The Old Dairy

Commonly known as the "Engine Room" this is where all the laundry is washed and sorted for the cottages, and it really is the busiest room in the house. Originally it was used as a dairy and is wonderfully cool, but it has never quite been kitted out to meet with current demands. So out came all the make do kitchen cuboards and in are going purpose built shelves and cuboards to store all the linen and the endless suplies for the cottages. It's all just cosmetic stuff, but as always with cob it means dust and mess everywhere. I cannot wait as we have decamped to an upstairs bedroom for storage and the washing machines are currently in the apple juice making shed. This has lead to an increase in miles covered which my legs remind me of at the end of each wash day!

And another thing......

The ducks were obviously fed up with all the attention they were witnessing the sheep and lambs getting and decided to make their own bid for stardom - 4 ducklings hatched and made their way to the pond in gorgeous sunshine. There is something very special about seeing them splash about - and another reason for keeping an eye on our dogs, who also like to splish and splash - it really does seem like Easter is almost upon us!

It's all over

12 Ewes have given birth to a total of 23 lambs, nearly a 200% lambing score which is pretty good. It's been great fun naming the lambs and everyone has an opinion as to each lamb so we have had to have a strict naming rota! We have Blackberry and Crumble, Max and Mango, Gordon and Gladys, Rosanne and Miss Moody and even a Napoleon. Every one of the sheep lambed without assistance and all are being perfect mothers........except one!
Lorna had twin ewe lambs but decided she only wanted one, "Safari", and so her sister "Forest Gump" came into our lives and is currently living in the garden/kitchen and receiving regular bottles from the many who are keen to feed her. The dogs  seem to have developed a crush, although they are a tad too jumpy for her at the moment. Also happy to take a stroll around with any passers by and guests are frequently found with Forest in tow. Fabulous sunshine means the grass is growing and every one is smiling. Long may it continue!