Vanished...

...overnight.

My cute little friend has gone this morning.

I contacted the Raptor Centre near us yesterday, and asked about him/her. The lady told me that Tawny owls are notorious for leaping out their nests when still young, and not quite ready for the outside world, but they'll then find themselves somewhere they feel safe, with Mum and Dad knowing exactly where their baby is....and will feed them when it's dark...then safely guide them to somewhere better...

I did hear little beeps in the night, so my guess is that was feeding time...

We were only together for a few hours, but I miss him already...

Oh my gosh...

....just look what's hanging around my door!





It looks like a young tawny owl to me...the black eyes give it away. I'll keep an eye on it, see if it goes later, if not...I know a person that helps. But at present it definitely likes my pineapple broom...

Having spent...

...the morning making, threading and photographing different beads...with camera in hand still, here are my odd little finds from the last few weeks...













The cup and saucer at the top is one of the set of six, the mug...I did mention lilac, but the more I look at it, the more I think it's reminiscent of alliums. My extravagance was the embroidered tulips...between the colours, the embroidery and being a favourite flower...I just couldn't resist!

I hope you forgive my self-indulgence....

This weekend...

...we didn't go far.

Saturday morning I took my husband round my Walden haunts...the local charity shops, furniture shops, gift/house shops, and the reclaimed furniture shop... I pointed out the dearest little cup and saucer set in my favourite charity shop, and with no price showing, he went to ask...£2.50 says the lady. Each? I suggest...there were six...no, for the six, she answered...they are now safely stored away, but I might have to take a photo or two, just to show.

We looked at bits and bobs in other places, but nothing took...then we reached the reclaimed furniture, and with lifting of several lids and checking, looked through the blanket boxes and chests...a beautiful little pedestal dinner table...and a spindle high-backed chair. We came away with none...we daren't have more furniture to move, the van will be creaking already, but it gave food for thought, and now my second-hand ramblings have added verve. We ended in my favourite home soft furnishings/gift shop...Lottie Mutton, who doesn't have a website, so I can't show. They make beautiful blinds and curtains, and it's the remnant box downstairs I rummage through. It's not the cheapest fabric, but if you want exceptional pieces...and the rest of the shop is a delight. (photos to follow)

My afternoon was spent making sure the Gills won...Sunday was a day of doing nothing other than embroidery, and flicking between England beating the Windies, Scunny beating Millwall, and Villa beating Newcastle. Monday came and so did most of our family...here to help empty the garage so we can sort what they've left, and throw anything else not wanted...and emptying the loft...(there isn't a loft in the house in Norfolk), we've got to be ruthless. I now have a room full of boxes and old bags...and several runs to that charity shop, and the tip.

A warm feeling at the end of a good days work...made happier when Burnley won promotion to the Premier League...so very well deserved. I hope the Sheffield fan I heard on the radio thinks on what he said, about being too big for the Championship...no one's ever too big to go or stay down...well, unless you're one of the four! I had that said to me by a fan, after we beat Sunderland, they thought we shouldn't have turned up either...

Now I really need to work...

Castle Acre...

Last weekend, well the one previously, as it's now bank holiday Monday, we took our grandsons out for the day. We had one thing to do first, and that's visit a shop in Holt, but other than that...we visited the Christmas shop in Holt for them and bought two hearts and a decorated gingerbread-styled star for their Mum. It's open all year, and is worth the visit if you're heading that way.

After that we stopped in the "Best Farm Shop in Norfolk"...Back to the Garden and had some lunch, picked up some cheese and pasties..all good! Bought some asparagus and strawberries from a farm, and showed the boys the front of the house we're trying to buy...we got their approval. Then off to Castle Acre...

Photographs of Castle Acre Priory

The first photo shows a model of how it was in it's heyday, and the second shows the majority of what's left...after Henry VIII got to it. It's an English Heritage property, along with the castle. If you want to visit the priory, unless you're a member of English Heritage, there is a charge, but the ruins of the castle (not so well preserved) are free to roam around.

The village has two tea shops and two pubs...and at present it's Open Studio time in Norfolk.

Luckily the boys wore themselves out! And I know where I can take them to play when we move, it'll only be ten minutes away...and the beach is twenty minutes in the other direction!

Two down...

...and one to go!

So far my wishes and predictions have come good...which is somewhat unusual for me, usually fate dictates the team I want to win as a neutral, lose...but, Gillingham beat Shrewsbury, and Scunthorpe beat Millwall, but then maybe I wasn't such a neutral for those, having lived Gillingham way, and being a Charlton fan. Now we're left with today's fate...Burnley or Sheffield United...and I just can't bring myself to want Sheffield to win...and I've admired Burnley's sheer hard graft this season, and they deserve something more from it all...or it might be I just like Eagle's boyish grin and dark hair...over Mr Bean's slightly older one...

