Helen Monkton

Helen of Asissi

Today I have performed a good service. I rescued a blackbird who'd got themselves tangled up in the netting meant to protect our redcurrants from said birdies.

Poor little thing had obviously stuck its head through the netting hoping for a lovely juicy currant, and then got stuck. I bravely grabbed the flapping bird as it looked at me with huge eyes and carefully cut the net (sorry Dad) to let him go free. I don't know who was more nervous, I've never held a wild bird before.

Phew... that's enough for a morning!

Mess

I wonder why I haven't written so much lately. Facebook is so much easier in many ways. But by easier, I mean quicker, more 'i've got a couple of mins so i'll have a peep'. I'm not sure I like it.

Meet My Girls!

Meet my new ladies!

The new additions to the Monkton household are 3 rather threadbare chickens, rescued from an incarceration in a cage the size of an A4 piece of paper.

Hetty, Maude and one still to be named are happily acclimatizing themselves to their new home. They must be relatively happy, they laid an egg this afternoon. How stupidly excited was I!

Heel!

Missy may be adorable, but she certainly displays all the attributes of a small toddler when you try to take her out controlled by a lead! Today was day 2 of 'WALKIES' of said pup, and although better (marginally), her and I have still got a long way to go!!!

Gradients and Gardening

I can't put Carla's account of our walking trip yesterday any better, so please read hers!
Standing in the middle of nowhere in the Downs reminded me how much I love a good walk, and that it's equally enjoyable alone or with a whole crowd.
Not content with the fresh air of yesterday I wrapped up like a Michlein Man today and started drawing up plans for the chicken run in the garden. Spurred by drawing, Dad and I began to clear the area designated for our new flock (well if you can call 2 a flock). It's taking shape. All I have to do now is repair the old rabbit hutch and build a run. New skills to me, but it's a challenge!

Charity Begins in Chichester!

Since deciding to commit to buying clothes that were predominantly ethical, organic and otherwise good for the planet and people whenever possible, I have noticed that shopping is not as fun as it used to be. Going into each store is a mission and I wander round looking at all the labels and casting them aside with a sigh when a 'made in Bangladesh' sign faces me. But yesterday was different...

Errr... Hello?

No, I'm not going to apologize once again for my lack of blogging. I just acknowledge that it hasn't been a priority for a while. But maybe now is the time to reinstate the discipline of writing... we shall see.

1034

Hey, I just found out I'm the 1034 best female swimmer in the country! How funny is that. I've only swum in 2 races this year and yet I've managed to get 700 odd points apparently, according the British Decathlon Competition. I didn't even know I'd entered! HA

Chicken Run

I went to Sainsbury's last night and the shelves were bereft of free-range chicken...

The cause... Jamie Oliver.

Birthday

Well, I'm halfway through the celebration of my naissance. And so far, I'm having a lovely day. Relaxed and enjoyable. Unwrapping gifts over coffee before heading to one of my favourite coffee shops for a light lunch, joined by Sam and Carla. This evening I am off for quiet drinks in town.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. I always struggle to enjoy my birthday due to its proximity to Christmas, but I have to say, the last couple of years, things have improved. I think, and more likely, my attitude has changed and I don't get so wound up about it.

I have also decided to have an un-birthday in June when the weather is better! It's an idea that I have often considered and with the encouragement of a friend, I decided to do it this year. Celebrate a little on the actual day and then do fun stuff later! At the moment I'm wanting to do a high ropes course called 'go ape' (www.goape.co.uk) My brother's been there before and said it was a lot of fun. Sounds good to me, so start saving the £25 now dear friends!

Maybe birthday's aren't so bad...