Mother’s Day was wonderful. Nice weather and a fantastic meal with Brian and my son at Kirkby Lonsdale – but now it’s back to business.

Lambing time here is around three weeks after those in Kendal and it’s all to do with being a bit higher up. The adopters are up and the pens are built in the silage pit, now my hospital. We lamb outside when possible but there are always some that need to come in for a little while. We have had problems with ‘staggers’, which is serious for the ewes and can kill them within an hour or two if not caught soon.

They have a large injection of calcium and some need a dose of vitamins. It can be caused by change and stress; the sheep that have had it have just come down from their winter home.

By the end of April Brian and I could probably do with a dose of something – it’s so stressful.

It’s also enjoyable so let’s hope for fine weather and happy sheep to make life a larl bit easier. I apologise now if I fall out with anyone due to lack of sleep.