The Summer has limped along here at Thirteen Moons. We don't seem to have had much more than the odd day when it was vaguely warm. Our plans and aspirations for outside have been hampered, but fortunately for us we have had a string of helpers this Summer.

We have a volunteer from the HelpX organisation staying with us at the moment. Confusingly she is also called Dawn! We have drawn the distinction between them as "Boss Dawn" and "Slave Dawn"....not very politically correct and all that, but we never were the best at that. Slave Dawn has been a real asset to Thirteen Moons and for Dawn (that's Boss Dawn) and I. Slave Dawn has revamped the shop, cared for our animals, worked....well.....like a slave, all for the meagre priviledge of staying in our dog-filled house. As I write, the two Dawns are out, unsupervised, in Elgin and surrounds looking for bargains and escaping the Moons for a few hours.

Clare has also been helping out, mainly tidying and building outside. She is amazing and a font of ideas and inspiration. Where Clare gets her energy is a mystery to us, us who drag our sorry bones out of bed after hitting the snooze button at leas three times.

The other big news for us was that my daughter Bella has been up for the last month. It was lovely to have her staying for a good length of time. It was an eventful visit, and one that will always be remembered with both joy and pain. Bella is now back down the road and has taken Sam along with her so he can spend some time with Steve and Luke and family. The house is tooooooooo quiet now, also, we have realised we can't blame the teenagers for the mess in the hoose if they aren't here! So I should be doing my Cinderella bit just now, but have taken a break to update this blog.

In the shop we have been uber busy through the season. We are continuing to get new customers as well as our regulars. We love you all........really......it is amazing meeting all these wonderful people. There are so many amazing, talented people in our community. Last Sunday we hosted a party for Roddie who was the miller here at the Mill of Towie for many many years. T'was a great night with friends old and new, all connected to Roddie or The Mill. The event was put on by Alex and Priscilla from the Drummuir Estate, and a fine night was had by all.

We have been working with Maggie and Angus from Steading Artisan Foods and Debbie from Wild at Heart. Forging really strong links with local businesses who share our ethos and aims. We are looking forward to working with Huntly Herbs in the near future, always making Thirteen Moons ever more community focussed.

Finally, don't forget to book your ticket for "A Local Affayre"(Sunday 31st October), our Bistro night with The Steading and featuring their amazing culinary skills, and also a chance to enjoy Mama's Brand New Bag in concert. This will be a very exclusive night with limited tickets available to ensure an intimate, personal night of fine dining and great music. Tickets are going fast so book soon to avoid disappointment. See the Events section of this web site for further details.

It was our great priviledge to be invited to the Queen's garden party at Hollyrood Palace in Edinburgh this month. We felt very honoured to have been nominated and then selected to attend. It was also a great excuse for a trip to Edinburgh for us, seeing as we haven't had a day off in ages. We took the train down and enjoyed the chance just to sit still for a few hours and to be alone for a while. I think we made the right decision as Edinburgh was gridlocked while we were there.

We stayed in the centre of the city for one night before the party. We maxed our time there, wandering the streets and exploring. It was the first time I had been in a city for a while and after 24 hours I was ready to get back to the country, beautiful as Edinburgh is, there are just too many folk in yer face! The party itself was a strange affair, and I did actually have cucumber sandwiches with the crusts off. Dawn and I couldn't help but marvel at the catering facilities put on for several thousand people while we are coming to terms with our first busy season at da Moons. We simply need a host of staff and fab equipment and we could pull an event like this off.

We had a great break away but were glad to get back home.

Warm, long days in Scotland are a delight. It sometimes seems that in this part of the world, it has forgotten that it should get dark at night. Long days are great, but also mean there is no excuse for putting your feet up. The jobs just keep piling up think and fast.

Dawn and I have been struggling to keep on top of things as Thirteen Moons gets busier, animls keep having babies and my nursing job keeps me on the go. We got to a point where we have had to say, enough is enough....this isnt really fun just now. We were working so hard, but feeling like we weren't getting anywhere. So we have had to decide what we do.......do we quit, let all this go???........Damn you life!!!! you won't defeat us that easily!!! So our alternative has been to look for more help around the place.

