It might be a bit cold and damp,

   but, tonight's the night that the cows stay outside. The grass has really got going now, so Henry and James have been busy fencing the night pasture.

I'm not sure what work has been done on the farm this week, as Henry and I have been away! We've had four nights in our new-to-us-last-year caravan up near Carlisle (Englethwaite Hall Caravan Club Site). It's not so far to travel, we can usually get in without much notice and it's quiet and relaxing. We can't pick and choose when to go based on the weather, so any glimmer of sun is a bonus. Last year we went away twice - both times it rained every day. But this time we not only had two fine days - but two hot days!

And here's a quick snap taken while we prepared to cook supper on Tuesday.

Meanwhile back at the ranch. . .

. . . while Henry and James have been busy with various stages of cultivation, I have not been idle. Well, not too idle. The Internet's a wonderful thing - you can find out things much quicker than in the olden days. Then I would have been dependant on seeing posters, or adverts in the newspapers. But now, with a click of a mouse (or tap of a finger) I can get up to the minute (almost) notice of events. One of Henry's all time favourite bands is Squeeze. We even saw them back in the 80's at The Leisure Centre. We never thought we would get the chance again, and certainly not in Kendal. To be truthful, it's not all of Squeeze - just Glenn Tilbrook. But having seen and heard him on television recently he sounds just the same. So come November we'll be in front row seats at The Brewery. That was one gig I could book without any consultation. And while I was booking I noticed Midge Ure was appearing in October. So after a brief consultation, I've booked more front row seats. Then today I saw Show of Hands in December. We saw them last year and it was a brilliant night. So more mouse clicks; more front row seats. It's something to look forward to when the summer (!) is over.

And now, back to reality - all the seeds are sown (wheat and forage peas, undersown with grass). Levelled, stone picked, rolled. The weather forecast said rain for today, so they've been working all hours of daylight. Henry only stopped rolling last night as it was too dark to see what he had done. And so far it hasn't rained!

Year to date weather statistics

Latest weather statistics from Strickley. A dry start to April, but still more rain days than not.

 

Click here

Words of the Day/Week

Stone picking
Rolling
Levelling
Stone picking
Power harrowing
Drilling
Stone picking

Edit: - forgot to say - muck spreading

Offroading

When we went out this morning we noticed the Meadow gate was open, so when we came back Henry went to close it. That's when we found out why it was open. Sometime last night someone driving from Old Hutton to Kendal on the B6254 had taken a shortcut at Limestone Brow Corner - across the road, along the verge, through the hedge and fence, down the banking, along the length of The Meadow and out the gate. There are no skid marks, just tracks made by a 4 x 4. Considering the damage to the hedge it's a wonder they were able to drive out. The only evidence left behind is the a silver overrider of a front bumper.

Edit - latest consensus is, it wasn't a 4 x 4. Tyre marks too narrow. No other forensic evidence available - only part of a number plate (not the number bit!).

A satisfied customer

from email received

"Group of 22 bull calves all by Strickley perfect ten out of montbelliarde x cows. Sold them all last week at a average of £307 each top price was £425, they were all 6-8 wks old. We had 57 calves born in under 3wks all from the bull, he is a terrific stock getter. Best bull we ever had. "

Turnout

Sunshine and showers today - and it was the showery bit when I stood by the corner gate in the yard as the dairy cows ran past on the way to fresh green grass for the first time this year. By now they have the sun (coolish) on their backs and new grown grass to graze.