Touring, Toucans & Tequila!

Hola Señoras y Señors!

He & Me swimming in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

12 days in Mexico has gone just like that, I can't quite believe how quickly we're home when you consider that we booked the holiday nearly 7 months ago and waiting for it to arrive felt like an eternity. However, the wait was most definitely worth it, what a holiday it was. Actually strike that, what an Adventure we had!!! Now I know what you're thinking, that this is the 'dog blog' and should be about M&M. I will be mentioning the 'Little Darlings' briefly but please allow me this self indulgence to share with you our adventure, the nature, the sights, the beauty that is the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Almost there....somewhere over the Bahamas!

We flew British Airways into Cancun and we were immediately met and transferred to the resort of Playa del Carmen (PDC), approximately one hour south by car. PDC is a place that would appear to be all about the beach and naff souvenir shops, with not much else going for it. Yes, the beach is beautiful, the sea is a dazzling turquoise blue as is the sky, but for me it felt a little soulless, geared up more to the mighty dollar than anything else. Thankfully, our little hotel (Playa del Karma) was off the beaten track, set back a couple of blocks from the main strip. It was a lovely base for our 3 days there, nothing amazing but not a bad place either....function over form if you like.

Our room at Playa del Karma

As I said, there's not really much to do in PDC apart from the beach or the tourist hell of shop upon shop upon shop of souvenirs (mini sombreros and maracas anyone?). Over breakfast one morning at the Blue Parrot Café (FAB beach front breakfasts!!!) I noticed in one of our guide books that there was an Aviary at the other end of town, the Xaman-Ha Aviary, which looked and sounded (according to the book!) like a good place for us birders to visit. It took us some time and a small amount of my epidermis (I ALWAYS get sun burn) to find it. Talk about disappointed!!!! 

Relief from the scorching sun in the walk-through aviary

The cost was approximately $20 each which works out more per head than London Zoo, but it was a fraction of the size, taking around 20 minutes to view the entire place. There was only one walk through aviary and the majority of the other birds in there were wild, having been attracted by the free fish...mostly egrets and herons, although we were both happy to find a Roseate Spoonbill and White Ibis which almost made up for the extortionate price, but not quite!

A wild Roseate Spoonbill in Xaman-Ha Aviary

From PDC we got on a coach and headed for the town of Tulum, about one hour away down the main coastal road. We had booked in at the Posada 06 Hotel, which again was situated away from the main strip. In fact, our taxi driver couldn't even find it and needed to ask for directions! When we arrived in Tulum I wasn't the most enthused of people I have to admit, it was a little 'basic' on the surface, being more of a true dusty, hot Mexico as opposed to a tourist destination and I wondered what we had done. 

Posada 06 Hotel in Tulum

However, I am happy to be wrong when I am and wrong I was. Tulum is a marvellous place to base yourself for adventures out of town, including Mayan ruins, Cenotés, the beach and bird watching. While we were here we arranged an entire day visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve with a great company called Mexico Kan Tours (http://www.mexicokantours.com/lang-en/tulum-tours/sian-kaan-adventure.html) and had ourselves an adventure. 

Mr. John "Jacques Cousteau" McEllis

We saw Bottle-nosed Dolphins, Loggerhead Turtle and various birds, however for me there were two negatives. Number 1 - I've never, ever snorkelled before and when it came to going in I was more than a little nervous. The water was quite choppy and so visibility wasn't 100%. Every time I submerged my face I panicked, my mask kept steaming up and I just didn't "get it". Number 2 - what with the 'floundering about' and panicking, my wedding ring slipped off and sank to the bottom of the Caribbean Coral Reef we were floating over.....the Mayan Gods truly received a sacrifice from me. Once out of the water and back in the boat, the compulsion to sob at the loss of my most precious possession was too much.

Bottle-nosed Dolphins

On the trip we were joined by one other couple, Susan and Brian from Minneapolis - who were a scream! We were very happy to meet up with them the following day to go swimming in Casa Cenoté, experience a tropical thunderstorm while snorkelling over Green Turtles (Susan and I stayed on the beach!) and drinking too much Corona Beer!!! We will definitely be keeping in touch with them.....they were a proper laugh and jolly good fun! 

Casa Cenoté - truly amazing!

