February 6, 2008: Real Winter Weather.
It has been a wintry week here. We have had snow, hail, sleet, rain (lots of it), and just to add insult to injury, gale force winds day-after-day. The wind was so strong one night that sleep was almost impossible as the old shed nearly lost its roof. The wind managed to pick up our dog trailer and move it a few feet until it wedged itself firmly against the truck. Thankfully no damage done to either.

Even the dogs did not want to be outside in the elements. We would take them for short walks and on the way home, they'd sprint for the front door in the hopes of taking prime position in front of the fire. Bailey would have none of that. Our sick pup spent the week making sure Bailey maintained her prime spot in front of the fire, while he lay behind - ever respectful of Bailey's position in the household. The pup is almost back at full strength and we'll start building him up again physically before he gets back on sheep. He is looking very longingly at the sheep.

The chickens didn't want to be outside in the atrocious weather either. They kept their heads low, especially after losing one of their kind to a chicken casserole. The young roosters are now trying their hardest to not be the biggest boy in the coop. The young hens have been moved to their new home in the Eglu. They've been told in no uncertain terms that they either produce eggs or they may become Chicken Cacciatore.

One day we decided to pack all the dogs into the truck and trailer and head off to a friend's place to train on his sheep. We got almost all the way there before an unexpected snow storm saw us dribbling along the road in total white-out conditions. The blowing snow made it impossible to see even the front of the truck. By the time we arrived at our friend's place with more than one white knuckle, a thick blanket of snow engulfed all the fields, making training impossible. Instead we sat inside drinking tea, eating goodies and swapping stories. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, although the dogs might not agree. It is nice to be able to stop and enjoy a cup of tea without the pressures of work or time to spoil the moment. Priceless moments.

Oh work, yes, there's been lots of that too. On the farm, the cows are still calving and we are getting ready to gather in all the ewes for scanning. Our 'other' work seems to keep us busy for every waking hour we are not working on the farm or out playing with dogs. We love our work, and we are very lucky to be able to work from home. There are many moments one can steal a view down the valley and marvel at the majestic scenery. Of course our work day is made that much more bearable when our neighbour, Gwen, stops by with a delicious chocolate cake (Angie's favourite) iced with real chocolate. Goodies seem that much nicer when they are handmade, delivered personally (on a quad bike, of course) and always with a dog in tow. Everyone should have a friend like Gwen, and not just for her baking skills. Some friends nourish your body - and soul.