Sunday saw our harvest festival at church, which had been decorated in magnificent style, and at the same time there were three beautiful little girls being christened. The church was packed because of it.

Unfortunately, one of
the neighbouring cats, a beautiful and rather substantial tabby and white, had got into the church. It had found various ledges
and perches, and was terrified by so many people.

Before the service, several of us decided to watch it, and led by the vicar, we finally cornered it in the lady chapel, where the vicar grabbed it, and promptly handed the animal to me.

Dressed in full choir robes, with a protesting and wriggling cat, I walked down the aisle past many amused onlookers and let it go in the churchyard, where with great relief and an astounding turn of speed if legged it towards its home nearby.

The service was a success, and the collection went to support Farm Africa, so the collection was made in Wellington boots. Quite a few of the children were wearing wellies to show their support.

During the week, a group of Ilkley Round Table gents visited a pub in Kettlewell, and assured the landlady that they would make a donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance if she would serve them breakfast in fishnet tights and underwear.

She valiantly bid them up, but made it a condition that they breakfasted in boxer shorts. They were as good as their word and made a substantial donation. The weekly quiz we do there is also in aid of this worthwhile cause, and so far we have raised over £2,000 for them.

On the way back from the quiz I took the back road, and as my friend and I were driving down the deserted road we disturbed a huge tawny owl. It was momentarily caught in the headlights and was quite magnificent.

We also saw a string of hedgehogs, scurrying in search of a nocturnal supper.

I like that back road, because I can see glimpses of nature not usually visible on the main road. Of necessity, you have to drive quite slowly. As we passed Grass Woods, I glimpsed a deer retreating between the trees.

I have recently acquired a pair of white Runner Ducks, I think crossed with Aylesbury. My proud Jacob Tup, John, had to have a bit of minor surgery recently as his horns were growing into the side of his face. I have kept the horns and hope to make buttons from them.

The goat is most put out because she cannot now break in to the feed store, but she managed to get into the house the other day, and ate the contents of the fruit bowl, and a canister of tea bags, both of which she broke.

I took all four dogs to the vet for their annual jabs. When the vet called me in, she asked for the Woodcock family. Those vets have looked after my "family" very well. Froyle my older collie is a bit overweight, but otherwise all seem pretty okay. Tara has a problem with her ears, but I have eardrops to try and solve it.

The evenings are drawing in very fast, so I need to be back before dark, to finish the daily chores, light the fire in the living room, cook a meal, and then fall asleep in front of the television. When I come to, I remember the things I should have done, like writing next week's quiz, sending letters, but tomorrow is always another day.