A diary of sorts continued

Isn’t it odd how I feel that if I write something happened Monday then it really needed to have happened this week and on that day? Regardless of whether any one is able or interested to check up on me? Well life really doesn’t happen like that so my ‘diary’ is going to become more of a representation of activities with the days of the week as useful headings, breaking up the text. I’m not lying, just making my life easier I suppose.

Monday

Our track has finally been sorted. For how long I have no idea; we are yet to have any rain to test it out. The whole thing may wash away….or the new drains may really work! The project has revealed that great need in all marriages, compromise. I am desperate to keep hold of the water - at least somewhat - to reduce downstream flooding, support biodiversity, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out too quickly. Yet the norm around here, and the advice of the contractor, is to move the water away as quickly as possible. (I had a stand up ‘heated debate’ with an Angus farmer about this topic once.)

Our compromise includes some drains, some ponds. To be honest the track has been the bane of our and our vehicles’ existence. A friend said she used the potholes as a chance for slow contemplation. We have a very fancy and low BMW in the car park this week. I don’t think it would have got here a couple of weeks ago!

Tuesday

Our poultry are finally laying eggs like there is no tomorrow. The ducks are particularly productive. So I think it is time to open the Wee Black Shed at the bottom of the track. NO cash please (due to a particular scoundrel who goes round stealing all the cash from local farm stands). Bank transfer is perfect. Details are in the shed. Chicken, duck and goose eggs when available.

Wednesday

It is SO dry. The sunshine has been beautiful. Our heavily pregnant ewes have been basking in it. But it does also mean the risk of fire is super high and the grass isn’t growing quite as well as it could be. I think the weather breaks tomorrow, I can see the clouds building outside, and I’ll probably be complaining then about it being too wet. No, never happy. Olly is currently banging (and swearing) at the back of the house, fitting a couple more water butts to catch the rain from our roof. Do you have water butts? Do you have enough water butts??

Thursday

We went down to Yorkshire to visit a man with a shed and something else that will be adding another ‘feather’ to Burmieston’s ‘boa’ in September. Ooh what could it be??? It will be for guests and locals alike!

We made a detour to the highest pub in England for lunch. Crumbs, we thought Burmieston felt isolated. The Yorkshire moors really can feel quite beautifully desolate, even in blistering sunshine. The photos show the road in and the road out. I recommend a visit. The food was lovely, if a bit slow, and the atmosphere is great. They had these clever wooden stools with a hole in the side to dry umbrellas.

Friday

Our guests this weekend have already been delighted by Ethan’s love of toads. They did ask……

Bugs (Big HUGS) to you all. Until the next time!

Keesje

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PS. Health update - I have been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder or FND. The doc gave me a website to look up and told me there is a 2 year waiting list for treatment. No medication. So we are finding our way. I'm looking into non-NHS treatments like neurofeedback and cranial something or other and someone else has recommended acupuncture. It’s been a definite wake up call to how quickly life can change. When I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I will be trying out all the things that scare me. Life is too short to keep giving into fear.