29/4/25

There is excitement in the air here. Progress has been made on the caravan debacle. The Mistress was even dreaming about the outcome last night. She reckons it pays to go to the Disputes Tribunal. Watch this space; this could happen very soon, within two weeks, as he has a date to pay up. But this could mean we could be homeless. This poses a problem: where will we live? I ask her. The Mistress assures me all is well. They have plans that I am not privy to. But I live here and would like to know these things because we will soon be house sitting in Doyleston. His Lordship's brother is going to Italy and needs someone to look after the chooks, cat, and some horses for a whole month. At least this is somewhere to live, but what about if this caravan is gone before then? She continued that all was in hand and that I was not to worry. 

The phone keeps ringing or pinging these days as she is organizing an event and has been in touch with many people. I thought she didn't know many people here. She announced that she had contacts and a new committee behind her. This, too, is a mystery that I am not privy to. It is so hard being a mere Gnome these days.

They took me for a ride with their twin and wife on Sunday. It was a lovely sunny day for our Autumn season, and the Mistress announced that we should make the most of that sunny day. His Lordship had it all under control, and we would head to Mayfield, then on to Methven. Oh, goodie, she says. There is an Enchanted Forest she wants to see. This could be a good place for a Gnome to visit. I wondered what I would see and couldn't wait to get there. 

All around was luscious green and hardly any traffic. This pleased the humans, and me, of course. At last, we had arrived. His Lordship had no intention of walking on such a track, and the twins' wife didn't bring her walker. 

Off we went under the trees and on the walkway. Lots of interesting things to see, plus a few Gnomes and their friends. So much fun for me posing for the camera. Someone had obviously gone into a lot of trouble, and there was a castle across the bank, but these two old humans didn't take the risk for fear of not getting up the other side. She says it is not at all funny growing old, you know.

 

This was an interesting place, especially for me, but the Mistress didn't want to keep the others waiting in the car, so we headed back. We also found the lady's house that started all this, as she saw her letterbox decorated, so that was another stop and a pose for the camera.

It appears her husband started with their letterbox. The children passing took a liking to this little house, which gave them an idea for the Enchanted Forest. She roped her husband in so he could make doors for the fairies. Some Gnomes were there, too, looking after Mother Earth. The butterflies were impressive, and much time was spent on the signs. It was a child's paradise. 

They bought an ice cream and stopped to eat it in front of some Rugby Posts over the fence. She had spotted something exciting. You will have to look hard. 

The big chap lit up last night and watered his garden. I now have more friends to talk with and do our Gnome business when the coast is clear of humans. Since we have been here, her collection has increased somewhat, but I shan't say how many for fear of retributive justice. It is well past the 430 mark! 

The Mistress was most surprised that a parcel of gnomes arrived this week. His Lordship had ordered one for himself. She felt it was unusual for him to do this, but she didn't complain. It's the chap here raising a Gun. She isn't impressed with such a thing, but he has the adrenaline from the duck shooting in his system. He will leave here on Friday and return on Monday. This gives his darling some peace. She has all sorts planned for herself, which will keep her out of mischief. There is a Swap Meet on Saturday and Sunday, and she wants to visit Timaru.