First week back!

Monday was pretty dreary weatherwise - but it was lovely to have William and David back with us.  We had a new volunteer, Hilary, who worked with David and I, making (or trying to make!) a hazel and ash tripod thing, whilst  William spent the morning with Ben making a tool rack.  We had some new arrivals Monday night - 6 Rhode Island Red chickens - Jake & Daisy were not best pleased next morning!  We had a lovely feedback form from William, saying the 'best bit about the project' was looking after his friend David - and the 'bad bit' was cleaning his boots!!

Wednesday and Thursday, the weather was beautiful - cold and bright.  Danny has decided to do just Wed mornings, and was hugely over excited to be back - and of course the first thing he asked was -"where are my turkeys?" - Actually they are still here on the farm, and so we may yet get 'turkey eggs'!  The students have been collecting 'breeze blocks' for the raised beds, and made a lovely bird table yesterday.  We are checking the portland sheep each day, as they are not far off lambing.  Great excitement, the Rhode Islands' laid their first egg - sadly it looks as if we will have at least 3 cockerels (we are undecided about one!) and so may have to take 2 back to the market to trade for some more hens.

We still have no electricity - and terrified of any more burst pipe incidents - i have resorted to turning off the water supply every time there's a hint of freezing temperatures, just in case....

It's great having the students back - we could do with some more - these funding cuts really are proving trying, but we are working on it.   They are full of enthusiasm and constantly thinking of fund raising ideas - so watch out!  We have four new volunteers too - Gemma wrote a great article in the local paper before Christmas, and we said we needed more help!  Last but not least i would like to thank Legs for her cheeky green gingham checked curtains - they have transformed the Porta Cabin - much more cheerful!