Tuesday 4 May 2010

She could 'ave found a better 'ole!
















I'm a simple country field mouse, without airs and graces. I trundle along in the hedgeback, minding my own business and trying to keep out of harm's way. When I first met my wife she was (I thought) a simple country girl but somehow, oh dear, she has developed ideas above her station.


When it comes to making a home for our intended family, I have always thought it wise to leave the choice of site to her. If I choose somewhere it is bound to be too hot, too cold, too stuffy, too vulnerable - so, like most men, I find it easier to sit back and let her choose.
Well, all I can say is now I wish I had been firmer. Round here there are hundreds of hedgebacks, miles of stone walls, dozens of uninhabited stone barns, plenty of old tree trunks - need I go on. And where, do you suppose, has she chosen to set up home?
Right by the farm gate, that's where! Right where the farm traffic goes in and out every day,
where the farmer's wife drives out to do her shopping, where the farm dogs come romping through twice a day after their walks, just where the farm cats choose to sit in the sun and survey the scene.
Not content with choosing there, she has nibbled off all the surrounding grass to line her new bed so that our entrance hall is visible to anyone who happens to look down as they come through the gate.
'Why did you choose here?' I tentatively ask (she is heavily pregnant and I don't want to upset her). Well, I told you she had ideas above her station - what do you think she said -
'it will be lovely to give birth in a little terrace of tulips and hyacinths - think of the perfume wafting down into the nest; and have you seen that beautiful flowering cherry tree just over the wall - think what pleasure that will give the children when they first come out to survey the world; you're bound to get a better class of mouse here than you would in the hedgeback.'
So here we are stuck, and would you believe that she is even chuffed today because the lady of the farmhouse has been out and photographed our house - I think she is expecting it to be featured in Homes and Gardens next month!

27 comments:

Hildred said...

A sweet little story, - Mrs. Field Mouse is evidently prepared to live dangerously to provide the niceties of life to the children. Good luck to her....is she any different from the rest of us ?

Unknown said...

What a mind you have, Weaver! You appear to live in a most sought after area!

Maggi said...

So cute.

Titus said...

Oh, that's a wonderful tale weaver, beautifully told! Gorgeous photos too.

Cloudia said...

so loverly!




Aloha from Hawaii


Comfort Spiral

steven said...

weaver such a hilarious take on the little critter! we have a couple living in the garage. there's a whole world out there but here they are. oh well. steven

Barbara Martin said...

A wonderful tale with equally engaging photos.

Jeannette StG said...

What a cute story! Hope we'll get a continuation of this?

Bovey Belle said...

This made me smile! Obviously her first brood, and she thinks that half a ton of wall above her makes for safety. What a shame about that rather obvious open front door!

Heather said...

What a delightful post Pat - Mrs. Mouse is quite right - her immediate surroundings are very attractive and I could happily live there myself.

Gigi Ann said...

That was a cute Mousey story. I guess Mrs Mouse trusts you won't do anything rash to her hole in the wall home under the stone wall.

Anonymous said...

How delightful Weaver!x

Enchanted Oak said...

Now I'm nervous for the mouse. For the whole family. Oh, those cats! What was Mommy Mouse thinking?

Crafty Green Poet said...

Good luck to the mouse and her family!

Granny Sue said...

Thank you for the story--a different perspective indeed.

Teresa said...

That was delightful! Next installment please!

Leilani Schuck Weatherington said...

Your lovely story reminds me of the time we found a nest of baby rabbits about 3 feet from the back porch after they were just about grown. All of us had walked by it day after day -- even the dog and the cat -- without a clue.

Golden West said...

Thinking of you and hoping all is well, with sunny skies on the Dales.

deb said...

you could give Beatrix a run for her money!! How charming

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Missing you!
Where are you??

Hildred said...

And I keep watching for you too, - hope all is well.....

Caroline Gill said...

I just loved this! It really made me smile as I thought of the wee cow'ring beastie and family.

Sandy said...

I'm a little behind with my blog reading. What a delightful story about Mr. & Mrs. Mouse. Enjoyed it very much. I have a similar story about a bunny on my blog who made a nest right next to our neighbors deck steps where their dog go in and out several times a day.

Titus said...

Weaver, just dropping by. I do hope all's well with you.

BT said...

What a wonderful tale Weaver! Your photo is superb. I hope they survive in their upper class home!

Jenn Jilks said...

She knew Weaver would watch over her and her brood! Lovely!!! My Muskoka is filled with tourists and my precious geese and goslings have headed for the hills... I know there is bird turd everywhere, but they are so cute and we seldom have visitors.

DCAja said...

bliss forever!
rajs