Bleats and Blogs
That’s More Like It – The Intrepid Shepherdess
In the wake of a little rant I had recently in this blog bemoaning the revolting high protein “pasta” that was made of fish from the Pacific, processed in Spain, by a Belgium company, for export to the UK, in non- recyclable containers, I had the pleasure of a...
Really? – The Intrepid Shepherdess
In the admirable spirit of not wanting to waste food, a well-meaning and dear friend donated to me (for my dogs) some packets of fresh pasta that were surplus to requirements. Great. But as I was about to prepare this meal for Cal and Max, I noticed what it said on...
Basil Fawlty Phone Line – The Intrepid Shepherdess
On 22nd December my landline died. I tried to report the fault online but when the system of the telecoms company, who shall remain nameless, informed me it couldn't recognise my number, alarm bells stared to ring. After spending ages on their website hunting for a...
Creatures of Habit – The Intrepid Shepherdess
A common denominator among the wide variety of species living on my farm is that we are all creatures of habit. Consider the bedtime ritual. I switch off all lights downstairs, collect my glass of water and my mobile before pottering upstairs to run my bath. By the...
A Date With MERL – The Intrepid Shepherdess
I maintain that the creation of the Internet and ability to share information electronically, was an innovation of importance on a par with the invention of the engine and industrial revolution. I also believe that it was created with good in mind and the vast...
Be Afraid – Be Very Afraid – The Intrepid Shepherdess
Penguin Books published Matthew Walker’s tome 'Why We Sleep' in 2017 and when I read it, it terrified me. Eat your heart out Stephen King! In answering the question why we sleep, Walker reveals the long term, irreversible physical and mental damage done to our bodies...
Second Agenda – The Intrepid Shepherdess
Recently, I came across Joe Navarro, a former FBI Agent and expert on body language. His YouTube videos are fascinating, revealing how humans really communicate. This got me thinking about two things. Firstly, how subtle non-verbal communication is and miraculously,...
What Am I Missing? – The Intrepid Shepherdess
I have just finished reading Lindsey Fitzharris’ book ‘The Butchering Art’ (Penguin, 2018). And fascinating it was too, but not for the feint-hearted. It’s a compelling read about the life and medical career of Joseph Lister whose indomitable interest in sepsis...
My Kingdom for a Hug or a Hazlenut – The Intrepid Shepherdess
As I write this my house is filled with the most wonderful aroma – a glorious combination of brandy, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and dried fruit. Yes you have guessed it – my Christmas puddings are delightfully on the boil, giving off a scent so evocative of this time of...
Gentle Giants Unite – The Intrepid Shepherdess
I am not quite sure how I do it but I manage to convince all the animals here at Primrose Farm of three rules by which they must live harmoniously together. These rules are: Love is unconditional Respect is mutual and We don’t eat family members This is no mean feat...