Monday 22nd April 2024
At least we have had a sunny and dry weekend for a change helping to dry the land out. We have never, in the 50 years that we have been here, been so late in letting our cattle out to grass and they are desperate to go out – every time that I go within sight they let me know. Maybe freedom in the next couple of days?
Fortunately lambing has finished temporarily, or so we’d thought. Having checked a group of ewe lambs that are due to lamb in June I found a newborn lamb following its mum around. Don’t know how that happened as the ram was supposed to be safely away from them. Miraculous conception?? However, mum and her ewe lamb are both well.
Last week, sadly we lost both of our guinea pigs, Sammie and Sally who occupy the run on the lawn outside Honeysuckle Cottage along with Tortie. (our 40+ year old Tortoise) This caused a huge disappointment to our grandchildren. Luana didn’t need much persuading to find some replacements! Needless to say having taken three grandchildren to help her choose she came back with three, Mocha, Cappuccino and Latte who now share the outside run with Torty our approx. 50yo tortoise.
Tuesday 23rd April
Finally it has dried up sufficiently to turn the cattle out but having gathered the grandchildren around to watch them hop, skip and jump with delight it was very much an anti climax as they just ran to the furthest point and started to eat the fresh grass leaving the kids wondering what all the fuss was about.
Tuesday 30th April
Luana’s birthday, a relatively quiet day but in the afternoon we took a trip to Somerton, at one time an important Wessex settlement but now a rather quiet small town about 12 miles away. We’d heard about a chocolate shop there that makes all the chocolate on the premises with sensational flavours including chilli, quite a taste experience! Not cheap but well worth a visit – We’ll be back.
May
Mainly we spent May hoping that the weather would dry up and certainly warm up but the highlight was a week spent in St Ives, Cornwall to celebrate our Golden Wedding. Where did that 50 years go? We were fortunate to have been joined by Martin (our son) and Joanna (our daughter) and their families. Our celebratory meal overlooking Porthmeor beach was made even more special as the evening ended with a spectacular view of the Northern Lights!
June
Wells has been named the best small city for a short break. The historic 850 year old Wells Cathedral, the seat of the Bishops of Bath and Wells, was a key factor in the city’s top rating, according to a recent survey by Which? The lack of crowds and abundance of cultural sites, tourist attractions and quality accommodation options are the reasons for its rating.
Finally on the 15th June we managed to get the contractor to cut the grass for silage – always a bit of a gamble with the weather but fortunately all the hay and silage was safely gathered in before the weather broke. We are OK now for the next 12 months with a little to spare, depending on the severity of next winter. The next thing on our schedule is preparing for the turkey day old poults to arrive. The stable has now been converted for rearing them for the first month of their life making it warm and secure.
July 2nd. The turkeys have just arrived and settled in well – certainly a favourite job with Milo (grandson). Their first week is so important as they have a knack of losing their life in ways that you wouldn’t expect! – Drowning in a thimble full of water or smothering themselves via overcrowding at the slightest of noises etc. After rearing them for over 50 years we have learned how to anticipate these things but you can’t take them for granted so they need constant checking.
July 4th. Turkeys progressing well – fingers crossed! Nick our sheep shearer has said that todays the day – we are nearly always the last on his list but we are pleased that he’s coming as the sheep are looking rather uncomfortable on warm days with so much wool on their backs!
All successfully completed before the shower of rain thankfully.
It’s good to know that the silage, hay, turkeys and shearing are behind us so that hopefully we can enjoy the rest of summer without worry.
