[Cobra]

Hi all I have made a huge decision, not my best day but it has to be done.
As some of you know as well as an incurable illness i also have Spinal Stenosis we know that one day ill be paralysed, for now its all about being careful, looking out for signs of things getting worse but its also making the most of the time I have, whilst I can.
Sadly two weeks ago things took a bit of a turn; I collapsed eight times in the last week and so I have made the decision to clear out the stock over winter and see what the spring brings, we will still have the ducks and chickens at home but I cant risk not being able to care for the animals out on the smallholding. I am obviously gutted, but common sense must rule; do I regret it? Hell no! I would do it all over again, here's hoping I can get more mobile by the spring and have another go, ever the optimist.

I will continue to write up the Passionate Smallholder section on my website "Bikers Lot" completing the past years diary seems a fitting tribute to an awesome experience; who knows, hopefully more to add in the spring.

Tomorrow all our pigs will be auctioned at market, leaving the lambs for the freezer. Its going to be a real hard day emotionally and physically but we will get there. as I mentioned it isn't the end but it has to be the right choice putting the care of my animals first as Ive always done. Tomorrow is going to really knock me for six so may be absent for a few days till I get my energy back, wish me luck and see you on the other side. xx

[SallyintNorth]

We'll be thinking of you, Cobra. 

And well done for putting the livestock's welfare selflessly first.  Very hard to do in your circumstances and I applaud you for it. 

{{{hugs}}}
Sally xx

[JulieS]

I do hope all goes well Cobra.

I'll be thinking of you. 

[Bionic]

Cobra,
What a difficult decision for you but you have come to the most sensible one for both you and the animals.
We will all be optimistic with you. Lets hope the spring sees you bounce back again but in the meanwhile we will all be thinking of you.
Sally 

[tizaala]

I wish you well and hope this is a temporary setback, I applaud your decission about the animals and hope you get a good price for them. But I think this is just an excuse to sit inside by the fire all winter while the rest of us struggle through the snow and mud and freeze our tabs off.
 Good luck old son
Best wishes.

[Brucklay]

Best of luck and I hope you manage to get your strength up in the spring to get things going again - but I do think you've made a smart decision - winter and livestock is tough, best of luck

[Dan]

All the best Cobra, a tough decision but the right one I expect. Hopefully this doesn't mean you're abandoning us here?   

Here's to a re-stocking in the spring. 

[Rosemary]

Tough - but sensible decision. We'll look forward to spring and your renaissance 

[Blinkers]

Awwww....ditto to everything said above.    Roll on Spring 'eh?      Good luck at the auction.  Sending {{{hugs}}}

[HappyHippy]

 

[jaykay]

Really sorry to hear this but I'm impressed by the courage and determination to put your animals first  I hope things start looking up soon 

[lachlanandmarcus]

Tough - but sensible decision. We'll look forward to spring and your renaissance 

This in bucketloads. Have a cosy winter and emerge from the chrysalis in springtime. With best wishes.

[northfifeduckling]

  thinking of you with best wishes !

[darkbrowneggs]

I am sure you have made a good decision.  Thinking of you and wishing you every good wish for the future.

[Sylvia]

I hope I would be as brave in your shoes God bless.