The day after the trip, and before meeting up with Susan and Brian again, we arranged to go early morning bird watching at some Mayan ruins called Muyil. We were picked up by a young man called Juan Antonio and driven to the ruins. On the way we saw many birds, my Husband excitedly screaming "TOUCAN!" from the back of the car will be a 'forever memory'. The ruins are smaller than others in the area but the birding is magnificent. We saw Hummingbirds, more Toucans, Trogons and many more.....a place I would have loved to have returned to, but alas we didn't have the time. On the return journey we stopped off at a beautiful, milky-turquoise lagoon and dipped our toes in for some much needed relief from the heat.

Hummingbird & Chicks at Muyil (possibly the best bird picture I have EVER taken!!!)

We left Tulum the following day, boarding another coach to take us back to PDC and ultimately the ferry to the island of Cozumel, which lies in the Caribbean Sea around 11 miles from the mainland. It's also where the huge cruise ships stop off and offload thousands upon thousands of passengers, for snorkelling at the huge coral reef and also, once again, shop upon shop upon shop of souvenirs!

The ferry from PDC to Cozumel

We pre-booked two different hotels on Cozumel, the first on the far west of the island called Ventanas Al Mar, which is very secluded and quiet in its isolation....just what we needed after a few busy days in PDC and Tulum. It was a nice hotel, however not really worth the price we paid and because of its location it was pretty much cut off if you didn't hire a car (we didn't!). This meant we had no evening meal and no way to get one as the hotel didn't provide dinner. Thankfully, the hotel manager and her husband, Lupita - think Margarita Pracatan and you're not far wrong and Gary who liked to blow on his Conch....I kid you not, drove us to the east side of the island so we could buy a 'balcony picnic' and we spent the night watching the waves and the stars while eating and drinking.....bliss!

The balcony view from our room in Ventanas Al Mar

The following morning we did a bit of snorkelling (half drowning myself and having a tantrum about it basically) before heading to the east side of Cozumel to a lovely little hotel not far from the airport. When we arrived at Casita de Maya we were truly happy, such a cute little hotel, lovely rooms, pool and an owner that would and could do anything for you should you so wish.....and he had a dog called Trixie who was cute, cute, CUTE! Jokingly, I decided that Trixie (before I realised she was a girl!) was Max's great-great-great Granddad, Chimichanga Nacho Tortilla, what with his Mexican heritage....I can't think why Trixie reminded me of Max!

Chimichanga Nacho Tortilla aka Trixie!!!

We stayed at Casita de Maya for 2 nights and took advantage of the great drowning, I mean snorkelling opportunities in the area, as well as getting some more bird watching in (Hummingbird on a nest right outside the hotel door!!!!!) and finding some dam fine restaurants off the beaten track, rather than putting ourselves through the hell that was the sea front with its thousands of ferry passengers and such delights as Señor Frogs and Wet Wendy's (don't ask!)....and let's not forget those shops!

Casita de Maya - a little gem!

From here, we had nothing booked as we deliberately left the last couple of nights of the holiday blank so that when we got to Mexico we could decide where we liked best and return if at all possible. And so it was that we jumped on the 7am ferry back to PDC and then hopped on another coach returning to Tulum (the coaches in Mexico have free wi-fi by the way....result!) and then skipped with glee to our next place of residence. We enlisted the help of the guys at Mexico Kan and they managed to get us booked into the Coco Hotel Eco Chic Cabañas right on Tulum beach. Having left Cozumel at 7am, we were happily lazing in a hammock by 11am...

We were very happy to be back at Tulum

It was such a change from the rest of the holiday, to be right on the beach, hammocks at the ready, Pelicans and Frigatebirds flying overhead. It is a beautiful, restful place and was the tonic with which we wanted to end our time in Mexico, just wandering up and down the beach, playing in the surf or off bird-watching. Returning to Tulum also gave us the opportunity to meet up once more with the fabulous Susan and Brian and discuss the Mayans and their special needs Corn on the Cobs.....a long story which I would gladly relate for the small price of a Mango Margarita!

His Lordship relaxes

When we were originally in Tulum we didn't get round to visiting the Mayan Ruins, having only had time for the small Muyil Ruins visit for some top bird watching. So, with camera and sun cream in hand, off we tottered. Taxis are incredibly cheap (unless you get ripped off by some f**ker in Cozumel like we did!) and so for the price of a bag of potatoes in Sainsburys we were driven to the ruins. Upon reaching the entrance my fella spotted what can only be described as a swampy dump, but not just any swampy dump, it was a swampy dump brimming with birds....and he says he has bad eye sight! I think we spent more time in the 'dump' than we did in the ruins, but we did see more Hummingbirds, an Ovenbird (they really do build a clay 'oven' in which to incubate their eggs) and lots of Iguanas.

