Thank goodness for farmers

Good morning. 

No snow here but everything is frozen. Oscar was on my bed last night, so I nudged him over and got in beside him. That confused Mickey because that's his place. After a few minutes, Mickey decided he would take a chance and join me as well. They didn't used to like each other, but now they are ok. I feed them at the same time so they know there is enough for everyone. They can now be friends. 

I lay very still on my back, as I always do, so I don't disturb them. I woke at about 6am needing to change positions because it was becoming uncomfortable. It was still dark so I switched the torch on which is next to my pillow. No cats. I wonder how long I had been lying there as stiff as a board when there was no need. At some point during the night they had jumped off and found a bed elsewhere. 

I was able to doze for another hour. It was 7.30am when I got up. First things first after doing my ablutions, feed the cats. Then go outside to feed the birds waiting for their breakfast. They have the left overs from the bowls of cat food. Some dry kitten food, and wild bird seed that I get from The Range. I must stock up on that now that winter is here. I have six water bowls scattered around the garden, so I get the little hammer and break the ice on those and refill with fresh water. My fingers are tingling with cold after that. A quick retreat indoors to wrap my hands around a mug of hot steaming coffee. 

Where would we be if there were no farmers? 

No fields to grow crops, or grazing for animals. No home grown fresh veg in the shops. No shops, everything comes in a van from a warehouse. Hills covered with wind turbines. 5g, 6g, 7g, towers spewing out their poisons. Open countryside concreted over and new towns springing up everywhere. Huge tower blocks, filing cabinets I call them. Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes made of ticky tacky. Horrible thought. 

 North Yorkshire Council have 107 farmers/contractors on standby 24/7 in the winter seasons.

In heavy snowfall farmers & contractors will be mobilised to help gritters keep Priority 1 routes passable and to maintain at least one route to all centres of population open.

After a prolonged period of extreme weather farmer/contractors will also help clear & treat priority 2 & 3 routes with ploughs & snowblowers.

Thank you farmers. 

Have a good day. Catch ya later. Toodle pip.   ilona