Oh deer!

Morning dog walk took us past MrB's place. As usual, he was not to be seen, probably playing Moorhuhn (Crazy Chicken)  on his Xbox and washing down his breakfast eggs and bacon with Famous Grouse Whisky.

Some may remember me mentioning the friendship/exchange programme MrB and another hunter here have with two people from the Berlin area. They were here a few weeks ago and MrB will be visiting them in the autumn for wild boar shooting. It's more of a social/holiday event and no deer were shot this year. However one of the visitors is a master at chainsaw sculptures and the deer was his present to MrB this year. Not sure about the history of the tulips or mushroom.

Just a few houses further saw the part-time farmer whose Limousin cows I sometimes Blip. I had heard they had had to gather up an animal from the edge of our property as it had strayed, however, I didn't know what animal it was - a cow, a calf, their donkey? No, it turned out to be a very large African land tortoise, one of about a dozen they have that had knocked over a brick wall and somehow within a matter of hours made it's way over fields the 700 yards/meters to us. As it was crossing the road a cyclist spotted it and luckily knew who it belonged to! However not an animal you can put a leash on and lead it home - the biggest one they have weights around 100kg. They also have masses of Greek tortoises which they breed and sell - these are protected animals and even get chipped. Saw some of the tiny ones that ´were just a week or two old.

Back home thought I would again seek indoors and thought if I had the water pipe pliers out, I might as well replace the kitchen tap. What a mistake - turned out to be a nightmare. Should have taken no more than 1 hour. Think it took at least six and lots of choice swear words. However, at least it worked when finished!

That's it no more plumbing work for me for the next 20 years! Will have to find an easier life... perhaps as a part-time hunter. Oh, and by the way, if you look very carefully you can see a weed growing on the edge of MrB's pond!