February 2005 A nightmare unfolds

Not so long ago the month of February was one where by we would shut the door put the fire on and not much happened. Not so this February. As most of you will know we had a traumatic experience with our first gilt who had two piglets live but for a variety of possible reasons was unable or unwilling to care for them. You can find out more here.
It did however turn out fine all round. I always believe that life is about opportunities and rearing two piglets has to be one of the noisiest experiences we have had so far. Contrary to our first fears the piglets were quite easy to rear up to their near 4 weeks old. They were extremely capable of telling us when they needed fed and rarely left
any of the supplement milk in the bottles, which meant that we were able to figure out the quantities of the milk required easily.
The boys are currently in the coalhouse weaning onto their starter pellets, which they seem to have taken to very well. The water well lets just say they still prefer the milk any day of the week. Our second gilt managed fine by herself during the night to produce another 2 live piglets. I found that another had been born but must have died at birth and was hidden in the straw.
Practically speaking these were small litters however we are convinced this is due to the age of the boar Baldrick but time will tell as he is back with Ginger who is due in season any day, and Baby will go back to him once her piglets are weaned from her. This reminds me of a phrase we have lived by for the past few years if its meant to be it is meant to be. In this situation 2 piglets to rear by ourselves was preferable to the expected 10 up over, and with Baby we were just thankfully that after the first experience that this one went well.
All the time during this excitement one of our Light Sussex hens sat brooding over eggs, which as had to be really hatched the same day as Baby had her piglets. They are so strong and already eat corn and grub around just like mum shows them. I find this really funny as we went out and bought a 20kg bag of chick crumb as you do and seemingly within days they were onto other stuff may have something to do with the other hens taking a liking to the crumb and none being left by the time they got there!
Hopefully the last of the snow presented and seemed to hang around for weeks never melting totally which brought about my worst nightmare Debbie's D.I.Y list! 2weeks of D.I.Y morning to night oh was I sick of my life but no excuses quenched her need for job after job to be completed. I survived only just though.
I get the feeling that a lot of work is just around the corner as the last of the bad weather should hopefully dump its load this weekend then spring can move in or so the weathermen say. Can't wait to start the growing season off which if all goes to plan with the new polytunnel will produce veg all round although the choices will be limited over the winter months.
One other good thing about February was that we have really expanded the options when it comes to cooking. A new concoction of banana and date chutney has to be the very best I have ever tasted, the carrot wine had to be siphoned therefore had to be tasted 2 bottles later we and our 2 friends were quite merry I now can see us
having our meals outside a great deal accompanied by the wine. Not being a wine person I have to say it doesn't half hit the spot! And finally last night having got sick of making inadequate amounts of ice-cream in an ice-cream maker used an old Scottish recipe jigged it about and hey presto one and a half litres of gorgeous home made ice cream which unfortunately will be gone after tea today but to be able to produce in quantity is a real bonus not just for us but for the friends and family who no doubt will be coming to sample the delights!