Happiness Is Mud Free

After the wettest November on Record we have just had the coldest December – and even with bone chilling Easterlies I know which one the alpacas and I prefer. The ice crystals are amazing – each morning the coating gets thicker so that every blade of grass has a white fur coat.

We were busy with yurt sales right up to Christmas – including one customer who flew in from Italy on the 21st December (just after a showstopping fall of snow) – it has to be said the valley did look stunning but the drives to and from the train station were ‘challenging’. As I type this, the calor gas lorry is wedged across the lane having taken evasive action when he saw the sheet of ice on our 1 in 4 hill – the boys are hoping he doesn’t get towed out in time for them to go to school tomorrow.

We had a fantastic new woodburner fitted and when we took the old one out we discovered a 10’ shaft that opened up under the fire (we can’t quite work out what for, it's very large for ash but can’t think what else it was for) – blocking it up has had the most amazing effect on the house temperature – we are warm for the first time in 7 years – it’s incredible – the best Christmas present ever. On which subject, Peter bought me a shepherding course so Spot and I are going to school – can’t wait (unlike the boys).

December bookings for holidays are up on last year which is cheering in itself but 50% of the bookings are from previous guests and that is a really great feeling.