Easter eggs

We took a break from harps and lambing and decided to go for a walk. As we couldn't go far we decided to explore close to home. We ended up walking round Kildwick which was beautiful. Dave wasn't too sure about it at all but ended up really enjoying himself!

Dave's friend bought me a Thorntons Easter Egg but Dave ate it. Today he bought me a tellytubbies egg - on sale - he had waited especially until after Easter so they were on special offer.....!!!! (Now you know why his nick-name is 'Weasal')

Antoinette and Harry?

Two lambs so far - the first was named Harry by Harriet so the second should be Antoinette for my son, Anthony? A huge lamb, needed help to be pulled out so perhaps a large name is appropriate! (Yes, ALL our sheep names....and most of the hens too)

Onto harps - I have at last managed to listen to the cd on a normal cd player and I haven't done a bad job! I have actually managed to get the treble louder than the bass which is very bizarre but think we can correct that. Some gorgeous moments and I am really pleased with the way my own compositions are coming along. I seem to have gone in two directions at once - 'gypsy baroque' and uniquely, F-K's own.

I am waiting for paint to dry on a new sign I have made to advertise the surplus eggs to passing walkers. I have painted a sheep, a sheepdog, a cockrell ... and of course, a harp on it. I need to make a 'gibbet' to hang it off but for the time being the washing line will have to do.

The Earnshaw House in Haworth

The 'real' Earnshaws used to live in our house. Their daughter was apparantly a friend of Emily Bronte. By the end of the week the house will be full again! - I don't mean with harps this time but nearly all the family and friends staying for Easter. I am even having to make the beds in the attic - more of a bunk room but it has a staircase and radiators.

No lambs yet but the sheep are huge and pacing a bit. The first are due tomorrow.

Ended up walking around Skipton yesterday in the rain - showed Harriet's Mum a walk that I find fascinating up behind the castle on a walkway that runs inbetween the canal (old moat?) and the beck. Managed to park on the cobbles - a rarity on market day - due to the incessant rain no doubt! Started the day at the auction mart looking at sheep. Dave was trying to persuade me that these sheep were a cross between a cow and a sheep - very long legs, black fleece, white feet and black heads with a wide white stripe....

eggs and harp

I am feeling very stiff! Bruises all down my legs but the room looks good! I don't fancy moving that piano again! Actually got to glue the two main parts of 'Mystic-Al' today. This is to be the replacement for the traditional Elizabethan harp, Celesti-Al, as it needs re-stringing. Will take about 6 months to re-tune 93 strings so it's much easier to have a back-up harp.

My son and girlfriend, Harriet, are here to help with lambing. They got the lambing shed ready, a foot of straw and all the old gates/pallet boxes in place as dividers. Harriet also collected the eggs and washed them ready for selling in the porch. My next job is to draw on a sheet of paper the 3 different breeds and the different colour eggs they produce so that people can help themselves.

This afternoon his nibs and I took a break and walked round the old tracks above Hebden Bridge. Fantastic views across the valley as the sides are so steep and high. His Nibs, Dave, took loads of photographs - watch out a new video will hit the internet soon!

NB next concert St Huberts, Dunsop Bridge, Friday 9th April 7.30 pm