hi, top photo is charlie and the one on the left is william - henry's brother. maisie was too shy to be photographed today (bad hair day was mentioned)

i am just waiting to be picked up by liz as we are going to julia's funeral this morning. it another beautiful autumn day. crisp and clear with mist in the valley and the sun making the trees look as though they are on fire.

worked last night so am a bit tired and emotional before i start. plenty of tissues and NO mascara. chickens are already sun bathing in the garden, they know how to make the most of life. just hope the fox doesn't visit while i'm out. i think the hunt is due through later so that should keep him at bay.

made 6 lb of quince jelly yesterday as well as 10lb of crab apple jelly. both had been straining in the kitchen for 24 hours and it was a relief to get it made and put away in the store. i now have all the christmas gifts made - not very original maybe but cheap! i do not like christmas and don't 'DO' christmas really. i choose to work every day of the 'holiday' and enjoy the money when it hits the paypacket in january.

liz is here ...........