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It only seems right

It’s nice to be back home in England, at West Cottage. That’s the name of our house, West Cottage. Here houses tend to have names rather than numbers and the Royal Mail is amazing because the mailmen tend to deliver to the correct house mostly all the time. Which is not easy when you have five Rose Cottages, three The Poplars and several Brook…something. Brook Farm, Brook House, Brook Lodge, Meadow Brook, you get the picture, in the same village. And, changing the name of your house when you move in is routine. I’m telling you, the mailmen deserve a lot of credit.

You know what’s so fantastic about Robert? He leaves some things right where I left them till I get back. He leaves these things for me on my return and for himself as a memory of me being here. I must confess I do the same thing in the Vancouver house, where the receipt for his last flight into Van is still on the side of the fridge right where he stuck it. (Don’t ask me about our spaghetti noodle tag game…lol…the noodles get stuck everywhere)

west cottage

But some things are different. Theo the wonder cat has a new spot. R calls it “his plinth” and it’s actually a velvet cushion on top of some pillows on top of the radiator. Theo loves being there and warming his old bones. We love having him with us. Earlier today he ran outside and came back with a fat field mouse. He tried to drag it inside but got intercepted and told to take it outside. He loves to hunt but would rather eat his mice inside.

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Today was the last village market before Christmas. I really wanted to go to catch up with our friends and also get some of the local mistletoe. We were lucky because most of our village friends were there and big hugs were shared all round.

village hall

I got my mistletoe, some homemade minced pies, a book from my friend Elaine who runs the charity book sales, and a commemorative plate made by Aston Pottery to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the village church. I also got some potted bulbs to bloom in the bleak mid-winter.

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So simple and so lovely, don’t you think? I’m lucky that Lisa was selling them in these beautiful vintage pots. I bought a hyacinth and several daffodils.

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I also hung up some bird feeders for our hungry cottage friends. Don’t you love the suet and seed coconut halves? This afternoon we had our first two birds inspecting them. Earlier I saw a woodpecker around and I hope he’ll be back and find the peanuts.

birds

Also this afternoon, jet-lag is kicking in something rotten. R has built a fire in the fireplace and the cottage is nice and cozy but my eyes feel heavy. One more day and I should be just fine.

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Comments: 17

  • December 14, 2013
    reply

    A few Canadians, like myself with an English background have named their homes here too – a quaint tradition really.
    I like the coconut bird feeders, good way to repurpose.
    Enjoy your stay in England.
    Judith

  • December 14, 2013
    reply

    Mistletoe and Hyacinths!
    Gorgeous pots and moss.
    Lovely to think of you on this side of the water V!
    Hope you get over the jet lag soon.
    xx

  • December 15, 2013
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    Well, it all sounds heavenly, except for Theo’s house gift.

    A 750 year old celebration, and we think a hundred year old building is old. Have a wonderful time!

  • December 16, 2013
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    Let me say Theo is tre handsome, very deserving of velvet pillows.
    Our barn cats love to catch and play with mice, then when they stop moving, carry them to us to see if they can be “fixed.” If they decide the game is truly over, then they will snack on them and run off to hunt again.

    Your village market sounds wonderful. I will have to develop a relationship with some sellers next season.
    It sounds sad to say the ladies at the library and the thrift shop all know me and what I like.

    (The one person who said they missed me after a couple week disappearance was the guy who sells cat litter!)

    • December 16, 2013
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      Oh- and I have named our farm as well, even though it is not the custom here.
      Around here farms are generally just named after families. I think a proper name shows love and respect.

  • December 16, 2013
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    i hope by now you are all adjusted!

  • December 17, 2013
    reply

    I like these coconut feeders…have never seen them before but not only are they practical they are attractive

  • December 17, 2013
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    Nice day of catch up. I love that you got to see friends at the market. I can imagine the warmth that surrounded the market on that day!
    Happy your home coming has been so relaxed and easy.
    ~Dawn

  • February 17, 2014
    reply

    Beautiful post Veronica ! I love the hyacinth too ! Mine have bloomed and I need another. You live an exciting life!

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