Not Back just visiting

Not back yet , a week off should do it...perhaps more....I got into my head that I had to blog everyday
Of course... I couldn't and Ursula's bile upset me more that it should
I need to recharge the batteries !
I just wanted to share that a badger broke into the bachelors' hen house last night by digging under the entrance and removing the stone step and  then lowered the portcullis door enough to squeeze in....
It must have taken it bloody ages.......it's winter and badgers are hungry
How sad...
The Ukrainian village is now totally silent ....


152 comments:

  1. Oh, hello, John Gray!
    I have come to realize that there is nothing which can keep our chooks entirely safe from very determined predators whether we are in Florida or Wales. This is the way of it.
    Don't let anyone's bile dictate your actions.
    But enjoy your time off.

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  2. I'm so sorry for the loss of your lovely bachelors. May they meet my ladies at the Rainbow Bridge, and I will like to put a good word in for my "favourite" red comb. ;)

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  3. Damn it. Nature can be cruel. But again that badger needed to eat. :(

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  4. Oh, da*nation . . . sorry about your bachelors, John.

    I'm glad you hope to return to the blog. You really are a most prolific (and interesting) blogger but you shouldn't feel you have to live up to some impossible schedule. That's a recipe for burnout. Hope you are feeling better health wise.

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  5. So sorry about the bachelors. It hurts to lose a part of your life like that. Take a good break and come back only when you feel like it. We'll all be here.

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  6. I am sorry to hear that news. The badgers need to eat, but...
    And I hope your break is restorative, bile free and lovely.

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  7. All the bachelors are gone?? Well damn. -Jenn

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  8. Oh no, all of the chickens ? :(

    So in other words, all of us love you and enjoy your blog, daily .. and One person is an a##hole and now you are going to deny the rest of us your presence because of that a##hole ?

    F# her , I think I know who it is and I would blog until I keeled over before I would let some hag keep me from blogging.

    so .. there you have it .. my opinion lol ...

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    1. thats a rather simplistic view

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    3. Kylie, it isn't rocket science.
      lol U ... I can hardly know who it is can I ?

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    4. I was actually referring to the way you make it all about yourself, how John is going to deny you Going Gently. Never mind how John or Ursula feels, so long as you get your fix

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    5. Ursula is history here. Any repetition of her behaviour by anyone will be simply deleted.
      My. Mother argued for argue sake, as Ursula does.. I won't allow it here anymore

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    6. I'm so sorry the bachelors are gone. I live in the Badger- Wisconsin - and have seen a badger only twice in my almost 67 years. And, good grief, I went to U's site and read some of her diatribes. She holds nothing back! I am sorry that she feels it necessary to try to make you feel bad, what a useless and sad way to spend one's time. Take comfort in your legions of fans, John. Rest up and come back with renewed vigor and perhaps a couple chickens. xxx

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    7. Meant to say I live in the Badger State.

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  9. There are always badgers of some sort out there. Take care, John, and don’t let the bad guys/gals get to you. Ignor them, block them and delete before reading.

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  10. I am so sorry, John. The bachelors were a part of your family. My sister just lost all but one of her hens to a similar fate. Heartbreaking. Of course you just need to laugh at Ursula. Anyone with that much bile must really stink.

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  11. So sorry John on all counts. Nil disperandum and all that jazz. Needless to say a certain persons bile will end up biting her on the bum at some point. Lifes like that and the best thing is u wont have to do anything. She must be a terribly sad and lonely person one to be pitied I think when you cut away the chaff from the wheat. Seriously sorry about the batchelors and your readers will be here when u r ready no pressure. Take care pattypan

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  12. oh noooo! those poor little horny brats!

    I'm very sorry, John

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  13. One more thing on your plate...you certainly did not need that. Sad day at your house, I hope your break gives you the feeling that all is ok in your world. You know we all love you and miss you but you need to look after you. Looking for ward to the day you feel ' I need to blog' Hugs. Mardy 🇨🇦

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  14. Oh dear John, how sad and dispiriting for you on both counts. Our best laid defences cannot always keep out the badgers, both real and proverbial. I hope your lovely family puts a smile back on your face soon. Meanwhile, I see you left a calling card around at my place. Thank you! I cannot tell you how thrilled I was!

