The Farm, Ducks and more.

Another lovely start to the day weather wise. They are starting to become endless. If it wasn't for the cooler nights you would think it was summer. It has been beautiful outside in the sunshine. It is just lovely to wake up look out of the window and see the blue skies. Combine that with being woken up by Lucy, or Emily and Catherine for that matter, saying how lovely it is and you know it is going to be a good day.

The morning was much like the one before I got up with Lucy and we plodded down the stairs our arms laden with all the things she wanted to bring down with her. She sat in the chair and arranged her things around her and I turned on the TV for her, before making myself a coffee and Lucy a cup of tea. Then we watched TV until we both woke up chatting about this and that we saw on the screen. Eventually we had breakfast and Lucy got dressed before she went into the family room to play. I joined her on and off as I did a bit of cleaning around the house and reading the news on the computer. She seemed fine playing on her own and even gave me some paint she found before she made a mess with it without me even asking.

What we were waiting for was the cycle race to come through the village. The race was the Rutland-Melton International CICLE Classic that is close to the continental style of cycle race as possible. It is gritty affair going both over dirt roads as well as normal roads. This year there were over hundred and seventy cyclists taking part in the race and there would have been more but some had to be turned away. It was this race we went to watch. Being a road section part of the race it was very fast as well as being very colorful. There was less than four minutes between the leader and the last person in the race and most of the pack came through together. Over one hundred riders all came hurtling around a bend through the village before heading off to Melton. It was quiet a sight and I'm glad we pooped out to have a look and cheer them on.

When we got back we were ready for some lunch. Lucy went to play and I got on with making some food for us all. Which included Lucy favorite, eggs. It didn't take long for us all to eat and soon we were already to go out again in the sun and enjoy the afternoon after popping to the supermarket to pick up some food for dinner and breakfast tomorrow.

As we dropped of the shopping Charlie turned up looking for Emily and Catherine and she asked us if she could join us when Lucy said we were going to the farm. We didn't want to let her down so we said yes if it was alright with her mum. We weren't going for long and I Lucy really likes Charlie and she gets on with younger children really well. She was always very good with Lucy's other sister.

When we got to the farm we headed straight for the pig pens to see how mummy and the little piglets were doing. There was one more to added the litter we hadn't seen before making a total of ten. All of them seemed to be doing well and we watched them for a while. They are really cute and they are had started to find there feet and had started to move away from there mum. Probably a good idea as when the mummy pig rolled over and trapped one who squealed at the top of its voice until she moved. After seeing the piglets we moved onto the lambs and the small animals. Being a Sunday the some of the lambs were in a little pen in the farm yard so you could get close to them and touch them. Lucy found a bit of hay and fed one of them and after a while she got the courage to touch them. Next Lucy played with the games in the farm yard with Charlie. They had great fun. Finally we took a short walk into the fields to see the donkey and the horse before washing our hands and returning home.

All we did when we got home was drop Charlie off before heading out again. This time to Stamford to feed the ducks with some bread we had bought at the supermarket earlier in the day. It is lovely by the river in Stamford and this time of year there are the young ducklings as well to make it a even nicer place to visit. Stamford really is a lovely town. As it turned out we were probably there a bit late in the day to feed the ducks, most of them seemed full. All the same we had a lovely time and Lucy was happy to munch on the bread we brought for the ducks. I know at least the pigeons enjoyed the bread that Lucy gave them as well as the ducks we managed to find that still had some space in there tummy's. Before we left we had an ice cream which we ate on the way back to Rutland.

Instead of going straight home we headed back into Oakham to the park. The idea being to let Lucy let off that final bit of steam before we went home. Need less to say she had a smashing time in the park playing, sliding, jumping and pushing me around the roundabout until I was dizzy. It was just what we needed to round off a lovely day out for everyone. Oakham park has to be one of the most lovely parks I have been too. It really is beautiful there.

When we got home I got Sunday Dinner on. On this evenings menu there was roast garlic chicken, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, mixed vegetables coated in butter and stuffing. All rather yummy and just what was needed to finish off a grand day despite Emily and Catherine not being there to enjoy it with everyone. I was most impressed with what Lucy ate given there was enough for three adults and her plate had more food on it than normal. She managed to nearly eat all of it. 

With dinner done and dusted there was a little bit of time for Lucy to play before she headed up stairs to the land of nod. She was more than happy to go upstairs, get ready for bed and after her stories, cuddles and kisses she fell asleep. Thankfully tonight without the nightmares of the night before.

