We have almost constant now and the temperatures are in the high 20's and low thirties, hopefully this will give me a rest from the constant weeding and cutting our acre of grass after rain and sun for a few days. DIY is still going on, the cement mixer has been turning and six tons of ballast will be arriving today.

Our dog Bronnie was barking like mad last and I had to go out into the field with a torch to see what she was up to and low and behold there was a large hedgehog curled into a ball and ignoring Bronnie. I told her to get indoors and leave the poor thing alone, after all she wouldn't have won a fight with it, the hedgehog would win on points!

The Romans spent a fair time in this part of the world and as a result there are Roman ruins and artefacts all over the place, history tells us that the Ottermans ruled for 400 years afterwards and there are many BG's with Turkish descent, haven't noticed any Roman noses about though!

Tvishtov town was used as a venue for Roman re-enactments for three days last week, hundreds of people where dressed in Roman uniform and performed battles and hand to hand competitions also took place, stalls and old crafts where demonstrated to everyone and the whole thing ended with a massive parade through the town centre with the swishing of swords.

Roman re-enactments seem to be common here, with many taking place each year, locals are not asked to join in the battles though, we haven't been to one yet, but will look out for info on the next one taking place.

There are storks everywhere at the moment, they have hatched their chicks and small faces can be seen looking from the top of the huge nests in the villages. The sunflowers are about to show themselves and the countryside will look beautiful as a result, the hay is being cut and there are agricultural contractors working everywhere.

I have this out between stints with the petrol strimmer and looking forward to a sit down on the ride-on and mow the field. Our nine dogs are in and out the kitchen according to how hot they get and if they manage to find some shade in the garden.

So there we are, another episode of life down on the farm and in Bulgaria in general for the beginning of June.

Quite the rural idyll, it seems. Mind you I'd melt in anything over 25C. Yes, Roman (and Thracian and Ottoman) history is just about everywhere in Bulgaria, but seems to go unnoticed by most of the population (and many expats too!).

Phew!  poor you Itchy work work work, never ending here in BG However, you are truly enjoying life here from your comments and I am delighted for you both.  Seem all that work is keeping you on your toes, apart from the sit on mower of course l

We have finally got all the weeds cut down now and spead the round up all over the 1and a half deker used 6,   1ltr bottles of round up at cost of 102lev  and 120 lts of water plus hours and hours spread it with a watering can.  Then the co operation worker said we could have done that for you for maybe 70lev  I just did not reply where is the spade.   Next time eh!

Yes its all go go in the summer when it comes to the garden unless you have a liking for weeds that is! which I don't so I see where your coming from its a constant battle.