Cat, what cat?

What a lot of mud we've got here at the moment...and it's certainly not glorious - I've had to have a bath twice in the last week and I'm not pleased about it.  Skye is staying indoors until it dries up she says.  She reckons she's got an allergy to getting dirty - allergy to work more likely - but it's not stopping Pie or me sorting sheep out and watching cattle.  Pie's alright really, and certainly gets them moving if they slow up

She's getting better with Tinker as well, or rather, Tinker is getting better with her.  They don't seem to mind each other at all, but if truth be told, I think Pie just pretends she can't see the cat, all the while hoping that no-one from the Jack Russell society comes calling.  Apparently being friendly with a cat is a definite no,no if you want to be Jack Russell of the year...poor Pie - she's always working away, looking for something to terrorise and just can't believe the cat's off limits

Lambs on the move

Winter's definitely on the way today - I couldn't see past my nose this morning for all the mist and rain.  It didn't stop us going out though, Pie and me - it'd take more than a bit of weather to stop us working.  The same definitely doesn't go for Skye, who just groaned and went back to sleep.

We had all the lambs to move today - I got them to the gate in the field they were coming out from and then little Pie chivvies them out of the gate if they look like they don't want to go.  It works really well, as long as Pie hasn't got distracted and gone off hunting, then I have to do the chivvying.  Anyway, today it worked a treat and we had them moved into a new field in a flash.

We'll just have to hope they stay where they're supposed to be, but Pie and Daisy have volunteered to keep any eye out and bark like crazy if one of the little rascals gets out.

Market day

I wish I could have gone today - three tups they bought, big Suffolk boys I'm told, but didn't bring them home.  Aaarrrgh!!!  Skye was chuckling when she found out, the old devil, and is now hoping they'll get stolen before they get here.  She's been busy looking for a burglar, but fortunately neither Daisy or Pip know where to find one so that's put a spanner in it for her.

I know they'll turn up - but maybe I should ask Daisy and Pie to go across and stand guard for a few days just to make sure nothing happens to them...it's a worrying time, but THREE...that's just fantastic.

Choosing more Tups

Oh what a lovely day - rained from the moment I was up and a sneaky northerly wind as well, but as far as I'm concerned it's one of the best days of the year.  Today they've been off to look at some new tups - Suffolks - and best of all, when they got back they were chatting about how many to get as there was more than one they liked.  Multiple tups...how good is that?  Pretty good, I'd say.

I've been busy explaining what a tup is to Pie - I took her out to see some in the field, but she wasn't that bothered..."Sheep, then" was all she said and then dashed off to bark at something underground.  How can she not be excited about more tups?  She must be spending too much time with Skye

Oh well, market day is Wednesday...I just don't know how I'll sleep until I know which ones we're getting

Pie's commando team

Two days wasted on this wheat now - you just can't image how slowly these combines travel.  Crawl up the field, sloooowly turn round and crawl back down it again.  It's driving Pie and me daft, but for different reasons - I want to get on with my other jobs, but Pie just does everything at 100mph.  She's been busy hatching a daring plot to get into the combine - she reckons she knows which pedal makes it go faster and says she'd let Skye in and plonk her on the pedal.  It's not a bad plan - no-one would shift Skye once she's down and we've certainly got plenty of time to think the plan up.  Oh well, if we're still at it tomorrow, I'll let them do it.

Apart from that, winter must be on the way - we've started feeding the cows now.  Skye, Pie and I go out to help

Wheat harvest

Thank goodness...the combine harvester reappeared today and we started cutting the wheat.  That's just been one of those boring jobs that hang over you stopping you doing other, more interesting jobs - I mean, who on earth would prefer to be cutting crops when you could be working sheep?  Anyway, Pie and I helped out taking the grain to the silo - she's quite good at counting so I gave her the job of keeping track of how many loads we had taken.  We were doing quite well, until she realised there were hares in the field and spent the rest of the day counting them instead.  I might just as well have asked Skye to count - at least we'd have got up to 4 (right front, right back..) - you just can't get the help these days...

Hay made

12 August 2012

I can't believe it. All this rain and still we've got the hay in for the sheep this winter. What a relief as they blame me if the hay's no good. Woolly little devils.

Pie came out with us while we were turning the hay. Well, you've never heard anything like it - turning hay is usually such a relaxing job. Up and down, up and down all day long. Great fun. Well, put little Pie into the mix and it's all squeaks and yaps marching from one side of the cab to the other looking for hares. She never rests even for a second - wore me to a frazzle

Roll on bedtime - have to get my sleep. It's sheep in next. I can't wait

Take care

Barley combined

11 August

They're big bits of kit, those combines. Pie Daisy and I heard it coming from miles away but Skye was just surprised when it turned up. Pleasantly surprised though as she very quickly worked out that a combine meant no sheep for her today. Pie barked at it to keep it away from the house and looked very pleased with herself when it turned off to the barley field and then gave it a few extra yaps to speed it along. I don't know what goes on in that little dogs head sometimes - I mean, come on, it was never going to find much to cut in the garden, was it?

Still, I'm pleased that's another job done - soon be onto the sheep jobs now...joy, joy, joy.

Hay on the way?

Whisper it quietly, we've cut some grass down to make hay so we're hoping for some good weather.  I had a walk in the field this morning and so far, so good!  Daisy has got her toes crossed and is hoping we'll go off for a few days once it's all baled up - we'll see, but she clearly hasn't seen the length of my list of jobs!  But I suppose some of them could wait, but where's the fun of going away to look at someone else's sheep when I could be at home working with mine?

We're in two camps about it - Daisy and Skye always like a trip away and Pie is voting with me - she thinks there are far too many things to sniff out here before going anywhere else.  We were out in the back field working a couple of days ago and she discovered rabbits there - she's been chattering about getting back out to find more ever since, but we've been too busy doing cow things - much to her frustration.

