We have had a busy week with all sorts of weather. Not snow like our northern friends, but cold frosts and hail and sun - and today a fine drizzle. Spring is progressing through all her many changes with the warm and wet of the week. The girls are pretty preoccupied with laying eggs and us boys are a-doing what comes naturally! Dad seems pleased with his cache of eggs that he collects each evening and up at Wattlebury Cottage they have the first baby chicks bustling around in the brooder box.
The Blackthorn came out at the same time as the cold snap
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The old tangle of brambles are sprouting out new growth
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The old Beech on the bank has fine new leaves growing bigger each day
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Harvey excitedly told us that on Tuesday he saw an adder on the chalk downs where he goes for a walk with Honey and Mum whilst they are at work. It was a fine sunny lunchtime and Madderline was sleepily heading out of the leaves and brambles for a sunbathe as the temperature was at its highest. She spotted the three of them looking down at her and hastily lowered her head and turned on her coils to disappear once more into the old brown leaves that had sheltered her underground retreat last winter.
And on Wednesday when Mum was going out across the field to see Lois, Mr Fox quite unaware that Mum was there, was trotting along his well worn paths and headed right towards her. He kept to his twisty path and first went to say Good Morning to Lois. Lois took hardly any notice of him at all and continued chewing contentedly. No sign of fear or aggression on her face, she gently raised her head slightly to acknowledge him. Quite obviously a frequent visiting friend - like Mysty, the Roe Deer. He became aware that Mum was now only a few yards away and turned with a backward glance to retrace his steps towards the side of the field. After Mum had checked Lois she looked back to where she had been standing when Mr Fox hadn't seen her, and that morning had dawned with a hard white frost covering most of the field - only melted in the dazzling sunshine that was now shining directly at her.
And on Wednesday when Mum was going out across the field to see Lois, Mr Fox quite unaware that Mum was there, was trotting along his well worn paths and headed right towards her. He kept to his twisty path and first went to say Good Morning to Lois. Lois took hardly any notice of him at all and continued chewing contentedly. No sign of fear or aggression on her face, she gently raised her head slightly to acknowledge him. Quite obviously a frequent visiting friend - like Mysty, the Roe Deer. He became aware that Mum was now only a few yards away and turned with a backward glance to retrace his steps towards the side of the field. After Mum had checked Lois she looked back to where she had been standing when Mr Fox hadn't seen her, and that morning had dawned with a hard white frost covering most of the field - only melted in the dazzling sunshine that was now shining directly at her.
Mickey hunting amongst the nettles by the barn
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Truffle scurries to lay her egg
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Marcel, Marie and Martine enjoying the grass cuttings
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Everyone seems to have lots of important things on their minds. Yes, it is a very busy time of the year.
The Big Field is turning yellow once more. It was a bit misty this morning - Easter Day! Mum and Kizzie seemed more excited than usual about Eggs. Last Sunday we all had a visit from our two friends, Nicky and Martin, who travelled from afar and brought yummy Cup Cakes. It is indeed a splendid time of the year for everyone. A very Happy Easter to you all. Love Gordon & Sylvia xxx