Poor old Florence and bye bye ducklings

 Yes - it's a sad day here. Mr fox has scrambled under the fence and (after a messy fight) taken off with poor Florence. To make matters worse, the ducklings have seemingly found the hole he left behind and got off! 

We've had a good search but no sign of them. Our garden backs on to a large embankment, then a railway line. At the moment it's fairly inaccessible due to nettles and greenery so Lola and Coco could be anywhere. We can't hear them quacking, and its possible they too have ended up in Mr Fox's tummy.

 We can't believe that the fox didn't kill all the ladies - which would be the usual story. And it's unusual for him to be hunting in broad daylight.

Anyway - we're sad for Florence, and gutted to lose the little ducklings (just finished their pond!) but know that it's the risk you take when you keep chickens and ducks, no matter how fox proof you make their home! (not enough weeing around the fence!)

As sensitive son #2 said 'Mr and Mrs Fox are just feeding their own family'. True. And here's a picture of a cheeky foxy cub to make us feel better...

 

 And to think it was such a lovely day until that point!
On a positive note Cleggy got the go ahead from the publisher for 4 education books (SO proud!). 
I had coffee with my oldest friend Gail. Not oldest literally you understand. (don't see you often enough my lovely friend)

I even got some work done...

a little heart shaped box for Paula:

a sign for Cathie (think I might like Ava's room!)

( I no longer make these signs for my notonthehighstreet shop  - but happily make them, at a much cheaper price, for friends!)

another baby boy block

(available here)

and lots of happily ever after wedding blocks. Lets hope the recipients do indeed live happily ever after!

(available here)

Now, before I leave this most random of posts, I must mention that today (because I was meeting lovely friend Gail) I wore a little dress over jeans:

However, on account of the horrible rainy weather, I also made a decision only a woman in her 40's would make (surely?)

I put comfort and warmth before style. Then I left the house.

Yep - I grabbed a pair of Cleggys stripy socks on the way out and WORE THEM, like so. Is this the start of the end? Have I no shame? Am I one step away from a sensible anorak? (and divorce?!)

I feel better for admitting it!

fee x