Council has planted tree on my land.

OH is delighted as he spoke to farmer and he can go and get manure for the veggie patch when he likes! -

In incomer complained about my geese honking and waking him up in the morning. I told him I'd deal with it and sent him one, all nicely plucked and gutted for Christmas. He's not mentioned the noise since!

Orca.....now thats pure class on your behalf! Well done.

Good one Orca!

orca Does that mean he's been 'goosed'?

We live in framing country too- plenty of manure around, and muck spreading from time to time. You makes your choices ...

We do get flies in the Summer - so we've put screens on one window per room- but the problem is the kitchen door, as I + dog go in and out every few minutes, so closing the screen is useless. We will invest in one of those beaded curtains this year, and see if that does the trick.

Just too many of us want our cake and eat it though. One of the joys of Summer here is watching the swallows and housemartins dash in and out of our large roof barn, where they live - no flies, no swallows- and on balance, I'd rather have the swallows ... so will have to accept the flies.

People want pristine gardens, and wonder why wildlife is no longer abundant...

Like it, orca!

Where we go on holiday, in France, across the lane is a hunting dog kennels. These naughty dogs keep getting out and leave little surprises for us in the garden, usually late at night. Have to be very wary when nipping out for early morning swim. Smells and animal noises are all part of the countryside.