January 2025
Winter Wonderland
January was the coldest month we’ve had so far. The trees were cased in ice, as with the willow tree above, and the snow stayed on the ground for over a week. The new car made itself very useful, just about making it up the snowy drive, which wouldn’t have been possible in the little car. Building on the first week of the month was lost to the weather, but there’s been good progress, with the main roofing being completed and attention turning to the inside layout and the first fix of the services. In the next month, we’re hoping to get the windows in and the lower roofs finished to finally be watertight.
The house getting coated in snow and with an ice lake at the front.
Gardens in the snow.
Restoring water
The cold weather caused the usual freezing/splitting of the pipes and the aftermath of fixing the broken ones. Of course, they were the ones right under the caravan. Lou bravely went under to switch the old copper pipes to new push-fit PVC ones, finally restoring the water and most importantly, bringing the shower back into working order. The scene was reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, with red wellies sticking out from the caravan.
Ruby wellies, rather than slippers.
Muddy aftermath of being under the caravan.
Winter chickens
It’s safe to say the chickens are happier in sunnier times. They did brave it outside briefly but we moved their food and water inside to save their toes. Speaking of toes, poor Deidre (my favourite chicken unless the others ask) had a cut toe and was leaving trails of blood in the snow. I suspect the cold may have stuck her foot to the perch at night. I somehow managed to catch and bandage her up on my own and after a night under observation and a few more feet baths, she went back to her pals.
The automatic door openers freeze up in the ice, so it was a morning job to get the kettle and defrost them. The kettle also defrosted the drinkers and left them water warm, which was much appreciated in the low temperatures.
I think I’ll just stay in here.
The bandage on Deirdre’s foot.
What a good chicken.
Warm water going down well on a cold day. From left to right; Bella, Donald, Stripy, Goose and Deirdre.
The gardens are pretty dormant at the moment other than the Brussels, which have done very well. This stick made a great addition to a Sunday dinner.
We are finally beginning to believe this will be the final winter in the caravan, with a path to a functioning house beginning to emerge. Stay tuned for doors and windows!
Thanks for reading, love from Hillside Farm x
Garden fresh
PS Avvy says she had some highs and lows this month. Chasing the ball in the snow was the peak, having a sink bath was not great.
Becoming a yeti is a small price to play ball in the snow.
When there’s no shower, the sink bath of shame.
