Where have I been?
Nowhere.
I just stepped away from blogging and social media for a while because I couldn't quite trust myself to be sufficiently restrained in my comments about our glorious leader and his fabulous front benchers. (Don't want to get myself arrested for hate thoughts or speech, could lead to me serving more time in prison than if I committed a real crime.)
I have spent most of my time with young pup Winston. His tummy troubles were persistent and reached a point where the vets wanted to do x-rays and various tests. I decided to try and fix the problem without frightening him with all those procedures. He wasn't in pain or losing weight, so I tackled it with common sense and a really restricted diet, plenty of water, etc. I also continued with the probiotic pastes (several tubes were used) slippery elm bark and German peat mixed in with his food. Many thanks to the people who suggested them, they really helped.
Once I got him stabilised I gradually stopped the bark, peat and probiotics, one at a time, so I could see if there was a relapse.
I am glad to say that he has been off all 'medications' and problem-free for the last two or three weeks. Success, and much relief.
The main problem I am left with is that he is still on a mission to eat anything he comes across. Just this last week I have had to wrangle a flattened squirrel corpse out of his mouth, a squashed frog, conkers, acorns and assorted types of poop - cat, hedgehog, goose - he doesn't mind, they all taste wonderful, apparently.
Then we have the greenery - and here in the countryside we are surrounded by tempting greens, even at this time of year.
I love him to bits but I do wish he didn't have such a strong death wish. I have to take him into the garden on his lead every time he needs to pay a visit because he is a demon for finding potential trouble. He has an enormous mouth with elastic cheek pouches, very handy for tucking away his contraband until he thinks he can munch in peace. Fortunately he is an amiable chap and takes it in good spirit.
He will be six months old at the end of the week and is now capable of doing some slightly more adventurous walks although it will be a while before it would be sensible to let him do my favourite three mile walk. He is getting there.
I wouldn't swap him for the world but it has taken a huge amount of time and energy to keep him safe and well!
Meanwhile:
Apples have been picked and stored, where appropriate. The quince trees are laden and the fruit is ripe and ready to go. So far I have been adding them to apple pies and cakes, but I must get some bottles of quince vinegar brewed and perhaps a batch or two of membrillo. The rest can go out on the lane, so that people can help themselves. Much better that, than having them go to waste or composting them.
Elderberries were picked and turned into elderberry rob, ready for using through the winter to ward off sore throats and colds. Blackcurrants and plums were picked and are in the freezer ready for some winter puddings.
Pretty much everything in the vegetable garden was a disappointment, not that I would have had time to process any glut of vegetables anyway.
I have attended a couple of coffee mornings and read a lot of library books, as well as some I selected from the shelves in the village hall.
Nothing thrilling or exciting, just normal life. The perfect antidote to all the trouble and chaos, the corruption and deceit in the world.
The bread oven is almost complete and will soon be put into action. Watch this space. No doubt there will be some spectacular failures, but I will enjoy the challenge.
I hope you have all found yourselves enjoying life in your own way.
