Mad March

What a month! 
I've got masses of stuff starting off in the greenhouse, flowers, vegies, herbs, and summer bulbs. I got a bit carried away with a new electric propagator and its great. Its been too cold in the greenhouse at night, and too hot in the day. Suits me fine but the seeds find it a bit shocking. As usual its chaos management, I'll be building raised beds when each lot of seeds is ready.

 I've made a flower bed outside the kitchen window, which looks rather dull at the moment but hopefully it will look better in the summer. 

I can't plant anything out there till I've got my new fence to keep the goats out, they are very entertaining but very mischievous and quite destructive. I found them on the dining table finishing off the bunches of tulips I'd just bought, if I hadn't found a stem on the floor I'd have thought I had imagined buying them. They've also taken to 'nesting' in the back of the pantry, on top of the vacuum cleaner and some old coats. I'm going to fence across the paddock so there is a 'farm' end and a more 'tidy' end. I still want to be able to see them from the house though, I would miss their 'help' when I'm doing things! I suppose shutting the kitchen door would help.

I've had 2 disasters on the chicken front, Vera, one of my black pekins who was a little wild, flew out of her run straight into the open mouth of Holly, who dispatched her instantly, before she could even squawk. A short life but a happy one. The major  chicken tragedy was when Camilla, elegant and beautiful wife of Charles, knocked over a steel sheep hurdle and garrotted herself,  also dying instantly, with a broken neck. I really began to wonder if I was a safe person for chickens to live with, but I persevered and have replaced Camilla with Camilla2 and a younger one called Dianna. I have also taken up carpentry and have made a super big run for the Pekins. Its not what you might call a work of art but its strong and practical and I'm rather proud of it. Christopher would be impressed. 





I've got 2 pekins broody, with 6 eggs each so maybe I'd better start making a brooder and growers pen. See, I even know the correct terms, tee hee. I've also got 7 large fowl eggs in the incubator, but i have had no success at that yet. I shall keep trying, I certainly cant eat all my eggs so I might as well increase my chicken empire. 

The ponies are now contained in their own 2 acre field to stop them getting too fat, and are being driven regularly. They are getting quite fit, and quite cheeky. Jeannie and I went for a lesson with James Broome (look him up on youtube.) last week, and I learnt some new techniques which was great. One day I might even understand how to adjust pair reins but at the moment I still have to be shown although Its becoming slightly clearer. We are going to go down and have a lesson about once a fortnight if we can, especially as we can't get to any competitions for ages.



I haven't done anything to the house this month, I've been too tired with all the outside stuff, and its been lovely to have a fire to collapse by that doesn't involve any work. My legs have stood up to it well, but I'm feeling very tired. A few easy days are in order I think.


Last but definitely not least, the wedding plans are gaining speed as we get nearer the day. I think it will be fun, but theres a huge amount of work to it all, and I am so grateful to so many people who are helping.


Thanks for stopping by.

March Winds Shall Blow

At long last my fire has been fitted. I thought we would be sure to have a heat wave now I've got some heat, but it seems its going to be tested under arctic conditions. Freezing mornings with warm sunny afternoons and freezing nights. Quite nice really. 

I haven't decorated the kitchen yet, but I thought I'd show you a preview of my beautiful cupboards. I'm hoping to pick up the paint brush soon. Honest.

 Walking in the woods is lovely, there's a real feeling of Spring, I came across this patch of daffodils, about a week away from flowering, just yards from my garden. Although the woods aren't exactly huge, with mobility like mine its an adventure every time. I feel so connected. The muntjac deer are mating, I have a buck barking at the gate every night, which together with the owls screeching, foxes screaming and badgers grumbling keep the dogs very active and noisy. My little cockerel starts welcoming the dawn at about midnight, so don't think the countryside is quiet.

I bought some new pekin bantams at Ross Rare breeds sale yesterday, and it inspired me to photograph them and then all of my animals, all on the same day. So here they are:

The black pullets are new and are Vera, Lynne and Gracie. The lavender pullet is Gretal and the cock is Hansel.

 This gorgeous little partridge pekin pullet is Willow, the other 2 are Hazel and Holly an the cockerel is Monty.

This is Charles, my beautiful Buff Orpington boy. He poses for the camera quite well.

Behind Charles are Camilla, the Buff Orpington Hen, and Dark Dulcie, the Gold Laced Orpington.

The bluebelles are Agatha and Christie.

                                          
                          
 Bramble, Nettle, and Holly


                                          

The Cheekiest Of Angora Goats, Bonnie and Tulip.          

                                           

My beloved Turnip, Welsh pony with attitude.


                                          


Griffin, Dartmoor pony, sweetest of souls.





Nancy, young Welsh pony, a very determined girl.





So I'm sat by the fire, warm and toasty, well fed and tired, thankful for my friends and family, both human and animal.


Thanks for looking in.
xx