A small part of Tulum Ruins

The remaining time we had in Tulum was spent relaxing, enjoying the beach, the sun, Margaritas, birding and just having some time out. It's definitely what my man needed after the hell that was the last 7 months or so. I wasn't really aware of how much I needed it too, my priority being Himself, but need it we both most certainly did. Mexico, the part we went to anyway, was truly wonderful, a marvellous place.

Coco Eco Chic Cabañas, Tulum Beach

I kept being reminded of Kerala in southern India, the people have the same happy, smiling attitude to life, they're helpful, they have a sense of humour and yes there's poverty, but it's a "happy poor", one I would be happy to embrace, having seen it for myself (just leave me with broadband, my iPhone, the puppies and hens and my Hubby and I'll be happy!). Should you have the time or the inclination and wish to peruse a couple of hundred pictures from the holiday, please click this link to view them:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25748879@N05/sets/72157626210039068/

Day of the Dead skulls in a Tulum gift shop

While we were away, the Girls and Max & Millie were being ably looked after by Aunty Angela, one of Mr. McEllis's colleagues. Angela was plied with mucho chocolate and alcohol to 'ease the pain' while we were away, and do a grand job she did. I have to admit that I did send the odd message under the guise of 'Are you ok Angela?', but which was more along the lines of 'Are my babies ok???'. 

The lovely Angela

The pups were both extremely happy to see us, although at first I think Millie forgot who we were and took about 15 minutes to 'warm up' before her little behind started wagging furiously. Max was as Max is and was absolutely apoplectic to see his Dads again, the best welcome home in the world.

I missed you Daddy (notice Millie on the left, completely not bothered!!!)

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the short, potted version of our trip to marvellous Mexico. We both hope, one day, to return to the country, not only to revisit favourites bits, but to experience more, to see other birds (we saw around 50-60 species - there are around 500!!!), more Mayan ruins and the wonderful, chilli/chocolate-infused culture......oh, and to definitely drink more Mango Margaritas!!!

Adios!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Goodness me, what a busy couple of weeks it has been for the residents of McEllis Towers!

Knackered.....!

Last weekend Grandma Celia (Dad No. 2's Mum) came to stay. We haven't seen her for quite some time and what with our busy lives we thought we'd get her to London sooner rather than later before we all forget what the other looks like. With Grandma's arrival came treats, lots and lots and LOTS of treats....and not just for the dogs! Max and Millie received some toys and food treats and Yours Truly received what can only be described as a "Sweet Mountain"....I'm not complaining AT ALL, although one's waistline is a tad larger than it was before Mum's arrival!!!

Grandma reads Maximillian a story...

Alas, while Mum was here the weather was less than wonderful with constant mizzle, it was cold and damp so outdoor activities were limited. However, M&M and Grandma had some quality time with each other. We took the dogs to their favourite shop, Pets at Home (MORE treats!!!) and they went to Shannon's Garden Centre (OUR treat!).....a relaxed, quiet and lovely weekend was made even more enjoyable by the arrival of our friends, Mark & Paul for dinner on the Saturday evening.

Millie shows Grandma the "sights" of SE London!

Recently, it's been all about Millie, which makes a refreshing change from Maximillian "I'm So Needy" McEllis, to be honest! While my man was off work with his bad back I was walking both dogs and decided to try my hand at 'training', I use the word loosely. I *thought* I was doing quite well and that Millie's pulling had improved and she wasn't doing badly, considering her trainer! Step forward 'The Maestro'.....back on his feet and feeling much better, Mr Ellis took on the mantle of head trainer (which includes training me by the way!), and oh my, WHAT a difference in Millie from what I foolishly thought was progress. 

Millie is still on the lead, but much, MUCH improved

Amazing, absolutely amazing, the transformation in a matter of days that Dad No. 1 has achieved with her Ladyship through the use of rewards and positive reinforcement. I'm not the most patient or tolerant person in the world when things don't go as I would prefer (I'm sure you haven't noticed), so this is probably why Millie thought it best to just ignore me, which only made me worse quite frankly. However, my loss is her gain and she is now wonderful on the lead, truly marvellous.

