Look whose come to stay..........

There are some things in life you just can't resist. I thought it was just chocolate and George Clooney, but this weekend I added puppies to the list. Perfect company for our already resident mad dog Dylan, our unnamed (options are currently being "discussed" within the family) new Cocker spaniel is now ruling the roost and is responsible for many wasted hours - but she's sooooooo gorgeous and I'm sure all our guests and guests dogs will fall for her too. Look out when you come to the door - she has nothing but an enthusiastic and excited welcome for all!
Wonder what she will make of the chickens??

Well I managed to make it to the Wassailing "Good Health" ceremony last evenging, and joined the 100 or so folk who gathered around the bonfire in the centre of the Town Barton Farm Orchards.  With myself running late as always, the crowds had already processed (probably meandered to be honest) , following behind the local Morris Men from the Lamb Inn.  After the traditional shooting of the spirits from the trees ( a couple of local farmers with their shotguns) and a Mummers play performed by local characters it was time to take my first sip of the commumal Wassailing cup, containing mulled local cider. This went down far too easily. The chat around the fire centered on the "special qualities" of cider with comments including "it's not like any other alcholoic drink you know" .... "it does strange things to your mind", well at least that's what I think was said!  I took the chance to catch up with Barney Butterfield (of award winning Sandford Orchards going from strength to strength), to ask a little more about the history of the ceremony.  I'm sure he explained beautifully but the pressing of another of glass of that mulled "special" drink has addled my mind to the extent that all I can remember is something about Wassail Kings and Queens, and singing and drinking (there's that word again) to the health of the trees.  I do remember my meander back to the warmth of the Lamb with host farmers Dave and Debbie Munday, before heading back to Gutton.  Oh ,almost forgot , Barney assures me that the Wassail ceremony transfers to all orchards so be prepared for another bumper crop of apples in our own orchards this autumn. 

A wassail we shall go.......
Wassailing is a South West tradition, performed with the intention of ensuring a good crop of apples for next years harvest. We shall be singing and drinking the health of the trees and hoping to scare away the evil spirits (trust me, with my singing this should be easy peasy!)
Tonight we head to the Lamb Inn, Sandford, our fabulous local pub. There we shall be enjoying hot mulled punch and apple cake, no doubt accompanied by music, banter and dancing. Todays glorious sunshine is quickly ridding us of the frosty night and so I'm really looking forward to wrapping up and joining the wassail King and Queen as we process our way to local orchards. A fun night and I bid you all farewell  and "waes hail!"

Ralph the Ram, your time is up, your work is done...

@ least it should be. After 6 weeks in the company of our ewes, we now hope the patter of tiny feet will be heard in the spring. Today Ralph is being returned home after being loaned out to Great Gutton. The only problem now is catching him! Glorious sunshine after yesterdays wind and rain, hoping to get Drew and Amy, our returning guests to don wellies and join us.