Chocolate ducklings first day in the big field

Yesterday my ducklings were introduced to the big field. They love it in there loads for them to explore. They didnt bother about the big ducks  and the big ducks didnt bother about them. They found their own way to bed whilst I was at a barn dance! Which was great fun!

Here are the chocolate ducks in question

The others are doing well too

The smallholding is looking tidy at the moment 

Secondary Aniversary

Its been two years since I moved on to the smallholding. The actual anniversary was the day of Bude Farmers Market where I sold out of all but one of my chilli sauce range. What a lovely anniversary present from the universe!!

Time to reflect and decide have I enjoyed it and what do I want to carry on with change.

I am glad I reduced the number of markets selling my produce of sauces, spice mixes, Foraged products and preserves. I was doing from 6 a week and I had no time on the smallholding to build it up. The focus is still being as self sufficient as possible and knowing where the food comes from. Realism of time constraints. I cant be producing 6 days a week and selling 6 days a week at markets so more producing, less Markets and a spot of Nursing to support the income and lifestyle.  Next stage will be selling more in shops I have tried to sell in shops and have learned loads of lessons on the way so in my third year I plan to put what I have learnt in to practice and try and get the products in more shops.

Growing veg - well I have had success and failure mainly due to the dreaded slug. Not wanting to use anything to kill slugs I have lost many a plant and some times a whole crop of plants. I have however had some lovely yield and delightful fresh fruit and vegetables that I have grown. I have had wind damage to poly tunnel but the garden is slowly developing and next year will develop further.

Foraging - this has been most enjoyable to find foods from the hedgerow on the smallholding that I can eat and make and create into products for me to enjoy and has been enjoyed by many people. www.ktskitchen.co.uk to see what I produce

Animals - Mr fox hasnt been my friend at times. I have however again had some lovely meat that I have grown myself and reared. Raising animals at times sad but the majority of times its is so much fun to watch the animals happily getting on with there business. From daft ducks to eccentric chickens, Clever lambs to silly sheep!! Escaping pigs and bees happily buzzing around the endless supply of willow. Pussy cats have settled in to an excellent life of hunting and gathering!!

Crafts - My willow weaving skills are developing - made baskets for my jars last year but the photography and other crafting skills haven't had an outing. plans are in my head for what to do in the winter!!

All in all its been a brilliant two years and despite feeding animals in the rain the sad disappointing  times would I go back to life without a smallholding??...........................Not it I can help it!! Universe Please let the dream continue........................................................