Tuesday 31 December 2013

Cro's review of 2013.


2013 began icy cold. Throughout January and February our lives were permanently involved with sawing wood, lighting fires, and keeping those fires fed. It was a huge relief when March turned-up.


It was the year of the tree-house, and when finally finished (above), we were able to concentrate our attention on the barn; and we needed to!

The concrete floor was laid, the septic tank was installed, the orchard mostly planted, and the front door fitted. We've made a good start, but there's so much more to be done.


However, not everything always goes according to plan; blips occasionally turn up unexpectedly. Bok's torn/chewed ear last June being a classic example. Remember this, below? Poor old boy!

                               

Bok, and Monty's new neighbour-friend Iggy Pup also featured quite prominently; in early September he crashed into Lady Magnon whilst playing, and knocked her clean-over. She broke a small bone in her foot and was hobbling for about a month, poor thing; she's still not completely healed. Thank you Iggy!

Summer went well. It was hot and the pool remained at a pretty constant 28 C. For a short while we had four (very well behaved) grandsons in residence all at the same time; not easy to arrange with their parents living at opposite ends of the earth. These two (below) were the first to arrive.

                                

The only downside to our summer was seeing the poor horses without water yet again. I think the 'horse owner' has now been shamed into making some effort, although I still don't think she really understands the basic concepts of 'good horse husbandry'. Sadly, France has a lot to learn about animal care.

Other significant events of the year (to us) have been our oldest son buying his own home (at last), and my own reluctant acceptance of Type 2 Diabetes. I'm taking the pills, trying to be sensible, and keeping my weight down.

One summer event I failed to mention at the time (July) was our village's very own 'illegal' 80's style RAVE PARTY (remember them?). The cops, of course, intervened and some very naughty drugs were found, as well as some naughty alcohol, and several pairs of naughty flared trousers. OK, they probably made too much noise (we could hear it from 5kms away) but this was just 300 kids having some summer fun in the woods. Next time guys, keep the amp' settings down below No 11.

And so I leave our BEST BIT OF NEWS till last. My youngest son Wills and the lovely Kellogg will present us with our 5th grandchild in April (?). What could be better than THAT!

                                

That was our year in brief, and it was a pretty good one. This picture, above, is just to remind myself that summer really does exist, and that it should hopefully return in about 6 months time.

May I wish you all a stress-free, war-free, and disaster-free 2014. And may we all be solvent, and together again, to welcome-in 2015.

My very best wishes to everyone, Cro xx

29 comments:

  1. Monty went missing yesterday afternoon, and is still not back. I will phone around everywhere later this morning; we're very worried.

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  2. I had a big smile on my face - until I read the last bit. Thinking of you - wish I lived down the road and could help with the search. Hope he soon turns up. xx

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    1. It's now just light, and we've been all over the area again. I quite expect someone has found him wandering about, and will report him to the Vet's. I will call them at 9.00am.

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  3. Sounds like you had a pretty good 2013. Just hope Monty returns home soon with his tail between his legs. Wishing you and Lady M a Happy New Year. x

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  4. I really hope he turns up soon. It drives me mad when i lose a dog for an hour. Good luck and let us know of his safe return.

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  5. An eventful year, hoping to read of Montys safe return.

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  6. Oh dear, I do hope you find Monty soon. Wonderful news about the grandchild. Did you know that the Jools NY's Eve programme was recorded about 6 weeks ago? Friends of ours went to it! ( I saw your comment on John's blog.. I shall be checking all day to see if Monty has returned) Happy New Year to you and yours.

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    1. My friend, the infamous Rico Rodriguez, plays and occasionally sings with Jools's band. I just hope I can stay awake.

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  7. Monty was lost, but now is FOUND. It seems he spent the night with his friend 'Brown Job'. Having the snip obviously hasn't reduced his affections.

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  8. The little tinker ~ worrying us all like that, pleased he is safe and sound (have had to come out of obscurity to comment for the first time Cro, I was that worried!) Happy New Year to you and yours

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  9. So pleased to hear that Monty is back.

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  10. Phew! I was just thinking what a rotten end to the year and then Monty turns up!

    All the very best for 2014 to you and Lady Magnon!

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  11. Glad Monty turned up and how wonderful to have 'baby news'! Health and happiness in 2014 Cro x

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  12. So many interesting posts from you in 2013, look forward to more in 2014.
    Health and contentment to you both in the coming year.
    Briony
    x

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  13. Happy new year Cro...... Have a healthy one

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  14. That was a lovely New Years wish and such good news abut the coming number 5...but....nothing better than the news that Monty has been found. All the best to you and yours in 2014 Cro...may your foundations stay dry and your roof never leak.

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  15. So glad to hear Monty is safe and sound! Happy New Year!

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  16. And a Happy New Year to you and Lady M! A new grandbaby on the way, and Monty home safe and sound. :0)

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  17. Happy New Year, Cro. Relieved to hear your Monty safely found. And many congratulations on grandchild number 5.

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  18. I have so enjoyed reading your posts every day and am glad to be part of your blogging family. Wishing you all the very best for 2014.

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  19. Happy New Year Cro. All the better now that Monty is home.

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  20. Does sound like a wild year! Everything's on the up, and how wonderful about the coming grandchild. That's very exciting!

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  21. Thank you. Same to you and Lady M

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  22. Happy New Year ... fingers crossed for an early spring and sunshiny summer.

    Vicky x

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  23. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year from downunder.

    Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  24. Oh Cro - I missed that last bit about Monty - so glad he's home safely.

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