To that end, we have taken on a bit more help. Shona and Mary have joined the Moon Team. Both local ladies who not only help aboot the hoose, but also are getting Dawn and I up to scratch with our Doric, the regional dialect here aboots. I know what a "cloot" is and "dubs" and that everyone loves a "bosie". We also have a volunteer with us just now. Dawn. Which makes for much confusion in the kitchen with 2 Dawns working. We tried to explain the whole concept of volunteering to Sam.....Dawn is staying with us, gets board and lodgings and in return helps out around the cafe and with our animals. Sam listened carefully and at the end of our eloquent explanation he said "So..........she is like a slave and I can get her to do whatever I want?".....which has lead us to referring to my Dawn as "Boss Dawn" and volunteer Dawn as "Slave Dawn"....its all terribly non-PC but it makes us smile.

There has been much hatching of eggs recently. Our small holding now has a number of wee chicks and ducklings running around. Ronnie and Reggie, the pigs keep getting bigger and are looking tastier by the day. These bad free range pigs busted out of their pen the other day, what a time to choose, Saturday morning just before we opened! Well they were enticed into the goat field with food and promises, and are now installed there while I try and sort out the electric fencing.

We have 3 Cayuga ducks too. Free cycle finds, these beautiful irridescent birds shine bright green in the sunshine and lay black eggs! We almost had a peacock too! Dawn responded to a call telling her this bird was on death row, going to be shot in the morn, so off she went to Grantown ( about 40 mins away) to the rescue. Only to fail to capture said bird and returning hours later with 2 lowly hens in the van. But it was not a wasted journey as Emma and Dawn found a natural burial ground and heve decided they are going to weave their own coffins out of willow..............no......they dont have a problem......no....not morbid.

And finally for now, I am writing this blog in a hairy state. I'm not shaving for England! I'm backing the beard!!! and will continue to do so as long as England stay in the World Cup! Come on Boys!!! Germany on Sunday!! Gillette shares must be hitting rock bottom by now.

So thats it....dont forget tarot readings with Sun Fyre first Wednesday in the month and also we are starting jewellery making workshops with Jo from Dragon Flight Designs.

See you at da Moonz!!

We were very honoured to be asked to host the wedding reception of Adam Taylor and Lesley Ford at Thirteen Moons on 15th May 2010. This was a new departure for us, even though Dawn and I had our Handfasting ceremony in the Mill and also Emma and Ian had their binding ceremony at the summer solstice last year. This was to be the first semi-commercial wedding we would host.

Adam and Lesley arranged for a magnificent marquee to be erected by North of Scotland Marquees and the grounds of Thirteen Moons were transformed into an idyllic rural setting for their celebration. A hog roast was provided by a local butcher, and flowers and music were sourced locally. The couple were determined that not only would their dy be special for them and their guests, but also they wanted local businesses to benefit as well. This was exactly the ethos we promote at Thirteen Moons. The marriage took place at the beautiful St.Rufus church in Keith, then the wedding party was piped to Keith Station where the Keith-Dufftown railway had been chartered to transport their guests to Thirteen Moons, making an extraordinary stop at Auchindachy, harking back to days gone by when there was a working station at this site. A big thank you to Dave and Jill Wells who allowed the guests to alight at their property and cross the road to Thirteen Moons.

The weather was fine and the atmosphere was superb all day. Food was provided by caterers from RAF Lossiemouth and was delicious. I ran a bar for the first time with the help of Royan and Derek. We had a great time, and managed to party ourselves behind the bar between serving guests.

I have to thank all our helpers who worked like Trojans to make the day go so well, Fergus and Francis were chief washers up, Royan and Derek behind the bar and Skye for overseeing the whole Shabang. I would also like to thank Emma especially for stepping into the breach when we ran out of hot water , and for all her hard work the following day too, and Layla for putting aside her glass of rose for a while to help the guys in the kitchen when it all got a bit stressy!

