Read more
It all begins with a box of duck eggs... and so too does this collection of tales of everyday rural life: in a restored sixteenth century country cottage, the joys of duck rearing and ownership, the mischievous antics of the resident Jack Russells, and a cockerel literally ruling the roost. This engaging and gentle memoir takes readers on a humorous journey through the rural idyll.
Purchased in 1991 in the Herefordshire countryside, the cottage, previously unoccupied for four years, presents its own challenges to Marion and her husband as they work to create their perfect rural retreat. As if that wasn't enough, Marion steadily builds a menagerie around her: Cadfael and Cider are loyal canine companions, Russet the rooster a force to be reckoned with, and Moby Duck leads his entourage of feathered friends through endearing anecdotes.
Puddles and Pals won't fail to make you smile.
About the author
I inherited my love of animals from my Aunt Amy, who I later found out, was my birth mother. Initially I was considering a career in journalism, but family events took over so that did not materialise. I felt drawn to rural life with animals soon after meeting my husband and began breeding and showing American Quarter Horses. After that, Cotswold sheep became my focus and once again I bred and showed them with success. The decision in 1991 to move to Herefordshire and begin renovating an old cottage with land resulted in me selling my flock, replacing it with ducks, aka Puddles and Pals. A near fatal car crash in 2005 has slowed me up somewhat, but my love of country life, my dogs, ducks and also my cottage garden remains strong. It is my way of life. I love it.
