Alternative route

No way was the feeder-wagon going to be pulled up the steep hill to the road today - it had almost jack-knifed twice at the bottom in the farmyard. Instead it was driven across the autumn-sown cornfields to the other cattleyards. The ground was frozen enough to prevent its weight from sinking into the earth and leaving massive ruts.

Looking at the photograph has made me realise how empty the Dutch barn is starting to appear. The large round straw bales that were blipped weeks ago have now been used up as fodder and bedding.

It was rather nice this afternoon being driven into "the land of the living" by Tim in his high-off-the ground "all terrain" vehicle to do some necessary shopping. There was a subdued hush in the darkened streets at twilight as people scuttled over piles of ice and slushy snow - no Christmas rush here - the shops were nearly empty!