summer at last

we finally seem to have summer arriving. the bookings for the cottages are looking up, though there are still some spare weeks in july and august surprisingly.
The lambs are all getting bigger and changing colour now.
We have hatched quite a few runner ducklings which is just as well as 4 of the adults have disappeared last week.
I have been doing some fabulous walks in our surrounding woods with the dogs,

 its so peaceful and quiet, our guests love it.

 

lots of fruit appearing in the orchard so looking forward to picking the cherries soon.

Valentines day

As you can see we have had a lot of snow this January.The woodland walks that surround us have been like winter wonderlands, our collies and our GSD have absolutely loved chasing snowballs.
The sheep have not been so enamoured. We now have 4 portland lambs, Cracker, born 1st january, Clyde,Charlotte and Clementine. We are expecting another little arrival any day now, mum is in the maternity sheltereating sheep nuts, munching fresh hay and generally enjoying the attention!
The heavy snows and subsequent melt have left our fields very wet, but the sun and wind are drying them now.The runner ducks are loving the new 'ponds' that have been created by the melt!!
Our herdwicks are due to start lambing in March,so there will be some beautiful little black lambs to contrast the apricot coloured portland lambs that look like little fawns.
We have had the cottage bathrooms re-tiled and refurbished all bright and new for this years guests.
We have had a couple of bookings for a cottage and use of the cat chalet,which is all up and running with its own thermostatically heated bed and lighting, and a view of the fields. The chalet is away from our own cats, and has a padlock for secuity, and easy access from the cottages.
We have been having a lot of  casseroles with herby dumplings, and roast lamb dinners. The herdwick lamb meat, is proving popular for our visitors to purchase and take home with them.
Our Valentines weekends are coming up, so the cottages are ready with their sparkling wine,chocolates and rose petals, in addition to the usual welcome pack that we include.
We have just had our YTB inspection and passed with flying colours, maintaining a well above 3* standard.
We are looking forward to meeting some new guests from the Netherlands who have already booked for the forthcoming year, and seeing our regulars as usual.
valentines day is also my birthday, so i wonder has Jim anything romantic in mind? ....Hmm maybe some chocolates that he will eat hah hah!!

we have the most wonderful scenery imaginable. the snow is deep and crisp.
we have had 4 portland lambs born (rare breed) they are all tucked up in their field shelter tonight with soft straw and lights on.
our siberian girl, Diva had 7 kittens on tuesday, so i have been busy being midwife most of the week.
really looking forward to St Valentines day, we have some special deals on for couples including wine and chocolates. We hope to be booked up in the next couple of days, just £125 for the cottage for 2 nights inc all electric,bedding, welcome pack etc etc.