I got up, not really looking forward to going to Garth Hall because my father wanted to put the bales in the barn. I was a little worried that it would be too much for him. As Josh pointed out, he’s been driving tractors for approximately 85 years! That’s probably true. I used to drive one when I was 10. Only stopping, starting and steering around the hayfield in low gear. No chance of damage but I was 10 😁So I had to get a grip, let him get on with it and stay away for my own sanity.
The first thing was transferring everything necessary from my car to the truck. I needed the 4wd of the truck to get him to the tractor. There are road works on the estate and so there were cars everywhere out the front. I put the car in the space where the truck usually is because some random car was blocking next doors driveway off. I didn’t want that to happen. Off we went. When we arrived, I realised I had left my cap behind. I wasn’t going to get troubled by the sun so not a problem. I undid the padlock, drove in and shut the gate behind me. Then I secured the airlock gates, opened the pen gate and finally the paddock gate. I sent the wethers through and into the pen. I shut the pen gate and then opened the wall garden gate. I finally got back to the truck and drive down to the alpacas. From there we were able to unhitch the trailer. My father gave it the once over but did not say a word. That probably meant it was ok. He didn’t complain about anything but he didn’t compliment Neil on a good find either. Then I literally had to turn away for my own peace of mind and leave him to it.
I went to feed the alpacas and listened to the tractor disappearing. To distract myself, I rang Josh about the incompetents (HMRC) I didn’t have my ear phones so the phone was wedged between my shoulder and ear. Popcorn saw I was distracted and the arsehole spat at me. It was point blank range. The right hand side of my hair was filled with it. It stank 🤢I tried getting rid but it probably pushed it in further. I had to soldier on. We just don’t know how to approach things with the incompetents anymore so I’ve been in contact with an accountancy firm. After feeding the girls, I gave them a follow up email (accountants not alpacas) They instantly phoned me back. We had an interesting phone call. He reassured me that because I’ve sent a paper copy in, it will be sorted. The incompetents are months behind with paperwork so that’s why I haven’t heard back. In the meantime, they can hound me for late fees but don’t have the capacity to sort out the paperwork sent in! I assume they are understaffed and those staff are improperly trained but that’s not my fault! So now the roller-coaster of emotions I’ve experience over this whole episode has taken yet another turn. As a consequence, I’m trying to relax and trust this will work. My guts have been terrible of late due to this stress.
With that done, I walked back and saw the tractor, at a distance, put the final bale in. He took the tractor back and I opened the gates that needed opening and shut the ones that now needed to be shut. I put the wethers back and finally let the Peckys out. Luckily, there was still water left and they hadn’t broken any eggs. They were eager to get out though, fair play. I got the eggs, put them in the truck when he brought it back and shut the final gate before opening the main gate. He drove through and then got into the passenger seat. I padlocked it and we went home. There were even more cars out the front then including a works pick up opposite my driveway with two blokes in it.
They watched me reverse the truck into the drive. Perfectly I might add. When I got out the one shouted over “You did a great job of that!” “I’m much better at it when there are cars everywhere than when there aren’t cars. There was a bit of added pressure with you watching though!” A small win like that made my morning 😁 The first thing I did when I got in doors was wet the afflicted portion of my hair and scrubbed ot with washing up liquid. Getting rid of that smell was amazing! Neil messaged to say he would go to Tregurnog so I could have the afternoon to try and relax. I paid a bill and logged that on Sage while food was cooking. After dinner I decided to visit Jordan and Riley. On my way through Talbot Green, there was a miracle – a parking space outside La Trattoria. I pulled in and went to collect paperwork from Trustmark. I had a nice relaxing time with Jordan and Riley. I even gave her the money to pay for breakfast at market on Thursday. That would keep Neil happy 😂 Apparently, he will work hard, all year, if he gets free breakfast at the markets. Whilst he does have a big breakfast, it is worth it in the long run 😉
On the way back, I got diesel in Sainsbury. It’s my first time in that petrol station. It was quieter than Tesco and cheaper so I was happy with that. I took Skye for her afternoon walk and it was only then, just before 4, that a really fine drizzle started. It didn’t really kick in to proper rain until about 5.30. Upon reflection, Neil could have put the hay away. Better to be safe than sorry. I’m pretty sure my father enjoyed being behind the wheel of the tractor too! I made him a crumble then trained Skye and did the blog.
When I closed at Garth Hall, the Peckys came to meet me. They were soaking. They must have been out in the rain, they normally shelter in Barry. I went in and got the two eggs then that bitch Feral Beryl started pecking me again. The trouble is she goes for that bit of my leg that I cut on the car door. The scab has dropped off now. I don’t know why she’s fixated with it but it hurts when she gets me there. It’s just the right height for her though 🤦♀️ I did their water and fed them before feeding Rascal. My father admitted to breaking one of the barn chairs with the tractor, just before I left. Bit of a bugger that. I had a look at that and it’s shattered the wood on one of the legs. I’ll have to see if Neil can give it an artificial limb 😂
I’m a bit more rested and relaxed. I’m sure that won’t last long. Something is bound to happen. It always does 😁 It’s OK though, whatever happens becomes content for this blog!
Helen x