It's been a great day with everyone. The weather couldn't have been better. I just hope the week ahead when Emily and Catherine return is equally as good. They have missed out this weekend and it is only right they should have their own share of the holiday fun.

A Surprise Delivery

It was lovely to be woken by Lucy calling my name. As soon as I entered the room she told me the sun was shining and her face full of smiles. I can't think of a better way to be woken with the optimism and expectations only a small child can have of the world. It was just lovely. I just hoped I could make the day live up to her dreams in some little way.

It didn't take us much time to gather her things and take them downstairs and soon she was sat in the chair near the radiator in the living room. I put the television on for her while I made us both a drink and soon we were watching Cbeebies together while we both woke up. It wasn't long before she was asking me for breakfast. I made her a bowl of cereal which she ate before presenting me with a clean bowl when she finished. She really is getting good at eating her food now.

The morning was spent playing around the house and outside to in the sunshine. It really was a lovely morning. More than you could really ask for a day in mid April. It was super outside in the spring sunshine. Something I was really looking forward too was making the most of the warm weather in the afternoon. I had a lovely time playing with her before we headed out to the shops to get some food  for lunch and dinner later in the day.

Lunch was a simple affair. Just some sandwiches, nothing more and nothing less but everyone enjoyed them. It is a big waste making them as we can't keep the butter for very long but we have all missed them so much it is worth the waste once in a while. Lucy once again ate all her sandwiches which I cut in to little triangles for her. I love her chatter at the table. She makes me smile.

With lunch out of the way, a bit play and after a cup of coffee we headed out into the countryside. Being spring there was just one place to go, Northfied Farm. It is a wonderful place and sells some of the finest meats I have ever tasted. I once had a pork joint from the farm and it really was the best pork I have ever tasted. Not cheap but worth it if you have the spare pennies. It's not far away and Lucy loves it there but what we didn't expect what happened when we got there.

When arrived we headed towards the pigs pens as normal. Nothing usual about that but what we found was. There was a small piglet stuck in the water trough, I thought nothing of it other than if it got in it would get out. In any case the farmer would be checking on what seemed very young piglets. In the end we had to get help for the poor piglet as there seemed to be nobody about. I headed to the farm shop thinking at least there will be someone there. The butcher there phoned one of the farmers and it turned out the piglets were very young. Less than an hour old. The farmer didn't even know the mummy pig had given birth at all.

When the farmer arrived he rescued the poor piglet. At that point there were five piglets in total. Within minutes they were joined by the sixth piglet. She was giving birth as we watched. It was an amazing sight. This was followed by another two, making the total eight. The last one of the pair born was the runt and if it wasn't for the quick action of the farmer it would have died. It didn't have the energy to clear its own air ways. It became quiet an event in the end and the owner of the farm turned up as well as everyone else on the farm to watch.

Unfortunately, Lucy and I had to leave the mummy pig although she seemed to find it all exciting. I just needed a break from lifting her up. Thankfully there is a lot more to do there and having a walk around the farm yard gave my arms a rest. First there was the baby lambs that had been taken away from their mum's for various reasons. They were so cute and as we approached the they called to us wanting food. They were soft and fluffy and Lucy just loved them. While we were their someone did come to feed them. In the end he had to stay with them to stop the brown pig in the pen next to them from stealing their milk. Then of course there are the toys and the activities in the courtyard that Lucy loves to play with. It was all rather fun for both of us. I just wish I had the spare money to take her to the tea rooms again.

Before we left we went back to see the piglets and the ninth one had just been born. Nobody knew how many she would have and the farmer seemed to be expecting more but didn't know how long it would take for the others to appear. Nature I guess has it's own clock and keeps it's own time. As we left the farm the farmer was working out who was going to stay with the piglets over night and keep watch for their first night on the earth. It is wonderful the care these people give to the animals that we end up eating on our plates.

On the way home we popped into to Langham park to enjoy the sunshine and let Lucy let off steam. She loved as usual and I kept on encouraging her on the trim trial. She has nearly got the hang of the stepping blocks now and can almost make it from one to another one her own. I'm just there to give her the confidence to do it on her own and catch her if she falls. Soon she won't need me at all and she will be doing it all on her own. I'm so proud of all she can do. I'm so proud of all of them.