Millie-Moo-Pudling-McEllis

Not only has Millie been receiving excellent training now that she is in the hands of an expert, she has also paid a couple of visits to the Vet. Millie (and now little Max) developed a sniffly, sneezy nose and so we thought it best to get them checked out before we go away to ensure it was nothing more serious than a doggy cold, which is indeed what it is. However, much concern was felt when our so-called Vet initially thought it might be necessary to give Millie a tracheotomy......(Are you absolutely sure you're a Vet?!?!?!?!?!). I am considering writing a letter of complaint and changing the Veterinary practice based on this one conversation that Dad No. 1 had with the 'Vet'.....a little alarming when you can plainly see that she is fine apart from a runny nose, we just wanted her checked out so as to be sure.....!

I don't feel well Dad...*atchoo*

The other reason for Millie's visits to the Vet is that she has finally been spayed. There will definitely be no Millie puppies, ever, which bizarrely makes me feel a little bit sad and disappointed. I think she would have produced rather beautiful little pups, however it's probably best when you consider her attitude and naughty personality - could you imagine "Mini Millies"?!?! On a serious note, it is a requirement of the re-homing process that all dogs are neutered to ensure no further strays or unwanted dogs are produced to then be rescued so our hands were tied on the subject of puppies anyway.

The Recovery Ward

Finally, we have had a birthday this week.....that of my Husband, Dad No. 1, Mr. John "Archibald" Ellis. The 26th of February saw the Old Git reach another birthday. He decided that his birthday should be Mexican themed in honour of our impending trip and so, armed with a handful of cook books and a few ideas in my head, I decided to cook dinner and invited the Ellis Boys over, along with the wonderful Emma, Henry's Laydee, innit so that they could spend the evening with their Dad. OMG, what a night!!!! They drunk us out of house and home.....(I cannot imagine where they get that from) and I am pretty sure that Mr. Ellis Senior awoke with a small hang-over this morning.

The Birthday Boy in full flow!

I decided I wouldn't make a starter, instead going for home made pop corn sprinkled with salt and chilli powder. There was a moment of concern when the popping corn lifted the lid off the pan and began popping all over the kitchen and in the bowl, but you live and learn (and squeal like a big girl). Main course was chicken molé, with plain white rice, a green avocado salad and warm flat breads which was much, much better than I thought it was going to be, although there was another panic prior to the cooking when I realised that I had to boil the whole chicken and didn't have a pan big enough (Note to self: read the bloody recipe first you numpty!). 

Holy Molé!

I had prepared Cointreau infused Creme Brulees for dessert earlier in the day, having made them countless times before, however they weren't particularly lovely and mostly discarded due to their 'less than creamy' texture. The evening itself was brimming with much laughter, love and buckets of booze. The Birthday Boy made Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises (yum!) which were consumed before, during and after we sank a few bottles of Champagne. It was a wonderful, wonderful evening with Emma and the Boys.......

My Ellis Men *contented sigh*

That brings us to the end of another instalment I'm afraid as I'm now off to start sorting out holiday clothes (YIPPEE!), do the ironing (my Husband has yet to learn how to use one) and collapse with a cup of tea in front of the TV with a sniffly Max & Millie. I doubt there will be a 'dog blog' update until we return, however Maximillian and Millie are being ably attended to by the lovely Angela (I hope the poor woman is prepared for them!)....more to follow in a couple of weeks...

Adiós a mis amigos

Return to Ashtree Cottage

How can time seem to go so fast when you don't, in reality, do very much?! That's how it has felt this week. I've spent my week days longing for the weekend and when it comes it appears to go again in a flash! This weekend was spent in Cheshire, at "Nana Joyce's House". We went up on Friday evening straight after work, the journey being the usual motorway hell! It was very odd arriving at the house with no lights on and no bonkers Mother in Law greeting you with a huge smile, a big cuddle and a small whisky and lemonade. 

Upon arrival at Nana's - Max is knackered after the journey

Joyce is all over the house but without her there it felt to me like a monument to her, frozen in time, the spark that was Joyce has gone from the home but the memories created there, with her, will always be. I have to say that on more than one occasion I expected her to come bounding out of the greenhouse or find her baking something in the kitchen, I can't quite comprehend that she's gone. The weekend dredged up feelings for my own Grandma, her death and not being able to visit her old house and just how much I miss her. I know everyone has to go sometime, but just because they're gone doesn't mean you have to let them go, does it? 

