The fox returned last night.
This morning a small circle of blue feathers marked the spot in the Churchyard where another of the guinea fowl met a sad end.
At dawn, when I returned home, only one blue and the delicate little black male survived the night, but at least both have "teamed" up with the old hand Hughie.
I am gutted.
But dogs need to be walked and pig food needs to be bought....
I will try to blog a little happier blog later
ps.
I have just come in after locking up the stock. I have reinforced most of the coops that required it, and have had to leave the field in a state of nervousness, as the last surviving guinea fowl prepare for the night.Two of the three birds were injured by the attack of last night, but I just could not capture them to check the extent of the damage!
At dusk the two more robust blue fowl followed Hughie up into the Church elm (albeit just into the low branches), leaving the shy little black male on the ground. I just couldn't bear the suspense of waiting for him to join the others so I bolted for the cottage. I am working tonight so cannot watch over them.....mind you we were both out last night, when the opportunistic fox or badger struck!
Me and my BIG mouth
Me and my big mouth! Yesterday I blogged that all the animals were fine (and specifically mentioned the guinea fowl) and last night the adolescent birds were attacked in their coop by a fox or possibly a badger!Two birds were taken (a blue and a pied) and the body of the little white female was disemboweled and left inside the house. The three survivors were sat outside the runs with Hughie, when I went out this morning, and all looked quiet but unhurt.
I am gutted, as I had become quite attached to the little characters chattering around the place like the old ladies from Cranford.
I only wish that the birds had learnt to roost earlier, rather than to return to the coop. The trees would have provided a slightly safer place for them to sleep.
I took Chris to the station early this morning, as he is off to London to see The Jersey Boys with a friend from work. He was a little preoccupied to show me much sympathy....which is perhaps for the best!
hey ho!
Dancing
We had forgotten we had signed up for a trip to the Liverpool Arena with the Prestatyn allotment group..so tonight Chris, I and Janet joined in for a fairly happy-go-lucky night watching the "stars" of Strictly Come Dancing!It was all fairly good natured, completely scripted fun, with 8 thousand applauding, gay friendly women enjoying tv celebrities dancing rather well with their almost-as-friendly professional dancers
The night was great fun......nothing overtly amazing......but very good fun......especially as we downed a large amount of gin and tonic in the minibus!
I have had withdrawl symptoms from the field today as I have been on a moving and handling study day ALL day!... suffice to say that the girls,pigs and guinea fowl are all fine!!!Worth Repeating
Cassie left a note on my previous blog about a family dinner that was not so happy for her....
I replied with this, one of my very first blogs, which my sister Ann has just read for the first time...
I think it is worth repeating!
little actions of kindness
Today I have been thinking of something that happened many years ago.It was a little action of kindness that had a profound effect on me and made me believe in the humanity within man.One Sunday, I think it was around new year, we were having lunch at home, all of us "visiting" my parents. My twin sister and I would have been around 26, my elder sister and her husband in their forties. My mother was a not-so-secret drinker and was pretty smashed as I recall. She carried on preparing the lunch and serving it as though sober, but it was all too apparent to all how much she had indeed drunk. In typical English/family secret way we all tried ignore her slurring and clumsiness, but as she tottered off into the kitchen my father could not bare it anymore and burst into tears.We were all mortified!, and concentrated on our lunches as though they were the only meals we had ever been presented with. Only My elder sister reacted. Immediately and gently, and without undue fuss she lent over and cupped her hand on my father's cheek. It lasted but a moment, but in that one tiny act of kindness she gave him her support,affection and control, it quietened him and he carried on his meal as we all did.That gesture strengthened us all, and I have never forgotten it, it was something unique and special and these things are often surprisingly overlooked in our self absorbed lives.I am glad I remembered it
I replied with this, one of my very first blogs, which my sister Ann has just read for the first time...
I think it is worth repeating!
little actions of kindness
Today I have been thinking of something that happened many years ago.It was a little action of kindness that had a profound effect on me and made me believe in the humanity within man.One Sunday, I think it was around new year, we were having lunch at home, all of us "visiting" my parents. My twin sister and I would have been around 26, my elder sister and her husband in their forties. My mother was a not-so-secret drinker and was pretty smashed as I recall. She carried on preparing the lunch and serving it as though sober, but it was all too apparent to all how much she had indeed drunk. In typical English/family secret way we all tried ignore her slurring and clumsiness, but as she tottered off into the kitchen my father could not bare it anymore and burst into tears.We were all mortified!, and concentrated on our lunches as though they were the only meals we had ever been presented with. Only My elder sister reacted. Immediately and gently, and without undue fuss she lent over and cupped her hand on my father's cheek. It lasted but a moment, but in that one tiny act of kindness she gave him her support,affection and control, it quietened him and he carried on his meal as we all did.That gesture strengthened us all, and I have never forgotten it, it was something unique and special and these things are often surprisingly overlooked in our self absorbed lives.I am glad I remembered it
Lunch over George
Well we took a raincheck from George Clooney in his latest dimple twitching drama Up in the Air this evening as we have overstuffed our fat faces at my Brother's house, where we all had a lunch , so impressive, old Delia would have applauded.Melting roast beef, lamb, roast potatoes, parsnips, cheese sauced veg, the obligatory Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy was followed by fruit crumble and a syrup sponge to die for (below)
and I thank goodness I took the dogs up with us, as I had to excuse myself from the table to exercise them (and myself) in the garden after a huge main course.
