January and SNOW!

January was a lovely month with beautiful soft winter sunlight. Gus Dermody - of "One Man & his Dog" fame came to scan the sheep for us. They were separated into their two groups - twins and singles - and we had Barnaby Bear from Nicole's school to look after for the week which interested the sheep!
And we started on the spring cleaning of the cottages.

And then the big snow hit the country!Cherry Tree cottage in the snow.

We had no more than we would usually expect - about 4 inches and the grand children revelled in it.Nicole and William built mini snowmen - the snow wouldn't stick for larger ones.The garden looked so beautiful and the Old House even more romantic. My gazebo and our fabulous views out across the hills towards Whaley Bridge.
Our farmhouse from the road.A blackbird waited patiently for Nic to thaw the bird bath but he has put seed on the bird table. Its patience was rewarded!
The Old House sheltered by our taller building.The sheep are fine in the snow with plenty to eat thanks to a careful farmer and thick woolly jackets!

Jess is always around when there is any work to be done and Nic was just about to feed his sheep and check on those in the further fields. A view from the Spring field across to the field barn where Nic has a few frail sheep inside needing extra care and shelter in this cold, snowey weather.
The Far Brow where the badger sett is and Stubbins Piece beyond it with Cracken Edge in the distance Sheep find grass even in the snow - they are amazing animals! Lench Field and Clatter Hill in the background - ancient names we still use.Another view of the sheep in the Spring Field- our wonderful spring comes out where you can see the hawthorn bush in the background.The hens didn't know what to make of the first snow they have ever seen and wouldn't come out of the usual pophole so Nic opened the main door for them.Sheep are so accepting of everything and this old pregnant ewe had eaten her fill of the hay and molasses put out for them and was perfectly comfortable in this sheltered corner.Jess and farmer Nic are safely back and the kettle is on to welcome them!And our grandchildren thawed out with a ride on our rocking horse. The end of a perfect day!