Oh well, I'm pleased my foot's getting better at least

Take care

Cows in...again

My foot is much better now - I'm starting to think about all the sheep jobs I've got to get through but today was all about getting cows in and checking tags.  Boooooring, boring, boring.  Skye didn't mind though - another restful day in the garden for her, which doesn't bode well for her sick note but never mind.  She could do with a run

We did all help to get the cows in and put them back out, which was fun and Pie is getting quite good at riding on the bike with us now - she soon lets us know if there's a cow or sheep going the wrong way, by yapping away to warn us.  Mind you, I don't think she's ever going to be let off the bike to herd them like I do because she's only little and wouldn't be able to keep up...and she might get distracted and dash off just when we need to be still!

When we got back we took this photo of Pie at the back door - she was still breathing (I checked)

Take care

A day out

Skye and I had a quiet day today while the twins went off on a trip.  Bliss...Sunday is definitely a day to take stock and plan the week ahead, not to be rushing around.  Mind you, Skye was hard at work all day, practicing her limp and worrying whether the sheep would be coming in before she had got her sicknote organised...

We heard all about it once they got home mind you.  Apparently it had been some sort of terrier show day...lots of bad tempered yappy dogs all in one place isn't my cup of tea but they'd had a good time and Pie was entered into a beauty contest.  She persuaded Hugo to take a picture so Skye and I could see, and just as well too - we wouldn't have believed a word of it otherwise.

Looks as though butter wouldn't melt in her mouth...for once!

Take care

Babysitting

I don't know how these things happen. One minute I was just resting and letting my sore paw get better, and the next I was looking after the terrible twins whist everyone went out to finish a few jobs. Skye was no help – the twins have got far too much energy for her, but I managed to tire them out with a few games. They don't look so energetic here, do they?

 
Anyway, I've told Skye in no uncertain terms that she's on babysitting duties next so she'd better get ready for it. I'm bound to be out working so unless she wants to come out and help me…
She's worried now and has been flying around making up lists of games. I want nothing to do with them though…she's chosen

1. Digging big holes in the back garden
2. Chasing hares in the front field (Pie's speciality)
3. Snouting about in the back field

It's got trouble written all over it…oh dear, oh dear

Take care

Moving Tups

At last - a bit of proper work...Pie came out to help as I've still got a sore paw but we managed it well enough.  All the tups and a few sheep had to be moved into the front field and we rattled them in in next to no time...me on the bike and Pie chasing up behind on her lead.  The tups didn't know what to make of her, but decided not to push their luck in case that brought Skye out to finish the job, but it was good to get back to it. 

Heard some chat about the combine coming in this week, so we'll just have to see - Daisy and Pie are very excited about it

Take care

Daisy's Spa Day

We've had another busy day today - the bulls have been grumbling in their fields and we've had to set up some electric fences to make sure they don't break out.  I think they just like grumbling, and don't think they really want to be out, but we don't want to take a chance because mending fences is boring.

Today was a big day for Daisy - her spa day.  She always looks forward to them and looks ever so smart now.  Skye is really fluffy looking at the moment and says she's desperate to get a cut and blow dry and have her nails done.  She's very impressed with Daisy's nails and her lovely sleek trim.  Skye thinks it would take pounds off her...oh well, we'll see someday if she's lucky!

Little Pie just got confused when Daisy came back - she thought we had another dog that needed growling at.  I don't know, just when you think the little dog might have some brains she does something like this and makes Skye look clever.

Take care

Moving cows

A busy day today - moving cows about.  Some of the cows haven't got much grass in their field so we've been moving them about a bit.  We all had to help, but I had to sit on the bike all the time on account of my sore foot.  I did manage to get off for a while but I was soon told to rest - it's soooo frustrating.

Daisy had a big job to do today and was in charge of making sure everything got chased into the right field.  She went off with a determined look on her face and it all went well which we were all very relieved about. She was chattering about it all day - how big the cows were, and how huge the bull was.  She liked the bull because he is the same colour as her.

Little Pie had a good time riding with me on the bike so I could look after her - she hasn't got much sense yet around the cows!  I did have to have a quiet word with her though about rolling in smelly things just before getting on the bike though - we were all covered in flies all morning and she was certainly smelling strong!  Even some of the cows noticed and they don't smell of roses.  Anyway, I don't think she'll be doing that again - well, I hope not anyway.

Take care

Ho hum...

We've had a quieter day today - probably just as well, what with my sore foot...at least I'm not missing out on anything!  I helped Hugo out with some tractor work in the afternoon sitting on my special seat next to him whilst the others stayed behind.  I often go out just in case I need to help out. 

Skye was busy practicing her limp (she persuaded the people in the cottage to take her for a walk) and Daisy was helping out by keeping out of the way...and keeping clean for once.  She's got a spa day coming up soon and is really lookin forward to it.  She's been telling Pie all about it but Little Pie wasn't bothered much and thought it was a waste of good sniffing about time at home...yes, I'm starting to like the little rascal.

She went off to help put up an electric fence and came back very excited (no change there, then) - she says she's seen the cows close up, and aren't they big...and smelly...and very curious.  She had to keep under everyones feet to keep out of the cows' way but seems to have had some fun which is the main thing - after all, she's not much more than a puppy really - not a worker like me!

In the evening Pie had some more sitting down quietly with the Tinker on a knee and seems to have worked out that the cat's a friend - she even gave her a little lick.  Wonders never cease...maybe Skyes little chat about looking after the cat, or else, helped!  Skye loves that cat...even more than supper time.