Dunno what is the matter with my hair....I look as though I am doing a Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary
There is something quite satisfying about a family meal. Everyone is relaxed, no one has to try too hard, and the food is usually fab....Now I am going to waddle off for a sleep
Carmen
The success of the Opera Carmen, stands or falls on the performance of its leading lady,and tonight's opening performance of Richard Eyre's New York Met's version is a triumph , thanks primarily to the efforts of the mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca.
Apparently new to the role, Garanca, brings a confidence and an earthy sexual swagger to her Carman, and was an inspired choice for the role as she looks the part so well, especially when in camera close up.
During the "Habanera", her opening number, she dispenses with the usual striking of sexual poses,( a path well trodden by previous Carmens) favouring more the very sensual washing of her skirt in a bucket of water. With her sturdy legs always on show and a orange firmly stuck in her cleavage, Garanca reminded me of Sophia Loren in The Pride and the Passion (1957) and is a cracking sexy leading lady.
Roberto Alagna (who looks a little like a floppy haired Russell Crowe) holds his own as Don Jose, and sudden stand in Teddy Tahu Rhodes, made for an impressive (and oh so tall) Escampillo.
All in all, the whole long production was a real tonic and an enjoyable revisiting of a sometimes tired but popular Opera. I loved it.
It was nice to see the Scala Cinema packed out for a change and the audience ( more mixed than usual) was very appreciative......bloody hell, two nights out in two days......we are two crazy bitches!!!
Thanks Jonney
I needed the phone call from my friend Jonney today!
Late afternoon he called with the following phrase
"Daaaaaarrrrrrlllllling......if I read another blog about snow and chickens I'll just die....."
(or something a little like that) and he is quite right!
It was a lovely tonic to hear from him. and how I have so missed ripping films apart with him over a bottle of white.......it has been far, far too long.
I am resolved to meet up with him in February, for a long, vicariously enjoyable evening of excesses of alcohol, gossip , campness and movie reviews!
Late afternoon he called with the following phrase
"Daaaaaarrrrrrlllllling......if I read another blog about snow and chickens I'll just die....."
(or something a little like that) and he is quite right!
It was a lovely tonic to hear from him. and how I have so missed ripping films apart with him over a bottle of white.......it has been far, far too long.
I am resolved to meet up with him in February, for a long, vicariously enjoyable evening of excesses of alcohol, gossip , campness and movie reviews!
Anyhow tonight Chris and I went to see Sherlock Holmes (2009) and thank god I didn't expect too much from it, as after 20 minutes of this hybrid 1930's Basil Rathbone/2010 superhero movie, I found myself rather enjoying a modern day Conan Doyle homage !
Of course the whole thing is rubbish, but it is glossy rubbish, and I did quite enjoy the new interplay between a slightly more vulnerable Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and the hard ass Watson ( the sexy Jude Law.). CGI abound and the well known Guy Richie touches cover everything, yet of its type, Sherlock Holmes is (AND I HATE TO SAY THIS) an ok movie
7/10
At Last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The weather has changed. This morning driving rain and gale force winds have shocked the animals as they emerged from the small village of houses on the field. And after eating they have bolted for cover and dry shelter, all with the exception of Jessop(above), who stood on the stone Church wall clucking loudly into the wind.I have tons of maintenance jobs to do, but just can't get on to do them until the ground thaws a little more, and so, I am still feeling a little stir crazy!
It is so easy to get into the habit of doing nothing, when you are grounded, so today I have kicked myself up the arse and have finally changed my pajama bottoms- which have been "hidden" under my work pants for the last 2 days! (an extra layer is vital in this weather! -but having tartan pj's poking out of a pant leg is not a cool look in the post office!!!)
This morning I have made lasagna, filled all of the water butts, and have caught up with some financial matters, This afternoon I have to wait in for the Berlingo's windscreen to be repaired, so I have earmarked the shed for a clear out, the paths need clearing and William is in dire need for a bath.
