The sender hadn't realised the large card needed an extra six pence postage, so it was held at the sorting office until the few pence owing had been handed over along with a "handling charge" of £1.

Our postmen and women are always apologetic about the erratic service. Sometimes it's gone 2pm when the letters finally arrive, a common complaint in rural areas.

With all the hoo-hah over its arrival, the recipient of the card had expected its contents to be of more excitement than a simple "best wishes on your birthday" greeting.

He's discovered money and pestered for a wallet; but what a job to find the right one. He wanted something "pony" but also "camouflage" and, after much hunting, an item fitting the bill
was found.

He was given a tractor, the same make and model as his uncle and grandfather use, and now wants to take his wallet to the shop and buy a baler and a trailer to match.

"There might not be enough money for a trailer as well," he's warned.

His father has recommended walking along looking for dropped money on the pavement, but there are hazards – such as lampposts – to be considered.

Our school dinner lady made us laugh the other day when she reported that he'd not wanted any more gravy and, picking up on all the food intolerances children seem to have these days, had given the reason "I'm allergic to it".

We were at a ruby wedding party the other day and, as many of the guests were farmers, it was a dilemma as to whether to enquire about harvest or not. It seems rude not to ask how it's going – or not going as the case may be. But then the question usually results in so much eye-rolling that it's difficult to know what to do for the best.

We hadn't needed any fresh hay last year, the previous crop being so good. This year the bales couldn't be further from their predecessors. They are, to use an agricultural term, nothing more than "fill belly", rough feedstuff that's good enough for stopping animals from being hungry, but with no real nutritional value.

The late-arriving postcard, sent from the Queen Mary 2 by somebody else celebrating 40 years of marriage, made me wonder where the year has gone.

With the start of school for our youngest, there's a bit of a gap that the Husband thinks needs filling with more work. It would be more fun to fill it with another horse, but that's easier said than done. Perhaps I too should start looking at the pavement…

Those with boys interested in ponies might like to visit www.milistyle.co.uk or call 01754 820090 for details of their camouflage range.