Welcome to 2026!
The year began with a grey mist. When I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth, I could half see Lythmore on the other side of the valley, but it was covered in a translucent curtain of sleet and rain. The wind had been wild in the night and, when I went to let the chickens out, I found that the top gate had been blown open. The chickens stayed close to me, unbothered by eating, but just wanted the reassurance and comfort. The wind has continued all day, and the snow has been ever present, sometimes falling as hail, other times as thick, fluffy snowflakes. It hasn't settled much, though there is a thin dusting, surprising as it has been snowing most of the day. Perhaps it is being blown away as soon as it nears the ground! One of my female quail has hurt her eye. I'm unsure how it happened, but imagine she has been in a bit of a fight with another one. I am concerned, but I can't bathe it in salt water while it is so close to her eye. Ouch! I think tomorrow will see more...