September 2009 Your Say

Well here we are at the end of September. This month I thought it would be great to get some feed back from you guys that read the blog. So here is your chance to take part ..........

Post me a question? request what you would like to see in the blog in future, any ideas welcome.

Maybe you would like to just ask about something you think I have missed about life here in Bulgaria.

Please post as a comment and we will take it from there. Don't be shy ask away or comment.

Thanks in advance let's have some fun with this one.

August 2009 out and about in Bulgaria

A pretty mountain village

The sunset over Rock House

Looking for salmon

The start of a new day........

Well here we are at the end of August where does the time go? September is upon us and the autumn is just around the corner. We had our first rain in months two days ago but it only lasted for a couple of hours. We have all our crops in now nothing left in the garden. I am afraid some of the crops suffered from a lack of water. However we have a freezer full of our garden produce, and a store cupboard full with preserves, jams, compote, sauces, and chutney. It is always very rewarding to know you have planted grown and picked everything and then made food for the winter months.
It was not all work here in August we took some time out and went to see more of Bulgaria. We drove to some very pretty areas with the most beautiful mountains. Again we visited some of the spa resorts. Such pretty places and reasonable prices to indulge yourself in the waters & treatments. All this to do and see right here in our area. We have enjoyed seeing more of this beautiful country and all it has to offer. The Bulgarian people remain warm and friendly and inspirational. They have taught us so much since we arrived here 27 months ago. We are still learning, this year my wood pile did not fall down thanks to being shown the correct way to stack my logs. Yes there is a right and wrong way............................................... Well my friends that is all for this month. We will see you at the end of September.

July 2009 Out and about in Bulgaria

The Mountains

Pretty Village Church




The Family in the Barn



The Only way to eat in this heat!!!!!

Signs of progress

Here we are at the end of July where does the time go? As you all know we at Rock House took a break. We went out and about. We thought it was time to have a break and see some different areas. We have enjoyed our time away from the house and garden. Although we only did day trips as we still have our animals to think about. This summer there has been some very strange weather. We have had many thunder storms and some very heavy rains. After these it became very hot, however this year the heat came with much humidity. Even our Bulgarian neighours were saying how different this years weather has been. On our travels we visited some beautiful countryside in the Stara Planina and Sredna Gora mountains. It was beautiful to see the mountains ,in this area there are many Spa Resorts. The waters are taken for healing many aliments, the air is fresh and clean. There are many pretty villages nestling in the foothills. Closer to home we have had many different creatures appear this year many insects we have not seen before. We have seen locust here in Bulgaria for the first time. Our own animals have been finding the heat of the day difficult to cope with. However they are clever they find the shade in the day and sleep and go out and about at night. The crops in the garden have been harvested and we have made the preserves for Winter. Our freezer stock is making good progress. The vegetables are all gathered and stored in the freezer for Winter. It is hard to think about Winter when it is so very hot, but we are making plans for the Winter stores of food and logs it will soon be here and the snows will return. The birds have had their young and are making sure the new little ones are feed and ready for the long flights to warmer climates in the Winter. We are going into our third August here in Bulgaria, we have seen changes and progress over this time. The beauty of the country is still a source of amazement to us there is so much to see and we will try to see more of the country very soon. Until next time take care all of you.

June 2009 We are taking a break.

Hello all of you out there. We at Rock House are taking a break at the moment. We will be back at the end of July.

May 2009 times of Change in the Village

The Children Entertain

The Work Starts

The Digger with champagne

The Village Singing Group

A Poppy Field

May this year has been a bit different with the weather. We have had some very nice warm days but mainly humid with some showers. The thunder storms in Bulgaria are spectacular, we get our very own light show. Also the stars in the sky here are awesome, we never knew there were so many stars up there. No light pollution here to distract form the beauty of the night sky.
We in the village are excited because we have a new water main being put in and this menas the water shortage will be much alleviated for all the village. Last week we had a village celebrations to mark the pipeline work. It was well attended and dignitaries form surround villages came to celebrate with our own mayor and the villagers. The digger was launched with a bottle of champagne and the trench was started by some of the visiting dignitaries. The village singing group preformed for us and also the kindergarten children preformed it was a really nice morning in the village old and young and everyone in between turned out and had a enjoyable time. This is what makes village life so interesting. Everyone meeting and getting along together regardless of age.
We have guests in at Rock House at the moment and it is nice to have people around and about the house. We are enjoying the company and hope our guests are enjoying the village.
The crops in the garden are starting to show and soon it will be harvest time and then the work will start preparing for Winter. So much cooking, preserving etc etc. We enjoy this and the fruits are out the mulberries are sweet and juice, the strawberries are delicious, the cherries glisten in the sun and are very sweet, and most other fruits will be along soon. The grape vines were cut back hard this year and are looking as if we will have a bumper crops. May be this year we will try and make our own wine. We are sure the locals will point us in the right direction of how to do this. This is another joy of village life there is always someone ready and willing to share knowledge with us. After all these people have been doing this for years. Our fig tree is laden this year and we are looking forward to picking fresh figs. Our animals are all suffering from the humidity and spend most of the day sleeping and seem to come alive again at night. Our chickens are still giving us wonderful eggs each day. How different an egg fresh from the chicken tastes.
I hope June will be a wonderful month for us here and you where ever you are in the world. We look forward to your company again next month until then we wish you all much happiness. Thanks for visiting.

