We have an injured tortoise! I won't traumatise you with the details but the vet reckons poor Jacob has probably been attacked by a rat. After a series of antibiotic injections administered by the amazing Vets 4 Pets team and daily baths and veterinary grade manuka honey ointment administered at home by Jon, he's gradually getting better and should be outside and in his pen after ten days of being housebound very soon.
My grandparents bought him for me in 1975 - that's me, Mum & Marcus admiring him outside Stonecroft (the house we live in now) when I first got him.
The vet's bill ran in to a few hundred quid but when you think that he cost 50p from a pet shop in The Cotswolds and has never had to visit a vet in the fifty years I've owned him, he's been pretty good value.
Tortoise crisis aside, our week - so far - hasn't been particularly dramatic. On Sunday morning we went swimming and after a visit from Liz & Al who stopped off for coffee mid-cycle ride, we spent the rest of the day doing festival prep. Remember the wildflower meadow we planted during lockdown? It's looking pretty good after 5 years! Our neighbours love it.
Already vintage when I bought it, this Pakistani block printed kaftan is now in its eighth year of my ownership.
The Indian kantha bag was from the Singh family's haberdashery stall on the indoor market.
On Monday morning, with the majority of our prep done, as a reward we took ourselves charity shopping.
In amongst the ferns in my garden I'm almost invisible!
We found some decent vintage bits and pieces, now laundered and in the stockroom. Jon found this huge guitar book for £4 which is selling online for $120! Not that it'll be going anywhere.
I was starting to run dangerously low on books. These were 2 for £1 and should keep me occupied for the next few weeks. £3 well spent!
We went swimming this morning and, contrary to the weather forecast, got absolutely soaked on our walk into town. But, by mid-morning, it was glorious.
The Yucca was pulled out of the bins at Glastonbury in 2022, he's called Bruce in honour of Springsteen who appeared on stage with Paul McCartney the previous evening.
I spotted this tee shirt on a chazza shop £1 rail yesterday. I normally recoil from this fast fashion label like a vampire does from sunlight but you know how I love a bit of cowgirl chic! I'm sure the fashion police would be outraged by a 58-and-a-half-year old woman walking around the town in a crop top but I've got a six pack and I'm not gonna hide it....
My iconic Frye Campus boots were an eBay find in 2017, they were new in their original box with the £335 label - I paid £35. They're my go-to boot for our stall build and break-up as they're so sturdy.
After a bit more festival prep I shed my clothes and spent the rest of the afternoon in my bikini.
Better dash, the second half of England Vs Senegal friendly has just started. Speak soon!
Oh no, poor brave Jacob. I hope he gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteThat green dress is gorgeous. I think it suits you perfectly.
And the fashion police don't stand a chance, because that cowgirl shirt looks great.
Thanks, Andrea! we had no idea rats would do anything like that!
DeleteI get so many compliments when I wear that green dress, it always make me feel special! xxx
Hello from Miami! Absolutely gorgeous top and hair! Side note, since I keep fancy rats and am sooo curious, did the vet say why the rat wanted to attack poor Jacob? It's very unusual behavior, so I can only imagine something territorial. I know you said you didn't want to share the details, but now I am TOO curious. Do you have weasels in England? If so, I would guess that a weasel did it. They are very aggressive and have killed a few of my pets in the past. Anyway, whew! I am glad he survived. It helps when you wear armour daily. :P
ReplyDeleteHello!! We had no idea that rats attacked tortoises but apparently its pretty common. They steal from the enclosures during the day and at night when the tortoises are sleeping they'll nip at them. We do see rats in the garden, they're frequent visitors because we feed the birds but its the first time they've shown an interest in Jacob. I'm hoping we can trap them with the humane traps we've bought and release them a few miles away - otherwise we're going to have to train the cats to chase them! We do have weasels in the UK but we're a bit too urban for them. xxx
DeleteHi Vix, had to comment- poor Jacob, hope he'll be OK.
ReplyDeleteMade it to Thassos but felt ill straight away. Saw the doctor and I've got bloody shingles!! C'est la vie I suppose :(
Good luck at Glastonbury, T xx
Oh no, my dear T! I'm so sorry about the bloody shingles, they really are nasty. What terrible timing for them to interfere with Thasos. You'll need another holiday to recuperate. Thanks for the Jacob/ Glasto good vibes! xxx
DeleteOh my goodness, poor old Jacob. That is awful. Glad you've nursed him thru' the worst. Poor little bugg*r! The green dress is gorgeous and I love the cowgirl T-shirt! Wear it and be damned!! Zxx ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks, Z! Jon's been brilliant, I think he's missed his calling as a reptile specialist. He's definitely improving , tortoises are surprising hardy by all accounts. xxx
DeleteThe poor boy. I'm glad the vet could help him. You're styling and if the shirt works, flaunt it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam! xxx
DeleteHello again
ReplyDeleteIts me Asep Haryono from Indonesia
Its privilege to leave comment here on your awesome posts
So sorry to hear about Jacob poor guy! Wishing him a full recovery soon. Loved seeing the mix of nostalgia, vintage fashion, and your everyday adventures.