Millie keeping her eye on me!

On Saturday morning we took the dogs for a long walk over The Coombs and along the canal. They love it down there and Max really enjoys having a good run around with a stick, terrorising Millie who has her own agenda and just wants to walk, walk, walk. We met a dog called Hector, a gorgeous black and tan King Charles Spaniel who really liked Millie, although she wasn't particularly taken with him. Max didn't really care, just wanting to catch sticks and run around like a loony, as is his way!

Tilstone Lock Cottage - Joyce was born here

The rest of the weekend was filled with my Hubby doing 'housey' things and pottering in the garden, saving plants, weeding, tidying and giving the place a general dose of TLC. I have to admit, I spent most of the weekend walking around feeling a bit lost if I'm honest. Joyce was even more effervescently jovial than her son (if that's possible!) and it didn't feel right, her not being there and I didn't feel comfortable touching her stuff in the house. The house felt like someone had uncorked the bubbly and it had gone flat. Obviously, I'm not Joyce's son, "just an in-law", having only been around 8 years or so, however we got on well, really, really well and we had a right laugh most of the time and I truly loved and adored her, I always will. I felt sad at her funeral and shed a few tears but I think I felt grief this weekend, real tummy churning "I Miss You" grief.

The view over The Coombs with Beeston Castle on the horizon

We're hopefully going to return to Cheshire in a few weeks when we return from our holiday, the garden will definitely be in need of some more attention and it will be nice to see the place again. In the meantime, we have said holiday to plan for, and our own garden is in need of some TLC. The hens are doing well and on full egg production now which is great!

It's a Fair Cop!!!!!

On the way home today, I was 'clocked' speeding by the Staffordshire Police and subsequently pulled over on the hard shoulder of the M6 Toll. I was bundled into the back of the Police car, questioned, given 3 points on my licence and a £60 fine. The pain was only lessened by the fact that the Policeman was rather lovely with his goatee and leather trousers. I realise that I got off very lightly and could very easily have been banned so I am thankful for that! And no, I am not telling you how fast I was going, but it was fast and for the rest of the journey I got to see what it was like to drive in the nearside lane!

It's 2011!

Wonderful Readers, a HUGE thank you......we've smashed the 2000 hits barrier and as you can see, the last time I took a peek we were on 2011....appropriate or what!

Slowly but surely we're catching up with those pesky hens! 

As I type I see that the Girls are on 4786 hits......we can smash that, of course we can, so let's give it a go.....tell ALL your friends, family, colleagues, stalkers and anyone that will listen to come and have a butcher's at the puppies. Please don't hesitate to give the blog address to anyone that might be interested......(not that this is a competition at all!!!). To show that I am of good spirit, please click this link to take a look at The Girls http://hensinthecity.blogspot.com (but don't tell too many people!).

Skunk is dead, long live Skunk!

Every time I go shopping I cannot resist getting Max & Millie a little treat, whether it's a toy each or foody titbits. While I was in Croydon last weekend I visited the Pet Shop and found mini Skunk and Raccoon ragger toys, similar to the large ones they got at Christmas from us. They love them and enjoy a good tug of war when they're playing. Literally, within minutes of getting the new toys they were destroyed, killed, no more, mort! Skunk took a particularly vicious attack however Raccoon wasn't safe and took a bit of a battering.

That poor Raccoon!

Miss Millie McEllis continues to develop and emerge from her shell. When she first arrived in August 2010 she was so shy, nervous and quiet. The same dog she is not! 

Millie - a poor little stray in August 2010

Millie has us round her little paw now and is so outgoing and happy, her little bum wagging nearly all the time, we're so very proud of her positive development, she's a little star and we wouldn't be without her, ever.

Our Beauty in January 2011

It goes without saying that because we got Maximillian Sydney Bruiser as a puppy, he has also changed...quite a lot really!!! When he came to us he was a tiny little thing, cute and adorable. 

Max - the cutest puppy EVER!

He's still cute and adorable, however he also has a personality now which borders on just plain naughty!!! However, he has the heart of a lion and is ready at a moment's notice to rush to the bottom of the garden and 'see off the pussy cats'.