Take care

A day out for the terriers

I'm resting these days - I've decided that I've just got to treat it as though its a job and get better.  My naughty paw is feeling a bit better today so it must be working.  Skye and I stayed at home - after a couple of days working I don't think Skye could walk far if she tried.  She's grumbling so much that I'm starting to feel tired as well - tired of listening to her that is!  Anyway she's happier now she's seen Daisy and Pie walking the sheep down the road last night and has a plan to get off sheep duty.  She's been practicing a limp and next time the vet's here she's going to limp over to him and drop down at his feet moaning.  Some chance!

The terrible twins went off on a trip today to the Kelso show- they've been telling me all about it ever since they got back.  They say there were lots of dogs, and people, and walking about on their leads sniffing...sounds like a day to miss if you ask me - strange dogs and me just don't get on.  They did say there were pork roasts in some of the tents they visited which smelt great and kept dropping to the floor and some very tasty steak leftovers which Skye and I thought sounded a bit more like it, but to be honest just having them out of the way for a day was bliss.  A reward in itself!

One thing though - looks like that's the way to tire Little Pie out - fast asleep for once!

 
Take care

Pie's reward

More clipping today...a groan from me and lots of groans from lazy old Skye who was telling Daisy she'd though about running away last night.

Needless to say there was lots of shouting and struggling as Skye tried to get the sheep out of the field, which I had to help with in the end, but today we gave Pie her first ride on the bike - she came with us as we collected the sheep and was squeeking with delight as we chased about after Skye and her new woolly friends.  Oh yes, I think that little dog has got potential and I bet what she lacks in speed, she'd make up for in effort - she certainly got the ewes moving along in the pens once we got them which was more than Skye managed!

At least that's the clipping finished - and I never thought I'd say that.  This sore paw has ruined my year and no mistake.  I'm just going to have to rest and get it better as fast as possible.

Take care

More clipping

Well, Skye finally managed to get the sheep in - not before I'd had to get them out of the gate, sore foot or not.  Then after lunch she had to get another group in.  I was green with envy...lucky Skye.  Not that she saw it that way - she did nothing but grumble all day long.  Too hot, too stiff, too tired she reckoned.  Too lazy if you ask me.

I rode on the bike in the evening when we put them back and Little Pie and Daisy both helped out.  They said they were happy to help if that meant I could stay on the bike and Skye was too tired to object so we all set off down the road.  And you know what?  The little terriers did well - chasing away all the time and the look on the faces of the sheep was a picture - I bet they've never been driven by terriers before!

Great fun.  The little dogs will sleep well tonight

Take care

Silage

A nice sunny day and silage to pick up today.  That's one day of my two weeks out of the way.  We had a little look round the silage first thing and decided it would be ready later on.  Here's a picture of Little Pie running about over the rows!

Where does she get her energy?  I think she's going to be a grafter - someone to help out when Skye can't be bothered.

Talking of which - Skye has been in a right strop today and has been trying to teach Pie sheep commands just in case we're clipping again tomorrow.  She reckons Pie is faster than her...which may be true (embarrassing, but true) but I reckon there's no chance that Pie will be working - Skye is definately going to be working sheep tomorrow.  If I was her, I'd be getting some rest because the sheep will surprised to see her getting off the bike!

Take care

Disaster

Really bad news today - sorting out the sheep this morning with Little Pie and skinned my paw...ouch, ouch, ouch.  Still managed to get the sheep back into their field with Pie to help, but had to go to the vet later.  I hate the vets - especially now.  She's making me wear a special little boot over my paw and NO SHEEP for two weeks.  Two weeks, might as well be two years...How will we manage?  We've only just started the clipping.  Disaster!

Here I am with the blasted boot on

All this news has sent Skye into a gloomy mood as well.  She's worked out that unless she can persuade Daisy or Little Pie to work the sheep she's going to have to do it herself.  Daisy just chuckled when Skye asked her, then said she was off to place a bet that Skye wouldn't manage to get a single sheep home, but Little Pie said she'd have a go if I could tell her what to do.  She's certainly got some spirit  - but she'll never catch any sheep with those little legs!  Bad luck Skye...

Take care

Clipping - at last

Oh joy, joy, joy. The clipper turned up today and we made a start on the sheep. Two fields of sheep in and sorted out and plenty more to come. In fact it looks like we'll be clipping most of the week. It doesn't get much better than that you know. I'll sleep well tonight!

Little Pie came out with us today and learnt all about the sheep. She's very keen on them and was quivering with excitement all day. She did ok for a beginner...and for a terrier... So maybe she'll be alright after all. I reckon she'll sleep well tonight as well - we went out for a walk to start the day and she just took off - she's not very fast but, boy, she goes from 0 to top speed quickly .

Daisy had a good day to, chaperoning her new pal Pie in the sheep shed ( I was far to busy) but I don't know who's going to be chaperoning who on a year or two!

Take care

A whirlwind hits Hetton North

You know when you've had a busy day and you just lie relaxing in bed thinking about your supper coming soon?  And hoping for a call from the clipper.  Well, that was me earlier this evening - just listening to Skye snoring and little Daisy being annoying.  Then suddenly...chaos...mayhem.  In she came.  Little Pie.  How can such a small dog have so much energy?  Zoom here, zoom there, zoom, zoom, zoom. 

Pie, a little Jack Russell has come to help out on the farm...I can't remember asking for any help, mind you, but at least she looks a bit more like a collie than Daisy so we'll just have to see. 

Skye was immediately in love with her and now can't seem to do anything on her own (she never did much to start with) - just stands next to Pie wagging her tail and drooling.  That dog needs help, you know, help with her brain.  Anyway, when I might just have growled a bit at Pie getting too close to my supper bowl, Skye snapped at me and and told me to mind my manners or I'd frighten the little rascal and get her into trouble (which, I have to say, was the whole point...).