So Thirteen Moons.....the perfect rural wedding setting????....watch this space for more developments.

Tomorrow we have two guests coming to stay for a few months...we are getting two Tamworth piggies from Jim. This time we are going to be confirmed Fair Weather Pig Owners.......these two boys will join us in the Spring and say au revoir in the Autumn. We hope to have our piggies butchered and be available for sale later in the year, so let us know if you are interested in some Thirteen Moons Magic Pork.

The sun has been shining and we have been falling in love with this place all over again. Tonight we took Rhum and Magnifico for a wee walk up the hill. T'was really lovely and peaceful, apart from Magnifico alternating between immobility and kicking his heels up and trotting down the road. The ducks and hens have been laying eggs again. The Spring is here.

We are open!! Hurrah I hear you cry......about time too!! Our Christmas break just went on and on curtesy of the worst winter for many years here in North East Scotland. We have survived floods, snow and ice, burst pipes, power cuts and pestilence.....well, not pestillence really but Dawn did have a nasty cold.

It was the ice and snow that really got us. Our track became unpassable except in 4X4s or tractors! and even then it was touch and go at times. Eventually the weather improved and we set an opening date for 2nd March. We had a Press day on the 1st which was well attended and the spin off was a couple of great articles in local papers, and the chance to tell local people what we are up to here at "da Moonz".

We are so glad to be open again and seeing some familiar faces again and meeting lots of wonderful new people who excite and inspire us. Our other big news is that we have embraced the Social Enterprise structure for Thirteen Moons. We have appointed a Board of Directors, an Advisory panel and will be seeking Members in the near future. Andy, Jo and Margaret provide a variety of experience and expertise which will be such an asset to call on. The Board will oversee the company and ensure we stay true to our social purpose which is to provide an outlet for local artisans and producers and also to meet the needs of our local community. We will be seeking "Members" and "Friends of" Thirteen Moons in the very near future, so if you would like to hear about all our plans and events, or if you want to get more involved in how Thirteen Moons evolves you may like to join us? Keep an eye on the website for more news, or drop into Thirteen Moons for a chat.

We have had some great events already since opening. The Keith Walkers group visited for lunch, then we sold out our Mothers Day lunches. It was a roaring success, but poor Dawn was on her knees by the end of the weekend. We are hoping to have visits from various other local groups over the next few months. Its a great way for us to meet more people and to spread the good word about Thirteen Moons.

Couple of dates for your diary:

Easter Weekend sees our grand Easter Egg hunt. Fun for the young and the young at heart.

Then we have ambitious plans for the first anniversary of Thirteen Moons. We are planning a big fun day, a "Poker Run" for motorcycles, music and mirth. Keep 4th July free, its going to be a great day

So the days are getting longer, we have whole days above freezing and the Spring grass is trying to show itself. These are the days to come down and see us at Thirteen Moons. Relax in the restful peaceful atmosphere  and enjoy good wholesome local produce. Hope to see you soon.

The thaw came and went and now we are back under the white stuff yet again. We have a horrible sense of Deja Vue as the fields disappear under a white blanket yet again, and our poor animals shiver. Anyone who says we have not been through a "proper Keith Winter" may suffer a severe sense of humour failure on our part.

While the shop has been shut Dawn has been making stocks of marmalade and chutneys, and we have been planning for our re-opening on the 2nd March. Our plan is to open 6 days a week, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 and having Mondays off. Our other big decision is to embrace the Social Enterprise aspect of Thirteen Moons and seek to push on with our social values as core dimensions to our business. We will shortly be opening up membership to Thirteen Moons. By becoming a memeber you will receive a regular newsletter and updates of all the events and happenings at Thirteen Moons and be able to attend our AGM when we will review how our trading year has gone and look forward to the year ahead. As always your views and opinions are valued and we will be seeking feedback from our customers.

