The new Dutch owners are coming for Christmas. Yes, it is their house, but with their agreement, our home.
Anyway, what with one thing and another - their stock husbandry and gipping to pay bills - we are trying to move before Christmas. This seemed to be an impossibility until the "Tornado" arrived - my daughter Louise. She and her partner arrived yesterday to help us load a van that we borrowed. So much for my not taking any rubbish. Anything that stood still was packed, loaded and taken to the other house. We are not proud people. We "found" a bedside table for OH's side of the bed - an old munition box. This definitely was not going with us. It was missing last night. Possibly last seen on route for St Barbant - courtesy of Louise.
But, bless her, we got two very good loads shifted.
I have tonight attempted the "boot room", found a nest of mice and still stink of mouse pee etc! So much for the 7 cats!
Whilst wrapping and packing, I missed the old days of years old newpapers. Today it is all bubble-wrapped. In theory this should hasten the job - nothing to read. Sadly, I found the test cricket to be more interesting than wrapping and packing! Isn't life sad? Well, it wont be when we go on a winter cricket tour to the West Indies - all that sun and jerk chicken!
So, we're hell bent on being out before christmas. Oh, and we've had our first lamb! Some randy little tup lamb was obviously celebrating christmas early.
Anyway, back to the packing and defrosting. It's clothes, fridges and freezers tomorrow. But we can't move entirely until the TV, satelite and computer are moved (and the bed). Bon nuit.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
It's a strange (farming) world
Well, we have now signed the Acte to sell our farm, together with our cows. Some 160 in lamb ewes have also been sold, the last 110 went on the Sunday before we sold the farm, and before they started lambing - we did, in fact, have one of the ewes lamb. But joy of joys I'm not going out to the lambing shed until at least April when those that we have kept should start to lamb.
The day before we signed, the new owner had 147 Shetland ponies arrive from Holland. This has caused something of a stir in our commune as they are only used to cows and sheep. They are quite a tourist attraction. Another 40-odd arrived the week after, leaving another 100 or so still to be delivered!
Unfortunately, due to problems with a "Change of Use" certificate for the barn adjoining our new house, we didn't actually buy it until a week later. Technically, we were homeless (and hopeless) for a week. However, I may have explained before that we can stay at our old farm until Spring 2009 - time to get sorted and builders started.
It has been a race to get some fencing in place so that the sheep could be moved. They have spent 3 weeks on a friends farm, and were fortunately moved over the last weekend. We feel a bit more in control now that they are at their new home. But we still have to make the fences horse - or Didier - proof. He has the nasty habit of jumping out to where the grass is greener - and his body is proof of his ability. They should be moving in the next week or so, but come spring the neighbour will be putting his breeding mares and their foals nearby. I wait with baited breath.
The people that we bought from have left us some "welcome to your new home" gifts - some bantam hens, a pig, a duck, a goose and rather a mess. What with the weather we have had in the last two weeks since we bought the place, I've been a bit pig-sick of the place and wished we'd never seen it. The lake (due to crap drainage) in the yard does nothing to make it any better. To cap it all they took with them the wood-burning stove so we've had to buy another as it's the only form of heat in the place.
Anyway, have today started the "dechetterie dash" - or onwards to the local tip. With a bit of sun and the removal of one or two "features" it looks much better.
Bertrand - the young bull we bought last year - has got his first calf, a daughter, born by caesarian section the week after the new chap took over. At least it was his vet's bill, not ours!
Photo to follow.
The day before we signed, the new owner had 147 Shetland ponies arrive from Holland. This has caused something of a stir in our commune as they are only used to cows and sheep. They are quite a tourist attraction. Another 40-odd arrived the week after, leaving another 100 or so still to be delivered!
Unfortunately, due to problems with a "Change of Use" certificate for the barn adjoining our new house, we didn't actually buy it until a week later. Technically, we were homeless (and hopeless) for a week. However, I may have explained before that we can stay at our old farm until Spring 2009 - time to get sorted and builders started.
It has been a race to get some fencing in place so that the sheep could be moved. They have spent 3 weeks on a friends farm, and were fortunately moved over the last weekend. We feel a bit more in control now that they are at their new home. But we still have to make the fences horse - or Didier - proof. He has the nasty habit of jumping out to where the grass is greener - and his body is proof of his ability. They should be moving in the next week or so, but come spring the neighbour will be putting his breeding mares and their foals nearby. I wait with baited breath.
The people that we bought from have left us some "welcome to your new home" gifts - some bantam hens, a pig, a duck, a goose and rather a mess. What with the weather we have had in the last two weeks since we bought the place, I've been a bit pig-sick of the place and wished we'd never seen it. The lake (due to crap drainage) in the yard does nothing to make it any better. To cap it all they took with them the wood-burning stove so we've had to buy another as it's the only form of heat in the place.
Anyway, have today started the "dechetterie dash" - or onwards to the local tip. With a bit of sun and the removal of one or two "features" it looks much better.
Bertrand - the young bull we bought last year - has got his first calf, a daughter, born by caesarian section the week after the new chap took over. At least it was his vet's bill, not ours!
Photo to follow.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Another update
Well, we have had a week in England and Ireland seeing David's family. It was rather hectic, but very enjoyable. We will spend more time in Ireland with his daughter next time. Two nights with the grand-children are sufficient!
We are less than two weeks away from signing away the farm, and signing up for our new life. Both of us are looking forward to it as it does become very stressful - the signing away bit. We negotiated the prices for the cows last week, and OH was convinced they all new what was happening. Bertie has desserted his two heifers and taken on Victor (the senior bull) to see if he can "sort out" the older cows. I hope he has more luck with the young Normand cow - she has had a caesarian, a dead calf (then nicked her aunt's calf) and finally produced a bull last year - which went into the freezer today!
We're still trying to sell 100 in-lamb sheep. So we are taking either 130 or 230 sheep (je ne sais pas) I don't know! We hope to be in our new home by Christmas, with a possible wedding in the grounds next August!
Thomas has gone back to England to work, aided and abetted by his father. More later. Have a spare ticket for Tina, which Louise will probably benefit from.
The weather has been just super. Wall to wall sunshine, a bit frosty some nights, but absolutely glorious. Let's hope it's like this when we are retired and can enjoy it!
Charlie is first in the van now, comes up for a cuddle first thing and lets OH make a fuss too! So he is definitely coming with us.
Am trying to reduce the number of cockerals - but a freezer full of beef might slow that process down.
Anyway, roll on 31/10/08 - after which I may even have time to blog more, and do more photos!
We are less than two weeks away from signing away the farm, and signing up for our new life. Both of us are looking forward to it as it does become very stressful - the signing away bit. We negotiated the prices for the cows last week, and OH was convinced they all new what was happening. Bertie has desserted his two heifers and taken on Victor (the senior bull) to see if he can "sort out" the older cows. I hope he has more luck with the young Normand cow - she has had a caesarian, a dead calf (then nicked her aunt's calf) and finally produced a bull last year - which went into the freezer today!
We're still trying to sell 100 in-lamb sheep. So we are taking either 130 or 230 sheep (je ne sais pas) I don't know! We hope to be in our new home by Christmas, with a possible wedding in the grounds next August!
Thomas has gone back to England to work, aided and abetted by his father. More later. Have a spare ticket for Tina, which Louise will probably benefit from.
The weather has been just super. Wall to wall sunshine, a bit frosty some nights, but absolutely glorious. Let's hope it's like this when we are retired and can enjoy it!
Charlie is first in the van now, comes up for a cuddle first thing and lets OH make a fuss too! So he is definitely coming with us.
Am trying to reduce the number of cockerals - but a freezer full of beef might slow that process down.
Anyway, roll on 31/10/08 - after which I may even have time to blog more, and do more photos!
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Charlie
Charlie was first spotted on our farm one early morning in February, lurking at the back of the house and buildings close to the lambing shed. He was seen from our "loo with a view". He is a beagle dog of indeterminate age, but has obviously been mistreated by a man.
How do I know that? Because to this day he is very unsure of any man that comes to our place.
We think he was dumped by the Chasse people (hunters). I phoned the Gendarms, Mairies in three communes, spoke to local Chasse people, local farmers and the vet. But no-one new Charlie.
He started off by disappearing during the day, hiding somewhere and only being seen in the evening and morning. Gradually he stayed around a bit in the daytime, I even bought some biscuits as a snack to entice him near. But the circle got wider and wider until I couldn't chuck that far, so the others had the snacks. They didn't mind, of course.
I gave him the name Charlie - it's amazing how quickly these names stick, and even OH starts to refer to him as Charlie. He ran off everytime the van started up, and would run a mile if he was on the road to get away from a vehicle. So we assumed he had been chucked into a van or car boot (we have seen this done) and the lid slammed on him.
During the winter when I got bales of hay he would follow for miles, even when two or three bales were needed he would follow the tractor.
Gradually I got him to come and smell at my hand before dashing off, then he would stay long enough for a quick pat on the head. Now, after 6 months, he will actually let me stroke and pet him, if he is in the mood. OH can also stroke him on occasions.
Until he was threatened with "you wont come when we move if you don't get in the Van", he gave it a wide berth, then one day he got in the back with the others up the road. It was a hot day, and I think he was brassed off with running behind. Since then he has got in when we have been away from the yard, after moving sheep or checking the cows.
But this weekend he has jumped in the van in the yard on his own!! I think we are getting there at last.
So, Charlie will be going with us to our new place along with the other 3 dogs, various cats, chickens, sheep, oh and OH, of course.
How do I know that? Because to this day he is very unsure of any man that comes to our place.
We think he was dumped by the Chasse people (hunters). I phoned the Gendarms, Mairies in three communes, spoke to local Chasse people, local farmers and the vet. But no-one new Charlie.
He started off by disappearing during the day, hiding somewhere and only being seen in the evening and morning. Gradually he stayed around a bit in the daytime, I even bought some biscuits as a snack to entice him near. But the circle got wider and wider until I couldn't chuck that far, so the others had the snacks. They didn't mind, of course.
I gave him the name Charlie - it's amazing how quickly these names stick, and even OH starts to refer to him as Charlie. He ran off everytime the van started up, and would run a mile if he was on the road to get away from a vehicle. So we assumed he had been chucked into a van or car boot (we have seen this done) and the lid slammed on him.
During the winter when I got bales of hay he would follow for miles, even when two or three bales were needed he would follow the tractor.
Gradually I got him to come and smell at my hand before dashing off, then he would stay long enough for a quick pat on the head. Now, after 6 months, he will actually let me stroke and pet him, if he is in the mood. OH can also stroke him on occasions.
Until he was threatened with "you wont come when we move if you don't get in the Van", he gave it a wide berth, then one day he got in the back with the others up the road. It was a hot day, and I think he was brassed off with running behind. Since then he has got in when we have been away from the yard, after moving sheep or checking the cows.
But this weekend he has jumped in the van in the yard on his own!! I think we are getting there at last.
So, Charlie will be going with us to our new place along with the other 3 dogs, various cats, chickens, sheep, oh and OH, of course.
Saturday, 23 August 2008
A new Olympic sport?
As the Olympics draw to a close, I wonder if it is good or bad for me. Good - because for the whole time I've done nothing (except put on weight because of doing nothing) but watch the Games. As I set off to do something we have another "Medal moment". So that's another hour or so, because you just have to watch the flag go up (have they got hot air positioned up the flag pole in the Bird's Nest?), feel the lump in the throat and say "aah, wasn't that good?".