Still, there is one good thing... I think we've solved the problem of Skye running off to see her labrador pal next door, because when we went out later in the evening to feed calves and sheep we brought Pie, and Skye was so busy looking after her that she forgot to trundle off down the road.  Pie thought the lambs and calves were great fun and had them all marched into the corner of the shed in a flash.  So, just maybe, once I've spent a day or two growling at her, we might well get on fine - she looks like she might be a good worker!

Take care

Daisy's back

What a sad little Westie we've got on our hands today...she came back from her little holiday and wants to go straight back.  Thanks to Ben and Jill she reckons she's had such a good time she can't wait to go again.  Well, she was sad until suppertime anyway, but I'm pleased to report that it didn't affect her appetiite in any way!

Here's a picture of Daisy and Ben planning their next walk (to follow)

Skye's been getting all the info on the holiday and it sounds a bit dull to me - as I suspected yesterday, there was a lot of walking and shopping and not one sheep in sight, let alone any work to get on with. 

Now, who in their right mind would call that good fun?  Skye thought it sounded pretty good fun though (I rest my case) and has asked Daisy to make sure that she never goes on holiday again without her...she reckons a bit of retail therapy is just what she needs - along with a big cream scone and an ice cream at some fancy-dan restaurant.  In fact, she cheered Daisy up a lot by having a loooong chat about exactly what sorts of treats they would have when they went next time.  I've told them they can do what they like as long as they don't try to persuade me to go along as well - holidays are boring, boring, boring (but they could bring me back something tasty...).

Take care

Daisy on a bridge

We've had a busy day making the most of a sunny day - even Skye was out and about helping to check the sheep and cows.  I think she quite likes watching the calves.  I don't - they're far too naughty with all their chasing about and jumping.  Sorting them out is just like pushing water uphill - hard work and full of disappointment.

We've heard from Daisy today - she says she's enjoying her holiday and has somehow managed to send us a picture of her on a very large bridge

Doesn't she look clean?  Can't be much of a holiday if she's that clean.  She can't have found the sheep yet - everywhere must have sheep to look after and you can't stay clean looking after sheep.  No way.

She says I must make it very clear how brave she is going on such a big bridge and she also says that she's concentrating very hard to remember all the little details so she can tell Skye and me what she's been up to as soon as she gets back.  Can't wait...no really, it will be nice to have her home again, but I might find some urgent grooming that needs done if she starts droning on too much.

All this talk of grooming is making me feel unwell - better get my head down.  Clipper might be here tomorrow, you never know...

Take care

Daisy's off on a jaunt

We knew something was up this morning and as soon as Daisy came downstairs she told us that she was off on holiday with Mandy, and that it must be somewhere very important because all her smartest collars were being packed and we were being left behind.  Then she flounced off and spent the rest of the morning about 2" from Mandy's heel...just in case she got left behind as well.

The Princess setting off...

We breathed a sigh of relief, Skye and I...we were staying at home and going to get some peace and quiet from old yappy chops.  Surely it couldn't get much better than that?  Well, I suppose it could a bit...the clipper could turn up early and Skye would like a day lying in a sunny garden (preferably with her new black pal from next door) - oh, and a day without the lawnmower blasting away.  That's not much to ask, surely?  But we'll take what we've got thank you very much.

Apart from that, it's been a day like every other (I like a bit of routine!) - sheep and cows fast asleep in the sun, some naughty steers to move away from the cows (again) calves and lambs to feed and our poorly cow to jab (although she's looking a bit better now). 

Let's hope the sun keeps shining - it'll bring the clipper here quicker...joy, joy, joy.

Strangers on Farm

So Daisy does have some uses after all...she's got quite some nose on her and can sniff out trouble miles away.  Yesterday she used her powers of detection to track down two strange cats living on farm - and promptly set off after them!!  They soon got away by hopping up onto some bales - although Daisy is a keen chaser, she's not a good climber and certainly can't squeeze through any small gaps in pursuit.  Well, any sort of gap really.

Rather worryingly it looks as though they are quite settled in so I suppose they may be here for a while unless we get grumpy Skye back and she chases them off.  I don't like strangers on the farm, but maybe I could tell Skye that the cats have been stopping her new labrador pal from visiting...that might work you know...I'm sure she'd get to grips with them then, but new dreamy Skye certainly won't so I've got to think of something.  It's a worry all right - right up there with waiting for the last calf to arrive and trying to get out of the lawmower's way (it's been sunny today).

Syke's new friend

Oh dear...we've got a problem.  It's Skye.  It's always Skye...You remember how she's in love with the cat and just stares at it dreamily whenever it comes indoors?  Well, now she's got a new pal - a great big slathery labrador that lives on the next farm.  Every time she comes past, Skye's wants to be out watching her go and now she's also taken to wandering off down the road to go and see her.  Can you believe it?  Turn around twice in the middle of a job and Skye's off, pottering down the road.  It's a bit easier now Skye has sorted out where this dog lives because at least we know where to find her - before that she could be anywhere.  Keeping track of her is like herding cats - Daisy and I take it in turns to keep an eye on her, but Skye knows Daisy is easily distracted...birds flying by, a tasty snack, a nap...pretty much anything really - so she gets away pretty easily.

Anyway, we're not sure her new pal appreciates it's favoured status, but Tinker doesn't seems to mind being stared at a bit less and Daisy and I are just making the most of her good mood - especially Daisy who's been helping herself to some of her food!!  Let's hope the little rascal stops before we get grumpy Skye back...

