up when we lagged behind. Beautiful 360° views from the top – the main house of Mourne Park, Ireland in the distance, a wide expanse of coastline, Slieve Binnian mountain, colourful patchwork farmland in every direction. Well worth the climb. Headed for home – dogs leading the way. Completed the loop around Knochree – more muddy tracks and tree lined walkways. Maurey was waiting for us as we rounded the last corner and walked down the drive – our own little welcoming party. I do like having him so close!
Merry Christmas to everyone – where ever you might be. We are so blessed to have so many friends in so many places. No plans for anything exciting here – just planning to enjoy the reason for the season – never ceases to amaze me. No hope for snow – not very common here even in the dead of winter. Chris has taken pity on us and put some snow flakes on the web site – we can at least pretend!
Lots of love
Di, Reg, Chris, Frodo and Maurey xxxxx
This entry was posted in House Sits, Mourne Park (2), Mourne Park, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Thanks for the snowflakes Chris and thank you for looking after my wonderful friends
Miss you guys heaps, love you heaps – hopefully skype once i get my computer fixed, but i can use my friend Dianes one when i get there.
I passed my first paper and i am on the way to getting my Diploma in Early CHildhood Education….. bring on next year
Love Tarsh xxxxx
Have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas Tarsh. So proud of you!!!!!
Great blog again Di and great photos, I’ve downloaded most of them to save.
Reg has done a great job on the grass and leaves again today!
I have put my hand up again to do some mowing – here’s hoping!!!!
Wonderful to hear of your adventures at Mourne Pk, looks fabulous. Would so love to do that walk, amazing views. We’re expecting an extremely hot Christmas, Adelaide temps forecast of 40deg over a few days. I’m so glad we’re in Goolwa, forecast here in the low 30’s. Will be a quiet one for us, just the way I like it. It will be kind of sad as I lost my Mum in Sept, so happy I have my little dog Sasha, she has definitely filled a void! We both visit the nursing home together, the residents think Sasha is wonderful, she’ll sit on their laps and get lots of cuddles.
Best wishes to all the Team at Mourne Pk.
Carol & Graham xx
Lovely to hear from you Carol. Will be sad – first Christmas without your Mum. Hope you are okay. Glad you have Sasha as part of your family – she sounds like a lovely little dog. Great company I’m sure.
Have been hearing about the weather forecast in SA. We are also having a heatwave here in Northern Ireland. 13 C predicted for Christmas Day – very unusual apparently!
Lots of love xxxxxx
Merry Christmas Reg & Di! And to your friends too. Enjoy a peaceful time and may God bless you richly xx
Same in return. Have a lovely Christmas – many many blessings to you both xxxx