Winter Coats

The recent cold spell has persuaded some to dash to the sales for suitable clothing. We have taken to wearing warmer gear about the house to combat soaring energy bills. Until recently even those living outdoors with no permanent address might have been given credit - but no longer. Deserving or not the deer have to look to their own resources for added insulation, not yet qualifying for government grants. Their solution is a grow-your-own added layer which becomes more noticeable during and after cold weather. Not as attractive as the sleek red coats of summer and autumn but a lot more practicable. And that coarse knitted scarf could become fashionable.

There have been eight younger stags around Blacka during the last week or so. Now the mornings are milder they were out on the higher ground in the gloom before dawn. The familiar two hinds formed another small group some distance away.