A quick update on Rosie and Jim

Finally we have managed to get Rosie and Jim to stand still and pose for a picture.  The adorable pair are now out in the field during the day time, a bit like excited puppies they play with the chickens and come when you call them!  They are still being feed bottle milk so if you go up to them they suck your fingers!



Rosie AND Jim

Well things never stay the same here at Tregongeeves for long...last time I told you about Rosie the very new lamb, well now we have an even newer lamb...Jim.  Judith has got Jim to keep Rosie company, and so far they seem like a very happy couple. 

Judith and Richard had quite a laugh at me last week.  I popped into to see Jim and couldn't resist the opportunity to feed them.  So in my smart work clothes I set about feeding Jim, whilst being nudged by Rosie who wanted in on the act too (she's a bit too young to understand 'wait your turn!).  Judith and John used to own a farm which bred sheep, so they are well used to feeding the young lambs, Richard and Alison used to help out.  For me, feeding Jim was my first experience of lamb feeding, little did I know you have to hold onto the teat of the bottle firmly, if not it flies off covering you and the lamb in milk.  As I learnt the hard way.  So straight home for me to put all my work clothes in the wash as I was covered head to toe!

If you are visiting in the coming weeks ask Judith about feeding the lambs - she loves help - just remember to hold on to the bottle VERY tight!

Cornwall, along with most of the country has been blessed with the most amazing weather this week, it has felt like  glorious summer days.  It has had a wonderful effect on the gardens down here too, with many springing into life, the colours truely are breath taking.

Looking toward to the longer forecast, it looks like April is set to be a stunner too, much like it has been for the last few years in Cornwall.  We still have some cottage breaks available - so why not pop down to unwind and recharge your batteries - April never seems to disappoint down here.

It is all 'Rosie' at Tregongeeves

I can hardly contain my excitement as I let you know the Tregongeeves family has expanded...we are proud to welcome Rosie - a new lamb to our animal family.

Rosie is an orphan lamb who we have rescued from a fatal future.  We have only had her since Friday so she is being kept in a stable until she gets used to us, but soon she will be joining Declan, Wilma and Betty in the fields.

Rosie has to be bottle fed, but also eats sheep nuts too.  She currently looks like she has been graffitied - this is just the markings that farmers put on lambs when they are born.  As with all the animals we are always looking for willing volunteers to help Judith at feeding time, so please do come and help us if you are visiting.

Snow - what snow?

Whilst much of the UK is blanketed in snow and freezing conditions we have got off mildly down here.  After a cold weekend it is now back to being quite mild for the time of the year, which is good as so many of the plants are getting ready for spring.

Alison and I had the great pleasure of doing a National Trust walk along the Helford Coastal path, taking in some stunning views of the coast line, and admiring some spectacular properties (we have picked one out each and will start saving tomorrow!).  We came across some amazing fields of daffodils (pictured) which I am sure will be in a shop near you soon, and many fields of cauliflowers!  Although muddy and a bit up and down we can highly recommend the walk.

No rest at the inn on the animal front; Judith has had the horse dentist out this week for her horse Tom.  He is a bit restless and someone suggested it might be his teeth, as he can't tell her what is up Judith took their advice and called in the experts.  By all accounts the dentist was quite amazing, like a horse whisperer - he had Tom behaving and obeying every command - most unusual for the wilful soul!

We are all off to the Hall for Cornwall this week - they have some wonderful shows on throughout the year. Sadly we didn't coordinate diaries and realised afterwards we have booked tickets for different nights - but we are very much looking forward to a good old murder mystery.

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud...

...is what I am sure I heard Judith singing the other day as she slid about with the animals!  So much so we have been forced to bring the donkeys into the stables to dry them off a little.  On the other hand Splodgy is loving it!  he cannot get enough of the mud - in fact he seems to take great pleasure in making a real mess!  The chickens new run, which had lovely grass in for so long is now more mud than grass and the sheep seem to be growing ever bigger coats to keep warm!

