PEAR TREE LOG

pear tree log: I started this blog to keep my younger son, Jonny, in touch with life in Lincolnshire, while he spent a year working in China. That year turned into five! Now he is home and training to become a physics teacher. This is simply a patchwork quilt of some of the things I enjoy - life in rural Lincolnshire, our animals, friends, architecture, books, the gardens, and things of passing interest.



Monday 21 January 2013

Animals, a Dovecote, and Lots of Snow






This beautiful weather vane pointed the way to Arnold's field...
...sure enough, he was waiting patiently for his treats.     Ninety-six year old John was busy filling a hay net for him, checking on his water trough...a truly remarkable and immensely likeable man.   He was not going to let a few inches of snow get in the way of caring for Arnold.
We continued our walk through the fields and along the Great Eau, making our way towards Belleau.
I couldn't resist this shot which shows the wonderful, old dovecote and to the left of the photograph you can see the tower of Belleau church.     My attention was taken by the sight of a tiny clump of primroses on the far bank of the river (which I photographed, but blogger won't allow me to upload it, grrr) suddenly there was a squeal from Toby.

He had tried to cross a cattle grid,  got his back legs caught and was unable to haul himself out.   Luckily,  only his dignity was hurt.   I hauled him out and he walked very nicely to heel, for a few minutes!












Our walk continued through the village and out across the fields, miles of fresh, crunchy snow.
The first job when we returned home was to check on the hens again.     They were all in good form and quickly demolished their bowl of 'hot' mash.  
Remember those poor scrawny girls of a few weeks ago?  Don't they look different now!
Xiao Ji is in the foreground, then we have  Isadora, Frankie, and Boudica.  They don't mind the snow at all and are still producing three eggs a day.   Good girls!

21 comments:

  1. What a nice walk. And sweet Arnold! It's like he posed for you.

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  2. It's nice to know that all the animals are being cared for.
    Jane x

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  3. Love your snow pictures. The girls in the bottom picture look happy.

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  4. Instead of "happy as a pig in mud" I will say "happy as a chicken in snow". I had it from Elaine.

    You are thick with snow. It's beautiful.

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  5. Lovely walk, my dear friend....wish I could have made it with you!

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  6. Love the walk. I am inside with a cold today, it was nice to walk with you through your photographs. Bonnie

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  7. What a pretty day! Time for some coziness, though! Hope you have a nice warm supper going!

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  8. Your countryside is so beautiful. So much space to walk around and admire. Lovely photos.

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  9. I'm glad you and Toby are getting around to visit Arnold and John in the snow.
    Your chickens don't seem to mind the snow much at all!

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  10. Great photos Elaine! Like your snowy sights . . .

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  11. I think you could sell all of the above to a Christmas card Co.

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  12. Lovely walk with you, dear friend and I loved seeing Arnold and hearing about John. My sister tells me her hens have continued to lay during the winter too--how lucky to have fresh eggs, XOXO

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  13. I heard about all the snow over there! Your pictures are so pretty. Love the horse, the sheep, the chickens...

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  14. That ewe looks as though she's charging

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  15. Absolutely gorgeous pictures! Our hens don't mind the snow either as long as it's not too cold out :)

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  16. I always enjoy your beautiful photos.

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  17. Beautiful photos. I really want to pet Arnold's nose.

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  18. This a delightful post with pretty snowy photos.

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  19. Walking in our beautiful countryside is one of life's great pleasures. A dog for company makes it a complete joy.

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  20. Hello Everyone, Thank you for all your wonderful comments, I really appreciate them. I have been ill since I did the post - hence the lack of individual replies. The snow has gone and we are left with soggy ground and dull, grey skies...luckily, no flooding. The hens are still laying really well and Toby and Arnold enjoyed another little visit with one another this afternoon. Welcome, Marianne, I'll pop over and visit your blog shortly. Elaine

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  21. Such beautiful snowy country scenes! I loved this!

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