I have to say we have had a crazy busy year as usual. Mum made a fantastic Christmas cake and a whizz for a hug on Christmas Eve made everything fall into place.. thank you for the year and cake Mum.

I know it takes a while to eat but not with the 6ft 6″ hungry lads here. Who says you cannot live at home forever?

A thank you to all the ladies knitting for us this year too, all our Corporate gifts excelled as usual and orders are flooding in so I am pleased we can keep everyone happy here at Kensmyth.

A barn went up and looked good to start off with but on closer inspection.. best not go there. I do find it amazing that “professionals” seem to be able to do what they want to whomever they want and get away with it. Perhaps I am too old fashioned.

Well a house got started too and um, well, let us just say it will not be finished on time and best left there.

I hope the very best for all in 2023 and I know for us we all wish health and happiness to all.

will we remember the News about the Bird Flu affecting farmers next year I wonder, will we remember the queues to buy frozen turkeys in November as the News announced fresh ones would be in short supply?

Best frozen turkey we have had had, but parsnips do seem to last forever do they not?

Tescos also did a really yummy pie – pity about the roof lifting cranberries though apparently – not my thing!

yes, I know we do not have snow now but I liked this photo – Merry Christmas

Sometimes, even when you know that flooded fields will follow and that all that back breaking water and feed carrying will cease to be replaced with livestock indoors due to needing feet kept dry, it is still beautiful.

STOP and take a moment to reflect on the beauty around you instead of who needs what present you cannot afford..

It never ceases to amaze me how many people think we would do Alpaca experiences in these conditions just because they have nothing better to do with their day! It is exhausting enough breaking ice, carrying water, hay, feed and mucking out for those Alpaca needing not to be out in it. Let alone the freezing hands we get!

Regular blog readers know I often do a catch up so if you look back and say “it had thawed by then” well spotted you!

Breaking hearts, breaking ice, beautiful scenery and muddy alpacas, we have it all here at Kensmyth! Not many people relish the idea of traipsing gallons of water by hand to livestock in the fields three times a day for two weeks and more!

Well that did not take long did it?

Snow here in Cirencester but not in Berkshire or Bath or much in Swindon – we have a little micro climate here on our hill but the Alpaca are loving it.. just us who have to carry water!

Well we feel happy that we have donated over 500 of our published books for those without the money to purchase gifts this Christmas and are waiting for more to be collected. A little kindness goes a long way.

Meantime warm spells interjected with frost and rain is a nightmare for alpaca who like cold, dry but not wet – mind out for those wet feet when the snow comes and melts which it surely will soon as temperatures drop.

Breaking the ice meantime..

December 2022 – how many plans have been thwarted this year that have been destroyed by others I wonder? As the cold frosty morning hints of more cold to come, our thoughts go to those who have lost their homes and cannot afford to heat or eat this winter. We will do what we can to help, rest assured and work with many Charities as Kensmyth and individually.