oops january just slipped away

As Ivor hits sixteen months old, with his first infection and cold we have been unable to visit the ludotheque (a games centre) which is sad, an amazing place with hundreds of games, which we can borrow and play at home. We went to the library and tonight, instead of the boys arguing they are in their respective bedrooms reading quietly. phew. thank goodness for books. Being a Wednesday, Fabien had rugby too, although he was so naughty that I nearly refused to let him go... the worst punishment ever for him. He has been oh so good this afternoon.
I was tempted to ask for advice on how to discipline children, no smacks, but when they are rude and refuse to do what I want... I admit to grabbing him by the hair. Is that just as bad as a smack?
The farm is resting for the winter, although the chickens seem to be having a happy moment, with 40 odd eggs picked up yesterday! I know what we will be eating over the next few weeks!
The sixteen sheep that are left seem fine, although the barn looks awfully large!
I noticed that the bulbs are looking good in the garden, lots of lovely shoots springing up...
We made Fajitas with our cockerel, it was great! Although I cut the meat too large, put too much spice in, and not enough vegetables, the children enjoyed the mistakes and agreed that next time it would be better (ha ha!)
In the garden I am cutting back the dead plants, spreading manure and putting straw down in the few hours of leisure time (that is a joke) that I have, with Ivor absolutely loving the manure pile, especially climbing into the hole I have dug.
I shall be pruning trees too, and putting manure around them. I have decided this year, as I am further away from the garden, to concentrate on a reduced area and hope to produce at least enough food for the family.
Naturally, even with the minimum effort that I am able to put in this year, we can expect the trees, the herbs and other perennials to do well. The artichokes are already looking magnificent, their colour is fantastic.
We had a selection of sheep transformed into Merguez, a spanish style slightly spicy sausage. I have heard back from people congratulating us on the quality of our produce. I have kept some in my freezer... come and try! bangers and mash à la française here we come!!!!!!!