27.6.13

Time out at Cinderhill Farm



This Tuesday was the day of darling Andy's inquest. I did not go, but my dear friend Debs was there in my place; what a friend - amongst so many cherished friends - to have. It was a gruelling day for both of us, but it was the final link in a long bureaucratic chain. That is it. And at last I have what I believe is called 'closure', albeit with much heartache. I have also come to the end of a very large job which has occupied almost every day of the last two months, so Debs whisked me off to the comforting bosom of Cinderhill Farm, in the beautiful Forest of Dean, where I am spending a few days resting my tired body and bruised spirit.


The day after arrival my holiday began with a visit to the vet's. Not for me of course, but for poor Autumn, a pure bred Black Welsh Mountain ewe, with suspected mastitis.  She behaved beautifully, despite her discomfort.  


Only a small protest when having her injections.


My job, as assistant shepherd, was to feed her young ivy shoots - which she loves.


Then  - already feeling more sprightly - she was released in her field, to enjoy the summer day and grass. After some judicious cleaning and 'stuff' to keep the flies off. 

 
I am enjoying a little gentle sketching. What better subject than chickens?




28 comments:

Jee said...

Sounds restful - and just what you need. Couldn't stop thinking about that silly song - and little lambs eat ivy !

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Wishing you a lovely, restful holiday. Feeding ivy shoots to a recuperating sheep sounds like the best medicine for both of you. xoxo

Annie said...

Oh what a lovely place to visit to recharge your batteries Gretal. Enjoy every minute.
Love the sketches.
Hugs,
A x

Nancy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nancy said...

When I was a more active spinner one of my favorite wools to spin was Welsh Mountain. It's so wonderful and the dark color is just beautiful. I'm glad you got a treat in a lovely place. Chickens are cheery aren't they?

Acornmoon said...

I am sure the rest will do you the world of good, you deserve a spell of TLC. I hope you recharge your batteries and enjoy being with your friends.

Charlotte said...

Wishing you peace now and a little chicken soup for the soul, or should that read chicken sketching for the soul.

Anonymous said...

I love the photo of the ewe with the ivy. The chicken sketches are wonderful. All you need now is a donkey or two!

rachel said...

I'm so relieved that you didn't attend the inquest - such a painful experience. What a dear friend to attend for you. Enjoy your few days away. You are in the right place now, I think! x

lemonade kitty said...

Hope you have a wonderful time enjoying the fresh air and the animals, Lucey x

Kim @ Him, Him Me said...

Love your sketches. The Forest of Dean is a lovely place to rest & regain some peace & strength

Greenorchid said...

Have a lovely break with your friend. Hugs Cx

ellen said...

Dearest Gretel,
What a lovely friend you have and I do sincerely hope that your rest is restorative and a balm for you. You have many people who send love and caring wishes...as well as so much respect for who you are and what you do....and respect for that man who loved you, as you did him, with every bone in your bodies.

Lo said...

Sounds wonderful.....I would love to be able to feed ivy shoots to a sheep. I think it might cure me of everything wrong.
Have a good rest and mini vacation.

Tonia said...

Sounds like the perfect place to rest and sketch. Have a wonderful time.

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Hello Gretel,

So happy you were able to steal away to Deb's beautiful farm. Hope you had a lovely few days and a great Birthday. You are never far from my thoughts. Big hugs to Deb's.

Janet xox
The Empty Nest

PS....LOVE the chicken sketches!!

J. Shirley said...

Awe, Gretel...

What a brilliant place for a rest! Your chicken sketches are simply fabulous. What is it about a farm that heals the soul? Enjoy!

Jamile

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

What a great idea for you to get away and a great place to be. I am hope your visit helps to soothe your spirit....even a wee bit.
XOXO

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

And I love your chicken sketches.

rossichka said...

It's nice to have someone who can guess what you need, what can make you feel better, how to help you find the inner peace...
After everything I read, I'm sure you are feeling great where you are, with your true friend next to you and the beautiful, refreshing sights around!
Lovely sketches and a great rooster!:)

BumbleVee said...

a farm...greenery and ...chickens.... how perfect!

hugs, V>

Jackie said...

I'm pleased to hear you are having a break. Enjoy your time away. Hugsx

Claire said...

Oooh chicken sketching what a wonderfully relaxing pastime.........and sounds like the perfect location for some time out Gretel.
Enjoy your time with Debs, a friend to be treasured for sure......
Sending hugs from Tig and I, by the fireside enjoying a relaxed Saturday evening.....

CLaire X

Claire said...

Oooh chicken sketching what a wonderfully relaxing pastime.........and sounds like the perfect location for some time out Gretel.
Enjoy your time with Debs, a friend to be treasured for sure......
Sending hugs from Tig and I, by the fireside enjoying a relaxed Saturday evening.....

CLaire X

the woolly dog said...

We all hope you have a restful, renewing break, the weather is at last looking like Summer, it's as though it's been waiting for you, take care ♥

Karen said...

Looks a lovely place to get away to. Rest and enjoy. x

Twiglet said...

A great place to chill and re charge the batteries - a friend in a million there I think. x Jo

Celia Hart said...

There's nothing like watching chickens to sooth the soul xx