Anyway, enough of all this, if yootmaiu want to know anymore about Thirteen Moons and our Social Enterprise aspirations please feel free to contact us in the shop or by email at thirteenmoons@hotmail.com

We have been snowed in for almost three weeks now. Bella, Luke and Liv are still here, they were supposed to fly back to London on Hogmany, but a combination of snow and ice have cancelled flights. So we are holed up. We have not been able to open Thirteen Moons since Christmas Eve, it simply is not safe, the car park is under at least 4 foot of snow and we are struggling to even get the doors of the cafe open! We also have to consider the build up of snow on the roof which is getting deeper by the day.

Times like these are double edged. The scenery is truly stunning, the snow gives the landscape a magical quality, but at the same time it is causing chaos for the local community. Whilst we make every effort to be a low impact business, we are so glad of our 4x4 at times like these. It has let me get to work at Dr Grays, and also to get out and do a few errands for friends and neighbours who are truly trapped.

It has been great to have Bella, Luke and Liv for an extended break. They have chipped in and helped with all the feeding and watering of the animals and all the general chores around the place. I know Bella is dying to get back to her kitted Pixie, but she phones her kitty most days! Now they are having a blast of snow and ice down South and we send our good wishes to them, we certainly have experienced the winter chill up here.

In just over 2 weeks we have our premier husky race at Aviemore. Ironically, all this snow and arctic weather are putting this sled dog race in jeapardy as competitors from all over the British Isles struggle to make their way up North. Then even if they get here, we have to ensure the trails are safe for the dogs and the mushers. Dawn has mixed feelings about the possiblity of a sled race for her first Aviemore. We will keep you all posted as to how we get on.

Busy times at Thirteen Moons as we move towards the festive season. Dawn has bookings for over 50 Christmas lunches before the big day and I'm sure we will be sick of the sight of turkey by the time we sit down for our lunch on Christmas day.

The shop is looking fab with loads more gifts, arts and crafts and clothing now in stock for some exceptionally talented local people. If you are looking for something a bit special and unique you will be spoilt for choice just now.

Our pottery class has finished for a month or so. I will miss the Saturday morning gang and all the hilarity that accompanied the class. Their creations are being fired on the 17th so we are all looking forward to see them glazed and finished. However, there is never a dull moment here and we have hosted a "Soul Buddies" workshop for kids and adults where old pairs of socks and gloves are transformed into crazy,imaginative dolls and puppets. We also have had Sun Fyre offering Tarot readings, and we have appointments available this Saturday 16th December if anyone would like to book!!

Our BIG new addition at Thirteen Moons is Rhum, our beautiful Highland Pony. He has made his way to us by a complex and convuluted route, but we love this gentle giant. Once again Dawn and I find ourselves back on that steep learning curve as Rhum is the first horse we have had. But as ever we are enjoying the challenge and loving him more and more as we get to know him better each day. Highland ponies are hardy beasts, built for the Scottish climate, but we cannot but feel he needs a nice dry barn at night so he comes across and joins Mr Magnifico (the donkey) and the goats in the steading of an evening.

The huskies are training hard, well the youngsters are at least. Richard ran his first race with the new dogs at Culbin forest a few weeks ago. You can read all about it in the Knock News this month. The girls are really getting fit and we have been getting out 3 times a week, but having to train in the dark which is somewhat hairy at times. We are on a constant merry-go-round of upgrades to lights, brakes and equipment in general, but we are seeing the benefit. Thanks to Emma and Ian again , who are our trraining partners and without whom we would struggle to get out.

Other news from da Moons....... we successfully screened The Age of Stupid for the Drummuir 21 group. T'was a good evening but certainly gave us all a lot to think about with regard to our response to climate change. ........we had a pleasant surprise the other day when Sarah and Keith, husky buddies from darn sarf appeared in the cafe!!! They were staying in Aviemore on holiday and took a drive up to us for a surprise visit. Having got over the initial "weirdness" it was lovely to see them and thier new pesky puppies.......last but not least, visitors to Thirteen Moons are currently being treated to Dawns amazing dreadlocks, pink and burgundy hair for Christmas!!!!......thanx to Skye and Sun Fyre for the styling , and also a dramatic reduction in our shampoo and conditioner budget!!!

