THE TILLEY BOYS

You may have heard of the Tiller Girls, a popular dancing troupe, founded in Manchester in the 1890s by John Tiller, and known for their precision dancing.  Well, now meet the Tilley Boys - so called because they can do high kicks precision work and of course, always wear their signature Tilley Hats.

Thankfully this morning, it is much cooler but our neighbour Mike and Mr. HCB have been out in the garden since before 7 a.m. working in Mike’s new doghouse workshop.  Having recently retired, Mike has put his skills to good use - he is very meticulous and has managed most of the work himself, but said he would appreciate Mr. HCB giving him a hand to put the roof on. 

We listened to the weatherman last night, praying that the rain wouldn’t reach Wiltshire overnight and although it is cloudy, so far it seems to have missed us. However, for the sake of our wilting flowers and vegetables, once the roof is on and watertight, it can rain as much as it likes! 

Mike’s not really a gardener, but we know that if we had anything that needed an extra pair of hands, he would be through the gate to help.  Lynn, his wife, keeps us well supplied with her special sugar-free banana, strawberry and orange ice lollies and homemade cakes - and of course we supply them with salad and other veggies when they are in season.  We love having good neighbours!

Better go and see if those Tilley Boys want a cuppa or a cold drink - it’s beginning to warm up out there!  I need to flick a duster around too because we have visitors tomorrow - a couple we met at Waitrose and who have become friends.  However, I guess I’d better remove all the dead roses in vases around the house, as beautiful as I find them - or they will think I’m rather peculiar!  I could put them away in a cupboard and then bring them out once they have gone!  Reminds me of this great quote:

If you want to see me
     Come at any time
If you want to see my house
     Make an appointment! 
Anon