When we got home I got dinner on and Lucy went off to watch a DVD on the mac mini in the family room. You can guess which one if you have been reading recent posts. Good thing is that it is normally just long enough to keep her busy while I get the dinner cooked, but not tonight. We had a gammon joint with boiled potatoes and mixed vegetables. We hadn't had a gammon joint for ages and having the Tesco club points to spend we splashed out on something special and tasty. It was all rather yummy and Lucy managed to eat almost all her dinner.

They was a little bit of time left before Lucy went to bed and we made the most of it playing. Her batteries were really starting to run dry of energy as she went up the stairs. After all the usual bedtime activities and her cuddles from everyone she fell asleep, only to be woken by a nightmare a few hours later. Thankfully after a bit cuddle and some reassuring words she drifted off again in to a land of happier dreams. 

I have had a great day with Lucy. Seeing the pigs being born was wonderful. We timed it just right to see something special. I wish Emily and Catherine had been there to see it too, but I know they will be having a lovely time with there mum. I can't wait until tomorrow. The plan is we return to the farm to see how are piglets are doing and find out how many piglets mummy pig had in the end.

Together Again

As I have I have told you in a number of blog posts this was the first day that Emily, Catherine and Lucy had seen each other since the 23rd June. I know how much they miss each other so I was looking forward to them being reunited. 

I picked up Lucy at nine o'clock rather than the usual ten, since her mummy was unwell and need to go to the Doctors, and there was a chance that Lucy would be staying overnight. I must say Lucy's mummy did look tired and very poorly.

When we got home Lucy gave the Emily and Catherine lots of really big hugs and kisses. She was so pleased to see them again as they were to see her. For the morning I let them all play together and generally have fun. It didn't seem to be right to drag them out when they had so much catching up to do.

After lunch we headed out to the farm to see the animals there. It is always interesting to see how the baby pigs are doing and they all love it there. It was around lunch that I also found out we had Lucy overnight so her mummy could get the rest the Doctor had ordered.

When we arrived we head straight off for the pigs. They have separated the boy and the girls now into different pens now and closed the gap that use to allow them to get from one pen to another. It looks like they are on a high protein diet to help them grow faster. I know generally they are put in the fields, so one day we go and they won't be there.

After the pigs and the small animals we went to play games in the farm yard. They have a number of things that children can do like a ball rolling game, they can all play, and quoits. All farm themed. Of course there is also Lucy's favorite, a toy farm yard, which she played this with Emily today. They both had loads of fun, Emily building the farm and Lucy driving the tractors around.

Soon it was time to move out into the fields to see the animals there. Catherine, who loves horses, headed off to see the horses and the donkey while Emily and Lucy decided to see the goats. I must have said before how much Lucy loves the goats and the way they follow her around. True to form the goats did just that and soon Emily and Lucy were running along the fence and the goats were running after them and making them both laugh. Meanwhile Catherine was getting large handfuls of long fresh grass an was feeding the horse and the donkey. She was joined in this task by the other two who helped her feed the donkey. I have to remember to take some carrots next time, I know the donkey loves them.

When we had finished at the farm we headed off for Melton and the country park there. It was where they went the last time they had been together. As soon as we arrived Emily and Catherine ran off to seek out the ariel runway and the climbing park, while Lucy headed off to the playground. 

I stayed with Lucy while she played in the playground she had a smashing time on the slide going down on her tummy and backwards with really funny results. Of course she found a little friend to play with for a while which was fun to watch as she bossed them around, but after a while she wanted to find her sisters. So off we went hand in hand to the climbing park.

When we got there we found Emily and Catherine playing in the tree houses. It appears a family had taken over the ariel runway and they still waiting to have a go. We joined them in the tree houses and they all started to play. I must say Lucy's climbing is really coming on, she was well over half way up the ropes before she decided to head back down all on her own. She didn't even need me to help her down. I can see her getting to the top before long and needing someone to get her down. Eventually Emily and Catherine made it onto the ariel runway and had a great time playing on it together. 

We all had a great time in country park. It's just so much fun there and having toilets and a café means you can stay for hours on end. It also just a lovely place to sit and enjoy the day.

As a special treat for tea and as we were were in Melton we had a KFC for dinner. All the girls love KFC and it has to be my favorite of all the fast food chains. I just think it gives you best value for money when you compare it to the other chains if you buy the family buckets. They all loved their dinner and so did I. It really was finger licking good!

All to soon it was time for Lucy to go to bed. Emily helped me in the bath with Lucy. Lucy insisted on washing Emily's feet as I washed Lucy. Lucy was having a great time in the bath until it came to washing her hair. Normally she is alright with it but today she didn't like it one little bit. When we had dried her off it was off to bed. With her all tucked up, Emily read her a story and I gave out all the cuddles and kisses before I tucked her in again. She is such a good girl going to bed, I'm so proud of her.