Winter is here, its official, the clocks have gone back and we are having to scrape windscreens in the morning. This means we have changed our opening times:We are now open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00- 17:00. Whilst this may mean we lose some business we hope you will understand that it was our beloved huskies that bought us to Scotland and we are setting aside Sundays for racing through the winter season. Our first race being on Sunday 15th November in Culbin forest with the Scottish Siberian Husky Club. Its the first competative race for our pups and we are hoping they will run well. After all the recent upsets with our dogs, it will be a relief and also somewhat strange to be out competing again.

The business seems to be heading into winter in a fairly healthy state. We have hosted some events for various community groups including the Moray Moot and also a local sled dog group. We are really looking forward to showing The Age of Stupid on Thursday 26th November at 19:00. This film is being screened by The Drummuir Estate and is set in the near future when climate change has taken hold of the planet with devastating effects. Pete Postlethwaite looks back at this time as "The Age of Stupid" when we could have done something to change the path we are on, but failed to, hence, "the age of stupid".Tickets are just £5 and will include refreshments and a discussion after the film.

Winter also means that it is time to dismantle the yurt which has been quite a feature of Thirteen Moons. Our yurt is a genuine Mongolian yurt, imported from Mongolia. It is the cosiest, most peaceful space, especially when it is freezing outside, but unfortunately, whilst it deals with the cold in its stride, it did not do well in the prolonged wet periods we experience in Costa Del Keith. We were told that a yurt will "last as long as a good marriage", look after your yurt, look after your marriage, and it will last a lifetime. To that end we have packed away the yurt for the winter, and we will need to do some running repairs before we erect it next spring.

A quick reminder of some of the events we have coming up: Pottery Classes on Saturdays continue and have become very popular. Some of the work is coming back glazed and fired and looks beautiful. Book early to ensure a place each Saturday. Knitting Class on Saturday 24th November and costs £20. You will be shown how to knit a simple "thumb hat" then go on to start a lovely wooly hat made from homespun Shetland Wool. These hats normally retail for more than the cost of the class, so you are quids in!

A big thank you to all our helpers who have helped us get this far, Muriel and Gerald have been absolute treasures, Fergus and Dillon help us on Saturdays, while Royan is on constant "standby" to come to our aid at short notice and finally Emma who has proved that it is possible to be a great friend and also to work together. We are indebted to you all.

Samhain, or Hallowe'en, is upon us and Thirteen Moons is dressed for the season. Oranges and black abound in the shop and our own mini pumpkin patch sits in the hallway. This is how we envisaged Thirteen Moons would run, following where we are in the year, reflecting the seasons and respecting nature.

In the kitchen we have been cooking jams, marmalade and chutneys, using any excess produce to make delicious treats for the rest of the year. All these are available to buy in the shop, and as each batch is hand cut and cooked every jar is unique. Dawn has been teaching some of our younger helpers to make preserves and you will find Royan's jars of sunshine marmalade alongside Richard's Cheeky Chilli Chelly. Perfect for a treat for yourself or as a gift.

Our first advert went in the Knock News this month, and we have started running the Pottery class every Saturday with Lindsey teaching small groups of budding potters. We are looking forward to seeing the first fired and glazed pieces from our talented bunch. Places are available every week as each session runs as a stand alone lesson so book yourself in if you would like to join in the fun.

On the 31st we have a Hallowe'en event at Thirteen Moons. A gloriously ghoulish day awaits you, with hideous face painting, spooky story telling and fangtastic food. Sun Fyre will be available for Tarot readings from the Celtic Trees and Tales deck. These cards were designed by Sun Fyre and are based on Celtic Tree wisdom and Tales and is the process of being published for early 2010.

