Now I’m home and sort of unpacked, but certainly not organised, I have located my acorns, conkers and keys!

And, before I left my Mum’s, I raided her phone for good photos of the old oak tree.  She says it is the same age as the ones in Windsor Great Park and that this tree once formed part of the park when the land was included.  Obviously not part of the golf-course then.

Then I have the acorns from the red oak, which is fairly new – probably about 30 years old. I think I have 10 acorns and Mum is on constant look-out and collect!

Plus the “perfect” oak tree. Ths photo was taken last year.

And conkers from the horse-chestnut and some keys from the sycamore.

So if you want any, and are happy to pay postage, please email me – frances@fstaylor.co.uk – and let me know your name and address and what you want.  This is strictly on a first come, first served basis and I am reserving a few of each first for OH as he has plans for his Arboretum (good luck with that!)

And if there is a huge demand, I will send my 80 year old mother out collecting!

A friend and I climbed up the hill to check on the Minions.  I shouted so they came running over to us.

There is something infinitely pleasing about horses and ponies galloping happily towards me.  My heart smiles. I feel loved.

I haven’t seen the chaps in this field as we have never used it before for them.  It is quite a slog into the hill but a good field, none the less.

But the Minions are not very impressed to be honest. I think they miss the constant trudge of people going past their field. They do like to chat and/or beg.  I know they set their tummy-clocks by the school children.

But it is a useful field for this time of year and it will do them good.

They have a splendid view, too!

Obviously, I caught up on my kisses.  I have missed these little chaps so much.

The girls are looking good, too.  A bit feral but perfectly happy being horses.

Newt was a little aloof to start with.  The world needs loofs!

But we had a chat and all was fine.

Some tried to follow us home.

And I think I am going to do something a bit better with the gate.  I see Storm thinks it is a challenge!

I’m home …… and breathe…..

Almost everyone was pleased to see me again.

BeAnne enjoyed a small sulk as she could smell Teddy (Mum’s dog) on my clothes.  She kept coming back into the room to check that I was still here and then going off again to sit outside to enjoy her sulk.  I was quickly reminded that all is not plain-sailing with Her Maj as she went all “pale and interesting” over her breakfast.  We had a little game of bally-ball later and that cheered her up.  She ate her tea so maybe I am forgiven.

Lambie pretended he didn’t know who I was – twit.

The pea that is his brain eventually kicked in – he said a nice hello and let me tickle him.

Luckily Missy was my best friend.  She is still enchanting and the black spots on her ears are even more noticeable now.

The old men came up the hill for a carrot.  They looked very well.

I was also duly frisked and investigated.

So that’s me happily home, feeling relieved the driving ordeal is over.  Now to try and rescue my old car and get that back too.

A lovely stay at Tebay and, after a hearty breakfast, onwards this morning. I filled myself up and then my new-to-me car (Mum’s Honda Jazz -semi-automatic (get me!)) as well and off we set, ever northwards.

The  weather was a bit better, which made a huge difference, and I made good time, stopping briefly at Tesco, Dundee for boat provisions.

And then, as I was driving into Aberdeen, the best sight ever greeted me and I knew I was nearly home.

I had a bit of wait, as I had arrived quite early. Better too early than too late. I was also too tired to shop and too scared to leave my front place in the car queue.

I am safely onboard now and in my cabin. I shall make myself two huge mugs of tea, have my supper and go to bed. Tomorrow I will see my BeAnne.

I left Mum’s at about 09:30 and reached Tebay, my hotel for the night, in Cumbria by about 16:00.

Due to the adverse weather (rain, rain and more rain), I took it very slowly but Mum’s car went solidly and steadily along.  It is a fine car and I am very impressed.

I am currently drinking two mugs of tea, lying on my bed, while listening to David Attenborough on the tv. Dinner is booked for 6pm, breakfast for 8am and then I will wend my way up to Aberdeen to the boat.

I am very tired but relieved to have got here safely.

The view from my bedroom window.

Night, night xx