Emily and Catherine had a great time with her and after she had gone to bed they settled down to watch a little TV and play the Sims 2 on the computer before going to bed themselves. 

Poor Lucy did have a tummy ache overnight, nothing major, but it woke her a couple of times during the evening before she finally dropped off. Not sure what caused it but I'm sure it will be gone by morning.

Sunny Monday

Everyone got off on time this morning to school and I have never seen Emily so keen to get out the house. She was off to Wicksteed Park in Kettering as a special year 6 treat for doing so well at there SATS this year, and with Emily getting all 5 it was well deserved. I'm so proud of how well she has done especially in English which is her weakest subject by far.

I was bit rushed picking Lucy up. I'm not sure what happened to the time. I just didn't seem to get out of the house quick enough after my shower. I was going to text her mummy to let her know I was on my way but that would have made me later. All the same I still got a wonderful welcome from Lucy but her mummy still seemed under the weather. Anyway on the way home Lucy told me of a Party had enjoyed, I'm guessing it was Mary's Birthday party, before she asked if she could go to the park. 

As soon as we arrived back in Langham we got the Lucy's buggy out of the car and headed down to the local park. I thought by now she would be bored of the Langham park but she still loves going there and the rope bridge is one of her favorite fun things to do. On the way back we walked through the allotments and went pass her mummies old plot. There was an old lady working on it and we started to talk to her. It turns out she was the old lady that Kiz gave a part of her pot the year before and the person that took over the lot let her stay. Reading the Langham news recently gave me the idea of getting a allotment for myself, but I will need to talk to Emily and Catherine before I make enquiries. 

After getting back from the park we played outside together. First with her bike and then with her toy car. This time the game took on a new dimension, when her bike broke down and I had to be called in to fix. I just love they way her games develop as she learns new things. Then there was some time left, before we went out again, to water the runner beans that we are trying to grow in the old herb patch. For some reason they aren't doing to well, but we should still get some later in the summer. She loves playing with the hose and making things wet so the water wasn't just confined to the runner bean patch, everything got a soaking including herself.

After a change of clothes it was off out shopping Melton to get her sister, Mary, birthday presents for Tuesday. I set my self a budget and manage to do what I wanted to do and get three small presents and one large present from Lucy. She had a great time around the toy shop wanting to buy everything she saw but she was still quite good leaving the shop and putting things back.

After we came back from Melton there was time to spare to pop into the tearooms at the farm and visit the pigs. I must say the pigs are really big now and I don't think it will be long before they disappear into the fields. I think Lucy will miss seeing them. She loves the piggies and the goats. As always while she was having her drink she played with the toys they have there which is a great as a parent because it stops her wandering off and causing mayhem. 

Catherine rushed back from school to drop off her stuff before before going off with her friends for dinner. The problem was that her friends brother left the gate open and George was in the garden, but not for long, he took himself for a walk. Thankfully I had the buggy for Lucy so we set off around the village looking for him. We covered the whole village and it took us an 1 hour and 20 minutes to find George and that was thanks to Emily who joined us for the last 20 minutes of the search. He turned up in Ruddle Way, apparently according to Emily, he had probably been to see the horses in the fields.  

With just the two children for dinner it was a simple affair of burgers, chips and beans. They both seemed to enjoy it and had a great time at the table chatting while they ate. Despite dinner being late they still had time to play before Lucy went home and they both made most of it.

When I dropped Lucy off I passed on the message from the old lady we met at the allotments to Kizzy "to be remembered to her". Thankfully the pick up went a lot better as far as Lucy was concerned. This might have been helped by the mission she was on to deliver the presents for her sister. It was funny that she couldn't wait for her sister to open then and was telling her to open them now. Her sister just smiled while her mummy told her she would have to wait until tomorrow.

When Catherine retuned home from being out with her friends I had to have a word with her about checking the gate. Losing George isn't fun especially when I have Lucy. If it wasn't for the fact I had the buggy the task of finding him would have been impossible.

Finally it has been a hot and humid evening and just hope little Lucy had more luck getting off to sleep Emily and Catherine.

BBQ Monday

Today was the day that Lucy wanted a BBQ. At the start of the day it didn't look to promising weatherise. It kept threatening to rain, but in the end the day was dry and warm if a little breezy. Something else was special too, it was Emily first visit to big school and to met her new form. 

