It was pouring with rain on Friday morning so I phoned a friend (Emma) and we decided to take the dogs for a walk around the estate with a reward of lunch afterwards. We had a lovely stroll around, catching up on the news from various people on the estate and then stopped at the village pub which was somewhat busy as there was a family of 15 waiting to be fed. We had to have a bottle of wine whilst we were waiting and then the land-lord very kindly gave us a free glass because of the delay. We probably didn't really need it but it seemed rude to decline. We came out to find it was still raining. A very pleasant way to spend a damp few hours.
In the evening John and Sarah phoned to ask if we wanted to join them for a bar-snack. Once again it seemed rude to decline so we had a lovely meal with them in The Red Lion at Culworth. Somewhat 'indulgent' as Jay would say...
The next day was Blakesley Show - Doug had his Greener Pastures stand there. Blakesey is one of the few proper agricultural shows left. It has been going for 160 years and is a social highlight for the farming community. It was a great success and we caught up with so many people we hadn't seen since last year as well as getting some very good contacts for Greener Pastures.
In the evening they had a huge marquee where they hold a hog-roast for the Young Farmers. Jay went with her friend, Andy, who was staying the night. Jay is still in 'Indian mode' and was swathed in various scarves, baggy multi-coloured trousers and flip flops. A little different to the normal 'tweedy' young farmer attire and probably raised a few eye brows.
Today was 'chill out day' as we all had rather a late night. Jay went for a ride on Harry and then Doug tried to teach Andy in the sand school - there were a few moments of concern but on the whole he did really well. Peter (my brother) popped in as he had been for lunch with my parents. At this moment Doug is topping the small paddock with his new toy and I want to go to bed. I took the dogs for a walk earlier and Lucy and Titch are still missing. They have started to hunt on their own lately which is rather annoying. Better go and find them. Signing off....