It’s been a while since I showed you the progress made by the Milky Bar kids. These past ten days has seen a marked difference and suddenly, Maman Fleur has time on her paws to enjoy the company of our other adult cats while her little ones explore their new world. Since I last blogged about them, they are now bombing around, climbing, running and chasing one another. They have discovered ping pong balls, and toy mice. The litter tray was introduced and immediately understood. They are also enjoying baby food and cat milk rather than draining their mother dry. Their bowl of water affords them endless fascination as they dip their paws in, creating little waves and much mess.

This has been an incredible journey for us humans too as we watch (and learn) the inter-play between Maman Fleur and her little ones, the different calls she makes to them when it’s time for their feed, teaching them how to kill a toy mouse or when she returns from being away from them. So far we’ve managed to name Little Fleurette, but the ginger boys are proving difficult. At one point I nearly called them Tom, Dick and Harry but it didn’t seem quite right. Nigel is keen to call at least one of the boys Ginger, but I’m somewhat hesitant. I’m sure you’ll remember last year he wanted to call Fleur’s brother Yoda (’cos he had rather big ears) when we adopted them. Yoda is now sensibly called Graham.

Least you think that my time revolves solely around these little furry balls and my computer, I must tell you that I do, occasionally, join the adult world. Such was the case when I attended a workshop entitled ‘How To Get Ahead In Publishing ‘ this morning in Valbonne. The presenter was a super lady called Marie Clayton who gave an excellent insight into the book publishing world. She is to give three more workshops which should empower us all to become authors. It is true that I write but I don’t feel I am an author. And while at times I can find it frustrating to face a blank screen and wonder how it is possible for my inspiration to suddenly deflate, I am writing short non-fiction articles on a subject that is easily researched. But to write a book and keep all the threads going - now that I am in awe of.

Earlier this year I mentioned Project White Horses 2008 which I found to be an incredible and very worthy cause. The charity was conceived to help and encourage children and adults with disabilties and special needs through therapeutic contact with horses. We are now fast approaching the start date of Monday, May 5th and the epic six month journey ten horses and their riders are going to undertake. As you know, the trek departs from the Mas de la Cure (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) situated in the beautiful Camargue and takes the long route up to Brittany. I’ve attached a map to show you the different stages along the way before they arrive in the UK.

This is a beautiful and courageous journey, made more so by the kind support of kindred spirits. But sponsors and donations are still needed so if you would like to help then do please click onto their website and offer help in any way you can. If you can’t help financially you may be able to help with suitable overnight lodging, food or simply just moral support. The horses and riders will be passing through the towns and villages of:

• Sete
• Cahors
• Perigaux
• Angouleme
• Nantes
• Vannes (arrival on Friday 25th July)
• Lorient (arrival on Saturday 2nd August)
• Brest
• Cherbourg (where they will commence their sea journey)
• Portsmouth
• London (where they are to be blessed on Sunday 28th September at St Marks Church, Regents Park/Primrose Hill)
• Bedford

If you live close by you may like to cheer them on and wish them well.

Camargue horses were chosen for a number of reasons but primarily because they can endure long distances, adapt easily to being guided and trained specifically for equine therapy and are very docile and adaptable. The selection of each horse for the Journey of Discovery was carried out with the cooperation of the Maison du Cheval Camargue, the AECRC (Association des Eleveurs de Chevaux de Race Camargue) and of a member of the Parc Natural de Camargue as well as an Officer from the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCMR) and Jakki Cunningham who understand a similar ride in 2007.

A couple of months ago I mentioned the incredible Project White Horse 2008 that is to take place the first week of May. Yesterday I promised to show you the photo gallery of these brave and very beautiful horses. Over the weekend I will do another blog, this time about the long route these Camargue horses and riders will be taking. Again, if you’d like to know about this ride, the dedicated group of people organising it or perhaps offer some support by way of sponsorship, click here to view their website. So, without further ado, it is with great pleasure that I would like to introduce you to (from left to right)

Mogador de la Manade du Vent - Muscadeu d’Arbaud and then Osco de Layalle and Oural de St Gabriel

Pelous de St Germain - Quattro de l’Elevage du Petit Clos and afterwards Quito de St Gabriel

Perdigau de Layalle and lastly, Occitan de la Manade du Levant