My Patch is

 Dear Reader,

I used to live in old Charlbury, Market Street, for many years after leaving Oxford for a quieter and more peaceful life.  We bought an old cottage built in the 18th century with all its charm and inconveniences.  The stairs were treacherous, the windows let in the wind, there was damp and there were mice.  Lots of them.  But it was pretty and "quaint" and I was happy there.  Until the council decided that we could no longer leave our car in the field at the bottom of the lane. So we had to move. My stipulation to the estate agents was simple.  We wanted a garage more than anything else.  

The only houses for sale at the time were on a Cotswold stone estate away from the centre of town.  We bought one.  The central heating does a wonderful job of keeping us warm, the rooms are light and airy and we have a small and delightful garden.  And there are no mice.  I wouldn't have imagined myself living somewhere like this years ago, but it is the best move I ever made for so many reasons.  Do read the poem and you will see yourself what they are. Just to let you know the best reason.   It is the neighbours, both kind, helpful and funny. What more could you want?

 

From George Sturt, November 21st, 1890, in Surrey

'I noticed in the poplar above me two sorts of sound; the leaves pattering and rustling against one another, each with its separate chatter; and then as accompaniment and continuous ground-tone, the wind itself breathing audibly and caressingly between leave and round twigs and limbs.' 

 

From Gilbert White, November 26th, 1775, in Hampshire

 'Fog, with frost.  As the fog cleared away, the warm sun occasioned a prodigious reek, or steam to arise from the thatched roofs.'

 

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 My Patch is

houses with small gardens
bricks that are uniform
pale gold in the sun,
grass on the greens,
trees scattered here and there
a ted post box round the corner,
the Co-op a short walk,
dogs on leads, owners friendly
with a good afternoon, or hello
with kindly neighbours,
nothing too much trouble in the way of help
and bouquets of flowers
on my birthday,
lots of peace and quiet except
for the odd dog bark or a child's cry,
lots of space for cars,
and a blackbird singing on the roof tops.

My patch is perfect,
makes my heart sing.

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If you enjoy this blog why not try my memoir:  Half a Pair of People    out on Amazon.  Reviewers have said it is hilarious and also thought provoking.  Put in Patricia Huth, click and you will be there.

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With very best wishes, Patricia