"Forever Autumn"

Possibly one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite albums - "War of the Worlds"

The summer sun is fading as the year grows old,
and darker days are drawing near,
the winter winds will be much colder,
now you're not here.
I watch the birds fly south across the autumn sky
and one by one they disappear
I wish that I was flying with them,
now you're not here

like the sun through the trees you came to love me
like a leaf on a breeze you blew away

through autumn's golden gown we used to kick our way
you always loved this time of year
loose fallen leaves lie undisturbed now
cos you're not here x 3

like the sun through the trees you came to love me
like a leaf on a breeze you blew away

a gentle rain falls softly on my weary eyes
as if to hide a lonely tear
my life will be forever autumn
cos you're not here x 6 


But it's that time of year. A time to be enjoyed. Especially in the Golden Valley. We picked rowan berries and our own "Katy" apples and Sue made some delicious jelly which was fantastic with roast pork for lunch last Sunday which we enjoyed with friends in the garden - probably the last time we'll eat outside this year.

A huge compliment

Today we were looking at our entry on Alistair Sawday's website and spotted the best review we think we've ever had:

"Quite simply the best B&B we have ever stayed in. Think of all the best bits of all your B&B experiences over the years, and you have Yew Tree House. Beautiful area, lovely house, delightful friendly hosts who clearly love what they do, and a bed in which we slept like logs. Breakfasts are home-cooked and delicious, and there are some wonderful pubs around. We will most definitely be back, and are delighted to have discovered this gem."

Thank you Ian and Kitty, it was a pleasure to have you here and hope to see you soon.

At last,in full flower

We all know that everything in the garden is late this year, but our garden is later than most. It must be that we are at 500ft above sea level. We always seem to be so much later than everyone else. However, the garden has finally made up its mind to look gorgeous and, as an added bonus, the current heat wave has slowed up the growth of the lawn which means I've got time to enjoy the garden instead of chasing a lawnmower!

Welcome guests.

We were thrilled to have this family staying with us for the last couple of weeks. In all there were 5 chicks but some were camera-shy. We get quite a few pheasants in the garden - refugees from the shoot on Guy's Estate opposite. Last year Sue had one eating out of her hand but this year they are a bit more reticent. I'm amazed that the chicks can fly so young. I walked out of the back door to find them very close to the house. I'm not sure who was more surprised, me or them. Anyway, they took off like little bullets in all directions.



Other wildlife is back in abundance, namely ants and moles in the lawn. Although slugs, snails and aphids are pretty scarce.

I can report that the National Collection of Ground Elder is thriving.

Borderlines Film Festival

For film buffs everywhere, we have an amazing event taking place from this Friday, 1st March, until St Patrick's.
The Borderlines Film Festival will feature an extraordinary range of films in 39 venues across the counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire and will include other events such as a "Shadowlands" walk   and Sir Derek Jacobi on stage on screen with Francine Stock
Visit www.borderlinesfilmfestival.org or phone 01432 340555 for details

Where there's Seville.....

"I got the blues thinking of the future, so I left off and made some marmalade. It's amazing how it cheers one up to shred oranges and scrub the floor." 

D.H.Lawrence

 
It's January again so that means marmalade-making time. Sue's been up to her elbows in it but it's a new recipe (she lost last year's!) so we're keeping our fingers crossed. Joke, actually, as it's delicious. But it is a very sticky process. Somewhere between 50 and 60lbs of marmalade to see us through until next year. The Maslin pan has gone away until the soft fruit season and we can start picking gooseberries, raspberries etc.