August Time

August is usually when I hibernate and take time away from the world as much as possible but having said that, I do not head for a cave and sleep throughout although the thought is very tempting. Instead I make it a month to catch up with unfinished stuff such as courses to be updated, new ideas, notes, recipes and formulae to be gathered and placed into order and other jobs that need doing around the farm and homestead. These are mostly of a daily basis with upkeep and so forth but there is usually something extra to do and the thought of lazing around like a bear or cat in the sunshine does not quite go to plan.

So far we have fixed several leaks in the homestead roof, sorted out a few fences and posts and ensured the firewood we are still using is out of the weather. The lambs have not yet arrived so seem to be planning more of a sensible springtime birth as opposed to their middle of the winter, rain, frost and severe winds time. The bull is bellowing and we have reassured him that we hope to get him some company but for now he can meander with the other sheep that are there to keep him company. The sheep in lamb have been brought to the paddocks closer to the house so we can keep an easier eye on them. Apart from that nature is enjoying the slowly returning warmth and the grass is lush for the animals to enjoy. The chickens are clucking although eggs are not yet to be found other than by a friend whose chickens seem to lay no matter what the season. Perhaps our chickens need a firm talking to.  

The greenery from Wintertime was taken outdoors and burnt in the Imbolc balefire. Although I do miss the greenery and festive celebrations of winter it was nice to feel the lightness of spring in the air. Our annual Bear picnic was had and enjoyed immensely. This is when we gather and honour Bear, (we do this always but this is our once a year get-to-gether with likeminded folk) we craft, tell adventures and tales of Bear, feast, dance and generally have a beary cool time. A plate of food is gathered from the feast and taken outdoors to be left for the Bear spirits and guardians and although we do not have Bear in the country in which we live they are indeed part of us, we of them and in our heart and spirit.

So with everything happening and days quickly turning to nights I do ensure that I get to do some nature and beach walks as this can go a long way in helping one heal and balance themselves on all levels. Being in nature is one of the best things we ca do for ourselves on any day and as much as possible. For those who know me, understand that I am not tech orientated nor do I claim to be, I tend to live as off-grid as possible although maintaining this website and as little modern as I can. Still working from a wired in desktop computer, no mobile phone nor apps, we seem to get the job done until technology takes me kicking and screaming into its grasp. I think I will flee and live in the mountains before that, which brings me to another topic. My retirement, I had planned to retire this birthday and this was met with snickers, (not the chocolate bar) laughs, shakes of the head and disbelief. So that has not yet happened and I do suppose there is a lot more to do and Dakota refuses to take over the helm fully and the rest of them have just carried on and pretended not to hear. So there in lies my quandary but I figure there is still some days left in August to think on this more.

In the meantime I did get to go on a wonderful nature and bush walk, a few hours track walk but well worth it as we went through forest and beach, spent time chatting with the birds and to the guardians that would have been watching us as we ventured through. My birthday itself was greeted with a splendid misty morn, chocolates, breakfast at the beach followed by a beach walk, more treats including a beautiful bag of ploughman's style foods and a lounge around with the cats upon returning home. The night brought a shared feast and by the time the moon showed herself in our southern hemisphere skies I was fast asleep in front of the fire surrounded by cats and chocolate wrappers. A beary delightful time had.

So with a milestone birthday achieved, the following week I was treated out to a wonderful American Style BBQ dinner at a place called Morepork with family who even made a birthday cake and brought that along singing happy birthday to me in a restaurant full of people, what a treat. I was also given several bottles of Jack Daniels from friends to enjoy at my leisure and oh yes I got a tattoo. (Not my first) Never to old to have a tattoo and guess what it is of? And should any of you reading this shriek and quiver and go all weird like at the prospect and thought of it all, well I make no apologies at all. 

Dusty Moonshine was escorted off to the local Vets one morning 19/8/24 as he had a urinary issue and any one with Animals knows how worrying and upsetting this can be for all involved. He behaved beautifully as blood was taken and checked (all good) and fortunately his urine sample came back free from urinary crystals/crystalluria (these are not nice crystals that can form actual stones in the cats urinary tract and block it.) He did however have a urinary infection so has been treated for that. Now back home he is happily sitting out in the sun as I type.

I was a trained Vet nurse back in the day and have seen many animals over the time and the current animals we have now are the ones left from many-a rescue and a lot of the time they can come with ongoing issues from their previous homes. Should any of your cats experience any problems in urinating and/or straining to go, blood in the urine or as in Dusty's case urinating in an odd place in front of me as he was letting me know there is something not quite right then this should be checked out as if left it can result in more serious problems.  Read more on the Cats of Wycksted

Weather proceeded throughout with misty mornings, sunshine, more rain and thunder and lightning fitting of Thor, the Norse God. The ponds started to swell, the ducks were more than happy and still no lambs as yet however we have started our egg hunts with our very, very free range chickens as the eggs have been turning up in abundance in all weird and wonderful places. 

And with a heavy heart our beloved Frankie Cat passed away on August 22nd, Thursday evening. He was 19 years and 9 months old. A true gentle cat with a warriors heart and spirit, he is dearly missed by all. 

And that was my August.