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  15. Not nice! I checked on my very nearby Badger Sett yesterday; it seems to be empty. I still think a powerful .22 air gun or rifle would be useful. As much as I love both Foxes and Badgers; they should stay away from our Hens.

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  16. Just ignore her, John. If necessary hit the delete button. Don't let yourself get upset over a persistent troublemaker.

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  17. Nice to see you back John. But sorry you were upset by badgers and biliousness (not sure if that's a word but it'll do). Nature - and life - can be cruel sometimes.

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  18. What a most horrible thing to happen! Well, two things actually - the Bs and Ursula. It'll be hard but I hope that neither of them get you down too far before you can return in a state of recovery - something that more of us look forward to more than you, perhaps, realise (though I suspect you do).

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  19. The main threat here is raccoons so I do everything to prevent them getting in. Some people think I go overboard but you see how something will keep trying until it can get in. The truth is they probably had the best home a bunch of roosters could have.
    Enjoy your time off but not for too long, and seriously, what are you complaining about, your blog is doing so well that you actually have your own troll, people would kill for that status! Lol

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  20. Oh my that's so sad John what a frightening experience for the bachelors you have been such a thoughtful owner. There are no laws that say you have to post everyday John go with the flow and share your wonderful stories when the mood strikes you.

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  21. Sad news about the bachelors, I once spent a wretched hour one night chasing a badger who was chasing my two bantams. It was extraordinary but once my collie Moss had shaken off his bewilderment we eventually got rid of the badger and caught the terrified hens.
    As for Ursula, its her problem not yours.

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  22. It's a vicious and cruel world out there.

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  23. Oh how sad, your hens have gone over Rainbow Bridge and are in a place where it's warm and sunny, not cold like here.
    No one expects you to blog everyday, once in a while would be good after all now you're retired there's lots of better things to do.

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  24. Shame badgers don't eat trolls..........

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    1. She may be opinionated but she is no troll

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    2. She's a troll.

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    3. Kylie. Who is "she?" I mentioned no name or gender.

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    4. Kylie seems to think she knows a lot about a pest .. troll on here ..

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    5. Speaking of badgers ... too bad you are having to delete troll posts rather than enjoy blogging .. or not.
      I had a few that I just blocked .. they are finished and I never see them and never have to delete them.

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  25. I feel your pain; I lost 9 of my ducks to badgers - they tore the side off a tongue and groove shed. It's the chance we take when we keep animals though, there's always something that wants to eat them :( Take care x

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  26. Oh that is so sad. I am so sorry to hear that the bachelors are no more. Like others have said, blog when you feel like it. There is no law that says it has to be every day. Sometimes I blog daily and others times not so often, it shouldn't feel like work. Take care.

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  27. That's so rough for you. Sending you positive vibes. xxx

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  28. Your public love you John and I’m sure I speak for all when I say put yourself first. You have become a victim of your own success, cut yourself some slack.

    Sorry to hear about the batchelors, mother nature is a tough mistress.

    LXxX

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  29. Good gracious! Removed a stone step!?
    I try not to waste my energy over people who are negative. Carry On Regardless I say!

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  30. Sorry to hear this John. As you say it must have been hungry to go to all that trouble ☹

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    1. We miss your blog, Sue. Take care.

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  31. Xxx-so sorry John

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  32. I’m so sorry to hear this, JG, but glad you felt able to share it with us and hope we give you words of comfort. Take care and enjoy your break x

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  33. Oh what pain in the a**e, Not many badgers round here so don't know much about them, didn't realise they could do that much damage.
    Hope you get offered more hens soon to cheer up the U V.

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  34. Anonymous8:20 am

    So sorry to hear that John.They had a lovely little life with you and were well loved and cared for,Debi,xx

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  35. Anonymous8:32 am

    Sad demise for the boys. This breather you are having, is obviously necessary for you. Helps put everything in perspective. MaggieB

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  36. Sorry to hear that John. I gave myself permission to not write at the weekends as I was beginning to doubt myself. It did me a power of good. Arilx

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  37. Oh no ... so sad to hear it. It must have been desperate.

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  38. I am sad to hear of their end :(
    The blog world can be a strange place ; the virtual world with as many foibles, twists and turns as the real world...

