Somehow, despite January feeling like the longest month ever, we not only got a lot done, but we were also able to celebrate Thistles’ first front cover – she hopes first of many, and she will take payment in dog biscuits! Now, all of a sudden, we find ourselves in February, braced for the current undecided weather, and another month of looking after the cows in the barn – a workout by anyone’s measure. The new bedding is spread out in our usual Monday, Wednesday, Friday pattern, plus making sure there is enough for them to eat.

The cold weather was with us for long enough that the Field 5 scrape became an ice rink once again – but this year it was Thistle who enjoyed that pleasure! A group of Lapwings flew over the barn, and a recent count reached at least 40 different birds on the farm – making us think it is time to get Gert back to repeat his survey from a few years ago.

The two storms last week were noisy, but amazingly, no damage around us, for which we are grateful. Rain has fallen but not in such great quantities – although the field 8 ‘ponds’ are establishing themselves once again. A break in those rain clouds allowed a clearing of the compound area, cutting back the ever-encroaching brambles, and making space for us to get back into the area.

The sad news to share is that Tim’s mother has passed away. Tim has been such a stalwart for these last year’s, caring for her with the family through the hard times she has faced with her health. It is a sad loss for Tim, and we are thinking of him and his family, and sending our deepest condolences. Here on the farm, the sheep were scanned, and with a 193% scanning rate, we have one of our best ever results – 15 triplets, 16 singles and the rest twins. If we can get the stars to align so that the triplets and singles arrive together, we might have a more straightforward time making sure all lambs have enough to drink! The sheep were all so calm and peaceful that we were able to also take advantage of the checking of the ewes to weigh them again, which helps us keep on track. All very cheering, and a boost to get some help from a friend and local farmers’ son – all extra hands were gratefully received! The Shetland Sheep flock were also scanned, and we look forward to 2 twins, and the rest singles, and you won’t be surprised to learn Lesley is already firm friends with the flock, Princess especially!

On the business park, Ulula has moved from the farm’s garage to a unit. A deeply significant moment. The unexpected bonus of the move has been that we have been able to see who’s not clearing up after their dogs and asking them to do so! It is perhaps hard for other dog owners to realise that the farm dogs don’t leave the farm, so their paw’s tread only in our soil, and while they are not always as discerning where they ‘do their business’ the threat of their ‘bio security’ is far less than other dogs who come onto the farm from elsewhere. Nevertheless, we should all clear up after our pets – it’s just one simple thing that makes life a lot nicer!

In the Field 11 garden, 4 loads of compost have been spread out across the beds, and a crop plan has been made and started to be followed in accordance with the Maria Thun calendar. All is based on the assumption that plants will grow as they are expected to grow of course, and if they do, there are 35 different vegetable varieties in total planned for the season, 16 different veggies available at any one time for everyone who has signed up to the veg box scheme! Outside, we have the snowdrops, aconites and some hellebores all in flower, catkins are out and there is a sense that spring is not as far off as it was – in fact, the first dandelion was also spotted!

Much struck by the reality that the grandchildren are getting so ‘grown up’ that it is the puppy that is the one to properly enjoy the ice-skating opportunities this last fortnight, we turn to a favourite for our poem. Perhaps the tabloids threats of February snow falls will come true, and if they do, remind the teens to be children once more…

February by Elsa Beskow

Blue skies and ice
wherever we go,
slipping and sliding 
deep in the snow.
 
Uphill and downhill,
neither leaf nor green;
the sun bright and clear, 
no grass to be seen.
 
Woolies and hoods,
on toboggans all day.
Gloves on our hands
and Spring far away. 
 
Back home Mama’s baking
 big loaves and small. 
How hungry we are–
we’ll soon eat them all!