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where in the world is Bilbo: Gloucester

Bilbo with sunflower*What a busy week it has been (get comfy with a cuppa; this’ll be a long post!).  Bilbo arrived in Gloucester fresh from his stay at Bag End in Cumbria but feeling somewhat tired and achy from a bone shaking ride in the back of the post van.  As luck would have it I had an acupuncture appointment booked so Bilbo was able to have a little needling for his van-lag, eat some goji berries to boost his energy and have a chat with Dr Wang about the benefits of chinese herbs. MOSAIC - Bilbo at CMC

We left The Chinese Medical Centre feeling relaxed and recharged and headed for Gloucester Cathedral.  A fan of the Harry Potter films, and a bit of a history buff, Bilbo wanted to explore the corridors of Hogwarts and the Tomb of King Edward II.  I was keen to show him the trees and shrubs that were planted by this year’s artist in residence to attract birds into the garden of the cloisters (as part of a sound installation uniting the voices of the Cathedral choir with birdsong relayed from the garden, recordings of the dawn chorus from around the County and the nightingales from Highnam Woods).Bilbo at cathedral_cloisters*

MOSAIC - Gloucester Cathedral

Down at the allotment Bilbo displayed a knack for caterpillar spotting and we were glad of the extra hands for the continued runner bean and raspberry picking and the lifting of the potatoes.MOSAIC - caterpillars

MOSAIC - Bilbo at allotment

Over the weekend the happy harvesting continued. Bilbo's harvest Sat*

Bilbo's harvest day 1*

It wasn’t all hard work.  Bilbo made some new friends and learnt the secrets of long life from my 92 year old nan.  And we visited our friends’ Dan and Ruth to see if the tomato plants I gave them were faring better than mine….MOSAIC - Bilbo at mum's

…hooray (deep sigh), phew, happy to say their toms are blight free and ripening beautifully.  Rory was pleased too but I think his smiles had more to do with the number of Bilbo’s raspberries he’d eaten!

Bilbo on toms + Rory 5

Bilbo and chuckiesMikey pretended not to mind saying farewell to Bilbo, Billy lavished kisses and Poppet was uncharacteristically quiet.

If you’d like Bilbo to come to your garden next leave a comment here (including where you are in the world) by Sunday evening  (see the rules of play below).  I’ll draw a name on Monday 14th September and will contact the successful blogger for postage details soon after.

(ps. if you think this was a long post you can click here to see how much longer it could have been – that’s if you’re not bored of Bilbo photos by now!  And the Dirt Princess has links to all Bilbo’s hosts since he left her Alabama garden in April)

RULES #1) COPY & PASTE these rules into your post on Bilbo if you receive him. The post must be titled WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BILBO: (your city).  If everyone copies the rules, then the person you send it to will know what to do.  If each post is titled the same, we can keep track of Bilbo and follow him on his adventure.  PLEASE do not forget to copy and paste these rules into your post if you receive Bilbo.  #2) In order to participate you MUST leave a comment on the post about Bilbo with the blogger that has him.  That blogger will draw names from the people who left comments on that post.  Once the winner is selected Bilbo will be on his way to see your garden.  #3) When you receive Bilbo please take a photo (or photos) of him in your garden as well as a photo of yourself with Bilbo.  #4) Rules are linked to http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/ .  Please leave a comment on The Dirt Princess’ page so she can keep track of him and let other bloggers know where Bilbo is, and post where bloggers can see his latest travel.  #5) Please try to get Bilbo out the door as quickly as you possibly can. If at all possible please try not to keep him more than 7 days. We want to get him to as many places as we can in 6 months.  #6) Bilbo will travel for 6 months, April 21, 2009- October 21, 2009.  If you have Bilbo at the end of this 6 month time frame, you will ship him back to the Dirt Princess at http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.  #7) When Bilbo arrives back with the Dirt Princess, there will be a great post letting everyone know where Bilbo has been, when he visited as well as links to the bloggers posts that had Bilbo.  #8) There will be a list enclosed with Bilbo for each blogger to sign once they receive Bilbo. That list will be sent back to the Dirt Princess.  #9) Should anyone have any questions please contact Dirt Princess at http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.  #10) The blogger that has possession of Bilbo is responsible for shipping him to the next blogger. Please handle him with care.  He is ceramic.  #11) Bilbo may be shipped to countries outside the United States. We want everyone to join in on the fun!  #12) If you would like to throw in a little something with Bilbo to ship the next blogger, please feel free.  Add to the excitement.  See what Bilbo brings you when he arrives at your door step

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caterpillar clean up

17 comments

  • mangocheeks
    September 11, 2009

    What a wonderful, lively and humorous entry. You sure know how to bring a smile to peoples faces. Bilbo has had an excellent time with you and your friends. I especially like the photo of him watering the caterpillars, wash them wash them away….

    How much more spoiled can the ‘gold one’ get?!

    Reply
  • Matron
    September 11, 2009

    That’s fantastic! what a brilliant post. I recognize the coridoors at Hogwarts school there! Glad to see Bilbo enjoying himself in Gloucester!

