It has been far too hot to sit in the office hence the lack of blogging. However, we have just had the most spectacular thunderstorm which happened just as I had jumped into the river to cool down - It was amazing although I was slightly concerned about the chance of being struck by lightening and was trying to remember if I stood more chance or less when in water. I wish I had paid more attention during my science lessons. In all we have had a good week - It was lovely to see the grandchildren who we hadn't seen since lock down. They were an absolute pleasure. They are all really interested in nature and bird watching, so I was in my element showing them the different plants and identifying the various birds we are lucky enough to have round here.

 The mares and foals are all doing really well apart from poor Pat (Jess's foal) who has had a problem with his back white socks in that he must have slightly nicked one and the flies have attacked it so he has made himself really sore by nibbling at them. He now has to come in every day away from the flies and to get the wound cleaned up but he is improving all the time. 

HS2 are continuing to bully and intimidate us with cruel and unnecessary emails trying to force us into giving them possession of our businesses even though they haven't paid for them. We have been warned that they would behave like this by Russell Tarone whose business was taken over by HS2 and who still hasn't been paid. He is owed a lot of money. He said the biggest mistake he made was to give them possession before they had paid him compensation. He said that whatever we do, don't give in to them otherwise they will take possession, starve us out and not pay a penny. I cannot believe that we are talking about a government run company and that we are in the UK and not China or some communist state. All we are trying to do is to earn an honest living... It is a horrible black cloud hanging over our heads.