Christmas Day in Blubberhouses

Christmas Day was bright and sunny here and as dinner wasn't until 5pm we decided to go for a walk up the valley and through the woods. An icy breeze was blowing but the sky was so blue. As we walked through the field a pair of Red Kites put on a wonderful display swooping and whistling as they went. I took some photos but they havent come out clear enough to put on here.
The River Washburn was frozen over in many places and the duck pond in the woods looked solid , we didnt attempt to check the ice ourselves but some ridiculous people had and you could see footprints in the snow whhich had settled on the ice. Quite why anyone would risk doing this I dont know!!

Hearts and Flowers, Harrogate

A week ago my last guests of 2010 checked out. I decided that after a really busy year I would give myself some well earned time off!!! However my time off is only time off from B&B as Im spending a couple of weeks helping in a florists in Harrogate. Hearts and Flowers belongs to my good friend Daphne and as its such a busy time for her right now Ive offered my services as a work experience person.
So here I am every morning now getting togged up with , dare I tell you, vests and t shirts, jumpers, tights,woolly socks etc etc I can hardly move!!. But..its soooo cold in the shop. We cant have heating on because its not good for the flowers so you really do have to keep moving to stay warm. The last couple of mornings Ive got into the car to find the temp -11 degrees!! Brrrr! Its ok though as all the customers are really jolly and preparing for Christmas, quite when Im going to have time to do that Im not sure!!

Sheep Scanning 2

Lots of people ask me about sheep scanning so I took some pics so you can see how it works. The sheep are all in the building and they are funnelled up the race. I usually keep the pen full at the back. The images show my Dad sending the sheep along towards John. As they are scanned, depending on the result, Chris puts a coloured mark on then.
After scanning they will be sorted into lots so that all those having twins are together, triplets are together etc and Chris can feed them accordingly. In late January those having triplets will come inside as they need extra care and attention. There are also some sheep scanned to have 4 lambs! So watch this space in March!!
The sheep we have just scanned are all Mules and will lamb first starting late February. After Christmas we will scan all the Swaledale sheep as they will lamb later starting towards the end of March

Sheep scanning !

Its the time of year now when all the sheep should be in lamb. So that we know whats what we bring in John Barnes the Sheep Scanning Man! John scans thousands of sheep through the winter and covers an extensive area travelling to all parts of Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cumbria, Derbyshire and even down to Nottinghamshire.
Its very testing for him right now with the weather being so bad and having to set off very early in the morning to keep to his schedule. The Image shows John scanning a sheep which looks at him in amazement when he says she having triplets!!!

This is her scan but dont ask me how you tell whats there !!

Mackenzies Smokehouse

I think Im going stir crazy!! All this snow means my car hasnt moved now for 4 days, which is unheard of!!.This afternoon though the sun came out and I decided I would go for a walk.
I set off through the land and went to see the cattle on the edge of the moor who were all busy eating the silage Chris had taken for them. I then wandered up the hill towards the road, in some areas this proved to be a mistake as the snow was above the tops of my wellies!!.
When I got to the road I went to Mackenzies Smokehouse. Their shop is just wonderful and the choice and quality of food is exceptional. Its great to have it as a local store.
I bought some of their home cured Bacon for breakfast tomorrow and some eggs as Ive promised Chris Yorkshire Puddings for tea, along with Roast Beef from our own farm, and as our hens are on a winter go slow I didnt want to have to go back on my word.
The shop is all dressed for Christmas and looking really good and mouth watering. Im meeting friends there for lunch in the Restaurant next thursday and can't wait.
On the way back I met one of Mackenzies neighbours!! This Highland cow was trying to get a drink of water!

Miserable Weather

The first of December. What can I say? Totally miserable. The animals are getting fed up with it all now, as is the farmer and according to the weather forecasters theres more to come!! This is the view from my office window. Lovely .....