Chicks growing up

Just the other day we had a broody hen who hatched three eggs, but when I went across to see them this morning they haven't half grown.  Twice as big as they were - at least.  They're monsters.  Looks like two hens and a cockerel, but I'm not going to get too close to them as their Mum is quite fierce and pecks away at anything she can reach.  Not that I'm frightened of her mind you...just cautious.  Unlike Daisy, who is trying to get the chicks to play with her and spends ages lying watching them.  Skye keeps telling her to be careful but she listens to no-one when she gets an idea in her head

Anyway, the hens have been off their laying for the last few days.  I'll be pleased when they get back to it as we sometimes get a bit of boiled egg all chopped up when they're laying really well.  I don't think Skye is helping much to encourage them - if she can't see eggs, she wanders about the yard muttering loudly about giblets.  Come on girls...

Steers out again

Managed to get some sleep in the end - thank goodness.  Must remember to be more careful in the future.

After checking the sheep, we were out chasing steers around again - they are naughty jumping in with the cows the time, and it wouldn't be so bad but they're nearly knee deep in grass at the moment.  They just don't know when they're well off.

Daisy was in disgrace again earlier - rolling about in muck and then refusing to go anywhere near the bathroom to clean up.  Well, that little rebellion didn't last long I can tell you.  I tell you, she's going to have to watch herself if she's wanting to keep her place in the upstairs kennel - she's had a couple of nights downstairs recently when she's been mucky.  Chuntering away to Skye until all hours of the morning and then they both lie in when I go off to work.  Little devils.


Thinking of asking Skye to do a rain dance - she's hopeless at it so that might dry things up a bit.  Well, anything's worth a try surely?


Take care

Bored

My list of jobs is getting really long now, but I just can't get started on them until the weather improves.  If this carries on I'm going to get grey hair with worry and might even end up looking like a taller version of the Princess.  Oh no!  What a thought...must try to get it out of my head.  Brrrrrrrr!!!

Sheep all looking fine again this morning but no closer to clipping I reckon.  I'd even be pleased to get out for some fencing, well perhaps just for half a day.  I shouldn't really grumble though as at least I get a couple of hours work each day, but that's no good if you're a workaholic like me.

Can't even sleep now as I keep getting this image of a giant Daisy chasing me!

Take care

Cows have had enough

Woke up this morning to find some of the cows had broken out into a neighbours field...ooops.  Still, I'm not sure whether they broke out or whether the fence just gave up the ghost after sitting in water so long.  Anyway they wanted to be out of that field, and who can blame them?  Personally, I'd rather be dry than clean any day so I'm on their side!

Sorting that out took most of the morning then got an afternoon off - let's just hope there aren't too many more of those coming as there's only so long you can spend with Skye and Daisy and nothing to do.  Particularly as they both seem to really enjoy doing nothing - in fact, Skye could pass an exam it it (easily)

Take care

I spoke too soon - more rain

More rain.   Daisy has gone back to bed this morning and says she's not getting up until it stops.  He he! That would sort out the problem of her stout tummy, as I don't think it's going to stop before supper.

I'm pleased we put in some new drains into some of the fields in Spring - they're getting a good test at any rate, but even so it's no fun splashing about trying to round up lambs.  Splash splash I go, then they splash about all over the place too.  Then the ewes start splashing about.  Maybe I'd be better off with one of those boats with a big fan out the back that I saw in the TV once...perhaps Daisy could get hold of one with the computer.  The little woolly pests wouldn't know what had hit them.

Oh well. Maybe it'll be dry soon

Take care

Daisy sets me straight

Apparently Daisy likes her Spa days and on no account is she going to let Robert anywhere near her with his clippers.  She's a funny one that little dog - on the one hand she's never happier than when she's found something mucky to roll around in and she loves chasing the sheep (well, they let her run around them until they get bored and run off!), and on the other hand she likes her baths and being fluffed up with the hairdryer.  Madness!  I've not had a bath so far this year and I've no plans for one any day soon either.

Everything outside is happier today - the sun is back (big yellow round thing in the sky, you remember?) and at first I was worried that some madman had come along and chopped the legs off all the sheep, but no, they were just enjoying the warm.  We were as well, and Skye even came out on the bike today, although it's very uncomfortable as the seat has lost it's cushion (some time during lambing it broke)

Think I'm just going to rest in the garden for half an hour before we get on...make the most of it I say.

Take care

Silage!

At last - a reasonably dry day.  We were determined to get the silage up and so we've had all hands to it today.  I went back in when it got dark, but machines were still moving about until well after midnight, much to Skye's annoyance.  She's asked Daisy to check the internet for some headphones to block out noise as she says any more of these late nights and the bags under her eyes will never disappear (Daisy's the only one who gets to Mandy's computer). Skye's such a drama queen - we've only had one busy day.

Must be getting close to clipping now - heard them talking to Robert, who clips, and saying we're only a few sunny days away from being next in the queue.  I love clipping days.  Thinking about it, maybe he would run the clippers over Daisy - it would save her having to go away for her Spa day...I'd hate to be away from the sheep all day and I'm sure she's the same

Take care 

More lambing tales

Brendan and Emily used to turn up during the day to help out with feeding lambs born through the night and turning out mums and lambs that were ready.  Because it was so cold we sometimes kept them in an extra day, but one day we had snow and a north-easterly wind and had to bring everything back in whether they'd lambed or not.  What a palaver that was.  And cold?  I've never been colder and Skye, who'd come out to see if Emily or Brendan had any snacks, got roped into helping.  She couldn't have looked any more miserable if someone had dropped cow poo into her bed (you know what she's like for keeping clean...).

Anyway we got them all in somehow but worked all day and night to sort through them all.

It's wet again today, so the silage is waiting for another day.  We kept ourselves entertained putting some steers back into their own field after they'd jumped in with a group of the cows.  At least they seem to be enjoying themselves because, of course, there aren't many flies to pester them.

