at the Dorset County Show

It was recommended to me that I should go to the Dorset County Show so this I did. I don't know why I've never been as it was just up my street. Even though I have lived in Dorset for 6 years it reminded me that I spend my time in the areas that I have grown to love, but don't really take the time to explore further than the radius of Hengistbury Head to Lulworth.

There was so much to see.....and eat! ....The cheeses.. cakes..pies...sweets!  It is a surprise I didn't roll home. I loved how you could have contact with the animals and talk to the owners and breeders. I had no idea what an assortment of different breeds of sheep and cows you could get. All were stunning in their own little way. I sank my hand into the coat of one sheep and lost it in it's thick fleece. My friend asked me what was my favourite animal there; My answer was initially the piglets, then no the goats, oh and the sheep not forgetting the amazing Bulls.

It was a shame that Maria got stuck in traffic on Saturday and didn't join us as I would have loved to have seen the look on the Little's faces, when they saw the rows of tractors and animals. So that would be my only tip! Come as early as you can to beat the traffic and leave later to avoid it going home. Maria and her family did go on the Sunday and absolutely loved it.  I did really well not coming home with enough animals for a small holding and enough cheese for a cheese cake factory. But I did buy myself a lovely cheese wedge door stop and a sheep skin rug to wiggle my toes in come winter.

This show will definitely become an end of summer tradition and break the fall of having to go back to work.

 Big kids making bees wax candles

 In its life time a bee only produces a teaspoon of honey! 

 Knees

 My dream car!! 

 Didn't bring enough cash for this lovely moon print 

So white and cuddly! 

Stunning - I think these are long horns could be wrong! 

Lets hope the farmer hasn't counted these piggies 

Just like in the film Amelie - I loved putting my hands into these sacks of grain and wheat

Love a goat especially when they look this snuggly 

Could make a great leek and bacon dish with these guys! 

Cheeky Sheep with his cider bucket 

Alpacas are amazing I can't get over their gentle nature and long eyelashes

Loved this inquisitive goat! They have so much personality

This made me laugh! poor uglies! Bet they taste ok! 

We would love to hear from you about your summer finds! 

Gem x

Discovering new campsites in Dorset

The first weekend of the holidays Maria suggested we all get away for the weekend and go camping. I never need much encouragement so we all set of in convoy to a quiet little patch in the middle of the Purbecks. During the drive I was directed down a very narrow road and was convinced we were going the wrong way. It was far too pretty not to believe it, so we followed the road we missed this little sign and and had to do a U turn, for others this would be a bad sign, for us It was just what we wanted to see, Simplicity!

The campsite was recommended on Junkaholique  . Artemis is absolutely right,  Jims Place is the perfect campsite. Like walking back into my childhood; A small summer field a few tents, the sounds of a handful of happy children. No kids club, shop, smell of a chip fryer in sight. Only a meadow of wild flowers, some free roaming guinea fowl and a big open space to just 'be'.

We enjoyed walking around the little village and were delighted by the bunches of sweet peas for sale and the free courgettes on offer.

We will definitely be going again!

Yes the courgette was hot and needed to cool down! 

This Cottage!! Swoooooooon

This little one really loved his first camping trip! 

We had courgettes and chorizo for starters! Yum

Morning Coffee - Enamel ware at the ready! 

 A three year old is very useful for jumping/rolling on things, when it is time to pack up camp

We would love to hear of your Dorset Campsite recommendations 

Gem & Maria 

Sinking into the summer holidays

This time last week I was sitting through a school assembly feeling the bubbling anticipation of the summer holidays rumbling through the cross legged students waiting patiently for the call of the bell.

And it has come...... finally, those blissful days were; lists,meetings,targets, millions of questions, demands from little people, big people don't need to be met.

Just the call of the sea, open spaces, days with friends, throwing clay pots, summer picnics, family day trips, camping, holidays, long long summer evenings and still unplanned adventures await!

we stay awake and think of things...the happy things that summer brings Dr Seuss 

Hope your all enjoying this amazing not so British Summer! 

Gem x

Discovering a little patch of heaven in Mells Somerset

Last weekend I took a road trip home to Somerset. We dodged the rain and took a ride out to Mells and Frome for a womble. My folks had stumbled across this lovely walled garden which offers yummy pizzas from their home made pizza oven and lots of tempting plants and bric-a-brac for sale in their amazing green house. They were excited about showing it to me and it was no surprise to say that I felt I had fallen upon a little patch of heaven!

Not for you pigs x

 Enamel ware.. Wombeling heaven! 

Would love to make one of these! 

We all came home with a few more house treasures 

I love finding new places that will some day become road trip traditions! 

Happy Weekend All! Hope your having your own 

family adventures! 

gem x