Yes, we are back in Mourne Park again! Not a burden really – such a lovely place. We caught the train from Lourdes to Bordeaux, bus to the airport, plane from Bordeaux to Dublin, bus to Newry. A happy day – just one step at a time – a gentle pace. Picked up by Chris and Frodo from the Newry bus station and driven back to Mourne Park. Apparently Frodo was very excited – checked out everyone as they left the station and walked passed the car. Gave a growl of disapproval when they weren’t us. Don’t know how he knew we were coming home that day – dogs are amazing!
There was snow when we arrived – not heaps but enough to get us excited. There’s been more predicted but nothing as yet. Seems to happen a lot! Still pretty cold here though. Both the house and garden ponds were frozen over when we arrived – colourful water plants trapped beneath the ice. Couldn’t resist a photo. Maurey and Pepper come into the stables at night – much warmer – and are let back into the field in the morning. Pepper usually leads the way with Maurey following behind. They hate to be separated. We’ve also been looking after Theo again – the brown and white Springer Collie. His owner – Jennifer – is a nurse and works extra long shifts so he’s had a couple of sleepovers. Hardly know he’s here – he’s so quiet. Jennifer also owns Pepper so is a regular visitor – actually more “part of the furniture” – around here. Theo just loves water – no matter how cold the weather. Whether it’s the lake or the river he jumps in at every opportunity. He also loves sticks so is a big help when we’re cutting wood. Just joking – he steals as much as he can when we’re not looking! Frodo and Theo are very different. Frodo doesn’t like the water at all – very happy to watch Theo from a distance! Theo is chilled, Frodo hyper. Both very affectionate. Love having them around.
Now, just as an aside, Chris had an interesting time while we were gone. He fell off a step ladder and broke some ribs and his right wrist. Didn’t realise the wrist was broken until 5 weeks after the fall – apparently it had starting healing by itself and had done a great job. The doctors were amazed! So Chris has been out of action – firewood supplies at an all time low, grass in need of a cut. Good time for us to be back. The wood stocks are now looking a little better – too wet to mow! Hopefully we can get some more jobs done before we go.
We have a car again during this visit – thanks Marion! Drove to Cranfield Bay the other day for a walk along the beach; also handy to drive into Kilkeel to do some shopping. Food is always good. Still lots of beautiful walks here at Mourne Park – the river is full to overflowing, the trees have lost their leaves. Love stark winter landscapes. I know we’re covered all this territory before but that’s okay. I don’t think you could ever get tired of this place. So beautiful.
Now to finish on a sad note. Balto – our wonderful house sit dog in Uzer – passed away yesterday morning. He spent his last few days with his family – loving and being loved. A real blessing. It was a great joy to get to know Balto during our time in Uzer – such a loving, happy dog. We fell for him big time! Feeling a bit sad at the moment.
Love Di and Reg
PS We’ve volunteered to help cook Christmas lunch at the local Irish Football Club. Looking forward to it!
This entry was posted in House Sits, Mourne Park (4), Northern Ireland, United Kingdom