Sue Woodcock: Dales Diary

A lovely little Jack Russell I re-homed with some friends is now the happiest little dog and she worships her new owners. The lady has just started a pilates class and she lay down to relax before starting gentle exercises. The dog rushed over to make sure she wasn’t dead, washed her face and then sat watching.

My friend started gently raising an arm and then a leg as she has been taught. Then she looked over and saw the dog lying on her back mimicking every move.

End of exercise session because she was laughing so much. Now she has to shut the dog in the next room before she starts.

My dogs all have different personalities. Fair, one of my collies is rather timid but very independent. Brillo is, and knows she is, the boss. Froyle, my older collie, likes an easy life. McWoof just wants to play and chew things and little Boo is starting to find her feet.

She discovered something quite revolting to roll in and I had to wash her when she came in. Then I spotted her pushing McWoof out of the armchair in front of the fire so she could get comfortable.

He is quite a gentleman because he let her. I think it was the hurt look on his face that touched me, so I took him into the kitchen for a special treat before he settled on the floor.

The two foster cats in my front room are beginning to become quite friendly. If they could only come to terms with the dogs it would make life easier and I would keep them. But I still hope to find them a loving home. They are beautiful and quite young.

I drive up and down the dale often at night and I see a lot of wildlife. Rabbits are numerous but the other evening I spotted a tawny owl flying over the road and a bit further on a huge stoat hurried out of the road as I approached. As it retreated into the verge it turned and glowered at me.

Occasionally I see deer down by the woods. On my fields a covey of partridge fly up from the ground as I approach. They are such pretty, neat little birds. Pheasants are in abundance and the smaller birds flit in and out of the barn.

My generator has been playing up and needs a new starter motor and solenoid which is on order. The mechanic came for an emergency repair and will fix it when it arrives. Until then I have to go and whack the solenoid when it sticks.

The sheep being naturally curious gathered round the door and waited hopefully for extra food. The mechanic, who is from a farming background commented that they looked really fit and well fed. I was rather gratified by that.

Some of my ewes are starting to expand and are obviously in lamb. I am keeping a watchful eye on them and think it will be a while before they produce. But I don’t trust them and every morning double check just in case.

When I take the dogs out there is an ever-changing vista that unfolds before my eyes. One moment there are fluffy clouds racing across the heavens and the next there is mist or shafts of sunlight highlighting a part of the hills.

Where there is cloud cover, the hills are dark and sombre and the sunlight makes spectacular contrasts.

Sometimes there are rainbows and at this height I can see them in their entirety.

When it is fine it is beautiful up here. in this tranquil place where I feel content. The peace up here is rather special. It is seldom quiet.

The countryside has constant noise but it is nature’s noise. The sheep bleat, the geese honk, the chickens cackle and the ducks quack. The guinea fowl sing lustily and tunelessly but it is very comforting.

It means all is right with the world. When the tone changes it means I have a visitor. Then the dogs sound off and I know I need not fear anything because I have their protection.

People sometimes express concern that I am on my own up here but I am never lonely and have plenty to do.

I am not alone at all.