Take care

Lambing stories

Well, we got off to a flying start with the lambing, with ewes and lambs in all the buildings along the front.  It was fantastic even though it was cold and wet, but I didn't mind - that just gave me more work to do as we were moving everything in when it got really cold and I helped with putting everything that had lambed back out again.  Skye-ver was nowhere to be seen for the whole 4 weeks - well, that's not quite true as I saw plenty of her inside lying in her bed whenever I managed to get in for a rest.  "Too cold", "too dark", "too tired" was all she said - too lazy if you ask me!!

Now the lambs are all growing nicely in their very wet fields - I didn't realise they needed watering like the tomatoes but it seems to be working so far.  i wonder if we should spray them with fertiliser as well...

Daisy has been on t'internet looking for scuba gear - I think Skye has been teasing her again about her short legs, or maybe like the rest of us she's just fed up walking through puddles.  Needless to say she's struggling to find a wet suit to fit - doesn't seem to be much out there for little things her shape

Take care

Back on-line

Sorry I've been away so long - I'm back at the computer again now. What a busy time I've been having, but I know that's no excuse for not tapping away to let you know what's going on.

We've finished the lambing and have just the one calf left to arrive and that looks as though it's going to be here any day now – thank goodness, because it's mum is being kept in the front field and I hate having cows that close to the house – great big smelly things that they are.

What a to-do we've been having with the weather though. It all started going wrong as soon as we got going with the lambing, with snow and rain, and it just hasn't stopped for the last two months. My feet are getting webbed from splashing around in puddles all day long, and Skye has developed an allergy to coming out in the rain (I told her the worst that could happen is that she shrinks a bit, which wouldn't be a bad thing, but she just got all huffy and went back to bed). But at least we've got plenty of grass and all the lambs are growing nicely.

Skye and Daisy are still as annoying as ever. They've taken to lying in the garden plotting where to dig their next hole, but I just leave them to it – I've got a busy few months ahead and can't waste energy on holes.

I'll tell you a bit about the lambing tomorrow – the naughty little things certainly kept me busy all right

Take care

Lambs 0, Calves 0 - Not a score to remember...

No more lambs today...very disappointing.  I know we're not expecting any for a couple of weeks, but I was secretly hoping that we were off and running.  Oh well, I suppose you can't have everything.  Ho hum...

It wasn't all doom and gloom today though - the sun has been out and the sprayer that we were using yesterday on the barley has been put away, so we can get back to some sheep work.  Thank goodness.

anyway, this afternoon we had some of last years lambs to sort through and they needed fetching from one of the fields on the way to Lowick, which was quite a hike for all of us.  Skye came along for the ride and had a bit of a dash about when we were in the field, but I managed to get them home - no bother...and Skye was very pleased that we had no more new lambs waiting for us when we got back!

Poor little Daisy just had to watch from the front window while we were moving the sheep about - she says that she wishes her legs were a bit longer so she could run after the sheep.  Mind you, I've seen her running after the sheep in the front field once...and she wasn't too bad at gathering them up.  Maybe we might let her take some of the lambs and ewes out if she's good...we'll see what we think later!

Take care

Lambs Away!!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!  What a great day I've had today - we've had the first lamb of the year.  She's a lovely looking thing, but much more important than that...we've started the lambing.  I think we'll have a break now for a few days as there's nothing much else looking likely, but I have been known to be wrong (very occasionally) so we'll just have to see.

Skye is in decline.  Every lamb born is just more trouble to her - she knows she can deal with them when they're tiny little lambs, but she also knows they speed up quite a bit as they get older and she just can't catch them then.  We might have to have a bit less riding about on the bike and a little more running around...poor old Skye.

Daisy got a bit of a wake up call today as well - she got a bit too close to the lamb and was warned off by its mum.  That cheered Skye up a little - she likes watching a good chase.

Anyway, here's some pictures of the new arrival with her mum and having a snack

I'm off to get a good sleep...looks like it going to be busy soon - at last!!

Take care

First calf

There was lots of excitement in the calving shed first thing this morning.  A lovely new calf born about 6am to one of the hand-reared heifers we bought in a while ago from the local dairy.  I must say, I don't get quite as excited about a new calf as I do about my lambs, but it is a nice little thing and his mum is VERY pleased with him, bless her...

I've got some pictures of the little rascal here, just before he got his tags

We're still watching one of the other heifers who will be next, but it's a relief to be started.  Skye is surprisingly happy the calving has started and is hoping to be drafted in as chief cow watcher for the duration (in preference to working the sheep, she'll consider anything).  Daisy has persuaded her she'd better volunteer for something to safeguard ther supper each evening (I know she'd still get fed even if she did nothing all day, but I'm saying nothing!).  I think she'd be a good cow watcher.

Take care

Fencing again - Can you believe it?

Groan...groan...groan.  More fencing today, and hardly any jobs ticked off my lambing list.  I bet they don't have this much trouble getting the lambing sheds ready for that programme on the telly.  I'm doing my best to be patient - I know we'll get there in the end, but I'd sleep a lot better if I thought everything was all done.  It's very exciting now we've got less than a month to go till the lambing - much better than Christmas...just think of it - over 500 little presents to play with.  And they call it work?  I just can't wait.

Skye is still in denial about the lambing - she and Daisy have been planning some trips off farm (mainly to the beach, which is their favourite place to go).  Personally, I don't think they've got any chance of getting a lift off farm now, but it certainly cheers Skye up, so Daisy is going to ask. 

Can't be much more than 2 weeks left now.  How will I ever get to sleep?