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  39. I suppose that in the great scheme of things, there are a lot more chooks in the world than there are badgers, but it doesn't make the loss of the Bachelors any easier for you!
    As for Ursula, she's a bitter and twisted creature whose sole purpose is to upset people, take no notice of the vicious old biddy! X

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    1. Hurting maybe, not vicious

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    5. Kylie, No, you're wrong, she's vicious!

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    6. Just because you’re hurting is no need to be nasty!keep on trucking John
      Teresa

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  40. What's today? Oh yes, Monday. I try not to post every day too, but I think it is a form of addiction. Badgers are very powerful creatures. I am told that they can snip chain-link fences with their teeth.

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  41. How awful! I wondered if someone's bile had gotten to you. Is it possible to, when you see her name, simply delete the comment without reading? You are loved, respected, and appreciated by so many of us, it would be a shame to allow her to have so much power. (And everyone deserves a day off now and again.)

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  42. A sad day indeed... but lovely to hear your 'voice' for a brief interlude.

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  43. Ursula...please leave our John alone. So sorry to hear about the fellows. So happy to see your post this morning in the US.

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  44. How sad, you gave the chicks the best life you could, you are so good to others. You are loved, and missed. Take time and recharge. But please come back.

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  45. So sad John - very sorry that you have lost your chooks. At the end of the day there is only so much we can do to protect. We do our best, you did your best to give them a happy life. I bet the whole neighbourhood will miss them to.

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  46. Having much loved animals is not for sissys. Breaks your heart. Love and hugs to you.

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  47. So sorry to hear of the badgers kill.
    John, try to be as kind to yourself as you are to your animals. Protect yourself from the badgerers.

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  48. So sorry to hear about the bachelors John. It's hard when your animals fall victim to nature. The badger must have been desperate though. Try not to let the odious Ursula get under your skin, easier said than done I know, but you have a whole posse of people who think a lot of you. Take care and enjoy the break.

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  49. I wish Ursula had not pummeled you just when you were going to most need the support and understanding of those of us across the globe who care about you. Take as much time as you need but don't let her brand of bullying be effective. When she once hit a comment I had made on another blog that I had loved, I stopped visiting it. I was struggling with a physical disability then and felt I had to make choices about what else I would tolerate. It sounds as if you were temporarily overloaded now, too, so take the time you need and come back.

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  50. Sending hugs to you. I haven't been commenting much lately as we've had a challenging few months but I love your blog. Take a well deserved break and be kind to yourself xx

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  52. I found blocking the posters who have nothing to say but snide/snarky remarks is a good way to a more pleasant blog.

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  53. Oh John how horrid for you, but as you say it's winter and the badger is hungry, so who can blame it for hunting down a meal. The bachelors had a lovely life with you and you did all you could to keep them safe and well.
    As to other things, I think we all need to remember it's your blog and you can manage it as you see fit. I don't think anything in your blog suggests you are perfect and in fact you are quite open and sanguine about those imperfections you choose to share with us and thank you for that honesty. I don't think that honest merits bullying comments by anyone. Cheeky banter yes, but I would hope we all understand when that crosses the line into rudeness or nastiness. Suffice to say many of us love reading your blog and miss you, so take a break and come back when you're ready. xx

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  54. WTF! I go away for a while and all hell breaks loose. So sorry to hear about the birds John. Enjoy your break. And I hope you come back. But you have to figure out what's best for you and follow through. Not really sure what to say about U. There's enough misery in the world. Not sure what she's about.

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  55. Geez, a LOT has been happening since last I visited, John.
    It was the Ukrainian Village that first caught my attention a few years back. You created something very special then, John, and continue the 'story' chapter by chapter in your most interesting way. A break is necessary for most exceptional writers. YOU are one them. Please take care of yourself first.

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  56. so the bachelors are done for? so sad but even badgers need to eat. and as for Ursula, you can block her you know. no reason to allow her access.

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  57. Oh no! Did all the bachelors succumb to the badger? Poor bachelors. And poor hungry badger (though I'm sure it's hard for you to feel sympathy for him under the circumstances).

    I understand needing a blog break. I took one myself several years ago. Sometimes things just get too busy. I must have missed Ursula's comment?!