You would be forgiven for thinking we are all quiet here at the moment - however there is no rest for us.  We are busily painting cottages,  replacing lots of furniture and giving the animals some TLC.  In fact January is an incredibly busy month, making sure everything is just right for the new season.

Thankfully on our days off we are getting to enjoy the beauty of the early spring down here.  Last week I visited Trelissick Gardens, just a short drive from Truro.  Not only are the gardens quiet they are looking stunning with snowdrops and daffodils giving us hope of warmer longer days soon.  I then proceeded to get very lost and ended up on a Ferry - the King Harry Ferry in fact!  Whilst slightly shocked by my new mode of transport I was overwhelmed by the sun setting over the River Fal - reminding why we are so lucky to leave here (you will be pleased to know after a slight detour I made it home safely!).  I can highly recommend the ferry - especially for exploring the Roseland - just beware - the roads do get VERY small in places!

As many of you are blanketed in snow as I type I can report no snow here, not even a flake, in fact it has been very mild lately here!

Feeding time at the zoo!

Hello,


We have been making the best of the glorious sunshine with a spring clean out in the paddocks.  Pictured are the donkey's having their breakfast.  Alice is now in with them, along with the sheep.  Judith has also cleaned out Splodge, who enjoys some fresh straw and the chickens in arcs have been moved to fresh grass...all achieved without slipping over in the mud once - quite an achievement!


We have been in glorious winter sunshine this week, with promise it is going to last long into the weekend (fingers crossed).  If you are thinking of visiting the Spring months truly are stunning.  It is a few degrees warmer down here, so everything happens that bit earlier, and not quite so many layers are required to stay snug whilst out enjoying the changing seasons.


A particular must at this time of year is a stroll along the coastal path.  The seas are breathtaking, fierce yet somehow calming at the same time.  And also incredibly quiet now.  Why not venture slightly further west for a days walk around the Lizard - The Three Sides of the Lizard is a lovely circular walk.


If relaxing sitting down is more your thing we stumbled across the time table for the Bodmin and Wendford Railway the other day.  With fun family events throughout year such as Murder Mystery Evenings, Easter Egg-stravaganza, Fireman Sam, Peppa Pig and Paddington Bear theme weekends it really does have something for everyone.

We are off to try the pub at St Ewe tonight - apparently it has been taken over - so we will give you a full report next week!

Happy New year!

Sorry I have not blogged for a while, it has been a busy festive period down here in Cornwall.  Alison was in charge of the Christmas lunch, and Judith was in charge of the Christmas dinner, both of whom excelled themselves.  We popped down to Caerhays Beach for a Christmas day stroll, it was stunning and deserted and the sea nearly caught us whilst we were taking a picture!


Then on boxing day we walked to Charlestown to watch Paddy, Alison's husband take a dip in the sea for charity - we think he has just about thawed out now!  We carried on our walk along the coastal path to Duporth and Porthpean.  (highly recommended in you fancy a short coastal walk).  We sat on the beach and had our flask of soup...perfect!


If you are missing your Cornish fix don't miss the new series on ITV.  'Cornwall with Caroline Quentin' tours around the county taking in our best beauty spots and meeting some of the locals along the way.


The mild winter has led to come daffodils already appearing in full bloom, which bodes well for the many stunning gardens down here.  On Saturday 11 February the National Trust open their Glendurgan Estate for the year with a Daffodil Walk, a 6 mile round walk in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care .  If you are interested you can book your tickets in advance by calling 01872 260500.  Or why not think about booking a trip down to see the amazing colours on offer at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.  We went in May last year and it was truly spectacular. Or slightly further afield why not pop into Trebah Gardens.


Don't forget to book early if you would like a specific cottage or week, we have already had a number of bookings for the coming year and would hate you to be disappointed. We either have our four or five star cottages, or camping and caravaning at River Valley Holiday Park in London Apprentice.