As the nights draw in why not learn a new skill or reaquaint yourself with the Joy of Knitting. Sally will teach you how to make a "thumb hat" and with that as a basis will go on to teach you how to make your very own hat! Using handspun Shetland wool, and expert tuition, all in a relaxed atmosphere. All materials are provided and you will also have refreshments from the Thirteen Moons cafe all for £20. This class is a one off and will run on Saturday 21st November from 2pm -4:30 pm. There are a maximum of 8 places to ensure individual attention so book early.

There is a definite nip in the air, the mornings have been cold and bright and we have been blessed with blue skies for the last  few days. Despite my good intentions, we have failed dismally to take the yurt down and have decided we will dismantle the beast at the start of November when we have a whole day to do it. In all honesty I do not think Dawn and I have ever been this tired before, but it is a strange feeling because we are exhausted but happy, enjoying our days in Thirteen Moons and all the great people we have met from all walks of life.

As the weather cools, so the huskies get eager to run. Dawn has been taking the pups out with Layla and working on getting them fir for the up coming season. It is an extra job, but it was the dogs that bought us here to Scotland and we owe it to them to make time in our day for them. Hex,Cruz and Voodoo have been getting faster and faster. We have decided that this year Dawn will run the girls at Aviemore, so she is working hard with them and building the team. You may even see jogging up the odd hill trying to get fit for the dreaded Aviemore hill!!

Our babies have moved out into a pen which they share with the guinea pigs. Before anyone contacts Social Services, our babies are our wee quail and chicks, and Clumsy the duckling.

We had a bit of excitement yesterday when a ........"bunch"?....of cows appeared in our car-park. Made us laugh  to see Sookie sqaaring up to the beasts. Seems that even cows believe "the grass is always greener......" and they had waded across the water to our field. Well, with the help of Fergus, Dawn and I shooed them back over and now various fences are repaired and cows are where they should be.

Big thank you to Fergus, Dillon and Rowan for helping out and to Em for her continued support especially over the last week when I had to go South for a while.It is very much appreciated by Dawn and myself

We are experiencing a bit of a resurgence of Summer over the last couple of days, but there is definitely a nip of Autumn in the air. What a welcome relief after the downpours earlier this month. We even had guests sitting outside the last couple of days.

Its funny how things go, there must be some business academic somewhere who can explain why some days are busy, some are quiet, somedays everyone wants soup and then on another we only sell scones? It is the mystery of running a tearoom, and for Dawn and I who have been nurses all our lives, it is somwhat baffling. The last couple of days have seen Dawn's homemade jams,chutneys and preserves fly off the shelves. Maybe it is that Autumn chill that makes people want to hunker down, stock up and get ready for Winter, or maybe they are just after a quirky Christmas pressie? who knows?

Which brings us to our latest bit of domestic strife: As a good husband and business partner I feel I should do all I can to help in Thirteen Moons, so when Dawn left jars and jars of preserves unlabelled on the side I thought I would help by labelling them up and putting then out in the shop. I did a pretty good job I thought...........can I help that Dawn has OCD and cannot bear anything that vaguely deviates from perfect symetry!!! So, my Thirteen Moons labels were a bit......wonky......who cares, it adds to the "homemade charm" and uniqueness. In years to come I am sure they will be collector's pieces changing hands for vast amounts of money in the Jam Auction houses of the Middle East.

So, we could go to marital guidance on this one, or we could just put it out there for a customer poll?........would you be put off buying a pot of jam or marmalade if a label was slightly.......not straight? Answers below in the comments box please!

Moray has been battered by floods. We made the National news for once as houses were left underwated and the power of nature over man was gain demonstrated. Here at Thirteen Moons we found our kitchen flooded, all our fields were under water and our animals were all rounded up and hused in the staeding like some kind of ark. It rained and rained and the rivers burst their banks. People phoned round to see if anyone needed help, we met on the bridge to watch the water pouring across the road while cars stopped and turned around or the occaional gung-ho type would plough through the torrent. It was a terrible day, but also it saw the best of people coming out. Neighbours helping each other, our landlords sending down tractors and sandbags to aid us. All we could do was stand and watch and wonder how long it would go on for.

