It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Festive cheer everywhere and yet with beautiful blue sky also time to reflect perhaps upon not only these past days dreadful rain – there will be many flooded now yet again – but also at the madness of the past week. With family booked to come, now unable to visit and the Cotswolds shortly to go into Tier 3 from Tier 2, there is much ahead not to look forward to.

But tonight and tomorrow, whomever you are and wherever you are, try to stay positive and know that you are loved. Christmas trees, lights, presents, films and even music may be the “norm” for the next few days

but Love is really all around for all of us if you stop, take a breath and realise it. Jingle your bells today by all means but love is out there in Nature and in your hearts for your friends, family and more important to send is perhaps Virtual hugs to everyone .. from all at Kensmyth

Well I always wondered why it was called “Husbandry” and then it dawned on me.. get your Husband to carry the Husbandry box .. lol

Unfortunately mine broke so I stole my horse grooming kit box for this young lady who recognises it instantly.. guess what I am getting for Christmas!

Nothing more beautiful than Rainbows at home or for the NHS despite the endless rain – barely an Alpaca in sight as they are in their dry shelters!

Well if you have any idea about the Tier rules and what is likely to happen next in the Covid rulings – answers on a postcard – crystal clear as mud and we have a lot of that I can tell you!

Well you either love them or hate them but these are just the best stocking filler if you do!

you know how wet it is if Hubby has to take the horses into the orchard for a quick grass munch in order to keep the precious Alpaca paddocks clear of hoofprints!

Sometimes Life just gets in the way and Christmas approaching is no exception. However anyone can make head or tail of the Christmas Covid Tier 5 day rules is beyond me.. the shops have gone crazy, total apathy in view of the “lessening of rules” and I simply do not know how the NHS are going to cope with the additional vaccinating to be frank.

In a crazy 2020 where we need to protect the NHS from overload – umpteen thousand vaccinations need doing on top of the escalating Covid patients and as stated previously, the complications Brexit will bring for imported stock which will inevitably include general medicines as well as the vaccinations ..

my simple answer to all this chaos is.. 

If all else fails : Go brush a Llama – you will feel so much better afterwards and they love it!

we have always done our bit for the Environment here at Clay Meadow and planted over 120 fruit trees, 60 native trees, 400 metres of hawthorn and blackthorn hedge and 30 field maples since our arrival here in 2012!

However, to further add to our environmentally friendly farm and join those planting in 2020 – we added another 6 trees and a further 60 metres of blackthorn and Hawthorn hedge for good measure – well hubby planted to be honest – bless!

Well we have been super busy here with long outstanding things “getting done” not only before Christmas but before as we all sadly predict, A N Other Lockdown in the New Year. Those that are sensible will pay for those that are not and with a No Deal Brexit looming as a distinct possibility, many hands make light work here – under full Covid restrictions of course..

the roof of a leaky barn finally got fixed LOL

well I have to tell my readers this story because unlike me they will probably find it funny.

We have automatic refill water drinkers for our livestock, simples yes? Yes it is. They work and are easily cleaned and  we clean and refill all the time. perfect. 

We needed some more.. so having bought them from Countrywide (no longer exists) we naturally went to Mole Valley in Cirencester, their replacement. Nope, none in stock. 

So we tried Mole Valley Newbury, Frome, finally hitting on some in Berkeley. About an hours drive each way. 

Meantime found some on the internet less expensive, perfect. Had them delivered by ever faithful Amazon and they arrived next day. Wrong ones sent.

Off Hubby went to Berkley and brought them back expecting to install. Nope, didnt fit. So hubby dutifully took back to local Mole Valley and also posted back the ones from Amazon.

Search started again.. are you getting the gist?

Found some on internet, tried to order, do not deliver to my area – really? Everyone else does?

Currently waiting to speak to Supplier on Monday.. meantime Shanks pony and buckets..

You can stop laughing now!