Happy Christmas.

We've really enjoyed receiving all of your Christmas cards this year; it's been lovely to see that we are still remembered.

Yesterday was special because, suddenly the postlady arrived with about 20 cards; the snow had meant that she was unable to get to us for 3 days. And we had some wonderful cards - from friends who'd found love, health and happiness during the course of the year.

So we'd just like to say 'thank you' to you all

and have a Happy Christmas.

Nibbles Anyone?

It's been cold all day; hasn't got up above -3 centigrade and the snow covering hasn't melted at all.

It was just starting to get dark (quarter past five) when Sue saw deer trying to find food in our front garden.

We've been feeding the birds in the courtyard all day, but Deer are different!

Sue had to go outside and shout and clap her hands to make them move off.

No doubt they'll be back in the night, when the Gardener isn't on 'Deerwatch'.

Winter Wonderland

We're in the middle of a cold spell and we have had temperatures down to -10 one night. But, this morning we woke up to snow.

We had a 'flock' of small birds feeding at our feeder in the courtyard whilst our two fat, lazy cats stayed indoors! It snowed again late afternoon, but the forecast for next week is mild again, temperatures up to 12 or even 16?!! At least it looks like we won't have snow for Christmas.

Future's Looking Blooming

Yesterday, once the frost had gone, we decided to plant up the Arbour. We got on very well as I'd already dug the holes, and, happily I didn't have to do much work at making them any bigger. By the evening we only had 3 more roses to plant. So, when we woke up this morning and no frost, we rushed out to finish the job.





We planted the roses and I was able to tidy up by removing surplus piles of earth and spreading out the manure. Pleased to report that the Head Gardener is pleased!




However, as usual, more manure is required.

This afternoon we were off with our friends Sue and Jon to a Carol Concert in english and french at a church in Cahors. Despite our attempts at singing the carols with french lyrics, we enjoyed the service, and the glass of mulled wine afterwards.

Santa's Little Helper

It's that time of year again, and Sue has been roaming the hills looking for dead trees suitable to make an 'arty-farty' Christmas Tree.

The making of the tree involved a quick physics lesson involving centres of gravity, leverage and gravity. However, it's up and now decorated with baubbles.

All I've got to do now is find a small spotlight and rig it up to shine on the tree (just to make sure that Father Christmas doesn't miss it).

Back on Hard Labour.

We just about avoided a frost this morning, and so, after Sue had got herself ready, been to the market, and then we'd had lunch, we finally started on the Big Plant.

We were soon stripping off clothing as we had dressed for a cold day. By 5 o'clock we'd planted up the first bed with 15 roses.

Whilst all of this manual labour was going on, Diana contented herself with boosting her sun tan.

Hopefully we'll have another good planting day tomorrow....depends on how strong a frost we have!

They're Here!

Just when the weather is about to become seasonal, with frosts every morning, the roses have arrived. We were wandering around in our dressing-gowns this morning (well it does stay dark till gone 8 o'clock) when I noticed a large lorry trying to turn round so that he could reverse up the hill to us. Frantic dressing ensued, but not really required as it was only two smallish boxes containing all of our roses.

So, we now have a dilemma, or at least the head gardener does. The planting instructions say that you shouldn't plant them out in the frost. Having looked at the weather forecast, I think that we will start having daily frosts from tomorrow morning. We've earmarked the next two days for planting but we'll just have to see!!




Needless to say, Sue had to inspect the roses and then make sure that the roots were damp. She's very pleased with the quality, but I'm not pleased with the huge roots that they have. No doubt I'll have to make the holes that I've prepared much bigger!