Wednesday 3 April 2013

Essential Farm Work.

The farmer is getting worried because we already have our holiday
booked and the essential work is piling up with little hope of getting on to the land.  (we do get this kind of thing every year I have to say and it always works out alright in the end.)

To this end he made a start today although the land is really not hard enough to be working on.   He has hired the massive muck-spreader from friend and farmer M, and is as I write spreading the enormous heap of manure which has stood in the pasture since the cattle were cleaned out.   It is well-matured and has served as a playground for a flock of sheep for the last two months - they seem to spend all day dashing up and down it (and these are not lambs!) not to speak of laying on it (it will be nice and warm as it ferments I suppose).

By lunch time he had completed two fields and he intends to work until it gets dark, just breaking off long enough for his tea.   I am never happy when he works hard like this - but I have to grin and bear it.   At least when he finishes it will be one thing to tick off his list. (and his tractor has a warm cab and a radio so he is quite comfortable).

On another topic - I have completed my notes for my Friday evening talk and practised it to make sure that it takes up the correct amount of time (40 minutes); I have sorted out quite a few artefacts which we have found on the edges of the beck over the years and I shall take these along for folk to look at too.   Now that the panic of preparation is over I am indeed looking forward to the whole thing.   If I find time tomorrow I will photograph some of the artefacts and put them on this blog.   None of them are valuable but they are an interesting look at life through the ages in this part of the world.

Keep warm out there.   It is still bitterly cold, although I did notice some daffodils out on my afternoon walk with Tess.   Spring will out even if the temperature tells it otherwise.
 

8 comments:

Heather said...

At least the farmer is not exposed to the elements in his cab. I am very behind with the garden and jobs are piling up. Every morning there is a hard frost though I did detect a slight rise in temperature during the day today despite an icy wind.
I think being able to look at your artefacts will be even better than a slide show and would love to attend your talk. Glad you are looking forward to it - I'm sure others will be also.

Woman Seeking Center said...

Ah yes, never attempt to delay a man in his intended task(s) lol. And as you say, will be good for him to have it ticked off his list.

How I wish (tho it's much to ask) that we not in attendance could hear all/some/chosen bits of your talk! Tho I was smiling as I read that you plan already to share images of your finds as that was the next thing upon my mind lol

I'll keep an eye sharp for the post regarding your talk and best of luck (tho I've no doubt you'll be brilliant, no luck needed)

Stay warm (tho not in the way the sheep do, lol)

Hugs
Issy

John Going Gently said...

Where are you off to Patricia?

Country Gal said...

Early bird gets the worm my farmer mum and dad always said ! It is still cold here and the winds still have that icy feel to them ! I am beginning to wonder if we will get warmer . I am so wanting to get out in my gardens . Spring is taking it's time getting here this year ! Good luck with your talks ! Have a good day !

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Seems there is always something to do on the farm - hope the weather warms up and everything gets done before vacation.

Bovey Belle said...

Looking forward to seeing your small finds! The wind was changing to the north today and I was shedding clothing on my walk.

MorningAJ said...

Farming is particularly hard in cold wet weather
. Tell the farmer not to overdo things.

Rachel Phillips said...

The farmer does not have a 1000 acres of sugar beet to drill, nor bare fields where wheat should be nor bare fields where the pigeons have decimated the oilseed rape. It is snowing here this morning and the beet drills are fighting with the wet to get the beet in. Farming is not a bowl of cherries.