Tales from the Rock

For once we are ready, the log store is stacked (reserve wood is strategically placed in nearby caches) we have a months supply of animal feed (various types, all tastes catered for) the pantry is rammed full of goodies for the bipeds that inhabit Rock HQ and so we are confident that when the new ice age dawns as forecast all humans and critters perched our side of the bonsai mountain will survive until spring sprungs.

Its hard to believe its already the end of January, the balmy weather has played havoc with the biological clocks of the flora and fauna, blossom is out, primroses are pushing their way out and several species of animal are exhibiting carnal desires, not least of which one of the miniature horses, Trevor (aka the pocket rocket) has been found mating the wheelbarrow, a water butt and more worryingly, Vic our battered Volvo estate.

The jobs list has grown to a terrifying length and shows no sign of shortening, the rules of smallholding state that for each job finished you create two more. The garden demands attntion, I note from the gardeners diary I was given for Christmas all the jobs I am supposed to be doing, but where they fit in with milking the goat, feeding the pigs, mucking out horses, tending a pregnant cow, fighting off murderous sheep and providing entertainment for ten very energetic dogs it fails to advise.

Over the next few weeks we have pigs going to slaughter, last years lambs going the same way, more concreting, a makeover on the workshop, build a new utility room, sort the load of tyres into raised veg beds, play midwife to sheep, Hetty our house cow, and Misty a miniature horse. All while working full time, looking after our apprentice smallholder who is soon to be a year old, installing a new means of cooking and heating in the cottage, running the smallholding and decorating bits of the cottage.

If you would like daily updates of how we achieve this then check www.talesfromtherock.com where you will find answers to life, the universe and everything.

Meantime a weekly update will appear here. As long as we dont freeze to death.