Life with Hens
I got hens at the urging of my sister, a long-standing Black Rock devotee. They’d be useful for lovely eggs for breakfast I thought, and took up her offer of a delivery of 8 in the first few months of…
The Young
This is the time of year when the new fledglings are off and independent but constantly getting caught out by inexperience. I have had three young robins trapped in the house in the last week (or the same stupid one?),…
Running a B&B – Hazards
Today I managed to knock over a cafetière FULL of newly made coffee. It’s hard to describe quite how far reaching coffee grounds in water can be when you haven’t squished down the top filter. And also how hard it…
Spring in Somerset
Despite the fact the rain is lashing the window as I write, and the drip drip of the blocked gutter I should be at is sending me slowly mad, spring is in fact coming, and the bluebells will be out…
The perfect cup of tea
I am slightly ashamed of the disappointment I feel when I sit down to breakfast in a hotel and get a pot of tea with only one teabag and there is NOTHING to be done except accept the sadness of…
Welcoming B&B Guests
I have been experimenting over winter with new bakes for welcoming guests, adding to the brownies, lemon drizzle and scones that were the favourites before. This one is Ottolenghi’s carrot cake. I put it off at first as it’s made…
Somerset Farm Shops – A Tale of Good Eating*
*This theme will run and run I suspect, as good food places are opening up all over the place. And in justice to my guests, I’m checking them all out. Today was Kimbers Farm Shop, Cafe and general things shop…
January change of pace
It’s maintenance time! The last jollities of New Year done and dusted, so up early, on with the wellies and out into the orchard to get the polytunnel up (all year greens for me, breakfast for guests, and a little…
Starling Murmurations in Somerset
The rain has stopped and with a crisp cold day and no guests, I went up to Ham Wall RSPB reserve up the road to watch the starlings come in to roost. It’s a huge joy on any day, even…
Friday Photo
Garden looking a bit moody the other day. Washing in.