Monday 31 December 2012

Cro's Review of 2012.



I'm afraid that our year has been dominated by one thoughtless action; the building of this bloody 8ft high orange wall, bang-up-against the boundary of our property. It was erected by my idiot neighbour to replace a perfectly good hedge behind their pool; and, amazingly, they even seemed to think we would be delighted!

Without a 'by-your-leave', they trampled all over our land, dumping piles of sand gravel and blocks. They drove huge lorries up and down, leaving the ground totally compacted. And they left our field filled with general rubbish, and waste lumps of concrete. As soon as they were done, they installed the 20 metres of canvas covered 'Keep Out' wire fence (right), and that was that. Not another effing bloody word; just scowls!

Never have I encountered such arrogance from someone that we used to consider a 'friend'. We're not certain, but we also think he's built it on OUR LAND (by a foot or so). We now no longer have anything to do with him. If one day he should apologise, we'll see; but I don't think insolent parvenu Parisians do that sort of thing. 

When the séchoir is finally finished, we'll be looking out on what might well be a tumble-down, orange, bungalow (complete with rotting window), where once there was perfectly tranquil greenery. As you can probably see, we HAVE started the camouflage work, but the scars from his lorries will remain for ages!


Otherwise it's been a delightful year. We've achieved all we wished to achieve; even the grounded birds were returned to their pinnacles on the Pump House.

The pool itself received more use than other years, I'm not sure if it was simply a question of good weather, or our diligence in managing to conserve the sun-warmed water. Both our UK based grandsons are now swimming properly, so next year will no doubt be even more riotous. 


The dogs are both now 2 years old. Bok's birthday was on the 28th of November, and Monty's on the 28th of December; just one month apart. Of course they had a very big two-dog party. Looking at how they love to lie by the stove, I have a feeling that they prefer winter to summer. We are so happy to be able to share our lives with them.


We'd been waiting for two years for our balloon flight, and on August 16th we finally flew. It was a perfect evening, every local balloon was airborne and, after a two hour flight, our pilot managed to land us in exactly the spot from whence we'd taken off (a few 'Champagne drinking' metres from the Compact Royce). Brilliant; if you ever get the chance, go for it!


The 'tower' continues to enthral us; we slept there from May to the end of September. I still refuse to install electricity, and its simplicity is stunning. Our only problem is Freddie the cat; we usually leave the door wide open at night, meaning that he comes in and jumps on the bed (on us). Little monkey.

Otherwise 2012 has passed quietly. Our daughter, Tenpin, gained her Masters Degree. Our son, Wills, moved to Australia. Haddock's (as usual) flourished. And, amazingly, I was honoured with the naming of a soap!!!

                                

Bars of Crobar can be ordered at opies99@gmail.com. Donna, its creator, is an American Maitre Savoneur and Organic Farmer, and these would make wonderful presents (ahem).

So, we continue along our unimportant little paths; we try to upset no-one, and we HAD hoped that no-one would upset us, but some things are beyond our control and we simply suffer in silence. If such a thing as Karma really does exist, then our neighbour is in for a HUGE shock.


And finally to my favourite picture of 2012. The boys giving their knowledgeable opinion about the new orange wall. Those dogs are no fools!

May 2013 be kind to you, and may we all be together again to welcome 2014. Cro, xxx's to all.

p.s. And finally, may I add a huge thank you to everyone involved in last Summer's Olympic Games; you managed to re-install London as the 'coolest place on earth' (which it has always been, in my eyes).



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30 comments:

  1. A splendid year except for the execrable wall. That final photo is marvellous, the dogs have impeccable judgement. I echo your good wishes for the new year. XXX from NZ where there is less than 6 hours of 2012 to go.

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  2. Your last photo is my favourite one of yours plus the one of your naked grandson in wellies - I have thoroughly enjoyed reading of your highs and lows throughout the year. Best wishes to you for 2013.

