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.