Another storm, but this time, today, with sunshine. It does feel as if we have not seen sunshine for many many days. Today the wind is from the north, and the sea is a vibrant turquoise with white horses and rolling waves breaking on the rocks below the house. I am grateful that we have new double glazed doors on the front of the house, it would be freezing without them protecting us from the wind.
It has been a hard winter for the sheep this winter. Usually our ewe hoggs thrive over their first winter enjoying the feed they get each morning. But this winter they are not looking as good as they usually do. Farmer is dreaming of being able to keep them in next winter, so that they don't have to weather the wind and the seemingly perpetual rain. I can't remember what the percentage of energy it is that out wintered animals use just keeping warm, but it is considerable.