Sue Woodcock: No hot water and an offer that prompts thoughts of a move

They duly arrived, about 20 of them, and spent a sunny afternoon peering at tiny plants and mosses all over the mire. What I didn’t realise was that they were not local, but from far-flung parts of the world. One delightful couple were from Shanghai, another chap from the Black Forest and another from Northern Ireland. They happily bore away countless samples and some fresh eggs I had offered them.

In Addingham where I gave a talk at the memorial hall, I fielded questions about the TV programme Love Thy Neighbour and put them right, informing them that Grassington is indeed a very good community and that the programme had been a bit manipulated.

Later that evening I received a lovely half-grown border collie pup called Gismo. He is stopping with me for ten days while his caring owners have a holiday in Spain.

He is a very well-behaved and loving dog and some of mine could learn some manners from him. I am worried that he might pick up some wicked ways from my pack.

More lambs have arrived and I only have one ewe left to lamb. I did lose one lamb, I am not sure why, but I suspect it had some congenital defect. Fortunately it was one of twins and the mother has the other to care for.

One new set of twins from a Shetland have black bodies and white trousers and socks. They are rather cute and it is such a shame that they have to grow into sheep! The swallows are flitting in and out of the barn and collecting nesting materials. McWoof excelled himself by catching a couple of moles and despatching them.

He was assisted by Boo who didn’t like the taste and spat one out. I am told that moles taste bitter, as do shrews.

My Rayburn exchange has been a disaster. Having got the newer, gleaming one, I spent a frustrating day plumbing it in only to discover the hot water tank in it was rotten and leaked like a sieve. A replacement will cost nearly £1,000 which I can ill afford. Until it is sorted I am having to exist with an electric kettle and a microwave. I do have cold running water but no hot. Kind friends have let me use their shower a couple of times.

For some time I have been thinking about the future. I have had to make some very difficult decisions this week. Someone asked me if I wanted to sell him this place and when I said it was a dream he rightly pointed out that I had lived the dream and the nightmare and had nothing left to prove.

It got me thinking. If I were 20 years younger then things would be different. I don’t have and probably never will have the money to turn this into a proper home. I admit it has been very tough and the last two winters have taken their toll.

Much as I love it here, there are other places nearby that would make my life a lot easier. The local estate agent came and we discussed it. I should get enough for a small place locally. This bit of heaven needs substantial investment.

We will see what transpires. It will be a good project with sufficient money to get it right. It would suit someone with horses as there is 15 acres of land, not to mention the shippons and barn.

I need to concentrate on what I want to do with my woolcraft, my writing and my music. I should like a garden where I could grow my own vegetables. I intend to stay close to my friends and I shall stay close to nature and the countryside. It is a part of what I am. I always knew I couldn’t stay here into old age.

Meanwhile I shall enjoy the delights of watching spring take a grip. Young animals growing and enjoying life have always inspired me.

The grass after a bit of rain is greening up and looking lush and the sheep are enjoying it.

Life is a continual adventure for me anyway.

If there is a plan for me it will become apparent, I am sure.