Diary
Ponies / Polytunnel / Marmalade sponge
Monday 28 November, 2022
Monday 21st November
Three of our four cats have their annual check ups in late November, reflecting when the Christmas spirit moves us and we rescue another one. Today was Penfold’s turn. He’s been with us ten years, so we estimate he’s probably mid-teens. Since he had a bit of a kidney issue a few years ago, and because he’s become a terrible mooch for food, we decided to have some bloods taken and his blood pressure checked. Results tomorrow.
Sprouts / Rain / And more rain
Monday 21 November, 2022
Monday 14th November
Nothing quite went to plan today. Having started the Christmas puddings, I then discovered that we had no pudding basins – our old ones had become crazed and cracked and I decided it was time for new ones, except I discarded the old ones and forgot to buy new – so steaming is delayed again. I just keep adding a slosh of cherry brandy to the mix.
Picked tomatoes – there are still quite a lot left and they are delicious but I will have to clean out the polytunnel soon. There are a few pears left on the tree and plenty sprouts.
Raspberries / Buffet / Sewing
Sunday 13 November, 2022
Monday 7th November
Farrier out to trim Smokey’s feet. He was a very good boy. I’m wondering if he’s staring to be a bit stiff in his hind legs.
Was supposed to take Diesel to the vet for his annual check up this afternoon. 2pm, no Diesel. New appointment made for Wednesday morning. He’s usually snoozing it up in the morning. Bloody cat.
Tuesday 8th November
Had my Covid and flu jags this afternoon. Can I swing a duvet day tomorrow?
Calves / Hens / Holidays
Sunday 6 November, 2022
Monday 24th
So that’s the Scottish Smallholder Festival over for another year. It all went swimmingly – or maybe more like the swan analogy – all calm on the surface and paddling furiously under the surface. We now have a bigger team and a very good one. We’ve had much positive feedback on the Festival from visitors and stallholders – thankfully, it doesn’t make us complacent but makes us want to do better next year. I’m staying on for another year to do the rural skills but not the communications. Most of my stallholders want to come back next year, which is great – on, because they were very good but two, because it allows me to think about new things to do. The cookery theatre went well – I think that will be back next year. Tidying up now, copying over files and thanking everyone.
Pigs away / Apple pressing / Festival
Monday 24 October, 2022
Friday 14th October
Set up the trailer for Sunday and the pigs going to the abattoir. Hopefully the hurdles will stop them breaking anything – or at least anything crucial.
Trailer.
Protected trailer.
Covid / Cucumbers / Tatties
Monday 3 October, 2022
Saturday 24th September
So here we are, past Mabon, the autumn equinox. Still plenty grass in the fields to do the cattle until early November. I’m on the usual changing seasons tidy up, leading to an autumn clean. Started in the feed store – found six quiet wean things and three thermometers. When I want them, they will be invisible.
Spent most of the day in the veg garden, weeding and getting ready for manuring, REMIN-ing and covering with black plastic. Loads of raspberries coming ready and dozens of bees on the raspberry plants.
Exercises / Cucumbers / Stove
Sunday 25 September, 2022
Monday 12th September
Had Gwenna at the physio today. No hydrotherapy yet, but we have land based exercises to do. We go back in two weeks.
Tuesday 13th September
Cool this morning, but warming up. Set up Gwenna’s exercises.
Gwenna's exercises.
Wednesday 14th September
More lovely autumn weather. Only 4C this morning but warm and sunny in the afternoon.
Apples / Tatties / Leeks
Monday 12 September, 2022
Monday 5th September
Dan lifted the first ¼ of the potatoes. They look really good – had two baked for dinner and they were delicious.
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Caledonian Rose.
I did nothing productive apart from my routine chores. Truly depressed at the prospect of Liz Truss as Prime Minister. The weather reflected that, being dismal with thunder and heavy rain.
Cats / Toad / Greengages
Monday 5 September, 2022
Monday 29th August
Dan’s been experimenting with growing comfrey crown cuttings in boxes.
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Comfrey growing
We’ve been walking Gwenna round Home; I hope Grey had fun dispersing the brash around. It smells very piney.
Grey's play area.
Gwenna / Geraniums / Lintel
Monday 29 August, 2022
Monday 22nd August
Busy morning; down to Downfield to pick up some Shetland beef from Paul Sanderson. Three of my old customers had bought beef too, so I picked that up as well.
Light rain this morning, with some heavier showers, dropping to drizzle – not forecast but welcome, nevertheless.
Visit this afternoon from Alan and Dianne Yarker, who we met through the Shetland Cattle Breeders Association. Great to catch up with them; lovely folk. Managed to avoid talking about the state of the current breed society.
