I have had a riot reaching my 6’s. Such a great excuse to party and gather family and friends together.
Balloons at Berry’s
My husband found his creative talents and decorated Berry’s with lots of balloons and candles. I supplied the meat, Highland beef and tenderloin of pork, plus some unlucky pigeons, while Guy from Fairhurst's at Berry’s did an amazing job of cooking it all. I had a go at blowing out the huge number of candles.
Candles
Anyway, I have a new rail card, so I could be visiting.
Last week, Tim and Steph dressed up to attend the celebration in London as one of the four finalists in the inaugural Staycation awards. The winner had used Jasper Carrot for their entertainment slot; however cute and well behaved our Berry’s team can be, we will find it hard to beat that - but amazing for us that the Wensleydale Experience was there at all! Tim is now back at home looking after the farm tours and farm experiences, which will continue through the Winter.
Steph and Tim at the Staycation Awards
Training of my young animals continues with mixed success. Bruce hasn’t shone yet in the puppy classes, but we have fun together practicing obedience at home.
Bruce waiting for a signal
And little Summer the piglet has become very tame and loves a scratch.
Summer with Steph
I am looking forward to the two Summers meeting at Christmas. My daughter was asking about the equipment here and did we have a mat for Summer to play on for her stimulation; we don’t have the mat but we do have plenty of stimulation.
Summer on her activity mat
Gilty the Berkshire cross sow is guilty. She has had three lovely litters but she has a hostile outlook on life and we can’t have anyone on the team who has attitude, we won’t miss her. Meanwhile Sherlock on his ambles in the park is always on the lookout for anything female, not sure there is a future with this one.
Sherlock the boar thinking - it's female
Watching the Autumn leaves turn, I am always amazed how the trees change at different times. I have a Hornbeam hedge and all the trees are the same age and were planted at the same time, but one tree will lose all its leaves while the one next door still has green leaves. I reckon there is a conversation below ground, it make sense to be at different stages in their cycles so they are affected differently by the varied weather.
Hornbeam trees
We have started chopping down the diseased ash trees - it is so sad as there are many ash trees in the Dales and it will change the landscape considerably. Young trees will be planted to replace them, but it will take many years.
Felled Ash tree rotten from disease
I spent the 11th November at the 11th hour at the Green Howards Army museum in Richmond. Seven schools had all designed a banner commemorating one of the Green Howard Victoria Crosses awarded in the 1st and 2nd world wars. We all kept the two minute silence and it was moving to be with so many talented young students.
Back home, and we are organising the village carol singing - and choosing a Christmas tree. Hopefully when I write again little Summer Bridget will be resident in Swinithwaite with plenty of stimulation!
Happy Christmas.
