The English Paysanne

When I took the dogs for the late walk up the road last night sleet was starting to fall. This morning the first flurry of snow laid on the ground minus 2 degrees it felt cold. I think the animals were a little shocked, hay has been given to keep the sheep and donkeys happy, the pigs will stay in there huts and the dogs are waiting for the fire to be lite. Cows are not bothered by snow, their winter coats are growing and as long as they get there hay they just 'get on  with it'. I am so glad I have my neoprene Aigle wellies  to keep my toes warm if only I could find some gloves to keep fingers toasty while feeding the animals. By the time animals were feed the sun came out for a bit with blue sky. It soon went in again, the sky is grey and the weather forecast is for snow tonight - what fun.

As summer turns into autumn mornings and evenings are turning a little cooler here, early morning mists cover the Valley below. Blackberry bushes are laden with fruit , turning in colour and getting ready for picking already a few crumbles have been made. Now plenty of eggs are being laid the ice cream maker has been churning away. Mint, vanilla, sabayon flavours go down well, I am the only one who liked lavender. Wednesday evening saw the last night market for the summer in the village. Trestle tables were placed along a side road with regional dishes available to buy along with bottles of wine and entertainment . The first and last market of the season is held here with the thinking it will not be as busy, the committee may have to rethink next year as it was buzzing.  Farmer J managed to ear tag the new female calf, just as well as she's getting pretty lively now. Born Thursday evening as I was cooking a meal for our gite guests and ...