Snow arrives

And so, as forecast, the cold air from Siberia (apparently) is moving in. We had hard frost and a dusting of snow. 

If the weather is turning foul, whoever is present at the time, either 'Jackie' or myself, will bring in the boys. After mucking out I watch the boys for a short while before departing for work. 'Rookie' is busy with irritating 'Zac' who really just wants to graze. 'Zac' has no interest at all in playing 'Rookie's  games and usually hangs around 'Mr F' for protection. 'Rookie' doesn't go too mad if 'Mr F' is in the field. As soon as I take 'Mr F' out of the field however, 'Zac' is in for it. 

According to the weather forecast, we are to expect further snow showers, somewhere. Once more I am thankful that I found those almost new 2nd hand winter tyres. 

I am finished with work a little earlier than usual today and we have had some mixed weather. While at work I looked out the window watching blustery winds whirling about snowflakes. 'I am sure 'Jackie' will have brought in the boys by now.' Still, as soon as I am done with work I hurry back to 'Hill Farm'. 

As I arrive blue skies greet, offering beautiful contrast with the white of the snow. It is a strange weather day, April showers but in March and instead of rain it is snow. With the temperatures having been below 0 degrees C for some days, the snow settles instantly. It is a powdery snow, perfect for skiing!  

I meet 'Jackie' who had taken the boys in about 2 hours ago, it was foul and there was no point in having the boys standing by the gate waiting to come in. The stables offer protection from the gales and of course food, plenty of food.

Above 'Zac', he is slowly beginning to look less grumpy. He is a very interesting character with the brain of a thoroughbred (he is a fast learner) and the calm and laid back temper of his shire mother. 'Zac' isn't interested in making a fuss a drama, unlike 'Mr F' who is an adrenaline 'junkie' and can quite easily react to circumstances out of all proportion. 'Zac' deals with unsettling things much more quietly.

And here he is ... 'Mr F' ... contently munching some haylage that I have temporarily dropped at the back of his stable. He normally eats at the front but the gales have blown in snow and it has covered his haylage feed bag. I will have to place it further back for the night and rest of the week.

Snow is beginning to settle now and I am so glad for those winter tyres ... 

A mix of mini snow blizzards and bright sunshine. The pond has already frozen over and the ducks have departed to a more accommodating location.

You can't sneak around in snow ... we know where you've been ....

There is a group of 4 'wild' chickens at 'Hill Farm', a cockerel and his 3 hens. Attempts to catch them have so far failed so they live free on the yard. They had their home in the old barn building but that has now been demolished to make room for the new building. Therefore the 4 chickens take up temporary home in the food store. As long as they go high up so the fox can't get to them ....