Billy Goats Gruff!!

Since our last blog things have been all go. Geoff's dad is very unwell and we have been through dialysis training as well as many trips backwards and forwards to the hospital in Northampton. He is home a the moment but requiring a great deal of nursing.

Mum and Dad Yeomans celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last Thursday. Chris organised a family get together for them. They even had a card from the queen. Mum enjoyed the company but we couldn't get her to understand why she was having a party. Dad also enjoyed it and appreciated the effort we had made to ensure that the day was a little special.

We have fetched Millie home today, she hadn't forgotten us and went mad when she saw us. We haven't introduced her to Lassie yet as it was getting dark when we arrived home so will try re socialising them tomorrow. Lass will be going to be trained in a couple of weeks.

Things have finally progressed with the house. At long last we have planning permission, only eight weeks late, naturally there are a few conditions before we can start e.g. the council want a landscaping plan and reassurance that we will be protecting the conker tree in accordance with their regulations. The architect says this is a formality and not a problem. The new build has gone out for tender and some local builders have been asked to give us a quote. We are waiting a date for demolition of the existing one but have to have an asbestos survey carried out first.

The electrician will soon be starting the second phase of the electrical installation around the farm buildings. More trenches to be dug as we don't want overhead cables, can just imagine what would happen if the tractor loader caught one of the leads!!

The big barn which is being converted into workshops is having new windows fitted and they are being installed tomorrow. So all of a sudden things are beginning to happen.

We are continuing to add to the stock. We have had a Saddleback boar with the pigs and one of them will be having piglets early January. Just have to hope the weather won't be too cold.

For a long time Geoff has fancied having some goats and we have now purchased a male and a female. The Billy is white and the Nanny is brown and white. They love company and follow us everywhere. They have been named Bill and Gladys. We think Gladys is pregnant but no idea when the kids will arrive. Alistair's friend Emma took the photos and has kindly allowed me to use them. Love the one of Gladys looking through the wall.