well we had a Birthday Boy today, my Father. An exceptionally talented, generous, kind and intelligent man who has seen an awful lot in his 85 years I can tell you!

Mum put onto the cake everything a “Dad” is from part time help to brother, you name it!

Then a fantastic 85 for Dad to blow out with candles and then…

pictures of the grandchildren etc all around the cake – what a fab idea!

The cake Mum, as always, just stunning!

Dad loves visiting the Alpacas and seeing the newborn cria with Mum too.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Well the Blackberries on farm are fabulous and we have been enjoying Apple and Blackberry delights for a little while now. Why are the best ones always the highest though?

and although WE will NOT be eating these, Mother Nature provides readily for the birds too…

it is not very often I will write about Pubs because everyone has their own opinion on what is great food these days. With lads all topping between 6ft 2 and 6ft 6 inches – yes I did say 6ft 6″, we are not really into teeny weeny portions at very high prices. In addition, as a farming family we also like the food to be cooked naturally and not the “microwave mass” type of restaurants that sadly so many Pubs have become.

To this end, although we do not go out often, we have really enjoyed three “Pubs” this year for food with great service, the Green Dragon (mentioned on a previous blog), our local The Greyhound at Siddington and just recently we have rediscovered The Tunnel Inn at Coates.

The Pubs in South Cerney are great and are all very different but we like to travel just a little further and our favourite this year for the best service we have experienced to date has to be…

the Tunnel Inn at Coates.

You need to check what is on as they have different events and it is a windy road off the beaten track but it is a rare treat and to see horse riders dismounting outside and sitting at the tables, dog walkers having a pint and lunch is a step back in time and savoured.

portions are great and prices are good, better still they have an excellent Chardonnay…

well the Summer is fading but the year is not growing cold yet, unfortunately nights are drawing in though. Alpaca walks are ending in the daytime earlier and there is definitely a chill in the early evening…

but still fantastic blue skies and spectacular Cotswolds scenery… and pubs too…

what better way to celebrate September but with warm weather and short rain showers making everything grow…

and I mean everything…

already weighing a cute 40kg, and as tall as a Ridgeback, our little pup has two more years of growing to do – apparently!

I found this perfect little Summer number at Waitrose… heaven chilled on a sunny day…

well, I am often asked what is behind the gates on the road. these are always locked as we are by appointment only for our very special Visitors.

But, on special request, here is a sneak view of Kensmyth…

somebody once said to me that it is not the first time that you remember doing something but the last time, I am not sure. We always enjoy our warm days by the River, as our visitors do too… not to mention our furry friends…

well, always behind on blogs but time to catch up again. what beautiful mornings in August as the weather changed slightly towards wetter but still warm… and very blue skies

Just a quick note of congratulations to Charlotte Dujardin  and Valegro from Gloucestershire for her British Gold Medal.

Of course congratulations to all medalistsat the Olympic Games just gone .

Good luck for the Paralympians to follow shortly.

From Gloucestershire: