February.

9 – First lamb born, six weeks earlier than expected, and not the colour we expected either!

14 – The first calf in our herd of spring-calving cows was born today. Two barn owls sighted near Reaveley Bridge and another at Bulby’s Wood.

27 – Heavy snowfall last night. Johnny (my husband) and Jim (his brother) to both hills on quad bikes to move sheep to shelter. Heavy drifting on the Wether Hill.

28 – Went on my horse Yasoo to the Ewe Hill. Snow very deep in places and blowing, making it hard to see. Made a track for eight sheep, stranded on an exposed hill end, to get them into shelter. The horse walked to and fro, trampling the snow, until there was a path for the sheep. They were reluctant to move. A few gentle nudges from the horse did the trick. Couldn’t get to one part of the hill because the burn crossing was blown in. Too deep, even for Yasoo. Came home thinking I was a very small being in the scheme of things.  

29 – A different day altogether. Bright blue skies, sunshine, and a still mantle of snow. No wind.