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  3. another greeting from NZ here, albeit just on an extended stay..the sun is just setting here, 3 h 20 m to go!!
    Wishing you health, happiness and enough wealth in 2013
    xx

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  4. Leylandii. That wall looks perfect for growing the rare and beautiful, neighbour-friendly Leylandii against. Plant 'em deep, feed 'em well. Keep a few in the supplier's pots in plain view over at your place so that the neighbour knows that you have spares.

    Happy New Year Sir!

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    1. They're already in! You can possibly see some of them on the extreme right of top picture.

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    2. I'd be tempted to plant one...or maybe several..... in the general vicinity of that window, Cro...obviously in order to ensure they have maximum privacy at all times, and nothing at all to do with the fact that it'll block out all the natural light there!

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  5. Happy New Year and happy blogging in 2013, Cro! You continue to be my daily morning read so keep up the great work.

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  6. A simple trellis and a fast growing climbing plant such as clematis (why grace him with sweet smelling honeysuckle?) and then when it dies back at the end of the year, 'allow' it to catch fire. Just a thought.

    No, you are too nice a person for that.

    Maybe you should invite Sir Owl of the Wood and me to your place and then leave us without adult supervision for an hour or two...

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  7. That last photo is brilliant!
    Happy New Year, Cro.

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  8. I love your tower. Carry on keeping electricity out of it, I say, and it will remain a little haven without an electro-magnetic field - just candle light. A very happy new year to you and the Lady, Cro.

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  9. Happy New Year Cro, to you and your family. I look forward to reading along next year xx

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  10. Your place looks and sounds like a little piece of heaven - except for the dratted orange wall. I think you're right - stick to the high road, let the dogs express their peeing opinions, and plant a new hedge to block the terrible view.

    You've brought much joy to many people through your blog, Cro, and so the karma will definitely be on your side, rather than the wall's. May 2013 be as wonderful as you are. Happy New Year to you and your fine family.

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  11. Karma is when the truth smashes it's way through the rubble and grows so tall that it can never be un-noticed...if there is such a word...seen it happen often...happy new year to you both!! Gerry

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  12. Neighbors be damned, your life is good and your blessings are many. I wish you another contented new year.

    I took a balloon ride once and it was heavenly. Even though we did not go far because of lack of wind, it was about the experience and the memories made.

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  13. More good things than bad but oh...that hideous wall....Cro, you're an artist, can't you paint a mural on it that would blend in with the surroundings?

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    Replies
    1. If it was my wall I would. But then, if it was my wall it wouldn't be orange.

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  14. From someone who deals with idiots, and moron neighbors here, I have many ideas as to what to do with your idiot! The female mind,(especially) mine could have some fun...
    On a happier note, I wish you and the Lovely Lady M a most joyous, Happy New Year to your home, may 2013 be better.

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  15. Oh Cro,
    That wall is hideous ........ lots of that greenery you are planting should do the trick although that's not the point.
    Wishing you and your Lady and all of your family and friends a very happy and healthy New Year filled with love and kindness.
    ......... and as a north Londoner, London is indeed the greatest city in the world and showed itself off to the world this year in all its glory. XXXX

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  16. It was so nice to meet you in 2012, Cro.
    Think of the orange wall as literary tinder, it certainly fired you up!

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  17. I do so enjoy your posts and wish you and your family a wonderful New Year

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  18. Health and happiness in 2013 to you and your family Cro x

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  19. Happy New Year, to both you and Lady M

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  20. Blessings to you both, Cro and Lady Cro. xx

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  21. Happy New Year to you and yours, Cro!

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  22. Happy New Year to you and your family Cro!

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  23. May 2013 be a wonderful year for you and your family.

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  24. Have you thought about painting the wall - do unto others etc... I remember a tutor at college explaining that a Field Day on part of the colleg e farm would take three years to recover from compacting. Your electricity-free Tower sounds a divine retreat: all the best to you and Lady M for 2013.

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