Take care

Calving just about to start

Looks like the cows have beaten the sheep to it again.  We're watching some of the heifers now and they look quite close to calving.  Fingers crossed that they don't take too much attention away from the lambing...let's just hope they just get on with it, great big brutes that they are.  Far too big for me to do much with, but I do try every morning when we bed them out.  Skye just gets her head under one of the gates and glowers at them for hours on end, but I like to get into the shed - most of them don't mind me now so it looks like persistance certainly pays.

Little westie is back in the dog house again today - along with Skye.  You think they'd learn, but oh no, far too stupid (or in Skye's case, stubborn) to do that.  Anyway, today they were taking turns to chew a grubby shoe that we all play with in the garden and wouldn't stop when they got a bit rough with it - so guess what?  It was taken away and they were surprised!!  Give me strength...I think even the hens could have worked that one out...

Oh well, at least the lambing is a day closer

Take care

Snow joke

I can't believe it!  Snow right in the middle of our getting ready for the lambing.  This weather is driving me daft - it wasn't just a sprinkle we had, oh no...a full blown blizzard all morning.  Then by 3pm, clear blue sky and all the fields green again.  Even Skye felt a bit sorry for the sheep when we went out to feed them (although she hides it well)

And Daisy? She just thought the snow was fantastic. But she's still only a puppy and just wants to play all the time.  So much so that she got into more trouble today when she started running round the front field chasing all the ewes carrying triples.  That's no way to get into anyones good books - those sheep have attitude at this time of year and were certainly not going to take any stick from a tiny little whipper-snapper.  Still, she'll think twice next time!

Only 25 days to go...calm, calm.  Must stay calm

Take care

Tree Planting Sunday

Well, we're another day closer. Sunday's not my favourite day - we don't usually do anything with the sheep other than just feed them and check them, but when I know it's going to be busy soon, a quiet day isn't so bad really.

It was a good day for Skye today. She loves Sunday. We thought she needed a bit of cheering up after the bad news she got yesterday about the lambing so we all went off to finish planting trees in one of the new woods. There's nothing Skye likes better than a hole and she saw lots today. Tree planting is now officially her second favourite job, after fencing (you get some seriously big holes fencing) and she was even persuaded to postpone her resignation until Monday.

The Princess got stuck into some sort of mud bath treatment while she was pottering about the woods. She and Skye wondered off and, boy oh boy, I have NEVER seen anything get as dirty as she was when she came back. I had to look twice and was about to growl when I finally recognised her. Talk about trouble!! She had to be shampooed twice immediately we got home, the soft lump.

Still, we'll sleep well tonight - even Skye

Take care

Skye works it out

We've had a temporary blip in the proceedings.  Well, I jolly well hope it's only temporary, but today we've been working away at fences.  Fences!  How's that getting the lambing sheds ready?  It's very vexing, but I'm sure it'll turn out OK in the end.

Skye has worked out that lambing is approaching and has taken to her bed with "exhaustion".  Exhaustion?  I told her the only part of her body that was ever in danger of exhaustion was her jaw, and just as well I'm a fast runner as that got her up pretty quickly...but she says she's officially in hibernation now until June, and has asked Daisy to write a letter excusing her from all duties, but making sure she still gets a big bowl of supper every day (Daisy insisted on adding that bit to the letter).

I'm making sure I'm getting plenty of rest at present and once we've checked the sheep each day, I snooze in the tractor when we're feeding the cows.  It's a big responsibility being the only "sheep mover" for the whole of lambing (well, apart from the quad, but you can't just pick one or two ewes out with that great big thing).

Roll on April...

Take care

Attila the Westie

Oh dear...the little Westie has got herself into bother...again.  She's been out snouting about in the bushes and came back with a dead rabbit, and very pleased with it she was too.  Well you can imagine that didn't go down very well with Mandy.  In fact, it went down very badly indeed as the general conclusion was that somehow the stout little murderer had mugged the little bunny herself.

Anyway, she's in disgrace but I've got some really important things to worry about - only just over a month to go and SO MUCH TO DO getting finished up for the lambs...aaaaargh.  Skye fortunately hasn't yet worked out what's going on, but when we start repairing sheep hurdles I think she's going to catch on and then the grumbling is going to start.  I've already told her I don't need any help, but she never listens (unless it's the supper bowl going rattle, rattle, rattle).

Well, I'm off to watch Daisy worming her way back into Mandy's good books - she's so good at it's fun to watch

Take care

Zooming about getting ready for lambing

38 days to go.  I just can't wait. Luckily for all of us we're still not yet down to a number that Skye knows, but that wicked little Westie is threatening to teach her to count up to 50, and every time I leave them indoors I'm sure I'm going to come back to a depressed Collie.  It hasn't happened yet, but maybe that's because Daisy's not a very good teacher!

I've been keeping my hand in checking the sheep each day and we've had them in this week over a couple of busy days to sort them out and make sure all their injections are up-to-date.  We've still got to get the gimmers in again in a week or so, which I'm looking forward to, and we're starting to give all the ewes a little bite of feed so they get used to us walking about amongst them.

Our new wood is being planted and we've started planting some more fruit trees in the back field as well, which Daisy thinks is very exciting.  I'm not a great fan of fruit but she does love her apples and she's hoping that she'll get some pickings if they fall to the floor.  I'm not so sure though as she'll have the hens to compete with and they can be pretty determined little things...

Off to check sheep now...it's all go, go, go

Take care

Sheep scanned

Well, we've had the sheep scanned now. What an exciting day that was. I was watching very closely and know what all the different marks mean, twins mostly, singles, triples and one quad (poor Peggy, she's had four once before I remember). I can't wait for it all to start and am counting down the days now. 45 days (fancy having 29 days in February, how unfair is that). Skye is in denial about it all but fortunately she can't get anywhere near counting up to 45 (she's only got 4 paws) so she's got no idea how long we've got to go.

