Swift Half update - 27th December 2010

• Firstly - to anyone reading this - a belated merry Christmas to you, from us all at "Swift Half"
• Anna had a very quiet, relaxing birthday yesterday and we aim to do similar for New Year's Eve in a few days.
• As for the cats, hens and garden - Yala has decided she likes turkey giblets (and likes to fart horribly, after eating them), Malu has decided he doesn't like giblets (so no farts either) and the hens have decided that they like ice skating - on the ice that has covered the patio and garden for ten days or so now.
• It was minus eight at dawn yesterday, a little warmer last night, but now I hear those astrologers at the Met office have predicted yet more snow and ice tomorrow. Joy.
• I have been feeding the wild birds a lot of scran over this cold winter and giving them two bird baths in the garden, which I try to prevent from freezing. They certainly appreciate it.
• Yesterday we had our song thrushes back (never appear in the garden until the winter weather gets harsh) and our very dainty little wagtail. Both these birds are a delight for me to see.
• Yesterday also, one of the local foxes was causing a nuisance by the coop before dawn. Between Malu and myself we scared it away - so no lost chickens!
• If I don't post again before Hogmanay - have yersels a great celebration (if you intend to!) and here's looking forwards to 2011....