April 2009 Work on the Gardens Start

Veliko Tarnovo

The Blosoms


Horse and Plough

The Horse at Work

April has been a very cold and sometimes wet month. We have had a long Winter here in Bulgaria this year. Our snows did not leave us until March. This being the case we are behind with planting in the garden. Work has just started after having the veggie plot ploughed twice it is now ready for planting. April did see the blossoms out and this year it has been really pretty the mountain awash with blossom, whites, pinks and dark purples. All the spring flowers are out and looking beautiful. The birds are also here preparing for nesting. We have a pair of nesting storks at the bottom of the garden, they are really amazing birds. The wood peckers are also in our garden along with many other small birds. They all fly with amazing accuracy and keep us amused with their antics.
Our chicken keep us well supplied with eggs and we have four fresh eggs each day. Unfortunately we lost two of our hens to birds of prey. We were so sorry to have this happen but being so near the mountain where the birds of prey are, sometimes it is inevitable that this may happen. We keep a close watch on them at all times now and don't leave them out in the garden if we are not there to watch for them. Life here is really hard sometimes and we have learnt many hard lessons along the way. We would not change a thing all the happenings are all part of life's rich tapestry. We are so looking forward to some warmer weather. When we can spend time on the land and grow our fruits and veg. We have come along way with our adventure, our animals the cats, the dog, the chicken all live here at Rock House in harmony, each having a healthy respect for each other. We took a trip to the beautiful city of Veliko Tarnovo not so long along. The drive up through the mountains was amazing and the city itself is very beautiful. Rich in culture and a wonderful panorama.
Well my friends that is about all for this month. We hope you will all keep well. Until next time our good wishes to you all.

February and March 2009 Spring is on it's way......

Village horse race winner



1st March Celebrations

1st March Baba Marta Day

February icicle

Here we are at the start of April and no post from us for February or March. Well let me explain February was a very dull and cold month with much snow that lasted for a long time so we did not get the chance to get out at all much so nothing much to report to you. We did have a village horse race to celebrate horse and donkey day. On the 1 March we went to the Baba Marta celebrations in Stara Zagora it was a fine day and the celebration was better than last year. Many more people where there and many more taking part there were also visitors from other countries at the celebration and this was splendid. The day turned out to be warm and sunny and everyone from young to old enjoyed the festivities. Baba Marta has seen fit since then to deposit more snow on us in March and the last snows where here until 22 March. Funny really the Storks come back to Bulgaria in March and they usually arrive to sunny warm weather but this year they arrived back on the 19 march to snow on the ground. What a welcome when they had flown all the way from Africa to be meet with snow in Bulgaria. April has had a much better start and the days have been warm and sunny long may it continue is what we say. The Credit Crunch and the global financial climate is taking it's toll here for the ex pats in Bulgaria. Those who came here and were living from the interest of saved money are now finding it a bit of a struggle. Many are reported to be heading back the UK. We are no different than many and we are having to rethink what we do and the way we do things. No way do we wish to return to the UK so much of our time in the last month or so has been planing what and when we can do things to make it better for us to survive here in the current financial climate. I will keep you posted on what happens in the next few months . The blossoms are fantastic and the mountains are a wash with colour from all the blossoms and the little plants that show themselves this time of year. yellows, whites, pinks, and purple plants adorn the mountain and the birds are singing, as are the frog that are now in the pond at the back of the house. The noise from them at night is really something. So all in all the spring is here and the thoughts turn to long hot summer days to come ( we hope). Hilary is taking a trip back to visit family in April so we will return with the blog after her return to Rock House mid April. We have been lucky also we have a long term rental coming in April so this will be pleasant to have guests about Rock House all summer. Well until next time take care and enjoy spring or whatever season it is where you are. See you all at the end of April.