And ofcourse it eventually did stop, and the water levels subsided, and slowly things got back to normal. For us it meant mopping up and drying out. Returning animals to their fields and inspecting fences for damage, getting the shop re-open and back into the swing of running Thirteen Moons.

Since the floods it has been noticably quieter. But it seems to have been everywhere. It is like the community is still just a bit shocked and can't  get back to normal. This week has been quieter than usual , but toward the weekend, things picked up. We have two more helpers in the cafe, Dillon and Fergus and we have even had people wanting to come and help clean out our animals for us. We are so grateful to all of you who are making Thirteen Moons become the place we hoped it would be.

Dawn has been out collecting animals again. We now have a big rabbit in the bottom of the aviary along with Bert and Ernie the guinea pigs, and a new canary....the type that singsa its little heart out. We also have a new puppy. Sookie crossed our path and how could we say no to this adorable little thing. Kerry and Dee needed a home for her and I was wanting a little dog with a big heart.......a Sookie fits the bill. She is the sweetest craziest dog, and she makes us smile with her antics. Please ask if you want to see her as she is normally hanging around the shop sleeping somewhere, but loves a fuss and a play, and it is all good socialisation for her.

We have eggs due to hatch in the incubator again. We are hoping that  the duck eggs hatch in the next few days, and we also have quail eggs due in the next week or so. In the shop we are starting to get lots of local produce. It is cliched to say you can so taste the difference between supermarket and home grown veg, but Im afraid it is completely true.So we are giving local people a chance to buy local produce as an alternative to what the giant supermarkets have on offer.

All in all, we have survived the flood and we remain cheerful and loving Thirteen Moons. Hope to see you soon.

Richard

We have been open two months today and things have gone really well I think. We have met some lovely people, learnt alot and despite all the hard work, we have been able to enjoy the ride. Ironically, the only reason I have found time to update this blog today is because we have been forced to close due to flooding which has been bad round here, closing roads, flooding homes and submerging fields. We are thankfully ok, and although I am yet to get into the restaurant, I think we have escaped significant damage by about 1 inch!! We have come up with a new slogan for the shop......"Thirteen Moons - we only close for disasters".

Opening Day at Thirteen Moons

We have received some lovely comments in our visitors book and we have loved the days when the restaurant fills up and there is a buzz in the place, but equally, on the quieter days, seeing people bringing their books down, chillaxing on the sofas and taking their time over a coffee or a "Bobby Dazzler" (trademark pending!) is exactly how we hoped the place would be used.

Our menagerie of animals continues to expand as we bought ten new hens from Jim to try and keep up with our demand for eggs. We have also borrowed an incubator and are trying to hatch a variety of eggs, so watch this space for what emerges next week! Mr Magnifico, our superstar donkey has been a real crowd pleaser, but has developed a nasty habit of nipping his admirers. We hope to get Magnifico......sorted......as soon as the flies have decreased and hopefully his naughty behaviour will modify. Bert and Ernie, the elusive guinea pigs have been getting braver. Today we have them in the house as we had to rescue the soggy puff-balls from a diminishing island in the aviary. The goats have been up to no good too, jumping fences to greet our visitors in person in the car park. But no longer, a bit of fence reinforcement has put pay to their little game. Our dogs have started their training for the winter racing season. As the days cool down, we build up the mileage on our Siberians in much the same way as an athlete builds his training for the upcoming races.

We have hosted a number of events already. From small meetings of local walking groups, to a charity fun day in August when we raised over £400 for a Scottish equine charity called H.O.R.S.E. A big thank you to everyone who supported the day and also to all our helpers who worked tirelessly to keep the punters fed and watered.

Our extremely talented collection of local artists is expanding rapidly and we are proud to exhibit and sell their work at Thirteen Moons. We now have the facility to take credit and debit cards so come and find a unique gift, or treat yourself.......you know you deserve it.

Oh well, the rain has stopped at last, so I am out to play with the poor doggies for a while. We hope to see you at Thirteen Moons very soon.