Freedom Under The Sun
Jonathan >
Today, 1 March, Spring has arrived. And not just officially! Today we’re revelling in blue skies, warm sunshine and turquoise seas. And the forecast encourages us to expect more of the same for the most of the coming week. Outdoor tasks beckon, and we follow gladly, casting off warm layers and headgear and turning on their heads the winter-time excuses to hasten back indoors. Freedom under the sun, indeed!
Overnight, Jack Frost left his hallmark on the windows and windscreens [windshields]. We’ve seen little of him in recent years – this is only his second visit this winter – and probably his last. He didn’t stop long, though, as he’d got word that Sunny Boy was on his way!
The UK-wide poultry lock-down order expired yesterday, along with the month of February – and Winter. Exceot for a few localized problem areas in England, birds can now range freely outdoors, providing a number of precautions are observed.
The sheep seemed pleased with themselves, waiting for me in the middle of the road, satisfied with the warm sunshine on their backs. Later, just as I was packing up to head home for lunch, Primrose left the others, trotting over to see me, skipping with delight.
Even the harbour seals had grounded themselves on rocks to spend the middle of the day basking in sunshine. These are young seals. Can you see an older/darker one on the right having to make do with the lower shoulder of the rock. First on – Last off!
Back at the walled garden, Denise was washing and disinfecting in Greenhouse 4, working around the two remaining spring cabbages. (My but they’ve been tender and tasty!) Washing on the line under blue skies provide the final dash of light and colour that I’ve been painting for you.
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You’re doing better than we are, it’s been very grey of late. And cold! Spring came around long enough to get the blackbirds singing and then disappeared again.
What lovely pictures of your animals – and of your lifestyle! I love where I live but I do envy you the turquoise waters!
All sounds lovely – but so glad to hear particularly that your chooks are free-roaming again!
D > J and I returned to the croft this evening to check that they had all remembered to return to the henhouse before the light sensor shut the pop hole for the night. They were all safely in, talking about their adventures of the day, and lulling each other off to sleep, like excited children on holiday, sharing a bedroom!
Love the photos. Your sheep are beautiful! Do they roo? (Maybe that’s the incorrect usage of the word, but do they let go of their wool at all or do you shear?)
J > They’re a near primitive breed, so yes they do roo ; but it must be understood that rooting fleece comes away patchily, and by the time it does come away it is in near unusable condition. To harvest the wool by rooting, it’s necessary to repeatedly gather, and roo whatever is ready. In practice, we shear, as this ensures good compromise between quality and labour!
Lovely post! And very uplifting on a day that’s cold, squally and dispiriting down here!
J > We do feel for you! Here’s an old remedy – You need an old besom – worn but serviceable – and stand it in tall jug filled with a mixture of vinegar, buttermilk, and the urine of a ‘maiden’. After 7 days and 7 nights, remove the besom from the mixture and stand it close to open fire for seven nights, removing to a dark cupboard before sunrise of the 7th morning. Keep thus until squally weather threatens. Just as a squall begins to strike, snatch besom form cupboard and at a run take it outside, and using both hands wield the besom in the direction of approaching squall, shouting “Silence, unruly winds! Submit to the rule of my besom!” Be sure to follow faithfully this prescription, or it’s efficacy can’t be assured. Oh, did I forget to mention that you also have to drink up the ‘liquor’ left after steeping the besom. ;~)
Ha – why did I not know of this remedy before!! If only I was still a maiden …
Thankfully this morning has dawned calm and bright, with that wonderful water-washed feel that follows heavy rain. The weekend’s looking grim though.
I shall return now to the image of you both clutching besoms in the face of the next gale…
(On another note, how nice that the sun came out to welcome back the chickens.)
Your world is stunning! Thank you so much for sharing! We have a warmer day today also…and my spring work starts…only after we finish all the cutting of the firewood! 🙂
Can’t wait to get back! You paint a very pretty picture. And very glad to see a post again!