EXCERPT FROM SARA’S JOURNALJanuary 13, 1999
Huerta Santa Maria
Near Galaroza
Dear Wilf,
You’ll be happy to know that egg-collection has been successfully
taken over by Bob. I have used them for an extra-generous Tortilla Espanola.
David and Megan seem to like your room. They are pleased to be sleeping
above the sheep-fold. Remnants of the odd KinderSurprise and Edwin’s gob are a
reminder of your delightful visit.
The goldfish are overrun by leaves and other tree-fallout. Your efforts
to tidy the pond and clear out the winter’s blowdown have been thwarted by another
small storm. Our laundry hangs limp and saturated.
Tomorrow we will gather a team together to collect pinecones. The ones
you left in the woodbox have long since been used and we are running out of fuel. The
cones outside in the wheelbarrow are wet, and must sit in the sun for a few hours to open.
The One Who Lives Downstairs, the man with the axe and the
tractor, works alone these days in the garden, and has no one to help with the sheep.
Many thanks again for the cardboard armour. Falling chestnuts can be
dangerous and the Puleva Milk helmets come in handy.
Yours in Friendship,
Sara
