Late Ducklings and Horse trouble!

It has been a couple of weeks since my last diary entry, as my scribe took a break from us and we did not see each other to catch up.  Putting this to rights now...

Out in the gardens the temperature has definitely dropped - winter feather 'duvet' definitely called for now!  Water getting a bit chilly too -- but obviously not too chilly as we had two new arrivals on the pond from one of my girl fiends.   As has become the habit, these were given over to the care of humans for a while to ensure that can grow a bit before they get let out in the big world -- not before they had a good swim on the ponds though!

Our pair of Aylesbury ducklings are now being looked after by Charlotte and her Mum who live at the back of the Jinney Ring, so they have not gone far.  Charlotte has decided, if they are male, they will be called 'Ant and Dec'  ... as it will be a while before we know I guess this will stick (there must be some girls names that will work with this too...??? Answers below please! ).  They will be put outside in the heated pen very soon now so that they don't become house ducks!

Ant and Dec - which is which, the perpetual question!

The two chestnut mares have gone from the adjacent fields now, as it was getting too wet underfoot. However we have heard serious news about Floss (the older one). She has just been rushed into the nearby equine hospital for an emergency operation on her intestines.  So far so good but the next 48 hours are critical, she is 26 years old so not so young, we are keeping our wings crossed for her!

Floss (at the back) has had emergency surgery

Around the Centre everyone is starting to get ready for Christmas with some lovely things in the gift shop and all of the craft units working hard to build some stock.  Lights and trees are being planned, as is the Christmas Fayre on the first weekend of December.  Busy Busy Busy!