Bad - because now I'll have no excuse to get on with some work. I really will have to start sorting out the house in preparation for the move, even though we will not be moving until early 2009. I know what will happen, nothing will be done and then panic will set in and bang goes the orderly and organised packing. I was going to make a start with a visit to the Dechetterie (local recycling place) this afternoon but OH and Thomas, my son, have cleared off in the van - so after this blog looks like it is back to the Olympics one last time.
We have, though, devised our own Olympic sport - Chucking the Coaster at the Chicken as it enters the House! At the moment I think I'm in gold medal position. My sister came recently and put a pile of coasters on the table, OH had a coffee and actually took a coaster for his mug. Sister indignantly told him they were not for use under a coffee cup. However, as they say in the films, no chicken has been hurt in the pursuit of this sport, they just know it is dangerous to enter the house now. I'm definitely in gold medal position for cleaning up most of the hen s..t as they come in looking for crumbs and dead flies.
Perhaps as the sun is shining I'll mow the lawn, and pop in now and then to catch another Medal moment.
Bad - because now I'll have no excuse to get on with some work. I really will have to start sorting out the house in preparation for the move, even though we will not be moving until early 2009. I know what will happen, nothing will be done and then panic will set in and bang goes the orderly and organised packing. I was going to make a start with a visit to the Dechetterie (local recycling place) this afternoon but OH and Thomas, my son, have cleared off in the van - so after this blog looks like it is back to the Olympics one last time.
We have, though, devised our own Olympic sport - Chucking the Coaster at the Chicken as it enters the House! At the moment I think I'm in gold medal position. My sister came recently and put a pile of coasters on the table, OH had a coffee and actually took a coaster for his mug. Sister indignantly told him they were not for use under a coffee cup. However, as they say in the films, no chicken has been hurt in the pursuit of this sport, they just know it is dangerous to enter the house now. I'm definitely in gold medal position for cleaning up most of the hen s..t as they come in looking for crumbs and dead flies.
Perhaps as the sun is shining I'll mow the lawn, and pop in now and then to catch another Medal moment.
Friday, 8 August 2008
We finally finished haymaking on Wednesday. The last field at our new place. Yes, it was a bit late, and yes, it was crap hay as it was left too late, but it will be something for the sheep to eat in winter. Wednesday was, perhaps, the hottest day we have had so far. I forgot to take water with us, the stringing on the baler was crap as the hay was so dry and fine. Tempers were frayed, but we got there.
We went to the Producer's Market in our local village, but as it was the first attempt (and our village do's are not too well supported) we met some friends and went for a meal at a local restaurant. I know, not the right attitude, but a good night was had by us all.
We had a night of continual storm on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. It knocked out the phone/fax - my ears are attuned so I got up unplugged the computer at the phone and power points, let the dogs in (otherwise they ruin my plants at the windows), and returned to bed. Didn't get a wink of sleep, but had to get up at 7.00a.m. to sort out lambs that were being picked up Thursday morning. The day was wet, the cricket started, so we just lolled about and caught up with sleep. Just practicing for retirement, you know.
Until you have weeks of continual sunshine you never think you will miss the rain. You even sit out in it, pray for it even. It's good when it comes, and good when it stops.
We went to the Producer's Market in our local village, but as it was the first attempt (and our village do's are not too well supported) we met some friends and went for a meal at a local restaurant. I know, not the right attitude, but a good night was had by us all.
We had a night of continual storm on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. It knocked out the phone/fax - my ears are attuned so I got up unplugged the computer at the phone and power points, let the dogs in (otherwise they ruin my plants at the windows), and returned to bed. Didn't get a wink of sleep, but had to get up at 7.00a.m. to sort out lambs that were being picked up Thursday morning. The day was wet, the cricket started, so we just lolled about and caught up with sleep. Just practicing for retirement, you know.
Until you have weeks of continual sunshine you never think you will miss the rain. You even sit out in it, pray for it even. It's good when it comes, and good when it stops.
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