wise man and the tortoise

I open this post following such a long period of blogging neglect; 

BUT with a joyful shot of my dear Father on his 92nd Birthday. 

Some of you may recall my previous post which was full of concern for him. 

His pacemaker is fitted and he is once again back to being a marvel!

Hip hip hooray to Dad

.. and now to introduce you to a new member of our family!

meet Freddie!

He is about 30 years old, and I am still trying to ascertain quite what species he is. 

Suggestions welcomed.

I want to say a special thank you to Cathy over at http://whisppy.blogspot.co.uk/  for her support and guidance (she is a wealth of information about both tortoises and cats and a lovely person too!)

Freddie's first day creates shock waves throughout the feline kingdom of Haven House!

Mr Bingley even throws caution to the wind and attempts the 'conga' dance behind Freddie!

I would like to think that Freddie, if he could, might quote Terry Pratchett at this point...

"You can't trample infidels cats when you're a tortoise. All you could do is give them a meaningful look"

a moment of reflection when Fred meets 'pottery' Fred ... 

His Summer shed is built ... a 'Fred Shed'... but it won't be long before he hibernates for Winter and then he will be sleeping somewhere frost free.

Mr Bingley attempts a 'takeover' on Fred's Shed!

But only Fred sleeps in there 

(... well maybe the odd snail, spider, mouse...too)

The wise man and the tortoise travel but never leave their home.

We look forward to visiting you 

and hope all is well your end.

xxx