Spring in Dorset

 At the beginning of the month I was back in Dorset. Holly and I took the dogs, Dexter and Fella, for a walk in Hardy Country. I'm a big Thomas Hardy fan and I love Dorset countryside. We went to Dewlish which is a small but thriving village near Bere Regis.

 We parked above the village by the wood hanger (still full of crows) and began our walk through woods carpeted in snowdrops. I used to do this walk in my lunch break when I worked in the village years ago at Wainwright Screenprint - a family business working out of a converted stable yard.

 The dogs were keen to get out of the car and in to the green space outside.

Park gates at Dewlish - you can just imaging Farmer Boldwood coming through in his carriage! But back to reality after a pleasant break in England - it's time to get those horses working!

Mrs P. she's progressing nicely. I've started lunging her and have quietly mounted her - so far so good. Then there is Mr P. who is more interested in eating than anything else!

Sunshine After the Rain

Who'd have guessed today would be such a fine sunny day (so far any way). We had a terrific storm last night - really heavy rain bursting the river yet again and flooding the meadows in the valley. The animals are all enjoying the sunshine despite the sodden ground and the stables are all ready for tonight.

Blue sky and a light breeze mean it's a good drying day too!







It's a good day for getting outside jobs done and enjoying watching the hens scratch about contentedly.

The hens have already found new places to lay their eggs in the new barn. It is sometimes a nuisance to have to hunt for the eggs but generally I enjoy the fact that they have the freedom to lay where they please.It reminds me of old times when I was learning to ride at Brown's Riding School in Longham. It was a proper old fashioned yard run by Jimmy and Joan and I had great times there. The yard was always full of mixed poultry which made secret nests tucked in stables and barns all around the yard. As general helpers, we kids were given the task of hunting for the eggs and we loved it! I would spend whole days there and come home exhausted!

 The barn may be new but it's already getting 'barney' baler string adorns the oak posts and, horror of horrors, there are cobwebs appearing in Mr P.'s stable (I'll have to dust)!
A temporary tack room is evolving too!

Dodging storms

Changeable weather has meant limited opportunities to ride.
On this day we went out in sunshine but were lucky to get home before the rain came. I did cross the river as the floods had subsided somewhat - a very odd experience riding through water that high but Mr P. takes it all in his stride.

A cold start to a sunny dry day.
Early morning mist rolls back to reveal a splendid crisp morning.

Off for a ride with Mr. P. Coming up out of Soggy Bottom we can see the main road into town.

Then along by Moon Wood and South at the farm.

Looking back towards home and the fields we just crossed.

Enjoying the winter sunshine - looking North.

Back through Le Rox and homeward bound...

The rainwater storage tanks have arrived.

And the little lambs are snuggled up for the night.