Part 3

So we had moved in, There was a lot of sorting out to do. Both my husband and I run our own businesses and so time off “work” was limited. I generally work from home, John generally works on site. And so the 5-9 before the 9-5 was born!

Okay I stole this saying not sure from where from but I have heard it many times. 

However, it is just so apt to describe what ensued after we began living here albeit it was more like 6-10, I’m not great at the 5am thing.

Anyway it would go something like this:

• Get up and put as many layers on as possible

• Get the coal from the coal shed

• Light the stove attempt 1,2 ,3 and 4

• Let the chickens out

• Check the fire

• Feed the sheep

• Feed the cows

• Check the fire

• Feed the dogs

• Feed the cats

• Check the fire

• Get showered and ready (now there would be hot water from the fire)

• Check the fire

• Have a coffee

• Hot Tub maintenance

• Check the fire

• Do the ironing for the holiday let

• Begin work work

Yes when we first moved in, the only source of heat and hot water (unless it was a super windy day and we were not using the electricity generated, was to light a coal fire. I have a very distinct memory of it being about 6am and it was snowing and I was outside in my wellies and dressing gown filling up the coal pots. 

And yes we did know all this before we moved in. 

It was definitely a case of until you live it you don’t know. 

Either that or we had very blinkered eyes! 

I gained a whole new respect for farmers after those first few months.