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  58. It’s nice to hear fom you even with a sad story.
    One night a skunk got locked in the henhouse and killed 16 of my chickens. It was a mass murder of epic proportions. They were all buried together in a mass grave and I planted daffodils on the grave. That was 20 + years ago and the flowers bloom for them every spring. What made me the saddest is that not one chicken was eaten, just killed. At least the badger ate what he/she killed.


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  59. So sorry about the Bachelors demise. You certainly did all you could to protect them. Yes, delete the lady.

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  60. Oh dear - what an awful way to start the week! They must be awfully determined creatures.
    I hope that things get better although it is such a tough loss for you.

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  61. Oh, that is so sad. Very determined he was. Spring is coming.... maybe some new chicks???
    Best to you and don't let the trolls upset you.

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  62. Sorry to hear this, nature is sometimes very cruel as are some people it seems.
    Take care.

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  63. You're a busy blog administrator today, I see. Maybe that's the best way to deal with the situation.

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  64. I'm quite sure it must be a need to feel powerful. Under the patronising guise of superior intelligence she spreads her bile and nastyness. Can you not block her even before the comments appear?
    Just think of the good she could do with her skills should she care to.
    Its a pity. Jocelyn

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  65. Aww, so sorry to read that the bachelors have been taken, they had a good life idling their days away in the Ukrainian village.
    Hope the blog break is helping.
    ~Jo

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  66. So sorry about your hens. Nature can be cruel, sometimes, but grown people have a choice, and I don't see why anyone would want to spend their time being nasty to others.

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  67. Oh John, that is awful. Sorry about the bachelors. I didn't know badgers were that determined.

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  68. Anonymous4:12 pm

    So glad to see you back if only briefly. Your lovely tales of life with humour make my day. I read every single day and when my agoraphobia was at its worst it was lovely to read about what was going on out and about even though I didn’t really want to go very far myself. Love all your film and theatre reviews too, feel like I’ve been there. I’m visiting my holiday home in Rhuddlan tomorrow so will wave as I pass by along the drive through the area of outstanding beauty and raise a glass to you when I visit the New Inn. Please don’t let one person stop you blogging to the detriment of all your readers. You’re not superman so if you don’t blog for a few days I shall be sad but expect that you’re having a lot more fun doing something else! Love Jules xx

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  69. Anonymous4:35 pm

    Big hug for you John. Come back when you feel better.
    - Lorraine

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  70. Poor little guys. So sorry John.

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  71. So sorry to hear about the Bachelors. We don't have badgers here but raccoons do the dirty work instead.

    We'll be happy to read your musings when you get back, Johnno. Chin up!

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  72. I am so sorry. A sad end for the bachelors but the badger must have been starving/feeding young to have worked so hard for a meal.
    Have a rest from the vicious one, block her and come back stronger.

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  73. So sorry about your chickens and the badgers too.
    We have encroached so much in their land that now farms and homes are a source of food. I find that it true where I live. Only it is dogs and cats.
    I loved reading about your Bachelors. Poor little ones.

    cheers, parsnip

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  74. Some days you do more than one post, we will enjoy reading your posts when you feel like writing but hate to think you feel pressured to post daily. Sorry about the attack x

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  75. Lovely to hear from you. Sad about the news. Rest up. Come back soon x

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  76. So sad. Tis nature. Glad to see you are deleting Ursula the unhappy. Neither interesting or entertaining unlike your blog.x

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  77. Sad that our biggest native predator is under threat..and sad that you've lost chooks.
    Trolls? I had one or two...just blocked them as they had nothing to add to any conversation.

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  78. Well, crap. It sounds as if there is no stopping a badger, once they have it in their mind. Your badger sounds like our fisher cat - vicious buggers. It is always delightful to see your blog posts pop up. So sorry about the bachelors.

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  79. Sorry to hear about the batchelors, as a child I was warned that a badger could if challenged bite through a spade. We once had an old one come take anewborn lamb every day for a while. Do have a nice break thoroughly enjoy your blog and realise it is a lot of work. Sending you a virtual cocktail and a scotch egg :)

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  80. So sorry to hear of the loss of the bachelors. Hope your health has improved with the break, though I'm thinking such a loss of your dear pets is a blow that's hard to sustain right now.

