Rodmell & Southease

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NASTY BUGS: There seem to be some nasty virus and bug problems affecting people at the moment, especially those who have decided to take a winter sunshine break. I know at least three people who have come back from warmer climes, only to go down with something nasty on their return, which leaves them low for weeks. Maybe it's the air on aircrafts that is responsible. Meanwhile walkers that have been doing the South Downs Way and have turned up here soaking wet and cold seem to be very robust in health, many in their 70's plus.

DOG OWNERS: Please keep your dogs on leads wherever you are walking in the countryside at this time of year, when it is lambing time and a nightmare time for farmers. This especially affected a poor farmer in West Sussex, in the West Dean area, who lost 136 sheep, many in lamb, because dog/dogs had chased them into fencing. This must have been a horrendous sight for the farmer to come across. This was a recent event. All dogs, no matter how well trained, have wolf genes in them and the hunting instinct. In many cases people who have beloved pets have had to have them shot or put down causing great distress. You can get long extending leads now so dogs don’t have to be too restrained. I have many people coming to stay here with dogs over the year and I always tell them, keep your dog on a lead as you just don’t know where sheep are present and it’s just not worth the risk.

SUNSHINE: It’s been lovely to see some sunshine and have some crisp cold days, just right for walking and getting on with the garden. Rob, who helps me with my garden, was pleased to be able to cut the lawns at last and the garden is looking quite neat and colourful at the moment. I love to be able to work or just sit in the greenhouse enjoying seeing everything shooting up or bursting into bud.