I am also having withdrawal symptoms from an enforced lack of cinema trips, so I think I will drag chris out on Sunday to see Up in the Air with the urbane Mr Clooney. Tomorrow night we are off to see Carmen (a live production at the Scala) and tonight I will pop down to see Hazel and have a quick chat over a bottle of wine... so socially things are looking up.
I want to stick a middle finger up at the snow.....now that it has almost gone...my life can get back to some normality
dinnerladies
I absolutely loved "dinnerladies", the Victoria Wood ensemble piece about blue collar workers in a North England factory.
Wood created something quite special here, she revisited that quaint and thoroughly North Western humour, typical of 1920/30 musical hall and early cinema and gave it a specific Lanchashire/Manchester twist..
The double entendre's (mostly delivered in a deadpan intensity by a largely female cast) are bitingly funny,and the observation of a community that actually exists, (albeit in a tiny physical location) is painfully accurate, even if it is, of course exaggerated for comic effect
Nige I am sure you will have something more interesting to add to this one
Lift
Albert has just brought in an injured but very angry magpie. The dogs went hysterical, (as did the magpie) and it has crapped all over our bedroom walls as I tried to catch it.
In an effort to cheer myself up from the snow humdrum, here are a few funny photos...enjoy
In an effort to cheer myself up from the snow humdrum, here are a few funny photos...enjoy
It's official I am boring myself!
I am so annoyed I could spit. It is snowing heavily again this morning and I resent not only the weather but also how it is taking over my blog subjects......!(my blogs are never that interesting but recently they seem to be taking a rather monotonous -snow tone!)Apparently roads are already being closed (Dyserth hill and Gwaenysgor Hill- the only roads down to the coast) and the main route out of North Wales ( the A55) is at a standstill.
Geoff, with his 4x4, came to the rescue this morning and dropped some extra corn for me which was incredibly kind of him,and Ralph the gentleman farmer brought me a bale of straw for the pigs,another lifesaver! However itt still took me over an hour and a half to feed and water every animal!
The cold has taken its toll, old Susan died in the night (right) as did Whoopie Goldberg (another of my eldest hybrids), which was very sad. The elderly "retired" hens, are all hybrids and subsequently tend to be smaller and skinnier specimens compared to the more robust pure breeds, and just have not got the reserves to keep on going despite extra feed and lots of TLC
On a brighter note, I have provisionally booked the Hall in February for my second "Chicken course for beginners". I have 6 students this time (left my first course students from the Autumn!!) and they all seem to be keen as mustard and a pretty nice bunch of despots.
Facebook Pete
Now I have a facebook "account" but seldom venture on the website as I find it overly complicated and difficult to navigate. This evening my nephew pete sent me a message and I absolutely loved his accompanying photo (above)
He is the most sociable, constantly in motion, big hearted and friendly individual I have ever met
and his photo sums that up perfectly!
Miep Gies
I read with interest that Miep Gies died today aged 100. She was the last surviving Dutchwoman that helped protect the family of Anne Frank when they were in hiding in the
ir tiny apartment bolthole during the war, and was responsible for the safe keeping of Anne's famous diary.
Fourteen years ago, I remember going to the Anne Frank Museum. At the time I was on holiday with a previous partner, which was a bit of a disaster,( I won't go into details), suffice to say this one day I was left to my own devices to do what I wanted.
The museum is tiny and has a tendency of being quite overcrowded with visitors, but I was lucky as I went in the early morning and during a snow storm, so the place was virtually deserted.I clambered up the steep wooden staircases and up into those bleak little back rooms almost alone, and for the briefest of moments,I could feel a huge sense of sadness at what had transpired within the Frank and Van Daan families. It was a sobering and unforgettable experience.
A year or so later I visited the concentration camp Theresienstadt in the Czech Republic and on a quiet sunny afternoon, I remember experiencing a similar feeling of awe and overwhelming sadness. I was following a Jewish family around the "show village" that made up the original camp, when quite suddenly the oldest member of the family, a small elderly man, burst into loud sobbing and wailing. He was slapping the door of a shop and shouting something in Yiddish, and the more distressed he became the more helpless and upset his family looked. It was an awful private moment to have witnessed, and one that brought out the reality of the holocaust to me, much more than any exhibition could ever have done.
I remember catching the eye of what I presumed to be this man's daughter and tried to flash her one of those sympathetic half smiles that is supposed to convey support and sympathy, she returned a thin lipped smile and nod and I hurried on eager to leave them in privacy
Reading about Miep Gies today, brought these memories flooding back
ir tiny apartment bolthole during the war, and was responsible for the safe keeping of Anne's famous diary.Fourteen years ago, I remember going to the Anne Frank Museum. At the time I was on holiday with a previous partner, which was a bit of a disaster,( I won't go into details), suffice to say this one day I was left to my own devices to do what I wanted.
