The old, but serviceable, Kubota tractor that we bought second hand soon after we moved to The Gables is an invaluable piece of machinery. Yesterday, before the afternoon drizzle, two patches of ground was turned over and there is now a fine tilth ready for planting parsnips and other roots.

The animals bring joy but also anxiety. Lucy and Lady were in the barn overnight but Lucy is bellowing to be allowed out so we will probably have to accede to her demands!

One of Domino’s twins is very tiny and was sleeping in the hay feeder when I went out this morning.

She looks spindly and tired so we might have to give a supplementary bottle. Domino hasn’t rejected her and does let her feed so will have to decide whether to “stay out of it and let nature take its course” or to “interfere”. Hmmmmm.?