I feel like I need to counter Richard's rather negative last couple of posts. Tonight, having done the barn chores, I sat on the step watching the quiet night. It was one of those moonlit nights that makes the snow sparkle like magic, and it was quiet, but for the sound of Max, the barn cat, sitting on my knee, purring almost loudly enough to drown out the wonderful sound of the horses munching contentedly on their hay. All that contentment rubs off a little. I wouldn't say that there aren't times when the animals are a tie and strife inducing, but they do add something to it all, especially when everyone is fed and happy.

Reflecting on the last year; 2010 was just too busy for my liking, and whilst I accept that the next couple of years are likely to be hectic a lot of the time (- the kids are involved in various clubs and hobbies, which is great, I am hooked on producing as much home-grown food as we can muster, and the farm continues to crumble and need constant repair, oh, and yes, we do have to make a living too!), I see the last three years as a steep learning curve, and want 2011 to be a year of consolidation, with a little more attention to stepping off the treadmill occasionally to admire the view!