The frist person up this morning was Emily. By the time I got up she had already showered and she was just about to get me up. She must have been excited about her day trip to big school. She never gets up that early normally. We had to leave Catherine behind to go to school on her own as we set off to big school, but she didn't mind to much since it made her feel really grown up. We arrived in Oakham with time to spare so Emily could find the place where she was meant to meet up with the rest of her classmates from Langham School. She seemed a little nervous but excited at the same time as she left car and made her way to school.

There was time when I got back from Oakham for a coffee, a quick shave and shower before it time to be off out again. This time back to Oakham to pick up Lucy from her mummy. Thankfully a short trip, unless you get caught at the level crossing like I did today!

When we arrived home she started to play after being greeted by the George the Dog before we did dome some drawing, mainly on paper for a change. She seems to love drawing now and likes to try and draw people she knows describing each bit as she draws them. She played beautifully until it was time to go out despite being a bit emotional at times. I think she was just a bit tired as she took a nap later in the day in the car.

We first went to the farm to have some lunch and visit the animals. Unfortunately she fell after seeing the pigs while she was on her way to the bunny rabbits. The poor little thing grazed her left knee, but the people at the farm had a first aid kit, so I cleaned up the cut and and applied some cream and it was soon forgot about. They are ever so nice there and Lucy was so brave. To make sure I had it totally clean I did it again later when we got home. 

After a free range bacon sandwich we took a quick tour of the other animals. A hello for the donkey and the horse and then off to see the goats before hand washing and a wave to the piggies.

Our next destination was Melton Mowbray and the country park. It is lovely there and there is loads of space for her to run around and have fun. Being a weekday there was hardly anyone there and when a car turned up Lucy would look at the car and say it was her friend. Unfortunately nobody turned up for her to play with but all the same she played with me. She even managed to convince  me to take her down the aerial runway more than once which she loved. 

After an ice cream we headed off to the supermarket to buy the things we needed for the BBQ and a few odds and ends like Coffee and cleaning stuff to clean the grill. As usual she charmed every one that caught her eye, especially the checkout girl.

When we got home we cleaned up the BBQ before heading out again to pick up Emily from big school. Emily was so happy to see Lucy and just as excited about her new school as she was in the morning. She managed to get in what she had been told was the best form and she was with most of her friends. She even made some new friends and loved her hot school dinner which said was really lovely.

On returning home Catherine got her hug from Lucy before they all went off to play while I lit the BBQ and prepared the food. Lucy saw the old BBQ sitting unused in the garden on Friday and asked what it was, I told her. That how we ended up with a BBQ for dinner tonight. Emily and Catherine both love BBQ's so it was ideal way to have a treat. All the stuff to make the BBQ has been sitting in the in the washing room since July last year. I was a bit concerned that Lucy might touch the BBQ when it was hot but she was very good and kept her distance from it and the smoke. 

The BBQ was lovely just like we use to have in times gone by. They all loved the food and had a great time. Lucy as usual managed to eat nearly everyones tomatoes as well as her own, but thankfully no one seems to mind and I will get some more tomatoes for Emily and Catherine to have another day when Lucy isn't here.

After they ate they all started to play again. Lucy didn't want to go home and we were late leaving. In the rush it seems I managed to put the wrong top on her. I told Kiz. Lucy's mummy, she could keep it. It is best that she gets some use out of some of the many clothes I have here before Lucy grows out of it. It is rather a pretty top and went nicely with her shorts. I will have to remember to return the other top on Friday when pick her up again for another day of fun. 

On getting back the girls returned from playing out and it was off out to the shops to buy some sweets and then some quiet time on the computers before bedtime. They all seemed to love there BBQ and we must have more of them as the summer goes on.

One final twist for the day was Dog escaping again. Thankfully he has discovered religion in recent months and he heads for the church. Far easier to get him there than down the side streets and in peoples gardens!

Work tomorrow and my turn to be the student.....

More fun on the farm

We had the first rain in ages, but thankfully it didn't last all day. It was very light and only lasted part of the morning and though it was generally cloudy it didn't stop all the fun.

Emily and Catherine got off to school on time and it was soon time to pick up little Lucy. We came straight home and spent the morning play indoors and out of the rain.

After lunch and lots of ice creams we all went out to the farm for afternoon tea and to see the piggies of course.

