Hey, Daisy, you got any photos because I have nothing for the blog……

‘Nuff said.

Like I said, this is my day off!

Today in Britain, it used to be the tradition to go hunting – known as the Boxing Day Hunt.

So this morning, the girls and I went on our own hunt…..

…. for Maggie, who hadn’t come home last night (and, yes, I worried).

We all walked the big field looking for her.

After breakfast, I had sent the other sheep on ahead to look for Maggie.

And then Richard told us he had seen her on his dog-walk.

I knew exactly where Maggie would be – at the back of the field.

We took Maggie her breakfast, as she had missed it earlier.

The hill rams were put out a few weeks’ back so I know why Maggie stayed out last night – the hussy.

The hill rams linger around my fences looking for the girls.  My three (Edna, Madge and Maggie) are considered fair game but, to date, there have been no pregnancies through the wire fence, even though I am told it could be a definite possibility.  And, to be honest, this spring I wouldn’t be upset to see little lambs.

But I expect these guys put everyone off!

So Maggie was pleased to see us, ate her breakfast and they all stayed there while we turned to walk for home.

When it was nearly dark, I went back and opened the gate to call everyone home for the night.

I was very pleased to see that Maggie had properly rejoined her flock again and she wanted to come home.

I will sleep tonight.

 It’s been a lovely and calm family Christmas Day here at Thordale. 

We’ve stuck with most of our usual traditions, except we didn’t have one of Floss’ amazing baking Yule Log creations, opting for a store-bought cake instead, as Floss was working right up until the last minute. Poor thing.

But chocolate is chocolate in my book.  All delicious.  We’re not complaining.

This  morning, having prepared all the food yesterday, I suddenly remembered the (f)artichokes. OH and I quickly dug them up and it was a good harvest, which makes a change from last year when I replanted the lot in a rage because they were too small to eat.  Again, delicious and a huge treat.

We had our huge meal at lunchtime and, while everyone else was clearing up, I walked around the croft feeding duckies, hens and horses.

And now we’re all relaxing in front of the telly and it has been a lovely peaceful family day.
Merry Christmas xx

A Merry Christmas with lots of love from everyone at Thordale xx

(we couldn’t decide which Christmas card to go with –  you choose your favourite).

Well, I expect you can guess where this is going…..

Daisy, Floss and I went on a dog walk and, obviously, Monster came too…… in the snow….. whinging all the way.

I title this “One Girl and Her Cat”.

We always waited for Monster to catch up.  He likes to lag behind, whining.

There was a little bit of vigilant hunting.

And then there was exploring of the derelict croft house.

This says it all!

Quickly back to being majestic and meaning like he meant to do that.

The dogs ran around, enjoying themselves but all eyes were on Monster (sorry, dogs) who went on whining and walking.

Obviously with more praise, adoration and encouragement. We decided Monster felt the cold on his paw and it wasn’t very nice for him.

I did offer to carry (more like lug) him.

But Monster was happiest picking his way around the field, walking on the dry stone dykes (walls) when he could. They were easier on his feet than the snow.

We walked the circuit, the dogs got out for a while and then we all went home.

An well-earned après-walk snooze in The Fortress of Solitude.

This afternoon was flute trios in my shed.   Monster must be exhausted now after his full day.