Last night we had a mighty storm.  The winds howled – 80mph at its worst – and we had some frequent snow blizzards too.

I went to bed early while my little house shook.  Pepper came with me. She wasn’t scared but she wanted to be close by.  I don’t think Ted even noticed.

Tomorrow morning was a new day and much calmer.  The snow was mostly melting now which made driving to the Minions easier.

It was a soggy kind of snow and extra slippy, while being not very easy to walk in.

But the ponies were fine. They enjoyed their breakfast and then had their usual finishing-each-other’s-bowls argument.

The old ladies were on good form too.

Floss came with me and kept guard for Fivla (behind her) so she could finish her breakfast in peace.

Later on, after the dog walk to check the furthest field gate was still shut and hadn’t been destroyed in the storm, I checked on the Old Folk – Haakon, Iacs and Kolka.  I gave them some carrots. They had already had a breakfast bucket from Daisy (her job while she’s home).

So I am glad I didn’t get anyone inside last night.  They all have their shelter and grass in their fields. To come inside would’ve terrified them.  Ditto rugs blowing about and even off.  The horses and ponies’ winter fat and fur coats were all they needed last night.

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).