So yes, I want Burnley to win...there, more nailed to the proverbial mast!

Yesterdays end to the Premier League's season gave us a nail-biting climax, though maybe it was more predictable than commentators would have us believe. I can say, I'm glad I wasn't one of the fans... I did want Hull to survive, they deserve another bite of the cherry, and for all the commentators trying to make much of Manchester United's changed team, it still had several regular first team players in...and just to make those same commentators look idiots, ManU won!

And now there is one...one team left in the PL in the north east...seems quite remarkable really, given their utter support of their teams... There will be differences in what happens next at the two clubs...Newcastle fans want Ashley to go, for his handling of their beloved, even when he did do what they wanted, it was still his fault, and Middlesbrough fans...they have Gibson, and a fairer chairman (we are told) never lived. So, will Shearer stay to manage, with or without dear Dowie...I think yes, yesterday hurt him deeply...and as he said it was a whole season at fault (even their second messiah can't work every miracle), I think he'll want to be involved in re-establishing the clubs integrity for it's fans. Will Southgate still be at Middlesbrough is a different thing. He's had several seasons, rather than several matches, to get things right...he is/was working with his players...he sounds as though he's staying, but...and there's always that rather large but...will he be given more time and more resources? Some clubs you know it's a nailed on certainty one way or the other...with Gibson...it's, who knows! The local club that did remain up...Sunderland...have lost their manager. In a honest interview, their manager Ricky Sbragia resigned...his decision, so they can get a bigger name...how's that for a footballing ego. Others should take note...

So, Charlton know their opposition for the 2009/10 season...the next date we know to watch for is 17 June, at 10:00am, when the fixture lists are published. Then the start of the official transfer window 1 July(players out of contract can be signed before), and finally the start of the season...8 August...and the teams we're playing...

01. Brentford

Manager: Andy Scott

02. Brighton & Hove Albion

Manager: Russell Slade

03. Bristol Rovers

Manager: Paul Trollope

04. Carlisle United

Manager: Greg Abbott

05. Charlton Athletic

Manager: Phil Parkinson

06. Colchester United

Manager: Paul Lambert

07. Exeter City

Manager: Paul Tisdale

08. Gillingham

Manager: Mark Stimson

09. Hartlepool United

Manager: Chris Turner

10. Huddersfield Town

Manager: Lee Clark

11. Leeds United

Manager: Simon Grayson

12. Leyton Orient

Manager: Geraint Williams

13. Millwall

Manager: Kenny Jackett

14. Milton Keynes Dons

Manager: Roberto di Matteo

15. Norwich City

Manager: Bryan Gunn

16. Oldham Athletic

Manager: Dave Penney

17. Southampton(deducted 10 points)

Manager: Mark Wotte

18. Southend United

Manager: Andy Tilson

19. Stockport County(in administration)

Manager: Vacant

20. Swindon Town

Manager: Danny Wilson

21. Tranmere Rovers

Manager: Ronnie Moore

22. Walsall

Manager: Chris Hutchings

23. Wycombe Wanderers

Manager: Peter Taylor

24. Yeovil Town

Manager: Terry Skiverton

Be warned...

...if you live in a rural idyll...

Or even if it's not such an idyll.

Do you have land you cross to get to yours? Who owns it? Is it shared...or parish...or common!

All these have differing problems with them. Firstly it has to be discovered who owns what...parish land, you can take out an indemnity insurance...if it's common land, then you need proof of access, plus a bespoke insurance. The insurance company could ask (and usually do) of proof of access for at least twenty years, if it can't be shown...then you could have problems... Luckily we can...oh, yes...what we were told was parish (the then parish council chairman), isn't, it's common land You can find out by enquiring at your county council, they will charge you and send you a map of your house and very local area... If you're moving your solicitor should do this, if there's a chance you falling foul of the laws.

What other pitfalls?

Is that house near a church? Then a Chancel search should be done...the village or area might be tithed...and a different insurance can be acquired to cover any costs from the church. Being an agnostic or atheist is no defence.

Is it a conservation area? Be careful to make sure that all permissions were granted for any lopping or cutting of trees or demolishing of hedges, and though maybe that house isn't listed, it should be maintained (externally) in keeping with the area...

And you thought living in a town or city was exhausting!

