151

So that's sheeps, all in bags

Oh dear, poor little thing

...and if you cut across here...

Mr Crofter was busy today. The little blacks sheeps came back from the abattoir in partial kit form and he spent the day making them into things to cook. These little Hebridean sheeps may look like the size of a large rabbit but I'm told they are extremely tasty. I'll take their word for it since I'm a vegi.

There was a veritable production line going with Mr Crofter cutting big lumps off, Dad Crofter sorting the small bits ready for the burgers he's going to make and Mum bagging the whole lot up. I saw enough after one sheeps and there were four more to do !!

150

Its not always dark, cold, wet and windy round these parts although you'd be forgiven for thinking that today. Just the other day I took myself off to the Crofter to see what mayhem was happening armed to the teeth with a large and unwieldy plate camera and an old Kodak 35mm jobbie. The sun was really bright, no wind to speak of and warm, or warmish as well. Mr Crofter et al were engaged in moving little woolly beasts for here to there in order that Mr Sheeps - he of no-horns and white wool - can have his way with the ladies of the black wool. And I believe the boys of the black-wool get to have a look in too with some girlies.

The only thing was that the girls were on one croft and white-woolie on the other. To sort this conundrum necessitated a walk on the road since the old track that connected the crofts is now partially blocked at some point. Mr Crofter has no sheep dog - which really isn't much loss since most of the ones I see round these parts spend too much time chasing cars, smelling ones' bits, sleeping or fighting other dogs ! So Mr Crofter resorted to carrying the bucket of food trick and soon the pretty little black woolly ladies were following him up the road and into the croft where white-woolly was waiting.

Of course there was the usual too and froeing, gate opening and shutting and sheeps all over the place but soon they were where they were supposed to be and white-woolely had already decided that Christmas for him had come early Something that turk- back at the Croft - was not keen to hear.

The Kodak Retinette 35mm with Polypanf movie film was used in earnest. The plate camer got used later!

149

The Birds

Looking to where CJ was

CJ has gone. Gone to the great sausage makers in the sky no doubt [actually, he'll be back in partial kit form in two weeks when The Crofter will set to and butcher him to get him in the freezer!]. He was a fine bull but a stroppy one as it happens. Still, I'm always sad to see them go and I know the Crofters were too.

The birds didn't care. They just sat and waiting for a moment when the piggies had left some scraps that they could scavenge.

148

Mr Crofter has been busy. He's always busy - especially when his faithfull helpers/parents are away on the mainland. Now they are back he's still busy. Busy putting the new [new to him that is] doors on Lucy the Land Rover. And mending the wipey things.

147

The Crofter now appears on his own calendar and is available here ! or here

146

The Crofter feeds himself well - as he should since he grows most of his food. In the morning a good hearty breakfast of cereal and builders tea will see him through the morning till tea-break.

In reflective mood, the Crofter wonders what the day ahead will bring him.

145

Dad Crofter, on the croft before the holiday

Mater and Pater Crofter are away enjoying themselves on the mainland at the moment leaving The Crofter all by himself - bar the turkeys, chickens etc etc.
He's coping - I went down to see him yesterday and he has not disappeared under piles of 'stuff' or been eaten by one of his more adventurous animals. Nevertheless, we are having Sir up for dinner this week to ensure he gets his fill of veg.