January 2009 A New Year Starts

Light Tricks on the Mountain

The Brits joining in Baba Den Evening.

A January Full Moon

Here we are at the start of a New Year 2009 thoughts go to where this year will take us. We have been lucky this Winter it has been mild in temperature and the snows were only small compared with last year. Also they did not last so long. maybe there will be more to come who knows? We have enjoyed this Winter as we have things all in place and got it right this year. The logs were dry having had all year to dry out. This meant we got a better burn from them and they produced much more heat. Our store cupboard was full and so were the freezers and we still have plenty of food so no need to shop for some time. We still watch look and listen to our Bulgarian neighbours and the learning never stops. The ladies of the village celebrated Baba Den which in English terms would mean Grandmother Day. We all went on the coach to the local restaurant, we played games, danced and sang just the ladies no men allowed. We had a great time and made our way back to the village well after midnight. The time has come to start thinking about planting for this years crops. Planning is vital again we are more prepared this year. We at Rock House wish you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year. See you in February.

December 2008 A New Year Just Around the Corner

Ever Changing Landscape

Our Morning Walk in the Snow

Snow on the Mountain

The Wind Turbines

December this year has been very different than last year. We have had some mild weather up until the last few days of this month. The snows came but only very little, compared to the 3/4 foot we had this time last year. We have now got some low temperatures and the snow has taken on the appearance of glistening gems. Each day we walk on the mountains with Bailey, it is like a winter wonder land. The snow and ice capped rocks all take on different forms ever changing in there beauty. We spent a quiet Christmas day at home and ate a Christmas dinner from all our own produce. Boxing day we spent time with Bulgarian friends in true Bulgarian style the dish of the day was pork. We are looking towards a New Year and all that it will bring. No matter where in the world you are we think that 2009 will bring many more challenges not just for us here in Bulgaria but around the world. Progress here is taking place and we await the turning on of the wind turbines that have sprung up on the hillside just outside the village. We now also have a regular dustbin collect at the house not the communal bins that were once used. It is so much better not to have to walk to take your rubbish to the bin. Bulgaria is changing it will take time but the signs are there.
We at Rock House wish you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year.Take care all of you and we will return at the end of January.

November 2008 Countdown To Christmas

The First Winter Snow

Greek Countryside

The Beauty of Bulgaria

Winter Storm Clouds

We have had our first snow this year. Although it was not much and it has now gone. We are sure there is much more to come and are thinking that we shall have another White Christmas.........
We have been busy making sure that everything here at Rock House is Winter proof. All the delicate plants and shrubs have been potted up and have been taken inside for Winter. We took a day out a week or so ago and went to Greece for the day. Yes just the day it was a warm sunny day and the drive was so pretty just over an hour from our home. The Greek countryside is very similar to Bulgaria. We visited a town called Orestiados it was a very nice town and we had a wonderful day out. We are planning when the weather is better to also take a day trip to Turkey. This also is only an hours drive from our home. We are lucky to be able to go to other countries just for day trips. The landscape here is changing almost everyday as winter arrives. Every season brings it's own beauty here in Bulgaria. The clear nights are amazing we never knew there were so many stars to be seen in the night sky. There is no light pollution here in the foot of the mountains we stargaze and it is awesome to see so many stars. This leads me to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas Season. Many blessings to you all. We will see you at the end of December Take care.

The End of October Where Does The Time Go?

Horse and Donkey off to a new home

Pigs off to Market

A Bulgarian alternative to a Wheelchair

Our New Addition Bailey

Well here we are at the end of October. Where does the time go? Eight weeks to Christmas can you believe it. We are having some pleasant days with sunshine, but the evenings are chilly. We have not had to light the log burner yet so that is a good sign. We have a new addition to the family here at Rock House. Her name is Bailey she is a ten month old dog. Her owner had to return to the UK and could not take Bailey with her. We are pleased to have her here, although the cat's might not feel the same yet!!!! They will all get along after a while just like the chickens did. Cats and chicken live in total harmony now and we are sure that Bailey and Mitzy and Jasper eventually will get along just fine. I thought this month I would make you smile with some different modes of transport you see here in the villages of Bulgaria. We often stop and smile at things that to us seem a little strange. This month also is the month for your pumpkins to be used or stored so that fist well with Halloween, Pumpkin soup and pumpkin bread will be made in this house and maybe some pumpkin pie. There is little left in the garden now the odd cabbage or two. Then the ground will be ploughed ready for the spring. That I think is about it for this month. Take care be well all of you. We will see you again at the end of November.

