Capricorn

Capricorn, the sign of the goat.  I really bonded with this animal up at the farm today.  He nuzzled up against my hand as I stroked his warm face.  He made the vineyard trip extra special.

Pig Watch

On route to the vineyard I stopped to observe the resident pigs for a short while.  Blissfully unaware of what fate has in store for them, they make the most of their days the best they know how.  I could have watched them for ages but had to get on with the work I had set out to do.

I trudged along the rows between the vines turning over clumps of grass and weeding around the vine itself.  It was an arduous task as the clods of earth were heavy but there were a lot of volunteers so the job moved along quickly.  My feet were sinking in the mud and bothersome midges kept flying up towards my face.  My wellington boots were heavily laden with mud and I felt like a spaceman walking in slow motion.

Alongside the hedgerows there were some huge parasol mushrooms.  One volunteer took them home to cook and to try to grow some more by planting in his garden.  Sloe berries peppered the foliage with their deep jewel like colour - I must remember to collect some one day and turn into the sloe gin that I have acquired a taste for.

The next day I awoke to find a huge dome shaped lump on my leg with a bright red patch in the middle.  I think a gnat was the culprit but have no idea how it penetrated a thick pair of jeans worn under a dress!  A few people had mentioned that they were getting bitten at the vineyard and I guess that gnats were drawn to the bog like conditions.  Hazard's like this are all part of working in the great outdoors!  A small price to pay when there are so many riches to be gained from doing so.

New

New piggies up at the farm today - freshly born! They were running around and squeaking and so full of life and one stopped to pose for a photo opportunity.  I love newness.  There is a new moon today.  A time for new beginnings.  Some new jewellery making components have arrived so I will be making some new pieces very soon.  There is new life in the garden and the birds have made a welcome return.  There is no going back now.  Spring is here. The cycle starts anew.

Advancement

This is my walk up to the vineyard through the farm.  Wellington boots are an essential part of the kit.  I am going to be here a lot more often over the coming month as we have 3 weeks of intensive pruning. 

I have been very busy over the last week and there seems to be a flurry of activity and opportunity being presented to me.  This is a chance for me to evolve (my word for 2013) and have new experiences. 

Naturally shy, I will put that behind me as I show a group of enthusiastic women how to make fabric flower brooches.  By return, I will learn to make willow herb baskets to be sold at one of our fund raising events up at the farm.

Forgive me if I don't post or comment on your blogs as frequently as I normally do.  It is time for me to seize the moment and stop ignoring the signs for advancement.