As soon as we arrived Lucy matched off to look at the piglets. They continue to grow at an amazing rate and I wonder how much longer they it will be before they are moved from their stye to one of the fields. Lucy has worked out how to see into the stye on her own and she carefully climbed up so she could peek at them. After we had finished with the pigs we headed off to the rabbits and guinea pigs which Lucy adores. After being in the runs with them the other week her confidence with the animals has increased no end and she was encouraging them to feed and drink water.

Next it was off to the tearooms for some refreshments and as usual we were given a bag of carrots for the horse and the donkey. This time we had 6 carrots. We get more every time we go.  

After feeding the horse and donkey, Lucy headed off to find the goats. For some reason there were only two goats today but that didn't stop Lucy from getting them to chase after her with handfuls of grass in her hand. Finally we returned to the piggies for a quick stroke before washing our hands and heading for home.

We got home in time for Emily and Catherine coming home from School. Today Lucy had a late birthday card to deliver from Kizzy's mum. It was kind of her to remember and I know it meant a lot to Catherine when she opened it and discovered who it was from. Kizzy's mum always said she would pop round and see the girls but never did but she always remembers them which I know they appreciate all the same. 

Dinner was a rushed affair as Catherine had an extra Maths lesson after a school. A teacher from another school came round to boast her confidence and although she didn't want to do it but she came round at the end. Personally I agree with the school and I think it will do her the world of good.


As soon as Catherine finished her extra lesson it was time for Lucy to leave and Emily and Catherine to head off to Leeds to see their mum for the weekend.

Friday Fun

The weather has been really good for most of the week and today was no exception. When I woke up and went into the bathroom the sun was streaming into room. It was just the sort of day I wanted to have our Lucy to visit. 

The morning was spent playing in the garden with Lucy, mainly on the tricycle and her small red car. Recently she has started pretending they are real cars and the need to be filled with petrol before they will go any where. It quite sweet the way she plays on her own now she is growing up. It is lovely to sit and watch her and be there when comes over to give you a hug.

After lunch we had Birthday shopping to do, so it was off to the Melton Mowbray to go and get a present for Catherine who is 10 on Monday. As always she was really good around the shops and never seems to complain however far you walk her. While on the way home she she managed to get herself covered in chocolate, so much so that her hands were covered as well as her face dress and her legs. She was a sticky sight to behold and so proud of herself. I cleaned her up as much as possible but it was clear there was nothing that could be done about the dress other than putting it in the washing machine.

After taking the shopping home, and picking up a clean dress, we headed back out to the farm for afternoon tea and of course to see the piggies. As soon as we arrived she was off down the path to the find the little piglets which are still growing at an amazing rate. Of course we first had to pass the two Daddy Pigs who always get up and greet her before moving on to the next pen and the little pigs. 

After the pig we went off to see the rabbits who were just having their drinking water changed. The lady changing the water asked Lucy if she wanted to give the rabbits some carrots and stroke them. After getting over her shyness she said yes and the lady went off to get some carrots. As soon as he got back the pen was open and Lucy was standing inside pen with the Lady offering the boy rabbit a carrot, who came over to have a sniff and a nibble before getting stroked by Lucy. They then moved onto the girl rabbits who were completely uninterested in the carrots, so with carrot in hand Lucy found another pen of rabbits to give it to. 

While looking at the rabbits and talking to the woman we discovered they have some baby guinea pigs which are shortly going to need a new home. Knowing that Emily really wants some guinea pigs I going to look into the implications of keeping them with a mad westie that loves chasing rodents and rabbits!

After cleaning our hands it was off to have afternoon tea and a play with the toy farm yard and although her smile didn't get her a bit of cake this time, it did get her a big bag of carrots for the Donkey and the horse. 

With the bag of carrots in hand we wandered in to the fields to find the donkey and the horse. As she ran towards them they came to the fence. The bag contained five carrots and the winner was the donkey winning three - two, mainly on the grounds that the donkey can eat carrots at over twice the rate of the horse and it never looks like it might bite your fingers. As the farm walk was open this time we got to see the goats. Lucy run down the side of they fence urging them to follow her while holding a handfuls of grass. The goats, not being totally stupid to the idea of food followed her and were reward with getting to eat the grass. She love the way the goats do as she tells them and as she hands out the grass she makes sure they all get there far share.

It was soon time to go home for the return of Emily and Catherine from school. The welcome was so warm and full of hugs as always. They all played so nicely in the garden and in the house while I cooked the dinner for them all. After dinner it was soon time for Lucy to leave and home she went, all dressed in her clean clothes. 

It was a lovely day with Lucy and with Emily and Catherine after school and tomorrow is going to be even better...