Still love that rural idyll? Damned right I do!

Today's the...

...day!

If you're a Gillingham or Shrewsbury fan, you know what I'm talking about... It's the last weekend of the football "season", with only the Champions League and FA Cup finals to come. Of course, then there's all the special tournaments, and pre-season matches before next season starts in just over two months... Not to mention all the rumours, speculation, sackings, hirings and transfers from now until September...

Anyway, back to today, when the Gills meet the Shrews. This seasons head to head meetings don't bode well for Gillingham, losing 7-0 away on the 13 September, and drawing 2-2 at home on the 14 March, but this is a special game, a one off...their cup final, and we all know what can happen with those...oh, sweet memories! Going back...instead of playing against each other in front of an average crowd of about 5800...they'll have a crowd of below capacity, but considerably more than they're used to. By the by...if you want to attend, tickets for the Shrewsbury end are on sale at Wembley before the game, or that's what Shrewsbury's official website is saying. It's a case of who'll settle quickest, and deal with the occasion and expectation...

As a neutral I hope for a good game...as someone who lived near Gillingham and walked past Priestfields to work, then I hope they win...and as someone whose non-footballing sister is going and wearing blue...I hope they win...ermmm...well...and Josh Wright gets at least one goal...he deserves it. There...I've pinned my colours to the mast!

And this message could self destruct at the end of the afternoon!!

Then all eyes turn to Millwall v Scunthorpe...and who goes there!

It is...

...being reported in some quarters, that after ex-Charlton player Madjid Bougherra became Rangers player of the season, he is supposedly recommending his fellow countryman to them...in the shape of Hameur Bouazza... Rangers are reportedly considering it!

And I thought they were doing well this season...

I'm in the...

...middle of a custom order, but trying not to neglect my Etsy shop at the same time. These were freshly made...

1 - Treacle Pud
2 - Wannabe Green

I admit it...

...I have an addiction. I am an AGA person, and can't cook on anything else...not knowingly anyway. And I'm having to leave my beloved behind when we move. It was a present to ourselves after we moved to our present home...and it's been loved, cherished and cosseted ever since. Now...I'll bid it a fond farewell...and remember all the times we've had together...

I am faced with a fan assisted electric oven...which looks nearly "over the hill", but we have plans...to move the kitchen from the front of the house, which overlooks the churchyard, to the back, which overlooks the garden...there my one vice will be, a new or reconditioned AGA...it's the one thing that is a must...my husband agrees as he doesn't like my burnt offerings.

Coalbrookdale Foundry, the home of the AGA is celebrating it's three hundredth birthday, and to celebrate, has a week of events in an AGA shop near you. If you haven't test driven one, then go...and if you have...you know why I'm an addict.

Kings Lynn FC...

...were demoted, but have lodged an appeal with the Conference and have instructed lawyers to fight on their behalf.

To add insult to injury the Conference allowed Hampton and Richmond to take their place in the play-offs, even though that club has failed to get planning permission or funding to build permanent terraced seating as required by the Conference.

It has been pointed out that no mention of demotion was received by the Linnets earlier in the season, and as the stadium is owned by the Borough Council...under guidelines, they would not have allowed anyone onto the site during work.

Further to that...it appears in informal talks the Conference are taking a hard line, and there is no flexibility in King's Lynns case, even though the Conference chairman has promised more in general...

The issue is, they are required to have six turnstiles(I don't know how many they currently have)...they have a ground clearance of 5300 with the present set up.

The local authority have said they were advised that starting work after the April 1 deadline would be fine, as long as it was a guaranteed start and would be completed before the start of next season, and have been in constant touch with the Conference, with never a mention of demotion or it not being satisfactory.

EDP-Kings Lynn FC

A weekend...

...of dump visiting. Not to discover some rare piece discarded by another, but the shed, greenhouse and garden look far tidier now. You can actually see the tools for the debris. Thank goodness for the good weather holding. There's still some jetsom ready to go, and the garage needs an overhaul, but that's a future job. Two more removal company guys are coming today...to scare the bejeebers out of me with their quotes. And I also found where my half finished embroideries went! It's amazing where you poke items when you've viewers coming...

Then it's off to our eldest sons, to remind me where my grandsons classrooms are, as I'm collecting them from school on Friday, whilst Mum and Dad are having a weekend in Bath...it's their birthday present from us all...as they both have one of those special ones this year!

Something or somewhere on Saturday to let them run around, and then it's the school May Fayre on Sunday...with Maypole dancing...and hot dogs, and tombolas...and coconut shy...and cakes... Let's hope for as nice a weekend weatherwise as this last one...

