Saturday 28 March 2015

One step forward, two steps back.

Isn't it always the same at this time of the year?   There is so much for the farmer to do on the land.   There is muck to be spread, fields to be harrowed (half done) and rolled, fertiliser to be spread. wind-blown branches and wood to collect (half done), gates and fences checked and repaired where necessary - and all before the cattle go out into the fields for the Summer.

We have had two sunny, pleasant, obviously Spring days.   Now today it is almost Winter again, with a very strong wind blowing and frequent showers.  How rarely is the ground just right for the tractor - it is either muddy or it is too dry.   Days of dry ground means that the farmer has had a very bad neck and shoulders, probably caused by jolting up and down on the tractor while spreading slurry.

Now only a few days from the end of March  (it always seems such a long month doesn't it?) which came in 'like a lamb' it seems likely that it will go out 'like a lion'.

Tonight (or rather in the early hours of tomorrow) we shall put the clocks forward one hour and evenings will become lighter.   Somehow mornings being darker is hardly noticeable.

Yesterday, over in Kirby Lonsdale, which is of course much further West than here in the Dales, all the daffodils were out and the lilac was heavily in bud. Here little is really moving apart from the young nettles which are springing up everywhere.   I am just having a day inside.  I have cooked a lunch (bacon and egg with chips, sweet corn and peas, followed by delicious fresh oranges - so good at this time of the year), shall now light the wood burner and have a peaceful afternoon doing the crossword.

Enjoy your weekend wherever you are.

11 comments:

Heather said...

It's quite windy here with frequent showers so no gardening. I gave the kitchen and hall floors a good going over with the steam mop this morning so woe betide my husband if he doesn't wipe his feet when he comes in!
I am now ready for a relaxing afternoon ready Miss Garnet's Angel.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Heather - hope you enjoy Miss Garnet - I loved it.

janzi said...

what a windy day here on the borders of derbyshire and nottinghamshire and leicester... we are being blown around by the wind and the sun keeps trying to stay and give us warmth, but not succeeding.. I hope you have a lovely weekend too, and that the farmer feels a lot better soon.. You are right about aging, it is shocking how soon our dear friends are going.. some we know why, but others remain a mystery,. I guess then that I expect they have passed on from this life.. other than that, I would not expect them to take me off their list>> Ha ha... I get really annoyed thinking about the world continuing after I am gone, and now I am reaching my three score and ten, I feel the breath of lost years past very much.. I AM lucky to have great kids and now grandchildren, but I am still waiting to be grown up!!

Joanne Noragon said...

You've given me pause, on this journey from winter. Quite the tease, isn't it. But perhaps two steps forward and one back. The sun is shining bright on our new fallen snow, and I'm not going out.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Our daylight savings time started the first part of March - I do love the longer evenings, not dark now until past 7:45.

The Broad said...

I hope the farmer is staying warm and mending still! Here some parts of the town have blooming trees, but those of us in this part of town have promising buds and I can see the trees are thinking about coming out into leaf. One thing about going away in April is that when we get back Spring should almost surely have sprung in all its glory! Tonight I am looking forward to another episode of Montalbano, the Sicilian detective! I find him quite delicious!!!

Terry and Linda said...

I have a few spring bulbs with bright blooms...sure makes the days nice!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/sherlock-boomer

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

Crossword and fire sounds so peaceful. It's five thirty and I don't know where to start. I've taken masses to British Heart foundation shop today, done the weeks shop, put boxes in attic, cleaned a bathroom and taken a daughter riding. I feel I have not done much as I have not managed my normal Saturday housework. Is there room for me on your sofa?

Tom Stephenson said...

My favourite bit was you lighting the wood-burner.

Hildred said...

Typical March weather here, too. I have just been to my DILs and she was bewailing the sudden gusts of wind that had blown the grass she had just raked into a pile, back over the lawn.....

The trees are leafing out in that tender spring green, - the long row of curly willows that Charles planted on the farm are now twenty feet high and make a lovely green shaded lane up to the house (which I still miss).

Hope the farmer is soon more mobile again!

Cro Magnon said...

Far too much to do here too. I need a 36 hour, four meal, day.