The storm

Well the gales came and were much stronger than forecast. I hardly slept for the roar of the wind in the night and by the afternoon the dairy roof was only staying put as we'd gone out with a length of rope and lashed it down. The lane was hard to pass and Dave's chain saw came in useful clearing fallen branches. Despite three power cuts we managed soup and rolls for lunch and our electricity was back on again in time for our supper. Congratulations must go to Western Power who rang us in the evening to check that everything was OK.

Every cloud

The blackbird and pheasant were quick to spot the opportunity provided by my apples which had blown off the table and into their reach. It had been such a rough day I couldn't deprive them of their bounty. In the front garden, sheltered from the very worst of the wind, my Lichfield Angel is in bloom. These were snatched photos taken between trudging branches out of the lane.

Doing rather than planning

Today it was time to get outside and begin to prepare the flower beds for the year ahead. It is amazing how many weed seeds are already starting to grow, shepherd's purse was even daring to thing about flowering. Our forecast is for gales tomorrow so although the ground is pretty soggy it was a good day to work outside.

Planning

A grey wet day provided me with the perfect excuse to sit indoors and start to plan where I'm going to plant things this year. (Mind you I also need some good gardening weather as there is lots to clear and prepare before I get to the sowing stage!)

Pond update

We have had our 'pond' for 11 months now and after it's glory day (singular) when it was full of water it now resembles more of a big puddle. Before Christmas it looked as if the water levels were rising but now it has almost all disappeared again!

Epiphany

Even though really the Kings are just arriving in the nativity story it is time to take our crib down, along with all the Christmas decorations. I hate having to pack them away for another year. We have so few Christmas's really over a lifetime and I like to treasure them all.

Stuck sheep

This silly sheep got itself totally tangled up in the brambles. The more they twist and turn the more they get stuck. Sometimes they manage to pull free but otherwise the farmer has to work to release them. The ones that free themselves walk around in a huge tangle of briars - almost as if they are wearing their own Christmas decorations.

The buzzard

Today was foggy first thing but as the sun rose there were small patches of blue sky to be seen. On the 'lookout tree' the buzzard was in position. He can sit there for ages and early morning is his favourite time to watch the field looking for breakfast.

Sunrise

The sun is rising late at the moment and has moved much further to the south than in the summer. This morning it was around 8.30 when I took my photo. There was obviously a change in the atmosphere as all the vapour trails stopped abruptly in a line across the sky, I assume there was a strong cross wind at that point. Pilot brother can doubtless advise!

Blue sky

A glorious 'blue sky' day had me outside gardening (while the men went to watch yet another football game). Although the frost remained around the base of the hedges it was good to be outside. When I came back in for my cup of tea it was wonderful to be able to warm chilly toes on our heated floor!