That kaftan and crop top are fabulous age is just a number! Your wildflower meadow sounds beautiful, and what a great book find too. Always enjoy your colorful and spirited updates!
Your thoughtful and well observed comments are most welcome, Asep! Sending love to beautiful Indonesia! xxx
DeleteHope Jacob has a swift recovery and can be enjoying the summer sun soon. I loved the Dovekeepers when I read it years ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! The cover of that Alice Hoffman book drew me to it but it sounds like its going to be a cracking read. xxx
DeleteOh my goodness...he's a tough dude..I hope Jacob has a great recovery. And thanks for all your inspiration. I'm in love with that bag! Hope you have a fabulous week and thanks for the comments šøššøššššøšøšøšø
ReplyDeleteHello Ellie! He is a tough character and he is slowly improving, thank goodness! xxx
DeleteThe photo with little Jacob is fantastic,
ReplyDeletehe's been with you for almost a lifetime!!
I hope he gets well soon and the rats don't bother him again.
Your outfits are great, I really like the cowgirl shirt!!
Your jewelry is fantastic!!!
Hello Katerina! I know, it's crazy to think Jacob's been my pet for half a century, isn't it? I love to see all the tortoises roaming around Greece, especially wandering around the ancient sites of Athens! xxx
DeleteYour poor tortoise! But at least he's on the road to recovery. The wildflower meadow looks great. I have a small 'lawn' in the front garden. Just a postage-stamp sized area of grass and moss, but years ago I scattered a pack of wildflower seed mix over it. Now, every year I get masses of cowslips in particular. So pretty. I wish more people would do this as our pollinators are desperate for food. Val x
ReplyDeleteI know, who knew rats could be so vicious? Our wildflower meadow is more of a small patch of garden really - I just have delusions of grandeur! cowslips? How gorgeous! xxx
DeletePoor Jacob I do hope he fully recovers quickly . Your wildflower patch is just lovely , no wonder the neighbours love it. Your green velvet is a stunner and I am most impressed with your fern glade.
ReplyDeleteWith your wonderful figure you can certainly wear whatever you like Vix. xx
Thanks so much, Jill! xxx
DeletePoor Jacob, how very worrying for you all. Pleased he is on the mend, Manuka honey is so good for injuries. Hopefully he will enjoy pottering in his pen and not be anxious.
ReplyDeleteLoving the t-shirt, as you say who cares what the fashion police think. If I did I would be so boringly dressed, which is just not me. There is a wild west weekend in our local park at the end of August with axe throwing, bull riding, line dancing and live bands. I may see if my sister, who only wears cowboy boots is interested.
Loving the nail colour, on my screen it looks a saffron orange, marvellous.
Xx
Thanks, MrsCatz! I wsa surprised at manuka honey being a recognised treatment for reptiles, I knew it was great for humans but not our scaly friends. Its definitely done the trick and his injuries are so much better.
DeleteCan you imagine how drab we'd all be if we took those "How to not to dress at 40/50/60" articles seriously?
I love the idea of your Wild west weekend (and the sound of your sister) - fringed suede and turquoise jewellery at the ready. Get your nails painted turquoise for the occasion! xxx
Poor, poor Jacob. Thank goodness you both are as attentive as you are, and he has received treatment. Getting rid of rats? Not so easy. I am sure you've done your own research.
ReplyDeleteIs there any way you could add a mesh to the sides and top of Jacob's enclosure which is rat-proof - it would have to include the top because the sodding rodents can climb up anything - I have seen them climb up a smooth metal post to get to the bird feeder on top, and be well buried to dissuade digging.
Not long now until Glasto - have you decided who Patchwork are ? š¤ š
I was thinking about Jacob being attacked and wondered if he needed his own rodent-proof "Catio".
DeleteSo, of course š¤Ŗ, I Googled for 'rat-proof tortoise enclosure'. There are ~loads~ of options . . .
You, Mrs, are an absolute genius! Funnily enough neither of us had actually thought of Googling "rat proof tortoise enclosures" assuming that we'd have to invent something and have to make it ourselves. We ended up down a rabbit hole realised that there's lots of reasonably priced ready-made options on the market so there's a solution on the way. In the meantime we've purchased humane traps and peppermint essence (apparently they cannot tolerate the smell).
DeleteI couldn't decide if Patchwork would be Pulp or Oasis but one of the Glasto Facebook forums disclosed that it was Pulp - my cup runneth over! I adore Jarvis!!! Maybe he'll come and hunt me down, he told me how much he loved my jewellery and my blue nails when I met him at End of the Road. xxx
I love Alice Hoffman's books.
ReplyDeleteGo Jacob Go!
Bun
Thanks so much, Bun! I've not read any Alice Hoffman before but the cover was so beautiful I had to buy it! xxx
DeleteI'm glad Jacob is on the mend. He's such a great age and so pleased to read that you have good vets (we use the same chain). I like your cowgirl tee, it goes great with your skirt. Betty
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! We've never used Vets 4 Pets before but they popped up when we were Googling reptile specialists. They're so lovely, we're very tempted to register William with them. I liked that the teeshirt was brown, it goes with most of my wardrobe! xxx
DeleteAww, poor Jacob, I hope he continues to improve. xx
ReplyDeleteYa boo to the fashion police you look amazing in that t-shirt ... and I love that Indian kantha bag. :-)
Thanks so much, Sue! He's definitely perked up in the last couple of days.