Anyway, it's been freezing up here recently. On Wednesday it was never above -5 and let me tell you, when you're pottering about without any furry boots that's pretty cold. But now cold enough to stop me wanting to go out. And Daisy? She loves the cold, funny little dog…

Here's a picture of us all contemplating a trip out. We're very comfy in our new beds and Skye is under strict instructions NOT to chew this bed. It's bliss – I never mind a busy day when I've got my comfy bed to come back to. 

Well, to be honest, I just love to get out and work. Joy, joy, joy
Take care

Things are looking up again at last – I heard them booking the sheep scanner for later this week, which is going to be really exciting. Not only have I got to get all the sheep in and out but we'll also know how many lambs we're due to get…joy, joy, joy. I hope it's a really big number. Daisy says the biggest number she knows is 500 (which is about 490 higher than Skye) but I think we'll get even more than that. I'll let you know though for sure – and best of all, we're only two months away from starting.

We've been making the best of the fine weather and have been to the beach. That's great fun – running all over the sand. Skye and Daisy love it as well – especially when we get the whole place to ourselves

Here's a picture of me on the beach chasing after Daisy (just in the frame – I can't stay still for the camera long).

Apart from that, we've been moving sheep about a bit and just making sure the cows are comfy. Skye has been keeping well out of mischief for a change, unlike Daisy, but both of them have been keeping away from any work so no change there!

But it's sheep, sheep, sheep for us now. What a relief…

Take care

Brrrr

Winter's here for sure now it's been a lovely day here, but cold, cold, cold. The mud has all gone, but the ground is like rock. I don't mind it though – my feet stay warm enough when I'm running about and as usual, I get plenty of that moving sheep about from one field to another. Skye and Daisy just manage a quick trip out to the garden for a stretch, but are always keen to get back inside – just a couple of softies, both of them.

We've had a couple of quiet weeks here, feeding cattle and checking sheep. Boring. Just making sure that everything is ok (yawn, yawn), which is certainly a lot easier this year than last. Daisy can't really remember all the snow we had then as she was only little, so she's convinced she's freezing and is really only happy when she's got one of her new coats on. Skye has decided to eat as much food as possible so she gets a good layer of blubber to keep her warm – I tried to tell her she'd regret it when she went out to work the sheep, but she just looked at me as if I were simple and said she was retired now. Officially retired.

I hope we're getting going on the sheep again soon – I've certainly got a long enough list to get on with so I'd rather not keep concentrating on the cows any longer. I mean - we're less than two months from lambing now and this holiday has definitely been going on for long enough. I'm going to have to get a list together and leave it in the kitchen – that worked last time we needed to get some work done – otherwise I'll never get to sleep for worry that I won't be ready for all the lambs...and if that's the case, no bed will be comfy enough to help!

Take care

Bliss!

Joy, joy, joy, joy joy! They've arrived. At last. Even better than the last ones. The new beds....aaaaahhh! Mine is a lovely shade of blue and very comfy. I've hardly been out of it since it arrived, but I'm just making sure that everyone knows it's mine. All mine, mine, mine....I just know I'm going to get a really good night's sleep tonight.

Skye has a smaller green bed which she seems pleased with as well, and the Princess goes to the upstairs kennel, so she doesn't really need one. I've had to give Skye the hard word though to make sure she doesn't ruin these beds like she did the last ones, and she has promised to look after them. She'd better do, otherwise I'm going to have a real sense of humour failure...

More good news as well – Dougal has gone back to Wooler. Thanks goodness. I mean, I grew to quite like him but there's no escaping the fact that he's a boy, and boys can be grubby little devils, and oh boy was he grubby! He can come out for the odd holiday as long as he knows it's just a holiday. Anyway, I've heard that he's very happy to be back in Wooler – I think he likes having all those lamp posts and pavements (if you know what I mean).

All seems fine on the stock front – the weather has been really windy, but the sheep don't seem to mind and I'm getting better coping with it. The cows are still gobbling up tons of silage each day, but we've had them tested and most of them are in calf. They're due from March onwards so I'm hoping they don't clash too much with the lambing because I can't be in two places at once and Skye is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard come lambing and calving time, so I know what to expect...

Anyway, all my problems are small ones tonight. I can't wait any longer to get back into my lovely comfy warm bed

Take care...zzzz

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from us all. Daisy and Skye have been very excited waiting for the new year – they both wanted to see fireworks, but I told them not to get their hopes up as they'd have to be pretty big fireworks for us to see them. Skye reckoned she'd seen them advertised on the TV, so was hanging around the sitting room hoping it would be turned on, then fell asleep with Daisy and missed it all. She's blaming me, and won't believe there weren't and fireworks to see. What a pair

We've had a busy holiday – not as busy as I would have liked, but not too bad. We've still got Dougal, the naughty Westie from Wooler, with us so life has not been as relaxing as it might have been, but at least we've got out every day and all my sheep are OK (touch wood). Dougal is a proper little rascal though and would be teaching Daisy all sorts of naughty tricks if it wasn't for Skye and me keeping him under our paws, but thankfully when he gets back from his afternoon walk, he's usually too tired to get up to anything he shouldn't.

I'm full of hope for this year –joy, joy, joy. I just KNOW it's going to be busy, which is just great.

We've got more lambing sheep than ever and we've got no snow at all so far, so the hay's lasting really well. It's been really windy, but I'm just having to learn to cope with that, and I'm used to not having Skye helping with any work – just as well, mind you, as her 'missing the fireworks' strike seems as though it might be the first of many attempts to skive off work. I think Daisy is encouraging her so they can play all day...which suits me just fine.