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January
Took advantage of dry fine
weather to dig a duck pond in the field, took a couple of days, but
worth it when the ducks saw it—very excited! They are now moved into
their permanent home in the field with the llamas and chickens, and are
loving it. Only 3 chicks hatched from latest incubator effort and all my
friend’s eggs, none of mine hatched, what a disappointment.
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February
We had a couple of days away in
the camper van, first time away since last autumn. Stayed on a camp site
near St. Austell so we could have a day out at Eden Project with
friends. Eden is wonderful, so interesting, and lots to see besides the
amazing plants. We also had a fun day with the 3 dogs, cycling on a
cycle trail, then an afternoon on the beach at Pentewan Sands. Hurray,
also this month a couple of my chicken eggs hatched, first incubator
success.
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March
Several exciting things this month, we bought a joint birthday
present, a lovely Welsh driving pony called Lily, with cart and all
accessories. So we have now confirmed our reputation as the local
eccentrics by driving round the local roads in a pony and trap,great
fun. Also, had a lovely night away at a superb country house hotel near
South Molton for Roger’s birthday—a very self indulgent treat.
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April
Spent a lot of time at the vets this month, poor Harry had a
poorly eye, followed by a nail bed infection—lots of driving to and fro,
lots of bills! Hatched 5 gosling chicks at the end of the month, very
exciting, the first time we’ve hatched goose eggs in the incubator.
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May
A month of ups and downs. The
good—we had a lovely two week holiday in the campervan with the dogs,
went to the Yorkshire Dales—gorgeous scenery and fabulous cakes,
followed by Lake District—a bit too touristy for us, then
Snowdonia—beautiful, lots to see and do. We also had a good night away
at a lovely hotel near Salcombe for Catherine’s birthday.
The bad—one of our
goslings got killed by some beast while we were away, then sadly we had
to have our 15 year old border collie dog Soda put to sleep as she
suddenly got really ill and didn't respond to treatment.
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June
Mixed weather this month, made
the most of the good to get on with our vegetable garden. It was good to
see returning guests again, so plenty of chat and catching up with news.
Realised again how enjoyable it is to be able to walk the dogs at 10 pm
without using a torch, lovely summer nights.
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July
We had one of our big summer
parties at the beginning of July—for the first time ever the weather was
not kind to us, but being British we carried on regardless and everyone
seemed to enjoy themselves, despite the wellies as party footwear(and
the band cancelling on us at the last minute). We had a week away, just
locally in the campervan-Roger had a day sea fishing on a boat,and we
just relaxed in the warm sunny weather (at last).
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August
Sadly, the fine weather at the
end of July didn’t continue this month, lots of rain and not enough sun.
Our guests mostly soldiered on regardless, but it was a shame. We had a
short break (without the dogs, cruel us!) in the campervan, it didn’t
rain for those few days, so we had a nice time fishing, cycling and
eating too much.
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September
We had to make the decision to
sell our young geese—they had turned into real bullies and were picking
on the ducks and chickens. So they went to Hatherleigh market and their
house has been made into extra chicken accommodation so we’ve been able
to increase our poultry numbers with some young chicks from the market.
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October
A quieter month, typical blowy autumn weather with plenty of the
usual autumnal tasks—leaf clearing, replenishing our logs supply,
tidying the garden for winter etc. It’s a good thing we aren’t allergic
to mud because after the wet summer the autumn rain has really made the
ground soggy, not much fun slipping about in the poultry field!
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November
Millie became a granny at the
beginning of the month, one of her puppies from her first litter (Lulu’s
full sister) had a litter of 3 puppies. Fortunately all 3 puppies had
new homes waiting from them almost as soon as they were born, so we
could go and visit without being tempted to add another generation of
jack russell to our family!
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December
Drama at the beginning of the
month when our old Ford Escort went up in flames due to electrical
fault. Had to call the fire brigade (for the first, and hopefully only
time ever). We had a peaceful Christmas with family and friends, the end
of the year brought a long settled spell of dry cold weather, so the
wood burner was kept busy, but at least the ground had a chance to
finally dry up so Roger was able at last to do some flying.
Best
wishes for a happy New Year to all who have holidayed here, we look
forward to meeting you all again, together with your dogs, as well as
new guests in 2009. |
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