When midnight strikes it will be the 1st of November. Welcome blustery winds and fleeting snow. I hear that it gets quite chilly here in the Dales. A few candles, a stocked freezer, a good book…and if I’m lucky, our computer. Then, the snows may come!
Stay warm and enjoy a good toddy. 
Hannah Hauxwell has become one of my favorite individuals since I discovered her close tie to the Dales. I’m pleasantly reading through a few books on her life. I wish that Miss Hauxwell and Tasha Tudor could have met. They would have relished their friendship.
I hope that you might enjoy these videos as much as I have this morning, along with my cup of coffee. So pour yourself a cup and enjoy.
Who would have known that a sheep fair would be such fun? Tom and I had a great time! There was such a variety of breeds that I never knew existed.
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Excitement is in the air in the Dales today. September 24th marks the date for the Masham Sheep Fair, held since days begone. The sheep and cattle dogs are busy on our farm. We learned that the owner hopes to sell 2,000 of these animals today.
Here’s a snippet about the Fair:
Masham Sheep Fair – end of September. Masham boasts one of the largest and finest market squares in England, which was famous for sheep sales in byegone days sometimes with as many as 70,000 sheep being sold every year. The popular Sheep Fair commemorates these times, whist raising much money for charity, and filling the town with sheepy fun and entertainment. Judging, events, exhibitions – everything and anything to do with sheep! http://www.visitmasham.com/thingstodo.php
After spending the morning posting book reviews and updating web pages, Shammie & I took off for a long walk. No car engines or city sounds to be heard; rather, the air filled with the sounds of cattle, sheep, birds, and water. While walking along, it was a pleasant surprise when a pheasant or duck shot up into the air from the tall grass. At first their wings beat madly until they got their rhythm and sailed elegantly onward. I have come to realize that my 3 most precious items to have with me are my trustworthy Wellington boots (my wellies,) a rain jacket, and my walking stick.
Here are a few photos I hope that you’ll enjoy.
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Nidderdale Fair turned out to be a great experience for a city girl who has never attended a rural, county fair. Lots of people, lots of animals, lots of crafts and food.
A reader mentioned that she was on the lookout for images of sheep. Alas! By the time we had arrived there, the sheep and dog performances had been held. Not a sheep in sight. However, there were scores of dogs, many Border Collies.
Speaking of dogs, what has surprised me since living in the Dale is the number of Bichon Frise’s I’ve seen around. I had them pegged as pampered pets. However, they must have a strength and tenacity which I wasn’t aware of. So, my hat is off to these cuddly pooches.
If a person can be delighted in a chicken or a duck, the poultry and rabbit exhibitions moved me. There were animals there that I never knew existed. I’m including a video I created today to show you what I mean.
