Project smallholder begins

Ever since I can remember, I've loved animals.  I grew up in a house that always had dogs and when I owned my own house I managed to fit a few chickens in the back garden, along with a few cats and dogs, but I never really had the space to have all of the animals I wanted to keep.

When we moved to Orkney we bought a small house with two acres of land.  It has taken until now to fence the area to make it critter proof and we recently decided to start populating.  Earlier in the week, a lovely couple in South Ronaldsay donated 4 beautiful Saxony ducks to out new smallholding.

The first new arrivals

Duckopolis - built by me!

And today, we finally finished Pig Paradise and went to collect our lovely little British Saddleback porkers from Inga and Gary of Newfield Rare Breeds in Orphir.  They're currently 9 weeks old and we'll be keeping them over summer while they fatten up.  They will have a short life, but it will be a very happy one digging up the field they are in!

The journey home

Pig paradise

Feeding time

And now food is sprouting in the garden.  Spring is definitely here at last!

Garlic bed

Rhubarb

All of this animal related excitement has meant that I really have neglected my jewellery making.  Normal service may be resumed in a week or so :)