Not a great start to the New Year as we had a senior team player missing. I said there wasn’t a body so there was still hope. And sure as eggs are eggs, there she was two days later in the right place. Obviously she can’t talk, as Elspeth is a horned sheep, but the body language said it all: "I was “rounded up” with other sheep, so indignant! I am never rounded up - I look after the grandchildren on walks, teach dogs how to behave with sheep and generally keep an eye on everything else." It was a relief to have her back.
Elspeth on duty
The grandchildren were here for Christmas - Father Christmas left muddy marks on the carpet, not that easy to spot as the whole carpet looked fairly grubby, but there were definitely crumbs where the biscuit was. We managed to fit three birthdays into four days plus Christmas Day (another birthday), so there was definitely a theme of balloons and cake.
Balloons for birthdays
The Highland calves have finally left their mums and are being guided by Lucy Luing, an older heifer who is very tame, they are loving daily feeds of hay and scratches.
Highland calves and Lucy
Highland calves having hay
An exciting purchase has been made in the form of a Highland cow crush, I thought it must be my Christmas present but then I received two new dog leads.
A new Highland crush
It is a kind way to check the general health of the Highlands without them struggling with their horns.
Fluffy’s litter are thriving and hopefully off to the abattoir next week - it is staggering to see how much feed they eat, I suppose they are keeping warm in the cold.
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Pig food order for a fortnight!
The bigger challenge will be keeping the pigs cool in the Summer - we hope to have more pigs in the woods with plenty of water for wallows.
We have had a huge amount of water this Winter, but not the misery of the floods in the Midlands - it does make the odd blue sky day very special.
Blue skies and Winter trees
The llama chases every drop of sunshine, and doesn’t seem to mind too much sharing her stable when the rain comes.
Llama in the sunshine
Doubling up to keep dry
We had a tour of the milking cows at Christmas with my daughters-in-law - I was very impressed with the Winter jackets for the calves, and wondered if Rolo the Shetland pony would appreciate one?
Young calves being kept warm
We had a weekend of snow before Christmas, and the Ukrainian boys, being no stranger to snow, made the most of it.
First snowman
I love this photo of a rose - no one had told this plant it was midwinter.
A stunning rose defying the seasons
And we seem to have a new lodger on the bedroom windowsill - I think it is a kestrel who shelters there at night.
A new lodger
I also have a new dog - a shy Labrador called Phoebe.
Bonding and walking with Phoebe, with a nice view
My goddaughter came to stay last weekend with her boyfriend, Harry, so lots of walks with Phoebe and Adrian found enough spades to have everyone digging holes to plant young apple trees. We will name the orchard after them if they survive the forecast of snow and frost.
Planting an orchard
And the promise of new life as Spring approaches.
