Topping

He then drove up to the paddock, lowering the topper onto heaps of muck.

I pressure washed the garden path, the lichens give the farmhouse character, but make the slabs very slippery; not so much a problem in the summer, but in the winter.

The grass also required trimming where the lawnmower couldn't chop, many nettles had to be ripped out by hand. Later we visited both grass keep, a flock welcome is the best.

Taking a ewe down to the floor involves sneaking up on them, grabbing the fleece then placing your hand underneath their chin, along the jaw line, turning ewes neck to offset balance. Sometimes whilst on the floor the ewe's kick hard, which can hurt significantly.

In the afternoon visiting both grass keeps, Charlie dagged six ewes and spray violet three or four lambs hoofs; one required a shot of anti-biotic but we did not have nor bottle or syringe at hand. At dusk I lit Charlie's plough lamp.

In the evening, it's difficult sometimes, with bones aching, to decided on staying awake by the hot fire, or relaxing upon an electric blanket in bed; until tiredness decides to up me to a more comfortable place, under the duvet.