My neighbours have a beautiful tree covered in gorgeous lights

Outside the sky provides an ever changing light show of its own.

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that, in spite of the soggy conditions, the animals seem content. Click below

Lily licking mother Lucy

The geese are grazing in the vineyard

There is no shortage of eggs – bless the hens

I am staying out of the rain and close to the fire. Our guests have gone shopping in Bedford and I look forward to a civilised supper and conversation with them this evening.

A new taste awaits – pink chocolate

One of my bridesmaids is here with her husband

It’s her birthday today and she is a grandmother of six wonderful children. Where did the time go?

It rains at night, nearly every night, and the ground is sodden.

The duck pond is nearly full

Nigel tries to keep his paws clean by walking on fences and staying out of the mud.

Jeremy has gotten good and muddy mucking out the cow barn and putting the rich straw on the raised beds. It’s good stuff for nourishing plants next year.

Sautée 2 of our large finely chopped onions in olive oil until soft. Add lots of grated carrots (just two of our large ones dug up yesterday). Season. Put into buttered dishes and add 5 of our beaten eggs mixed with grated cheese (not made here – yet!) and bake until set and slightly brown on top. Taste tonight.

we find a small, brown egg laid by one of the adolescent hens. Well done

The sheep gather around the hay feeder waiting for a fresh bale.

Click below

there is plenty to eat in the garden

The carrots are almost “giant sized”.