In my second summer living in France a pair of opportunistic swallows moved into my woodshed one day when the door was left open. Within a matter of a month or so one nest became three and I was delightfully entertained by, I estimate, three clutches fledging, feeding and singing their hearts out in my courtyard. By the end of the summer I counted 36 birds, preening their feathers and holding Continue Reading

On the eve of Solstice 2020 my menagerie, which until then comprised three horses and two terriers, grew to include a Siamese kitten. Through a small miracle I saw this little ball of cream and black fluff at the forest edge when driving past at dusk. Whether abandoned or lost she was starving and recognised in me the one who would feed her. For the first two weeks, all she did was eat, sleep Continue Reading

The icy wind finds its way through the old timbers of the barn, reminding me that it is winter outside.  Ruby, the mare who has taught me how to be myself, stands uncomfortably beside my chair. In the extreme wet weather she has developed an abscess in each of both front feet.  It is difficult to witness her pain as she attempts to find relief, shifting her weight from one hoof to Continue Reading