It has been a lot milder this month than the last one. For some reason the oak trees clung on to their leaves in November and December as if they were too cold to let them go. But with the rain that we have had over the last two weeks, they have shed them now. All over the place. Dad can’t even use his leaf blowers (he has two – one in each hand – looks like John Wayne) because the ground is so wet. And the trees stand tall and as naked as a Jaybird with their branches stretching skyward in search of a tepid ray of sunshine that might signal Spring is around the corner. You can spot things that have been hidden. Suddenly you can look right through woods – it is hard to believe that this will all become lush and green again. The greedy Magpie and his Friend swoop down and eat our tit bits that Mum brings us in the morning. They will never land in the yard whilst Mum and Dad are there, but as soon as their backs are turned, they plop down and with a giant bounce they grab our tasty morsels and head off. Quick as you like. I try to look big and fierce, but as I am only a small portion they don’t take any notice of me. (Who around here does?)

I like Saturdays. Dad spends a lot of time cleaning out and mending and cutting up logs and having bonfires. And he always goes to the Chicken Supermarket to buy our food for the week and Mum shops in the Co-op. Strange that. Bird and Ellen get the best food and if we are good we get a handful. I love the sunflower seeds and call Sylvia loudly as soon as Dad gives me some. Unfortunately I usually get trodden on in the rush by Harvest and Alice and Truffle the Frizzle and all the greedy Rosecombs.

Anyway today is grey and chilly and so I am busying myself with this and that and generally keeping an eye on things. I have been on the manure heap and had a dig. That is great fun – even better when Mum or Kizzie gets the fork in there for us. Kizzie also digs in the top of the field for worms for us sometimes. I get so excited and shout when I see one. And yes, you’ve guessed it – I get flattened again by everyone else rushing over. Why can’t I keep my big mouth shut and just eat the thing myself? I might try this next time. Hey Ho. Nearly time for bed. Sleep well.  Gordon xxx