Sue Woodcock: New hens are ruling the roost already

Most of them look as if they have just escaped from an oven baking tin and are almost devoid of feathers but they are perking up with good food. One especially bald and rather long-necked one is the most bold. He was in the yard telling everyone how important he was when my dogs were let out.

Ewan, my totally mental and supposedly big, brave, fearless, moorland collie approached to see what the fuss was about and got firmly pecked on the nose. I then watched almost bent double with mirth as a tiny, scrawny, bald chicken chased the big brave dog across the field. He eventually returned giving the rather smug bird a wide berth.

Little Dora, the fostered Jack Russell, is trying out a new home this week. If it isn't a success she can come back – she is so adorable it won't worry me if she stops with me.

Nelson is also stopping for a couple of days while his mum is away. He isn't too keen on the foul, cold and wet weather. I don't need to signal him to come in, he is there waiting by the door. He is deaf, so he has been well trained to hand signals.

As soon as it starts to rain the chickens retreat into the barn and watch. If it is raining down in the valley it is usually snowing or sleeting up here. There have been some nice spells and spectacular sunsets. One thing it has not been is warm.

I went over to Clapham to see my sheep there and the friends who keep them. I delivered some proven and hay and they came running at the sound of my voice. I then went to see a couple in Ingleton who need to re-home their magnificent mastiff bitch. She is loving and boisterous, but needs someone who can train and handle her which I don't think I am strong enough to do. On the way home I had a lovely drive admiring the snow-topped Three Peaks and the awesome scenery. When I got to the bottom of my hill things ceased to be so lovely. It was snowing again and even at 3.30 in the afternoon the road was lethal. Even with low gear four-wheel drive I only just made it home.

I went to give a talk at the International Club at Skipton and met some very interesting people there. I really enjoyed the evening and their company. Meeting new people, especially the older citizens, means I can learn so much. They have such wonderful stories to share. They also gave me a generous donation towards my charity.

It being half term and Valentine's Day the village was swarming with visitors. I helped some friends out at their private hotel one evening. The chef is a very clever and talented lass from Ecuador and she had bought me a small purse and a piece of crystal back from her holiday there which I shall treasure.

The Government is trying to raise awareness about agricultural accidents and sent me a leaflet full of horror stories. I dealt with such incidents as a rural bobby and know just how easy it is to become complacent. Being rather isolated and on my own I seldom venture out without my mobile phone, even sheep can cause nasty injuries. Cows that I don't know frighten me anyway which is why I don't keep them. I have to be sensible and keep animals I can cope with. An offer of water buffalo a while ago was tempting but not sensible.