    Reply
  • Bilbo
    September 11, 2009

    You have given Bilbo a wonderful time and I am sure he will be very sad to leave Gloucester.

    He probably needed a break from all that strong local ale which Matron and I have been tempting him with!

    That’s a fine harvest you got there missus, I reckon nearly a complete Harvest Festival {smile}

    Reply
  • April
    September 12, 2009

    What a great time he has had! Rory is precious!!!! I enjoyed Bilbo’s trip…how fantastic! I can see you two had a lot of fun!

    Reply
  • Catherine
    September 12, 2009

    What a great visit he’s had! I wish I could comet there for a visit. He is a lot help in the garden I see. He’s already visited me, I wanted to come by to see his visit there.

    Reply
  • Darla
    September 12, 2009

    What a wonderful hostess you were to Bilbo. I would love for Bilbo to come back to the States and visit me in Tallahassee, Florida.

    Reply
  • Ginger
    September 12, 2009

    What a great time!!! I love the pictures of Bilbo with the (impressive) harvest, and the kitties!
    (I’ve already had him, but I vote for him to go to Darla next — she’s been faithfully following him everywhere!)

    Reply
  • Nip it in the bud
    September 13, 2009

    thank you all for your kind compliments. Bilbo was chuffed to see that Matron, big Bilbo, April, Catherine and Ginger had come over to see him again and sends a big ‘hello’ back. From what I can see Darla really has been following Bilbo’s adventures from door to door so I think I shall turn one of my pumpkins into a carriage and send her to the ball. It’s your lucky day Darla – I can count the number of people who read my blog on 2 hands and on just 3 fingers those who have gardening blogs. Fortunately for you half of them have had Bilbo already and Mangocheeks, who would have been a fabulous host, is away this week. So I’m with Ginger on a democratic fix of the draw (well not really as you’re the only one and it’s evening here so I can close the entries) and will book him a flight to the sunshine state :o)

    Reply
  • Darla
    September 14, 2009

    GET OUT OF TOWN~~~~~! I am really going to get a visit from Bilbo? It’s 5 in the morning here, what a great way to wake up! Geez, now I am going to stress until he gets here….LOL I have to clean the house and tidy up the gardens…..oh my goodness!!!

    Reply
    • Nip it in the bud
      September 14, 2009

      I think you’ll have plenty of time for that Darla – I tried to find out how many miles you are from here and all I got was ‘can’t calculate a distance that far’!.

      Reply
  • Becca's Dirt
    September 14, 2009

    I am putting Gloucester England on my bucket list of places I HAVE to visit. I am in awe of your beautiful place to live. Looks like our friend Bilbo is having a grand time touring the historical places and playing with the children.

    Reply
    • Nip it in the bud
      September 14, 2009

      be sure to let us know Becca if you do – we always welcome visitors at the plot (no traditional english tea there though only herbal brews). And doing a little sightseeing on your home turf is a good way of being reminded of how much there is to be thankful for ;o)

      Reply
  • FlowerLady
    September 16, 2009

    What a great time Bilbo has had there with you. I would love to visit the Gloucester Cathedral. What beautiful, delicate architectural details.

    I really would love to visit Dr. Weng’s healing place. DH and I are just getting into Chinese herbs. We already take different herbs for our health and well-being, and these will add to our herbal healing stock of alternative remedies of dealing with our health..

    Thanks for a wonderful tour this morning.

    FlowerLady

    Reply
    • Nip it in the bud
      September 16, 2009

      Gloucester Cathedral is a fabulous, awe inspiring place. And amazingly peaceful considering how spectacular it is (lovely people working there too).
      Dr Wang is a real blessing too and I swear by her herbal remedies and acupuncture as a first resort for all things illness related. And I’ve never felt healthier :o) In fact combined with the fresh air and digging at the plot I’m having a go at aging backwards!

      Reply
  • Ginger
    September 21, 2009

    I just re-read your post, and I have to tell you — Bilbo has visited some great places, but yours is really the best yet! Your pictures are so funny, and so well-shot!

    Reply
    • Nip it in the bud
      September 21, 2009

      oh Ginger (blush blush), that’s so lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed being creative with Bilbo and my family and friends were very co-operative even though they all thought I was bonkers!

      Reply
  • Norm
    January 18, 2010

    Hehe! That’s so lovely!!! If I had any kind of allotment I’d be clamouring to have him visit me here in Buckinghamshire.

    On my cooking forum we had a travelling spatula who went round the world several times, along with his diary. It was such a great little project and he ended up with all manner of costumes – a sombrero, a feather boa, a pair of glasses, etc.

