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!
Alison's dog was ecstatic to see one of his many his best friends again.
Little Nicolas loved the singing birds sent by great-great aunt Anne and he kept us all on our toes - a real little live wire.
Do forgive the personal photos here but our family also looks at our blog, not just our visitors, and I just don't get the time to do 2 separate blogs! Just doing one gives me a headache.
Alison made thanksgiving dinner for all the Woodall clan and we had a marvellous meal with everyone bringing their speciality dish.
We were lucky to catch Santa at Barnes and Noble in Atlanta and Adison took it all in her stride whereas Nicolas was a bit unsure!
We were relieved to see that our handsome derbyshire Redcap cockerel had survived any visits by the fox - he has become bolder with age and now brings his ladies into the farmyard.
Our church Sunday school put on its usual excellent nativity play in which Nicole and William were non-speaking shepherds.
William had great fun playing the electronic keyboard
We also went on the Cheddleton steam railway. They put on a special Santa express which is very well done with Father Christmas bringing presents and the adults having sherry and mince pies - a favourite in summer as well when Thomas the tank engine pays a visit.
This was William's first day in the pre-school at Chinley Primary school with his sister - and he got a special badge from the head teacher for being so polite!
Then it was all go getting the 2 cottages ready for the Christmas and New Year visitors.
The Old House always looks so lovely with a little tree in the sitting room and a bit of tinsel to brighten things up. The log fires are always very popular, especially the fact that there are ample supplies of logs provided.
Cherry Tree has the tree in the dining room and a traditional swag over the mantlepiece.
The weather was wonderful for brisk, invigorating walks over the hills or cosy evenings by the fire. Everyone had a wonderful time - just a pity the snow came in February - but see my next blog for that!