Rotten Meat

Just settling down to second half of "VERA" last night when a local farmer phoned to say he had found a deer trapped in a fence and had put it down. Did I want it? Not really, plus the fact I had had several glasses of wine and was not able to take the Ranger and collect it. He volunteered to bring it to me and on his arrival I discovered the animal was a 3 year old roebuck. I promised him a hauch for his trouble and he left leaving me to do the dirty business. The animal was in a terrible state. He must have found it in the morning and left it on his vehicle for a few hours before contacting me. Big mistake in this weather. I gralloched it and left it to cool down overnight but the damage had been done. Under the skin the flesh was turning green and the ripe smell was overpowering. I took it into a deep part of the wood and left it for the foxes and buzzards. It will have pretty well disappeared in a couple of days. The image below is of another deer I had to put down after finding it trapped in a wire sheep fence. I probably have to deal with half a dozen similar cases each year.

Screaming foxes and blow up dolls.

At 2.30 this morning I was stood on the bedroom balcony shouting and clapping hands in attempt to scare off two screaming and fighting foxes in the garden. A walk round this morning found the remains of a wood pigeon which they had been squabbling over. On a different note entirely I was informed last night in the pub by one of my pals that he has bought a blow up doll as a temporary substitute for the wife he has recently parted with. He is quite pleased with it even if it "was only a cheap one". I must admit to being lost for words at the time but am now well prepared with some choice comments for next time we meet.

Busy and unproductive day on Friday. Most of the morning spent dealing with vehicle problems, then the usual round of Banking, posting books sold on Thursday and scouring Waitrose for reduced items. A liitle light rain has helped the veggie garden somewhat. Seedlings have perked up and I was able to sow more beetroot, pak choi and carrots. A pleasant evening was spent in The Old Bull, but the price of a round takes the edge off. I suppose it's worth it though in order to hear a weeks worth of local gossip. Some juicy snippets this week what with who's porking who and who's not. Have arranged a trip to Moreton Morrell Agricultural College for Saturday. An open day and Spring Fair I believe. Just noticed another mole invasion in the orchard. They appear to have vacated the veggie plot.

Busy Tuesday

Spent most of the morning attempting to start my son's partner's car after he had tried to jump start it with jump leads incorrectly afixed. No joy so towed to garage. This could prove expensive. Pricked out remaining pepper seedlings and finished planting brassicas out. More rabbits in top field although Jon potted another with .22. She was carrying six tiny foetus.

 Noticed numerous woodlice under old logs in my woodpile while restacking it. Old country names for these little creatures include: Trolley pigs, chizzer bugs, chisel pigs, dod-men, slaters, pepper balls and pea bugs.

Food For Free

After the usual round of Bank, Post Office and a visit to Waitrose for reduced price produce I spent yesterday in the garden and round the estate. Planted out purple sprouting and sprouts. Cut some old plastic feed sacks into squares and placed around stems to help deter cabbage root fly and retain moisture. Spotted several rabbits in top field and potted one with .22. That will make a cider based casserole for this evening. Jon and I spent a couple of hours on the estate repairing and relocating high seats. Not a deer in sight but ferns and brambles being so high gives them ample cover.

First Time

Well, here we go. Just a little experimental blog to ascertain whether I will be competent enough to continue. My first moan of the day is that my vegetable seed bed has been invaded by a mole. Revenge will be sweet.

Veggie Pests Year

What a year for veggie problems. All my main crop spuds are suffering from blight (photo). Brassicas crawling with caterpillars and whitefly. Raspberries have mould. Gooseberry foliage eaten by caterpillars. Onions have bolted. Apples like golf balls. No plums or pears. On plus side I'm overrun with beans, courgettes and squash. Fantastic garlic and celeriac and rabbits have myxy.