A MIRACULOUS RECOVERY AND 100 POSTS

I was hoping to have pictures of Daisy and her foal for you for my hundredth post but, sadly, I can't find her. Believe me, thanks to Snippet's remarkable recovery after one anti inflammatory and two antibiotics, I've been covering the miles searching. There was a definite sighting on Tuesday. The foal is another black one but have I seen it myself? NO. I'll keep trying but tomorrow I have a shoulder physio appointment in Exeter. Two months after the 'procedure' seems a bit crazy but there you are. Striking when the iron has well and truly cold. Here are a few more pictures of the boy who certainly doesn't have a broken toe.

As you can see from a couple of those, it's been quite windy here, to the point of nearly blowing me into several puddles. I took this one of puddle choppiness yesterday:

At least there was some sunshine, as there is today between torrential bursts of hail and rain:

This morning, after a flying visit to the Co-op in Moretonhampstead where I made an impulse purchase of two bottles of strawberry milk which were on special offer (what was I thinking of?), I continued my impulsive behaviour by driving out towards the moor the other side of the hideous Fernworthy Forest where there is a place called Jurston Valley; often a hotbed of foal action at this time of year. No..........thwarted again but I did take these foal-less pictures from up on the ridge above the valley.

Looking towards Meldon Hill

Kestor Rocks (furthest), Middle Tor and Frenchbeer Rocks (closest). It takes me about 20 minutes to get between them so you can tell how foreshortened the view is.

Jurston Valley itself

The swallows are here. First sighting on Monday. They must be regretting their decision but it's a bit late to go back now. I'm in the winter gloves again out in the wind and the ponies that are around here are keeping to the more sheltered areas. I've noticed a few more mares in foal but, knowing my luck this year, they'll make sure they leave before it happens.  

I have been waiting in for BT again today since 11.00am. The broadband is still terrible. When I spoke to the engineer he seemed surprised that nothing had been done since his last visit on Monday. I'm not. 

Thanks so much all of you for sticking with me, if not for all 100 of the posts, as much as you do. Until next time, here's a happy, pain free Snippet. He's no longer allowed in Trigger's field, which is known as 'the warren'. I need say no more. 

SUPER DOG

Yesterday, Origami Boy and I took Snippet out for a run in sub-zero temperatures despite the sunshine. We also took a tennis racket and ball as we wanted maximum exercise in a short space of time so we could get back to the coal fire at home. Coal in April....it's just not right. Please excuse blurriness but I think it all adds to the effect. That dog can really move when he wants to.

EXHAUSTED!:

Sitting on my lap on the top of Kestor Rocks

I haven't seen Daisy for a couple of days now which may mean she's gone off to wherever they go to have their foals, or just that she's wandered. That foal that I glimpsed in the fog has been spotted some way away which is great news. I feared it had perished. Until next time, when perhaps I may have news of Daisy, here's Snippet looking down at the stream from the bridge at the bottom of the drive. I know I'm biased but he really is a lovely dog. 

ICE, SNOW AND A SLIVER OF MOON

It might be cold but this is my favourite kind of weather; Snippet's too. The moon has been stunning in the early morning, in this case with a little vapour trail underlining it. This next one was taken the next morning when the rising sun was catching two more vapour trails. 

Here you can see how hard the frost was; almost like snow. The light was breathtaking; real "sky-blue-pink" as my Grandfather used to say to describe any colour he couldn't put his finger on. I haven't heard that phrase for years.

After lunch, Snippet and I struck out over the rock hard ground. Such a relief to come home with clothes not covered in muddy splashes. The frost was unchanged, despite the winter sun.

The detail on the ice puddles had changed again into finer, more intricate patterns.

  

I love the way the frost remains within the shadow lines here.....

....and the marsh is solid. I have disturbed three Snipe this week and, as usual, failed miserably to even get a blurry picture. One day.....

We have had coal on the fire for the last few days. The first time this year. It had been our intention to be as carbon neutral as possible with our heating but unless we are in all day, it's just impossible to use wood when it gets this cold. There is something wrong with our stove as if you shut it down with wood, it just goes out instead of ticking over. Most days, thanks to our super-efficient french foil roof insulation that we put on all the walls, we don't have to light the fire until 7.00pm. That gives us hot water for the next day, and the heat is retained enough in the house to keep us warm....ish till the following night. This picture is of yesterday's frost and the next of today's snow at the same site:

Not a huge difference really. It wasn't a huge fall and had more impact on the road than the grass, other than our garden, which is still covered! These pictures are from this morning.

Coming down the drive

Sitting on a cairn. That dog has no respect.

Sunrise

Looking particularly handsome

View from Trigger's field

Betty nibbling at tiny new gorse shoots

I think this is the pony I did the sketch of but, with all that fur, it's difficult to tell

Rain is forecast for the South West so all this will soon be gone. Unfortunately, given the temperatures, we will probably be attempting to drive to school on a glacier tomorrow morning as a result. It's the Christmas play so we MUST get in.  Until next time....I hope the rest of your week goes well and here is a wet bearded Snippet.