I married Dr Dooflamin'little

                    Before I begin I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who commented on Geordie's post. I 

know it was a while coming...I'd promised he could do the next offering, and he so wanted a great post with good pictures, interesting anecdotes and some good old facts...but to be honest he couldn't really be bothered (know just how he feels!) and by the end it was like pulling teeth. Anyway, we got there - and he has LOVED reading your comments. Also, like Kenzie earlier in the year, he's amazed by where everyone lives - which once again reminds me how ace blogging is! So thank you.

Alfie has declared that he will do a post for me sometime over the summer. Oh I look forward to that one!!! He currently seems incapable of saying anything pleasant, knows everything about everything and has barely moved away from the TV/XBox since the day he finished primary school last week! I look forward to how he will translate this joie de vivre onto my blog (and I may need to edit)

So, the end of term finally arrived, the boys seemed to do nothing at school but empty their trays for the last 2 weeks (making me wish I'd broken the golden rule and taken them out of school early. Even Cleggy agreed and he's IN education!) 

It too was a long time coming and already I'm wondering why I was looking forward to it. So far 2 out of 3 boys (the usual suspects) have been nothing but grumpy and moany since they finished and will need to have a HUGE change in attitude before the treats are unleashed!

Here's a little round up of the other things that have been happening alongside new ducks:

Firstly we had another sad day when Muriel was found dead in the coop. There had been no signs of illness - and it looks like she died in her sleep (Cleggy had to prise her little feet off the perch!). For those new to the goings on around here we got 2 rescue hens earlier in the year from British Hen Welfare Trust. 

The Orpington Ladies did not like the look of them one bit and made sure they knew their place, but over time the rescue girls held their own and were transformed from scraggy, bald, timid little things into fully fledged beauties. If you like a 'my fair lady' story about chickens you can find it here and here!

Poor Muriel was bottom of the pecking order - probably due to the unfortunate bonnet. We were amazed when, over time, her crown flourised into a red tiara to be proud of! 

 We are all very sad (again!) but happy to know that Muriel enjoyed some fresh air and freedom after such a harsh start in life.

SO....I say to Cleggy 'lets not get any more animals for a while. We really have enough. Lets stop here'

'OK', says he. 

So how come there's a new girl in our back garden?????

Yep, Cleggy took on board what I said , and waited, ooooh, 5 days, before coming across a ('very rare fee') young chocolate brown Orpington Lady (young lady). She moved in on Saturday - and what a sweetheart she is. The mean Orpington Ladies didn't let her in the coop last night - so she sprung out of a bush this morning, all sweetness and light! 

I have some fab photos of her trying hard to make friends, but they need some work so I'll save them...

...because I cant wait to show and tell THIS:

After three excellent lessons from Jane I'm properly up and running and can start and finish my own grannies. She just needs to show me how to attach them together and I'm there! Wool from Wilkies (£1.26 a ball - is that good?) and colours to suit any self respecting dining room. I'm unbelievably pleased I can do it, feel fully in the gang and look forward to my Japanese flower scarf (kidding...)

Thank you Jane! ♥ you are the best friend a girl could have ♥

Now, I've more to say, but realise I'm pushing my luck so will be off to watch Britains Next Top Model (Julian McDonald is really annoying me / Juste is my winner) and will check in soon!

fee x

ps Nelly - of course they simply shoot the flamin' crow and ruthlessly hang it up to scare off other crows from stealing eggs. The boys are 7.  S.E.V.E.N. Cut me some slack - its a slightly tamer version. Looking forward to Mabel's nightmares! (love you!)