A Day in My Country Life

I wake up at Bertie o’clock. That is, approximately 7am when Bertie whines from the stair bottom alerting me that it’s time to wake up, feed him and let him out to wee. I briefly consider going back to bed or wrapping up in a heavy blankie and catching a snooze on the sofa. However, there’re things to do. I let the chickens out as soon as the skylight ends, check for eggs, and top off their water jug. Poultry Duty done, I fill the bird feeders with shelled sunflower seeds, and then Bertie and I go check the sheep. Thankfully there are, indeed, 7 of them so I continue walking up the hill to visit the Beech trees. I stop to look at the valley and the wide open sky, taking deep breaths and meditating. Next, breakfast usually muesli with fruit, a few cups of tea sweetened with Somerset honey, and maybe a few slices of wonderful local bacon and some toast and marmalade.

The day is open before me. Sometimes I write, listen to music, go down the Internet Rabbit Hole, or read. I’ve even take naps and soaked in the deep claw foot tub, two things I’m normally too busy to do at home. Lovely! At 3, Bertie and I go for another walk up to the pasture to say goodnight to the sheep. 4pm is dinner for B and the hens. 5:15 is time to shut the chooks in for the night and feed myself. It’s all about comfort food while I’m here—bean and bacon soup, avocado sandwiches, salmon with quinoa and cucumbers with lemon vinaigrette, crepes with cream cheese and fresh berries. And tea.. Lots and lots and lots of tea.

After dinner I’m back in the lounge (den) waiting for Minnie the Cat to show up. She dozes on the sofa while I crochet and watch whatever has got my attention. Bertie often lies at my feet and gets his tummy rubbed. Around 10 he goes out for his last wee and I go to bed, snuggled up under a fluffy comforter, with Shireen and Puppy Dog, listening to the rain or wind.