Sunday 23 December 2012

not dead

Well. I successfully converted the harp, Big Al, into a Christmas Tree! It took an embroidery hoop and a hoola hoop and some washing line. I had to keep the lights away from the strings somehow. Soomebody hacked into Dave's Facebook last night and informed everybody (very tastefully) that he had 'passed away' in the night. It took us to lunchtime, when the phone started ringing, until we realised. We are all set to have a lovely Christmas. Bizarrely all the turkeys are inside the barn. Somebody stole 2 in October. I went to the wood to feed them and spotted a chap just about to climb the fence. As soon as he spotted me he scarpered! I filed an email report to the police thinking I would never hear from them again when I got a call - delighted they were! My description fitted someone they knew and they were very grateful for my email. We decided not to take any more risk and have wintered the turkeys inside. They can go out in 2 day's time again! They are needed for breeding stock this Spring. Have a lovely Christmas from us all here.

Friday 21 December 2012

Witches

In the old days I would have had a rough time. Everytime I take my dog, Colin, for a walk the cat comes too. He follows me everywhere, he is jet black with 4 white half-paws and a bib, he has never grown to full size and has no road sense at all. I cringe as people screech to a halt and ask me angrily if its my cat. 'No, never seen him before' I always reply. Well today I am promised a day at home to 'get ready for christmas'. Dave doesn't understand this. 'Why is it different?' he asks. Simple answer - finding room to place a tree in amongst 33 harps and loads of ventriloquist dolls is no easy feat. My new hobby is proving very enjoyable. I have made a doll in the memory of Dad, with top hat, wool overcoat, silk waistcoat, Dad's old monacle etc. He has proper gold cufflinks and I have made proper boots with buckles. The next doll is a genie - Kaffa djinn. I even pierced his ear and he has pearls and diamonds on his turban and a guinea fowl feather. I sewed beads on his little shoes with curled up toes and painted them gold. The next project is Beryl - think 'Ab Fab' in the 50s. I am also making Jacques - led the Ninth 2,000 yrs ago (read Dave's book 'The Book of Caris' - now available on Amazon). Anyway nothing will get done whilst I'm sat typing ... some exciting concerts planned for next year incorporating loads of new music from The Book of Caris and soon-to-be-published The Book of Anon - exquisite music from Persia.

Thursday 13 December 2012

-6 at Lunchtime

A few people have actually asked me to write this again ... wow! Anyway here I am - it's not for want of trying alas - just one of those years! It was -6 inside the porch this lunchtime - we don't mind because at least the mud and floods are frozen, albeit in foot-high ridges which is so difficult to walk around on, but still easier than the neverending mud! We are fed up with it - this year has been the worst ever but I suppose if you live somewhere called ... Marsh ... you've got to expect it! It got so cold that last night at this time (11 pm) I set off to make the donkey a rug out of an old picnic blanket. I set off down the field to search for her at midnight with a torch and hay. I didn't hold out much hope as donkeys are not the most patient of animals. As I tried to put it on she bent down on her knees, everso gracefully, until her front end was on the ground. I carried on and fastened it on her. It was a good fit surprisingly. However I have just found it, ditched half way down the field! She seems happy enough so I will leave well alone! Dave's present of a harp for me is coming on well - it is in one piece and being sanded today ready for the first layer of paint. I have had to empty the petshop which will be used as the spray shop as its warmer than the barn (and no cobwebs). I was truly AMAZED to find out today that some of my music was used at the closing ceremony of the olympics!!!! WOW! (again)