Our handsome Lad

We've had Maximillian Sydney Bruiser McEllis for a year on 20th February which also means that the blog is now almost a year old. How time does indeed fly when you take on the responsibility of dog ownership! Every day has been filled with fun, happiness and love (and just a few tantrums from yours truly when the pups have 'killed' something or made a mess). But, be without them we would not be. 

Max & Millie - loved and adored beyond measure

To update you on my Hubby (is that a Hubdate?), he went to the Consultant at Kings College Hospital on Friday and finally, after some weeks, we have a prognosis....it's his spine, not his hip at all, which he has maintained all along. He has muscle spasms that have 'frozen' and hardened because our GP (who I now believe to be King of the Numpties) took so long to faff about and basically came up with nothing which in turn has just made my man worse. My old man now needs to take a muscle relaxant, i.e. Diazepam to assist the relaxing and therefore aid treatment. But, at least we now know what it is, rather than the GP just saying "I don't know" and pumping him full of even more drugs!

Hubby is on the mend

Pud and Pee-Wee-Two-Poo

We're always giving the puppies alternative names, Max is Shmoo/Syd/Bruiser/Monkey Boy/Little Shit/Poo Face/Mr. P. Uppington (a personal favourite) and Millie is Moo/Chunkella/Wiggly Woo/Mills to name but a few, however just recently it would appear that Millie and Max have a couple of names that seem to stick. Millie has developed a waistline since her previous life as a waif and stray - well she was never going to be a size zero, not in this house - and so Dad 1 has taken to calling her 'Pud', which does suit her. She does eat far more than Max and doesn't have the metabolism or endless energy that he does so it seems only right that she becomes a solid lady with a voluptuous figure! She's gone from Kate Moss to Oprah Winfrey without the drugs or doughnuts!

Pud

Maximillian has a couple of toilet-related 'habits' (He was never going to be classy was he?!?!) and so it goes without saying that his new names are also derived from his daily rituals. Pee-Wee-Two-Poo has been so named in honour of the fact that he has a 'little problem'. He can't control himself when he gets really excited and so he dribbles and 'wets himself'. Although, if you're Aunty Kay, you get him really, REALLY excited and then you plonk him on Dad 2's chest and watch as Max pee's all over his Dad.....thanks Kay!!! Two-Poo is basically because when we go out for a walk to the park Max nearly always does two poos, most of the time in the most inappropriate of places and that's the story of Pee-Wee-Two-Poo.

Pee-Wee-Two-Poo

Apart from coming up with ridiculous alternative names for the pups, life is as life is, quiet and non-eventful for the moment. Considering the last 6 months it's something I'm rather happy to roll along with to be honest, lord knows 'His Nibs' needs the break and I have recently come to the conclusion that I am tired, really rather lethargic and in need of a rest, both physically and mentally - and I'm "menstrual", short tempered and moody (no change there then I hear you say!!!). However, all is not well in McEllis Towers, my lovely man is unwell again and we don't really know why. Pain and discomfort, the inability to walk too far without using his walking sticks (Thank God he can still reach the kitchen and cook the dinner - yes, I AM joking!!!). He's had all sorts of tests and x-rays, however we're no nearer an informed decision (our GP is a prize Numpty!!!) so it looks like we'll be getting him back in to hospital for more...there is talk of an MRI....we will see. I worry about him, I always worry about him, but it's the last thing he needs right now and is, as they say, the icing on the cake!

Mr & Mr McEllis

We're currently flicking through seed catalogues trying to decide on want to grow at the allotment for this year's crop. We're definitely going to get the mini poly tunnel up this year and fill it with various varieties of tomato, cucumber and melon and then fill the outer beds with the usual suspects - french beans, potatoes, celeriac, broad beans, artichokes, salad leaves, radishes, brassicas, turnips, etc, etc. The planning stage is very exciting, almost more exciting than watching your seeds grow into something edible and delicious and I can't tell you how fantastic it is when you get home and the post has brought you a delivery of seeds......FAB!

A small section of the allotment - 2010

We are currently planning our trip to Mexico (Don't tell M&M - they don't know!!!) and we're more than a little excited.....the warmth, sun, bird watching and relaxation will do us both the world of good methinks. I've only ever been to the Americas once, the West Coast in 1998 so this is very exciting for me.....all those new bird species I haven't seen yet including Hummingbirds *excited scream*

Now if someone could arrange for the next 5 weeks to be 'event free' I would be most grateful!!!!!

5 weeks and we will be here!!!