Gentleman farmer Ralph


Most of my regular readers will know that I live on a small lane.
The lane snakes out of the village to the south West and turns at a house and then two farms before moving away across the Valley floor.
In the second farm lives Gentleman Farmer Ralph and his gracefully polite wife Mrs L, and this morning they both stopped to pass over a Christmas Card and a couple of gifts.
I love the pragmatism of the farmer's gifts
Handed over the kitchen wall as so many gifts have been  over the years,
Was a very large lamb chop
A Christmas Card
And a high viz jacket !

Since I started work at the hospice I take Mary for a walk around 6 am in the morning and at that time Ralph drives to the village shop for his paper!
" You never wear something light in the lane" he quipped " I am worried that one day I'm going to run over you!" 

I'm still collating entries of the Christmas card competition by the way, I am enjoying them greatly . I will post a photo of the top 20 soon.....special thanks to Flis and to Liz in Corsica, I was very moved by your cards and gifts x

47 comments:

  1. nice pork chop! that's really a nice gift!

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  2. Looking forward to a picture of you wearing the hi-vis vest

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    Replies
    1. And a hard hat David?????

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    2. And, probably a tool belt ala Men at Work! LOL

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    3. Then you could sing with a revival of the Village People.

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    4. LOL ... I tried to remember Village People, but the old brain could only come up with M at W! Thanks for providing the name of the right group!
      Senior moments totally suck!

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    5. If I've been to a doo and it's being played there and I'm dancing,I always get in a bit of a muddle with all of the arm movements-but it's such good fun x

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  3. Lynn Marie8:25 pm

    Jeez, all I ever get are smelly candles and candy I can't eat. I could wish my present givers had a little more imagination like your neighbors do.

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  4. Anonymous8:37 pm

    Cor, l was in Lidl earlier today and looked at the pork chops, not very appetising so didn't buy any.
    I fancy the look of yours though, bet the dogs and Albert know it is there, sniffing the air in anticipation��
    Tess x

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  5. Oh John - you will be a beacon of love in your new jacket x

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  6. Very typical farmers gifts.

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    1. Useful, common sense gifts. Hi Vis jackets such as the farmer gave you have been gifts from my family to others in similar circumstances. The jacket was probably dropping you a hint that you need to wear one. I always put one on here on the lanes even during the day time.

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    2. My mother would also give food presents like the chop but would cook it first and deliver it with gravy.

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  7. Love your Christmas gifts. The jacket will come in very Handy keeping you and the dogs safe.
    I just mail my cards on Tuesday so I just hope all my U.K. friends get them before Christmas !
    parsnip

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  8. Anonymous8:46 pm

    Are you sure its pork?. Looks like lamb tho jenx

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    1. I think it is lamb seeing especially As Ralph is a shepherd

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  9. Nice to have them looking after you.

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  10. I've never received a pork chop as a Christmas gift but I can't think of much that would please me more.

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  11. Barbara Anne9:26 pm

    What thoughtful and appropriate gifts to keep you safe as well as nicely fed! What wonderful neighbors you have all along the lanes and in the village!

    Will we not have a chance to see all of the Christmas cards as we did during the post card competition? Hope so! How is your new postie managing with the onslaught of mail you're getting?

    Hugs!

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  12. I love the thoughtful-ness of the gift. The practical bright yellow to keep you visible when out on the lane in the dim morning light. That is obviously not just an ordinary pork chop...another thoughtfulness...
    This is so touching, all that thought and care in a Christmas package.

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  13. He's thinking of his insurance if he knocks you down!

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  14. I've said it before, I think, but you have many good friends, John, both there where you live and scattered around the world.

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  15. Great gifts, how kind! Wear the jacket! Mo and I almost were run down by an inattentive driver last week, terrifying. Mo has been wearing his high vis sweater every day since.

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  16. What a thoughtful present safety first John I come across pedestrians late at night dressed in black and scare myself many a time and end up saying a few curse words in the process. Enjoy the Lamb chop.

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  17. You live in the most perfect village with wonderful, generous people who care about you. Even though you have had difficult days, you have these lovely people that are there for you always. You are blessed, John Grey.

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  18. I would take the hint and wear the jacket. Lovely and practical gifts. Perfect.

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    Replies
    1. John could also wear the lamb chop Lily - like a pendant.

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    2. The dogs would love it!

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  19. What wonderful presents, so much better than a home-knitted scarf.

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  20. It is easy to think that a driver can see a walker as easily as a walker can see a car, but there's no comparison between a walker in dark clothing and a car with lights on front and back. Please wear that vest - it will help keep both you and your neighbours from tragedy.

    I love original and useful gifts. Food and safety vest - can't get much more practical than that.

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  21. I wish some cyclists and pedestrians would wear a high viz when I am on my way to work at 5am. So many are clad in black!

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  22. I am giggling at all the pork chop comments when you were given a lamb chop !

    The high vis jacket is a perfect gift.

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  23. Maybe the jacket is really so he can take better aim. Still, so kind.

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  24. What more could one want for Christmas than a thick lamb chop and a hi-vis jacket? It's like the song says:-
    "I don't want a lot for Christmas
    All I want is a lamb chop..."

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  25. Man! That chop makes my mouth water. Please wear the jacket John. We don't want you run over!

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  26. Lovely thoughtful gifts John and obviously bought with love.

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  27. Now THAT is a gift to appreciate. A life saving jacket and a good meal ... from friends who really care.

    You really do live in a special place.

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  28. Put that jacket on here in the Cleveland, and people will expect to see an orange barrel nearby.

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  29. That high viz jacket is the perfect gift for you! And enjoy the lamb chop.

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  30. Thoughtful gifts from thoughtful people, are always the best

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  31. What a nice, thoughtful, useful gift.

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