Weddings

We went down to the Tiverston Registry Office on Monday to do all the paperwork for the wedding. It was all a bit bizarre as the jolly registrar Lesley asked us if we were related – etc.etc. As it was Devon the computer broadband was unbelievably slow, just like being at home. Quite relieved that’s all done even if it did make me feel distinctly nervous, all those what shall I wear questions.

Anyway I’ve been busy cleaning out all the water troughs. I am not that good with spanners as it is probably a two handed job but I found a technique in the end although I was pretty wet by then. Managed to shoot two young rabbits for supper while I was at it. There are rabbits eveywhere, probably time to get a bit more serious with a bigger gun. We have had a pair of swallows here for ages who sit in the barn making quite a din chattering away. Loads more have arrived now and in the wet fenced off bit in Park Meadows there is a big crop of dark pink orchids, presumably marsh orchids. My vegetable garden is growing, loads of weeds which I will have to deal with soon but there are lots of other things to do as well. The cups from the Royal Bath & West are sitting on the kitchen table begging to be cleaned.

I ventured into Somerset on Tuesday to see my brother and to get two trays of asparagus that I am freezing for the party. I came away with three bunches of William’s stunning peonies as well. They are a very dark red and huge and wonderful. He sells them from the farm shop at 50p a stem, worth every penny. Twelve bottles of apple juice ended up in the boot as well and I managed to persuade him that the bootful should be my birthday present (June 1) as he refused money. Then I went to the Temperley’s place at Burrow Hill to pick up some cider vinegar, fantastic stuff, and couldn’t resist buying anothe bottle of Morello cherry Eau de vie, even more fantastic.