Hello January

The month that lasted forever.

I see so many people claiming to love January but I just can’t get on board. By nature, not by choice I am profoundly IMPATIENT. And the daily slog of looking forward to spring but it never really getting any closer feels like pure torture. Maybe it’s because I have been working most evenings, trying to get organised for 2024 in my business. Here is a mental note to take January off next year.

Anyway, there was one notable day this month that I will always remember fondly, the whole family came, it snowed, only here, nowhere else, and we spent a lovely 2 hours walking the airfield in the freezing wind to be greeted with a slow-cooked stew and dumplings on our return. Bliss. More of that next January. Yes more of that.

We also topped it off with the most AMAZING homemade cake. I found the recipe in my country living magazine but it was taken from a book called The Irish Bakery. Once I’m back earning a bit of money again I shall partake in a purchase.

January In A List

A little list of a January well spent - or maybe just spent

Saw a fox walking accross the rape field
Watched two stotes playing accross the airfield runway. Followed them to find their hidy-hole.
The farm had it’s annual shoot. I missed out on Mr McCallums wassock juice. I did spend the day with Toby strapped to my chest bush beeting. Remarkably fun. Country folk really are very nice but quite brutal.
It snowed
It rained - a lot
No eggs from the chickens - I lose a piece of my soul every time I have to buy eggs.
Baked a nice cake
Redwings in the field behind our house
Birds started singing - just a little bit
Pigeons are plaguing the fields. I spend my drive to the wood on the airfield constantly pipping my car horn.
Husband constantly moaning about the price of corn.
Husband calving most of the month. Lots of cute babies in the sheds.
Sold quite a few cards wholesale - HOW EXCITING.
Painted a Blackbird. Thinking of making a bird calendar. Need 6 more birds.

What has January been like for you? Have you seen anything out in Nature that’s made you smile or just peeked your interest? I would love to know, tell me in the comments below...