The museum is tiny and has a tendency of being quite overcrowded with visitors, but I was lucky as I went in the early morning and during a snow storm, so the place was virtually deserted.I clambered up the steep wooden staircases and up into those bleak little back rooms almost alone, and for the briefest of moments,I could feel a huge sense of sadness at what had transpired within the Frank and Van Daan families. It was a sobering and unforgettable experience.
A year or so later I visited the concentration camp Theresienstadt in the Czech Republic and on a quiet sunny afternoon, I remember experiencing a similar feeling of awe and overwhelming sadness. I was following a Jewish family around the "show village" that made up the original camp, when quite suddenly the oldest member of the family, a small elderly man, burst into loud sobbing and wailing. He was slapping the door of a shop and shouting something in Yiddish, and the more distressed he became the more helpless and upset his family looked. It was an awful private moment to have witnessed, and one that brought out the reality of the holocaust to me, much more than any exhibition could ever have done.
I remember catching the eye of what I presumed to be this man's daughter and tried to flash her one of those sympathetic half smiles that is supposed to convey support and sympathy, she returned a thin lipped smile and nod and I hurried on eager to leave them in privacy
Reading about Miep Gies today, brought these memories flooding back
Feed The Birds - don't I just!
With the cold weather continuing I seem to be going through bags of corn like there is no tomorrow, and this morning I realised that I seem to supporting the large population of wild birds as well as all of my charges.
Long lines of blackbirds, a jay, thrush,a couple of phesants and a huge gaggle of field sparrows are all surviving the winter as a direct result of the poultry feed.
What can you do?
I am working this evening and Chris is still away in London,so I want to get the jobs completed early. Poor Susan, remains gravely ill in the shed. She is now off her feet, so I have made her a comfortable nest out of straw, so that she can die in peace iand in warmth
Fags
Chris has gone to London for a couple of days, which may not be a bad thing as he is finding it incredibly difficult to cope with every day home "irritations" when withdrawing from the dreaded nicotine drug!His battle with cigarettes is an ongoing one and is one that is complicated by intermittent fags (to my American reader Fag in the UK is a cigarette!!!) and intermittent nicotine patches!Subsequently he has rushes of cravings and surges of temper, which doesn't make for harmonious living for him AND for me.
I wish I could help him give up the dreaded weed for good, but I can't, suffice to say, I think I had better keep schtum........and perhaps agree to him buying a pipe!
Faye Dunaway RIP
I woke up this morning, not to the promised "thaw" that we were all wishing for,, but to a new moderate fall of snow. The view from the cottage (above) remains white, icy and quite beautiful, but I am afraid the beauty of the snow has long since left me, literally quite cold .I am tired of posting about the weather, but what can I do when it dominates the lives of out little band of characters at home?
Faye Dunaway died today.....Not the Faye Dunaway of course (though to be fair the real actress does resemble a corpse in most of her more recent films) I am referring to one of my old hybrids, a skinny old amber rock that I found quite flat and frozen in her hen house this morning. Halleh the sex starved duck may well have been responsible for her death (the flat nature of the corpse my indicate that he had given her a good seeing to) but I am hoping (and I really believe) that the cold, coupled with the fact she was well past her prime, was the real cause of death.
Old Stanley watching me clean out his coop this morning with my oldest hen, Beatrice
Nora keeping the cold at bay with some bananas donated from Joanne, one of my egg customersLizzy,Jane and Kitty
The four turkey poults seem to be doing ok in the adverse weather, and all six turkeys have survived their brush with the dreaded "Blackhead" which is something of a miracle. Boris is accepting all of the youngsters including the one slate poult stag who remains rather shy, and I am hoping that the three brown females will provide him with a good natured breeding group.The girls are robust, friendly and well used to being handled, and with the deep dark eyes so typical of the adult, they are, to me,quite beautiful. I have named them Lizzy,Jane and Kitty.
The young male will be "swapped" for a garden shed, by a guy from the village who has a lone female!
The sky is pale and almost translucent today, and already this afternoon it has started to snow, albeit very gently. We are all getting sick of the snow here, one neighbour, Ann, fell in the lane the day before yesterday and badly broke her arm. I took some eggs up to her yesterday...thought It was more useful than a get well card!
Off now to feed the pigs and to put the turkeys in, I have left Chris sitting on the couch wearing his scarf watching Went the Day Well? (1942)
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