A normal week but getting colder!

This is Faro, 'guard' alpaca always alert to whats going on around the paddocks and ready to give 'the stare' to anyone approaching the boys. He is very intelligent, has a mind of his own and often likes to do his own thing.

Fyta, life long buddy of Faro and the pair are rarely apart. He's a cheeky boy, likes to play with the humans and has a lovely nature.

Most of the past week has provided warm weather, apart from today, and this photo was taken in the early evening as shadows were growing longer.  Fergus on the left, Fyta lying down, and Faro.

We have stopped giving the boys haylage now and they have reverted to their hay buckets and some hay spread on the ground which they enjoy.

The sun continues to set in the west and the boys begin to settle down.  We have a crow family which have nested for years close by and you can see one of their number near Fyta.  Our only complaint about the crows is that the whole crow family take several baths each day at this time of year in the boys' water troughs!  The Grumpy Gardener is kept busy replenishing the water.

Things are beginning to grow in the veg garden, the first row of second early potatoes are in, as are onions, peas, broad beans, and parsnips with more planting to follow in the next couple of weeks.

And finally..............this was taken early this morning, snow has returned to the hills and the temperature has dropped considerably.  The threatening sky produced hail showers this afternoon.  On a lighter note, the Swallows returned a couple of weeks ago and the House Martins returned this week and are now excitedly checking out old nests under the eaves.  Hope all blog readers are well during the present restrictions.