The farm is coming to us.

Needless to say, we have exchanged, and the completion date is set a few weeks after.  The stress is off, but the pressure is on for all that comes with wrapping up one life and starting afresh in a new one.

We spent a week away with friends in a mountain resort in the French Alps, courtesy of my wonderful brother who lent us his chalet for the week.  If one more person sings the immortal lines: "The hills are alive....." I might just deck them!  While we were away a bunch of errant Long horned Highland cattle made their way into our garden, and up the long path to the back door of our cottage.  Our neighbours managed to herd them back into the field and block their escape route.  The 'farmer' had noticed some strange excrement in the garden and commented upon it, to which I replied it might be a badger.....a rather large one, was the reply. 

While we harvest broad beans, potatoes, courgettes, runner beans, spinach and other roots I can't help feeling sad for the veggies that will be left behind.  I also relish with anticipation the discoveries ahead of us.  I am longing to let my hedgetrimmer loose and start the tame the wilderness we have bought into.  Having spotted an aerial photograph on the wall of our farm on our second viewing from the 1960s, we know how much the trees and vegetation have grown to create almost 100% seclusion.  While privacy is something to be valued, I favour light, an open aspect and a view across fields to the neighbouring village and church.  These will be my tasks, to be carried out with care and thought.

For now, we enjoy our last few weeks in our village and our medieval cottage.  My daughter is enjoying her BFF who is only 3 doors away...something we will not have the luxury on our farm, but with a new life comes new challenges....

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