The English Paysanne

While Master C and Miss F were here over the weekend we took the opportunity for their help in moving the two ewes, Gorgon and Thumberlina to the field where the donkeys had been. What with all the rain we have had lately the grass grow super quick. The only problem was Miss Fatty did not want to move from her safe field (if only she knew she was moving to new lush grass). It took farmer J and Master C to try moving her after pushing from me and Master C had failed and she fell to the floor not moving an inch. There try also failed so they were both lead through the field in another direction. Of course once in the new field there was no looking back. Gorgon on the other hand was a breeze to move, as long as you have food he will follow, you just need to make sure you have enough food!

We have had so much rain over the past week that the fields are sodden, the Aveyron river has burst its banks and when walking in the woods the amount of small streams that have popped up all over the place means wellies are in order (as well as towels at the end of our walks for a rather wet dog) Unfortunately in the barn where Gorgon and his mates sleep a flood has arrived due to  pipe that comes into the barn, where from who knows but it has resulted in a wet bed for the piggies and a lot of wet hay moving for me. Only the ducks have found it quiet amusing having a mini fountain running and puddle to splash their feet in. The pigs have had to put up with a new bed being put in the corner by the door, not as cosy but at least they are dry.

A moment from the week at La Singlarie It's a hard life being a pet pig.

This afternoon the pigs shelter was moved to the field behind our gites followed by the two sheep, Gorgon, Thumberlina and Esmeralda. It was time to move them from their winter field to eat down the spring grass that is rapidly growing. A pot of food and bowls shaken done the trick of moving everybody through the old fields barn down the drive and through the gate to lush grass, Gorgon and piggies started on the old acorns under the oak trees as the sheep were left cramming tufts of grass into their mouths. \only hope they will all be in the field tomorrow and not in the barn where our five week old chicks are(and their bins of  food). They were moved to rest the field they were in and eradicate the build up of parasites leaving the chickens and ducks,who are still grounded to the field in case of fox attacks (the cheeky fox was seen by gite guests on their balcony last week) so hopefully the fowl will be able to keep up with eating the green, green grass as qu...

Most mornings have been frosty with the weather getting colder and staying until March my motivation to get in the veggie patch is nil. I must start soon as there is a lot to do with a new rabbit proof fence to be erected major clean up and putting down manure including emptying the compost heaps which hopefully have amazing compost inside them. Seeds need to be ordered and a plan drawn up - in time all will be done.  It is the time of year for the inseminater to come along for each cow when she comes into season. high tech stuff is in the boot of his car frozen bulls sperm, no need to go into details but his very efficient. Each insemination we get loyalty points, farmer J has just put in an order for new overalls with our points, you can never have enough clean overalls. Breakfast time gets the pigs up, not for long as they often go back to bed shortly after. Each have their individual bowls. It starts off calm then goes very wrong when one finishes first, usuall...

A moment from the week at La Singlarie Gorgons contribution of help to the ducks pond.

A moment  at La Singlarie  this week Squatters in the sheep's shelter

A moment from the week - the first sunbathe of the year.

Gorgon would just like to say for the record  "I am not a fussy pig and will eat anything, or try it at least that passes my way should any farm visitor or future gite guest read this - I will be waiting eagerly by the gate should they wish to off load (In no preferred order) apples,oranges,plums,peaches bananas - please peel, carrots, courgettes, tomatoes, cabbage - only if it is cooked, cucumber and, small amounts of bread/ cakes - apparently I am suppose to be dieting. I have tried beans, onions, dock leaves, uncooked cabbage, mushrooms, peppers and aubergines all which I really wouldn't like to try again. You can pass them on to the pigs on the hill". Thank you in advance and looking forward to meeting you soon. GORGON  XX P's I have never been given meat products or eaten a chicken, although I do own up to treading on one.

Sadly I found the little sparrow I was trying to nurse back health dead this morning. It may of been down to my oat bran meal I made for him or my lack of nursing skills. Probably should take off being a carer from my  'when I grow up I want to be job list '. Perhaps I should of tried my hand at acting and gone to the extras casting in St Antonin this week along with all the other expats who are eagerly waiting to be in a scene in the film being shot by Steven Spielberg in September, set in this area.  Gorgon has his hearing back, the grunt and whine of a starved pig can be heard when he hears you approach the barn doors. Watch out gite guests his on fine form waiting for tasty treats. Wonder if he could get a staring role, the films based on a book where an Indian restaurant opens up opposite a michelin stared one. Food based sounds good..