    Reply

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A first for World Book Day - taking a picture on Z A first for World Book Day - taking a picture on Zoom instead of on the walk to school!  It was lovely to see the other kids and teacher dressed up on the class call.
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(huge @pichon.liz fans here if you're not familiar with Tom Gates stories.  Masks made from pizza packaging!)
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#worldbookday2021
Isn't nature wonderful. She just keeps doing her Isn't nature wonderful.  She just keeps doing her thing despite what happens around her.  Miraculous x
Raccoon family Moorey! Euan was so excited to rec Raccoon family Moorey! 
Euan was so excited to receive his delivery from @rapanuiclothing with hoodies  featuring his own design.  He's created this week's new design which you can see at https://euanstshirtco.teemill.com/
= Getting ready = . It's that time of year again. = Getting ready =
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It's that time of year again. No, not springtime, Mother's Day or Easter hunts.  World book Day costume making! 
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Thankfully Es favourite @pichon.liz Tom Gates books make for easy, creative face masks. 
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#worldbookday
The boys and I took a walk to beautiful Lassington The boys and I took a walk to beautiful Lassington Woods and the hill that was covered in snow just a month ago.  We loved seeing all the hand made signs warning us where to walk to protect the bluebells.  I'm so grateful for this week's sunny spells. 
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Hope you've been able to get out and soak up the hope of new life and brighter days emerging x
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#childhoodunplugged #woodlandwalk #bestfriendbrothers #explorers
My gorgeous 9 year old artist is turning his doodl My gorgeous 9 year old artist is turning his doodles into t-shirts.  He's creating a new design each week so there's 7 days to grab this beautiful raccoon if you like it (different colours and sizes available + hoodies).
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The t-shirts are printed by @rapanuiclothing
using organic and ethically sourced cotton.  This weekend there is free postage on all orders from
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https://euanstshirtco.teemill.com/
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You will be able to hear Euan speaking to presenter Kate Clark at #BBCRadioGloucestershire tomorrow at 12.40pm so please tune in or catch up on BBC Sounds after the broadcast.
I had a gorgeous bimble on Haresfield Beacon with I had a gorgeous bimble on Haresfield Beacon with the boys yesterday.  We parked at our favourite Standish Woods and walked the 30 minutes to the top.  We took a wrong path at one point and had to scramble like mountain goats up the side of the  hill (absolutely the highlight, such fun!). While Euan and I took some pictures on the trig point Luca took himself off to admire the view. 
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The boys were amazing with running around and walking all the way back too.  They didn't complain until the final uphill stretch but rightly so as it was hard going.  It's so good to get outside and it's a long time since my body has felt hot and our of breath from exertion!
Expect this to be my look from now on! Totally di Expect this to be my look from now on!  Totally digging my Soundcore wireless, noise cancelling headphones. I mostly listen to Audible books, sometimes music, but think I may well just wear these to shut out the day to day noise 😆
Thank you so much for all my gorgeous birthday mes Thank you so much for all my gorgeous birthday messages.  It means so much to me that you took a moment out of your day to ring, write or visit. 
. 
We were blessed with sunshine for our walk on Stinchcombe Hill.  The boys loved the bunkers on the golf course and we were able to get some gorgeous food to take out afterwards from @leafandground (such a treat to be cooked for). Of course the best birthday present was bunking off school work for the day! (For Euan that is, I'm now cracking open my anatomy folder for an hour for tomorrow's college session while G gets the boys to bed).
Last week I felt overwhelmed, exhausted and frustr Last week I felt overwhelmed, exhausted and frustrated.  Home schooling children while trying to fulfil all my other commitments wasn't working out so well.  I realised this when robbing from my sleep bank resulted in the tell tale headaches that lead to a migraine.
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This week, with the start of a new month, I resolved to prioritise rest (everything gets ugly on rubbish sleep!). I need 8 hours sleep.  I need quiet time to stretch (without children climbing on me or asking for food!). I need to walk in nature.  I need to connect with people outside my family, as Nic, not always as Mum to Euan and Luca.  And sometimes I need to moan, to stop holding everything, to let the stagnant energy out and the fresh loving energy in. 
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The day I drew up my tracker I also decided to draw a cards from my Lunar cycle oracle cards deck and the Universe has your back.  I think they confirmed I'm on the right track.  Taking care of your body can never be a bad option to go with!!! 
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Home learning was less painful today after spendin Home learning was less painful today after spending some time crafting first.  Euan loves Dav Pilkey's Dogman books and in the back of the latest one Grime and Punishment are instructions for making your own lunch bag monster.  Euan just got straight onto making his monster and I enjoyed making Luca's.  Munchy then went on a rampage at the park 😆
Home learning might be a headache but no objection Home learning might be a headache but no objections here to easy dinner inspired by Euan's Ancient Greeks theme (none of it home made or ancient!). 
Thank you Lidl!  #standardsslipping 🙈
9 years of loving this gorgeous soul. Happy Birth 9 years of loving this gorgeous soul.  Happy Birthday darling Euan ❤️
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We made origami spiders! Who needs school when yo We made origami spiders! 
Who needs school when you've got Art for Kids hub 💕
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Seeking meal planning inspo. What are your favour Seeking meal planning inspo.  What are your favourite recipes to cater for all tastes and ages? 
The open book is the Bosch recipe book so really interested in vegetarian/vegan suggestions too x
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