I am shocked to realise how long it has been since I last wrote a message - but I certainly know why! It has been VERY BUSY, with lovely guests coming and going in Hodd Cottage for the entire summer so far. Just the way we want it and it always gives us pleasure to know that our guests have had enjoyable holidays. But it has resulted in my doing everything I HAVE to do, and not those things I NEED to do. And of course the farm has been busy too, with all the stock work that comes with summer. We have been shearing ewes and lambs, drenching and dagging, especially important with all the fresh feed on the farm after a very wet early summer and plentiful grass growth. The same rain prevented cultivation at the planned time, but Neil saw a window of opportunity to finally get new grass seed sown in late December, and just 6 weeks later it is lush and green, and has already had a light grazing.

Today we brought in the cows which still have their calves at foot. The bulls have been out with them for the required 45 days, so they are now separated. Weaning the calves from their mothers happens in another couple of months, and the new calves will be born in October, just to start the whole process over again!

I would put up a photo or 2 but am finding I am still very challenged with the process - but watch this space .... I may eventually get it sorted!

Till next time ....