DeleteI wish I bought a few more of those bags - they're reversible and huge! xxx
Oh, no! I hope Jacob is recovering and gorging himself on greens! Sending good healing vibes.
ReplyDeleteLooking fabulous in your lovely velvet gown, Vix (love that pendant!), and I approve of your Cowgirl tee (and exposed six-pack! you earned it!). It's secondhand, so not like you're contributing to the Fast Fashion cycle.
Hope it gets sunny and warm for you soon!
Thank you, Sheila. Much appreciated!
DeleteYou're right, buying the hateful label from a charity shop at least means my money is going to a good cause rather than to company that profits from possible slave labour.
We had sunshine yesterday. It seems to have gone into hiding again this morning! xxx
Oh no! Poor Jacob. I hope he continues to improve.
ReplyDeleteAnd look at you! Fabulous lady of the ferns :) That dress is gorgeous. What a beautiful shade of green. X
Thanks, Jules! He's just had a warm bath and is powering around the house like that tortoise on the advert! xxx
DeleteI love your remarks about the fashion police. That made me laugh!! X
ReplyDeleteWhen I started blogging the blogosphere seemed to be full of bossy, boringly-dressed women telling other women how to dress, thank goodness they've all migrated to IG! xxx
DeleteWhen the cowgirl shirt fits like that, you MUST wear it! That whole outfit looks great :)
ReplyDeleteLove to Mr. Jacob❤️
Thanks, Stephanie! xxx
DeleteI hope Jacob is feeling better after the very best care by everyone - I remember Supervet on tv using medical grade manuka honey on one of his patients to help in the process of healing xx
ReplyDeleteHe's getting there, Flis - thank you! I knew manuka honey wsa good for humans but didn't know it helped heal reptiles until we visited the vet! xxx
DeletePlease convey my wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to dear Jacob. It's very reassuring to know that you've located a vet practice competent to cope with an injured tortoise. (Here, there's shortage of bird vets.)
ReplyDeleteI enthusiastically endorse your use of manuka honey and your plans to provide a rat-proofed exterior environment. Note that those Norwegian rodents are super intelligent -- but not immune to electrical current. Zap 'em!
Thanks so much, Beth! If the cats didn't enjoy chilling with Jacob in his enclosure we'd be tempted to electrify it. We're slowly creating a rat-proof area for him, he's housebound until we do! xxx
DeleteYou are the poster child for Kaftans, and can pull of Cowgirl Chic without looking tacky, so more kudos to you! And your jewelry just kills me still.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Jacob is on the mend, I was hoping you would have a report on him. Rats suck!
Thanks so much! I didn't know rats attached tortoises, we're horrified! xxx
DeleteHi Vix,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your turtle is feeling better, poor thing! It's always hard to see an animal suffering, especially when it's been with you for so many years!
I loved your green velvet dress, I'm sure you're a very interesting person! The lady who said that to you is absolutely right! You have a lot of interesting reading there!
I also loved seeing you in the cowgirl version! Keep up the good work on what you're preparing! Have a great weekend!
Awww, that's so kind of you, Marisa! Have a lovely weekend! xxx
DeleteOh poor Jacob! I'm glad he's gradually getting better and hope he isn't traumatized by the rat attack. We have seen some around in Dove Cottage's garden, attracted by our neighbour's aviary. There was one on the plant table just outside our back door a couple of months ago.
ReplyDeleteYour wildflower meadow is absolutely fantastic, and so, as always, are your outfits. My Particular favourite is the crush velvet All About Audrey dress, even if I'm breaking out in a sweat just looking at it. It's about 32°C here! xxx P.S. Jos is feeling much better!
Thanks, Ann! He's slowly getting there. Who knew rats could be so vicious?
DeleteI'm so glad to hear about Jos and very envious of your 32°C, it's been warm here today but not that hot! I'll probably take that green dress to Glasto, it's freezing at night! xxx
44 year old here who has worn 2 crop tops this weekend! Your FF t-shirt looks super with that tee. I would totally talk to you if I saw you! The guitar book was a bargain. I just saw an amazing green dress in the chazzer window from Sheila's beloved brand Naiaon Scotch but sadly it felt synthetic so I didn't buy it. Sad as it was such a glorious shape and colour AND my size!!
ReplyDeletePoor Jacob, hope he's not traumatized and that you'll find the best way to keep those rats away!.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're looking lovely in your matchy crop-top, obviously!. And that pakistani kaftan is totally fab, love it with your brilliant accessorizing!. But my favourite one is that crushed velvet dress, so Fabulous!
besos
Poor Jacob! I'm glad to hea rhe is on the mend. I've seen Noel Fitzgerald use manuka honey on supervet! Honey is magical stuff full stop. My Mum would be very jealous of your wildflower meadow she troied it on her little front lawn and sadly had no success.
ReplyDelete