We finally had an interval of temperatures below 0 °C. We even had a dusting of snow this morning. The donkeys' water trough was frozen again, and I had to break up the ice with a pitchfork. Ghostie did not like the snow on her feet and kept shaking it off. It wasn't much to worry about.
This cold snap means the vines will finally go into hibernation. In this dormant period, we can begin the winter pruning. As we have lots of commitments this week, I am targetting next week to begin. That's earlier than the feast of St Vincent, but we can still party on the day.
The donkeys are happy and feisty, waiting for their treats every day at the gate. I've been caring for them the last few days and it's always a treat to interact with them. I feel that we are finally getting to be trusted friends. It's a lovely feeling.
Neil Hannon, the musician, is the frontman and songwriter for the Northern Irish chamber pop band, The Divine Comedy. Hannon lives in rural County Kildare, Ireland, with his partner, singer-songwriter Cathy Davey. Davey is the co-founder of the animal welfare organisation My Lovely Horse Rescue, from where our donkeys arrived.
Hannon is a patron of the charity and has used the braying of one of their rescue donkeys on a Divine Comedy single. He has mentioned his donkeys in various interviews, discussing his life and music. He was on RTE1 this week. He also wrote music for Father Ted and other TV shows as well as the Willie Wonka movie.