And some etched...

...beads...

1 - Rose Pink
2 - Pale Blue
3 - Clear

and some dots!

We're still waiting on details for the move, but we've had one removal company in to quote(we need eighty boxes...oops), and another two are coming on Monday... It's amazing how much you accumulate over eighteen years, and that's how long we've lived in our present house. He looked at the books and sighed...I took that as being an "oh my...poor back!" I didn't like to tell him there are boxes of books in the loft too...I just told him there were boxes... Our solicitor seems to be keeping himself busy, sending out letters, left, right and centre...querying all sorts of things...maybe he's trying to justify his fee too...

Apart from that...life just wends it's way...and England won the Test...

A few new...

...beads on display...

1 - Willow Glow
2 - Salmon
3 - Violet
4 - Opaline Blue
5 - Opaline Green

There were a few more...but, they've already vanished...

I'm umming...

...and ahhing. Trying to choose some linen to make cushions from. I want it to be soft, so a mix would probably be best...and hardwearing, my family aren't gentle with cushions...even those for effect. It used to be easy, but it's been awhile...now there's just so much choice. I've found some in Japan, I like...or do I buy a bolt from France...

Apart from that...I took my camera into the garden again...

That was...

...the weekend, that was! And a beautiful one, yet again...

For Saturday, we had been invited to a friend of my husband's wedding, and a beautiful wedding it was too. Everything was relaxed, even to the vicar who was the only person who fluffed his lines, but...and I am not religious, he was good...spoke from the heart and not by rote...an American from Pennsylvania. The bride wore a handmade satin dress of soft coffee colour, and the bridesmaids wore dresses the colour of soft chocolate, unusual but, it all worked beautifully. Bouquets of deepest red roses, coppers and creams... The bridegroom, being a Scot wore a kilt(dress Gordon), and his best man, a Naval petty officer wore his dress uniform... We had a wonderful time, and wandered home at 1:30am...

Sunday...see below! Football related...

Then, bank holiday Monday...the weather due for a change...and the grey clouds proved that. But, we did manage to mow lawns and get the little car going. The poor thing has been sadly neglected, but with a new battery and some pumping of pedals, it's now running up and down the road happily. Then off with the covering of dust and leaves, a bit of a spruce...and baby is almost back to her happy self.

That's when it started raining...so a listing of new beads...answering a few queries, and the start of another week...with questions to the solicitors about proof of ownership of the small strip of parish land between the houses and road...(the purchasers solicitors can't find proof the parish council own it), so there's talk of an indemnity, and they've asked (for the fifth time) if the Aga, woodburner and electric fire are staying...THEY ARE! Then a call to a couple of removal companies...after which we should be just about there...except we still await details of the fixtures and fittings in Norfolk, and the vendor is in Ukraine at present...

And now...

...the end has come, and the final curtain has been pulled across the death throes of a season.

Black...gallows humour abounded at the Valley on Sunday, when the whole stadium stood and chanted "Stand up, if you're going down"...by this time Charlton were three goals to the good against Norwich, and Barnsley were drawing at Home Park, Plymouth. For Norwich to be safe they needed two things to happen, they needed Barnsley to lose to Plymouth and Norwich needed to play over their nerves, which they couldn't. How many times have we seen those nerves jangling, and exposed with the Charlton players this season...that must win game...those got to have points. Let's hope next season we give ourselves a good start and a base to build on, then we shouldn't see those nerves.

Where I sit/sat, I had some nice gentleman behind me already booing Hudson when the team was announced...it makes you wonder! Last game he was explaining to him how he should be going back to his last club...

Whatever happens during the close season, players out(eleven out of contract), players in...changes in the management or boardroom, it's going to make an interesting first game in August, but a more interesting few months between now and then.

Congratulations to Cambridge United for reaching the Conference play off final...they beat Stevenage after being down 2-0 in the away leg. They now meet Torquay United, who beat Histon in the second semi-final, which was a shame, it would've been great seeing two local rivals meeting in such a game. For those who don't know Cambridgeshire geography, Histon is a large village just north of Cambridge city, literally on the edge, with just the A14 between them.

In a low scoring game, Kent beat Middlesex on Sunday at Southgate, with Tredwell having bowling figures of 27-6 from 10 overs including 3 maidens, and then went on to beat Scotland yesterday, both Trophy games. Tomorrow sees the start of the Test Series against the West Indies...the first match is at Lord's, starting at 11:00am.

Here endeth the sports bulletin...please see the next episode for the rest of the news...