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  81. adrienne6:26 pm

    Such sad news about the bachelors, it's heart breaking really. Chooks each have their own personality, make us laugh and cry and everything in between from the friendly and inquisitive ones to the downright grumpy Sad day indeed x

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  82. Aw so sorry about the batchelors!. Nature is cruel!. I do adore badgers!.
    Hate my cat killing things well half killing them and giving me presents!.baby birds mice. I was only ever able to kill a baby half eaten mouse screaming in pain!. Horror lives with me!.

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  83. People that abuse your blog : 1

    People that love it : Zillions :-)))

    Shelly xx

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  84. Oh my dear John. That;s all you need right now.
    Your blog means the world to me.

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  85. Very sad, however as you say they are hungrey and may have young to feed. It is hard to blog everyday and is un-necessary pressure. Glad to see you visiting, even with such a sad post xx

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  86. heatherruark7:43 pm

    Wish we could each take away the hurt of one of her comments to lessen the load some. We all would for you, I think. Your space is a little salve that we all expect to heal the wounds of finding so much absolute tripe put out out there. Thank you for coming back, even for just this moment.

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  87. So Sorry John. Those little Bantams were so beautiful. Breaks my heart! I would love to have some chickens, but I can't deal with the snakes!

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  88. Oh John, I'm so sorry.

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  89. While I have no idea what Ursula has said to you, I am sorry it has caused you pain. I do hope that you return soon as I have only just been introduced to your site and have greatly enjoyed it.

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    1. It's over with Ursula now. I've finished the whole thing. She is banned from my blog and will be deleted if she comments , deleted without reading.
      She can rant all she likes to her few articulate followers on her own blog
      I've never liked people who fight just for the sake of it
      I feel better...

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  90. So sorry about the Bachelors demise. You certainly did all you could to protect them. Big hugs to you.

    MissFifi

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  91. Oh I am so sorry about the Bachelors. We had a weasel chew through a semi-rotted wood floor once to get at our meat birds. And the end of winter is a hard time for all the wild animals.
    I don't usually read the comments so I don't know who this Ursula person is but if she is toxic - out with her!!
    Hope you have a relaxing break with lots of pupper snuggles and cozy fires.

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  92. John - I read but don't comment too often on people's blogs - but have just got to say that you have just made my day - I've read Ursula's nasty, vile, spiteful comments on your blog many a time and have often thought 'why don't you just block her John' so I'm so glad that you have and it's so good to see how many times the stupid woman has tried to comment on here today and you've blocked her - Well done John for taking control against a nasty bullying piece of work like her - someone should remind her what goes around comes around and a lot of us can't wait for Karma to bite her on the bum for all the times the nasty troll has upset you - I'm so sorry about your hens - I hope you feel much better soon, and I'll look forward to your return when you feel ready - sending a big hug xx

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    1. Trudie you can't block people ...
      don't worry it's over now and I feel ok with what I've told her finally.
      She won't be allowed to post here anymore .
      And I shall return to blogging very soon

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    2. John is right, you can't block people. Every comment that comes through has to be checked, either before publication (moderation), or after. I have moderation control on, it does help. The faster I delete the quicker I can move on and forget about it.

      I have just had a perusal of said persons blog, my goodness, what a load of bile. I am sorry that you have had to put up with this, John. Delete, delete, delete.

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  93. And I am sorry for getting sucked into responding ..
    Enjoy your off blog time :)

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  94. Anonymous12:00 am

    So sorry to hear about the bachelors! Our animals become our family.
    As in everything else, taking a break is necessary to recharge the batteries. I hope you find the peace quiet you need.
    Debbie

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  95. Oh, what sad news. I am sorry about you now silent village. It's been a rough go for awhile. I hope you feel better after a rest and recharge.

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  96. Aww poor boys...loved the bachelors, sorry to hear the sad news about the quiet UV. Winter is a difficult time for most wild animals and your winter this year is rougher than I remember it being when I was in the UK. I hope the rest does you good and deleting Ursula's comments I am sure is the right thing to do...don't know what her problem is! Enjoy your time off blogland.

    Jo in Auckland, NZ

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  97. Anonymous1:02 am

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    1. Me again. I want to say I am sorry about the bachelors. I neglected to say so earlier.

