Doug's latest project.

We found this shepherds hut sunk in the mud in the woods on the estate. The farm manager, Hamish, said that if we could get it out, we could keep it. As you can see, to every one's surprise it came out all in one piece - It would be over 100 years old and is in fairly good condition. Doug is going to put a new oak floor in it as the existing one had rotted. The corrugated metal sides are coming off, to be replaced by new boards. The sides and the floor are going to be insulated so that it can be used in the winter and it needs a new roof. It's a little treasure and will be lovely when it is finished.

We had a wonderful week-end - the Wurzels were great - A group of OAP's who don't take themselves at all seriously and had everyone dancing. Very refreshing, after the 'earnestness' of Glastonbury. On Saturday Charlie (Wadland) and Julie had invited us to theirs for a barbeque. Fred and Caroline Hutsby were there too, and it was good to get to know them better as we have seen them at the races for years but never really spoken to them before. Charlie has finished working with Doug now as he has to help with the harvest, he has been a brilliant help and Doug will miss his company. Fortunately Doug has broken the back of the very long list of jobs he had to do, so should manage on his own for a bit.

On Sunday we met up with my parents for lunch at a National Trust property called Upton House Jay came too - the gardens were beautiful and it was a lovely lunch.

Since Monday we have been re-breaking Cloud and Doris, they are now three year old's and have developed really well. I particularly like Cloud, who is very feisty, but seems to love being ridden as long as she is doing something different all the time. In the field, she is incredibly active and doesn't stop galloping around. Doris, is a lovely big horse who just does whatever you want her to do. Amy has been trotting them around the menage, and today they were popping poles. We also gave then a lesson on loading in the trailer, and had no trouble at all with them. Both Cloud and Doris are entered for the Doncaster sales in August. I don't really want to sell either of them but should show willing as we have rather a lot of horses around at the moment.

Amy has a homebred youngster called Jack who Doug is breaking in for her - he has been thoroughly spoilt and is rather shell shocked being away from home and at 'boarding school'. At the moment he is being mouthed and after three hours of resistance has just started to accept the bit.