September 2008 Autumn has arrived

Village Crafts



Village Children Entertain

Cats and Chicken in Harmony

The long hot days of Summer have gone now and autumn is here. Chilly mornings and evenings and just warm sun during the days. We have been able to make use of the warm days and are busy turning the ground ready for the winter. We have our log pile all finished now so we have dry logs to burn on the log burner all Winter. This month has been mostly about the animals. We have found out that out of our eleven chickens there are now five cockerels, not really what we wanted as the chickens were for eggs. The breeder we bought them from was phoned but he really was not interested that we had ended up with 5 male birds. So we have sent four of them to live with our friends as they were disruptive towards the hens. So all being well we will now get some eggs. Unless of course more turn out to be male birds. Lets hope not. September sees most of the locals gathering winter fodder for the animals as pasture will be hard to find . Also now the hard work is over in the gardens and all the crops are gathered in, the village starts to have celebrations in September and October. So over the next few weeks there will be parties and dancing singing and everybody having a nice time. I will try and get some nice pictures to post so you can share in the true Bulgarian culture. Now is the time for the local ladies to pursue their handcraft work. These are true works of art. They are very talented and make some amazing items. Until next month take care each and everyone of you.

August 2008 Celebrations and Heatwave

Village Rush Hour

Bee Keeping Bulgarian Style


Our Good Friend in Bulgarian Costume

Once again this month has been very hot. Also it is a quiet month as many Bulgarians take holidays in the month of August. With the heat comes a few problems one of which is a lack of water. The other problem is there have been some fires. Everything is very dry and one careless move can cause a nasty fire. There was one such fire about 38k from where we live it was a big fire that took the army to help to control. Because of the lack of water we have had to let some of our crops go, this is a shame but we had to make some harsh decisions . It is all part of the learning for us. We know next year we have to get our irrigation system for our crops sorted out. This we can do with the help and advice of our Bulgarian friends and neighbours.
The Chickens here at Rock House are doing well but still no eggs come on girls it must soon be time for that egg. I will keep you posted. This month we celebrated our good friends name day it was fun and Hilary also had a birthday so it was a joint celebration. We ate and drank outside in true Bulgarian fashion. A great time was had by all of us.
Here in Bulgaria there is some of the best honey we have ever tasted. Our friend and neighbour has hives in a field at the back of our house. I am showing you the way he does his bee keeping here in Bulgaria!!!!!!!!.

July 2008 We are still busy at Rock House

Hummingbird hawk moth

Mitzy meets Goldie

The Onions in Store

The Winter Preserves

This month saw the start of some very warm weather indeed 46c that is hot. We follow the locals and get our chores done early, and spend the afternoon inside. We have now almost got all our crops in. This meant that we had work to be done again in the kitchen, and in the store shed. Our onions are dried and we have strung them to hang ready for winter use likewise our garlic. We had a stringing lesson from one of our Bulgarian friends, thank goodness our strings passed the test.......... if they failed it was back to square one.
The chickens are growing fast and our two boys are starting to crow in the mornings. They are still young and have not quite got the hang of the cock-a doodle-loo we get some funny variations of it.
Our holiday apartment rental has been very slow this year, so it was with some excitement that we received a bookings for early August and late August. We are looking forward to having guests to stay. We can feel the barbecue calling, it will be fun to have an evening on the patio with our guests.
As August approaches we really have to start making plans for our winter. Hard to think about cold and snow with the heat here at the moment, however it's time to plan and plan we will. Please call back the end of August for more tales from Rock House.

June 2008 A mixed month indeed

The New Arrivals

The sunflowers in Bloom

The Stork

A Gift from our Bulgarian Friend

June 2008 is very different than June last year. We have had some hot weather, however this year it has been humid with many thunder storms. The crops have loved the water and most things are showing early this year. We have picked many of our crops and prepared them ready for winter. This entailed much activity in the kitchen, jam making, pickling, bottling , freezing, drying and baking. Unfortunately we lost our entire crop of peas to the pea moth. This is something you have to expect as it is our first year of growing, and we have chosen not to use any pesticides on our crops. We grew English peas and next year we shall grow Bulgarian peas as none of our neighbours had a problem. Another lesson learnt. We have some new arrivals here at Rock House. We are the proud owners of eleven chickens they are settling in very well, we watch them with great interest, each of them forming its own character. We are looking forward to having our own eggs later in the year Jasper and mitzy also watch them with interest, but we are sure for very diffrent reasons. Hopefully in time both chicken and cats will lead a full an happy life here in harmony.