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    3. Anonymous6:45 pm

      what? I wondered why you said comment(s) were deleted. last night it didn't immediately delete the first one. but really thank god it did. i always have to write War and Peace. I just wanted to tell you that it brought tears to my eyes about the bachelors. and yet like you and others here if the little badger was so cold and starving. well. it's just sad all around.
      wildlife have it so hard in this food chain planet. ALL animals do. it breaks my heart.
      I once read an interesting line.
      "nature is harsh not cruel. cruelty implies intent." it helped me to understand a little better. but not much. it is still horrific. it's why I'm Vegan.
      and in the comment I just said... be careful John Gray.
      stress can kill. I have malignant hypertension so when it spikes to stroke level it means a hospital visit and sometimes a stay. which here can be very expensive. then I realized you're a professional! you know all about that!
      but I often say foolish things in public.
      it comes from mouth in gear before brain or something like that! and being called out on my habit of finding human nature humorous.
      too much LOL'ing going on. she has a point.
      but not enough for me to change!
      this comment could have been sent with five words.
      John Gray ~
      sending you love. and understanding.
      and what did it do? it turned into War and Peace again. xo

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    4. It's nice you are herex

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  98. Anonymous1:16 am

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  99. A damnable thing is a hungry badger.

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  100. Please come back when you're ready, you bring a lot of joy especially to a fellow emergency services worker who doesn't always t see the best of humanity x

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  101. Anonymous8:41 am

    Nature is so cruel sometimes, I didn’t realise living in Australia that badgers would kill and eat chooks, have lost chooks to foxes though, vicious b******s.
    Susan

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  102. As one who raises chickens, I know how the loss of the gents must affect you. So sorry. You must get some to replace them, as they are such fun to watch. Rest up and we hope to see you soon.

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  103. So sorry to hear this. I know you love your critters and take your "benevolent overlord" responsibilities very seriously.

    And yes, rest up. One of my favorite bloggers posts only 2x a week. She also takes the month of August off!

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  104. Hi John-hope you're having a good day -my 3 are full of the joys of Spring -earlier my 13 yr old was chasing 2 squirrels x

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  105. I hope you are back soon. Your blog is always a joy to read.

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  106. Anonymous8:00 pm

    Hello John,Hope that you ,Hubby and your lovely animals have had a nice day,Debi,xx

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  107. Don't let one person change your outlook, John. Everyone's entitled to their opinion (hers is WRONG but that's my opinion). She doesn't have to read your blog and you don't HAVE to write everyday. We all just enjoy peeking over your shoulder on the village life in Wales.

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  108. So sorry to hear about the bachelors. Missing your blog but understanding that it's up to you when you want to return. Hope it's soon.

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  109. Oh, poor chickens! What a determined badger! I was going to say that friends here had their enormous chicken coop completely surrounded, sides, roof and underfloor, with heavy duty wire netting, but then I read Tom's comment that badgers can snip through wire... so that might not have saved them either.

    Hope you're feeling better John.

    "Someone" needs a change in medication methinks! I have a friend who used to say of certain impossible members of the congregation "Forgot her pink pills this morning I see"....

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  110. OMG .. like the fellow Aussie above ... I did not know that badgers could eat chickens! I am so sorry John .

    I wonder if you could send that badger off to Ursula !

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  111. Just did a 'check in' John to see if you were back to read your report on the demise of the Bachelors..terrible..it is such a shock when you know your stock had been terrorised as well as being killed. I've experienced domestic dogs (Afgans) & on another occasion wild dogs getting into our chook run/hen house, it us very unsettling and sad but they had a better, probably longer life in your care than they may have elsewhere.
    As a follower who so enjoys your accounts and views
    I am pleased you have chosen to shut down Ursulas commentry.. a toxic 'friend' is not a friend to anyone including herself.
    Rest well John..recharge and return when your ready. Elle xx

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  112. On no! It got all the bachelors?? Your field must be very quiet these days

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  113. What a sad end to the village.

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  114. I'm sorry about the bachelors, we lost two hens due to raccoons, needless to say their little tribe is no longer.

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  115. Very sad news John. x

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  116. we lost two hens due to raccoons, needless to say their little tribe is no longer. สมัคร D2BET

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