winter smells

You can tell its cold - you go outside in the country to a bonfire smell had to check house wasnt on fire first time I smelt it then I realised- everyone has woodburners!!

I have just secured a three day market pitch - really looking forward to it. Get myself well known in one place and start building my business further. Networking and getting myself known

The chickens and ducks loving their new home.  The pic below looks a bit crowded but its feeding time they all in same place waiting for food!  They do have at least 50 metres to romp about in

Next stage of the smallholding operation - to plan the veg growing

Busy week with xmas markets and setting up a market in the local town. Today next stage of smallholding. Moved the Ducks and chickens into the big field nice fresh grass for them to play in.

It was an experience I just managed to stop myself going face down in the mud! Ducks escaped when trying to round them up but they never really escaped far and finally worked out where I wanted them. Pigs just watched in amusement. Pigs are just loving their pad.

I am excited now as where the ducks and chickens have been is now a patch of earth. I can see my edible garden in the space. Defiantly recommend this no dig method complete with manure to get through grass and weeds.

Looking forward to turning the soil over and getting stuck in when the season allows.

Crafting

Been creative on the smallholding - making xmas decorations. I have a couple of tree ideas to come but these are my first three. 

xmas markets

Its all about xmas markets in the coming month. Book a few so the hard work starts next week. I am at the new Camelford market on weds and then Hengar Manor next weekend. Looking forward to it. So its about creativity, imagination and then plotting and planning for kts kitchen at the moment.

Animals all ok they dont seem to be bothered by the cold

Noise pollution

As I lied in bed this am and last night  i noted the noise pollution - we have cuckoos, owls at night - during the day cows, sheep and  ducks. what a difference to house alarms police, ambulance and fire Sirens.

water butt - your a saver

So glad I put out a water butt in near the ducks and chickens. The hose pipe that usually keeps the water topped up has been frozen in the mornings.Watering needs to be done in the afternoon. Braking ice so that animals can drink has started and frozen ground!. frozen ground a good thing as dont have to move chickens till next spring yippee. Tonight as the ducks and chickens went to bed heard an owl and a cuckoo.

flying greenhouses

Well a bit windy on the smallholding today. Greenhouse decided to take off not sure it got permission from air traffic control mind. It flew over the top of the house and landed in the road apparently. The holiday makers in the cottage near by thought it was hilarious!! Thankfully they pinned it down till I got home. Greenhouse back to being tied down in the back garden. Then whilst opening duck roof to check for eggs duck roof flew off - cordless screwdriver and that's safely back on. Freezing cold and wet I think its definitely time for the bath once the ducks and chickens are in bed!