Stumps / Sweetcorn / Grey
Posted: Monday 14 August, 2023
Monday 7th August
Having no sheep has made such a difference to our grass supply – and the weather this year has helped. I’m trying to move the cattle round the five paddocks on a weekly basis but because they have access to the shed during the day, we only have one electric fence and the layout of the paddocks, it’s not always possible to exclude them from Near Ditch. But we’re doing our best. The ponies will be in Near Ditch in the winter, so will hopefuly reduce any worms on the sward.
Grass.
Sheepfold needs reseeded. It was sown with a wildflower mix before we came here and, I guess in part due to over grazing by the ponies, there’s too much plantain. I’ve got the contact details for the bloke that overseeded Laing’s Field for us, so I’ll drop him a message.
Tuesday 8th August
I love this time of year when the garden is delivering good style. Mutton, peas, carrots, shallots, beans and tatties – all home produced. And delicious.
.jpg)
All homegrown.
Off to Perth Royal Infirmary for a bone density scan; the appointment letter included a parking permit, so it was easy to park. And free, as most Scottish hospitals are. Two weeks for the results. Had a blether with the radiographer about Brexit, independence and gender recognition – as you do
Thursday 10th August
That's seventeen days since the cows were jagged. The only one I've seen bulling in Bronte the first day or so. I'm hoping the other three came bulling while we were on holiday and no-one noticed. Watchig daily now.
Friday 11th August
The showery weather continues – hot sun and heavy rain showers, with temperatures about 17C – 20C. Folk complaining on social media about the bad summer – I think it’s been great. Grass growing like billyoh.
We had a new mattress delivered yesterday for our new bed. The bed was delivered before we went on holiday. It’s up and very comfortable – as testified by Diesel and Thomas, who have spent the day on it.
The new bed has feline approval.
The bed assembly triggered tidying and cleaning, but it soon passed. The removal of the old bed freed up three plywood boards – ideal for Lego, so farm and seaside on the way.
Saturday 12th August.
The Glorious Twelfth. Unless you’re a grouse.
Dan did same work in the front garden – cleared what will be the formal beds, strimming and mowing and marking out. I brought all the old stumps out of the pig pen for my stumpery / fairy garden.
The stumpery, in due course.
Then it was into the vegetable garden; Dan cut the haulms off the tatties and pulled out the spent pea plants while I weeded. Great weather for grass but also weeds. Not growing squash or sweetcorn outside next year. The courgettes this year have been weird too – they only fill out half way along the length, then start to rot.
The sweetcorn in the polytunnel is fab though; and beans and carrots are doing well.
Sweetcorn.
Carrots and runner beans.
I advertised Grey for sale. I don’t really want to eat him.
Sunday 13th August
Grey’s sold. He’s going to Lairg, in Sutherland. He'll be going end of September. Looks like Blizzard is in season.
Hartons Grey.
We gave the calves their second dose of Bravoxin - well, three of them. Vet gave me four doses, bu I managed to miss Skip's. Hopefully, he now has good naural immunty. It was more important to do the heifers and he steer we're selling, so it's not all bad.
I’ve taken photos of Baby and Bronte and their calves, ready for advertising. I have contacted a couple who were interested but if they don’t trap, I have others. I want them to go together because they are very bonded.
Bronte and her steer, Buddy.
Baby and her heifer calf, Legs.
Dan and Andy had a few hours in the garden today starting to clear the biggest rhododendron and some of the other “shrubs” in the front garden.
Dan and Andy, hard at it.
Rhododendron coming out.
And to finish, Gwenna and Bryn. Just because.
.jpg)
Gwenna and Bryn.
