Lull before storm

Can't believe its Wednesday evening already! In Kingsbridge all day then back to Great Gutton after picking up some diesel for the tractor. Set Ed off mowing the grass for the first time (a little wet but he had good fun!). Catch up with Margaret the accountant (why are companies so complicated) and then gave Simon D a tour of the house. All quite now at 10 pm perhaps the lull before what will be one hell of a storm this weekend. Saturday promises a great day with shoot followed by house warming. Wine arrived today and new fridge coming tomorrow!. Simon and Jane arrive tomorrow in preparation for weekend and in time to celebrate Peggy's seventh birthday. Hope they still like the place. Not sure when life will calm down but who not sure I want it too.

Monday night and about to head off upstairs. Good one although very little time outside as at work all day. Did venture out with Molly Peggy and Tipp this evening to retrive any eggs from chickens to make a cake with. Found one then managed to drop it on the Kitchen floor so back to square one.

Sunday evening and another good day. Very late night at the Pittmans meant a slow start. Finished pruning the back orchard with help of mum who is down for a few days. Molly and some school friends are in the pool and roast is in the oven. A little subdued as Monday nears but what the heck only a week until the big House warming.

Best day of the week

Saturday, the best day of the week with a whole day outside. First attempt at cutting some grass, There is lots to do but still a little too wet. Ed and I got the tractor going this afternoon for the first time. Lots of knobs and levers to work out but following a few false starts we had great fun driving it around the top paddock. Finally made a start with pruning the apple trees. 150 or so in total and all need pruning before the end of February. Am feeling a little more confident after a master class with Mr Sandford Orchards (Barney Butterfield) www.sandfordorchards.co.uk who called in yesterday to point me in the right direction. Oh and Peggy, Laura and Bronte (guests staying in Drake Cottage) cleaned out and rebedded the chickens.

Here goes

The recent move of the Morgan family to Great Gutton Farm in Mid Devon has prompted the creation of this blog. My simple aim is to record what goes on at at Great Gutton both in side our wonderful house and outside in the fields and orchards. Over time I will no doubt introduce all who live and visit here but at present all that need be said is that the Morgan family number six. Suzi the boss and hubby John plus the four children Jack (18 today!) Molly (16) Ed (13) and Peggy (6). Added to this number are the dog Tipp (from Ireland via the Blue Cross kennels) 6 chickens and numerous ducks on the pond. Great Gutton Farm is a 400 + year old thatched house and surrounding buildings with 22 acres of land. Over the last 10 years or so various traditional buildings have been converted into holiday homes.