|  | | Counting sheep: Anton checks his flock |
| |  I read recently that the number of DEFRA employees and ecologists looking over our shoulders (and such assorted power-houses in our economy) has now overtaken the number of peasants who actually  work the land! |
|  | | The inimitable "Farmer X"
Yet another instalment in the on-going saga of the cult-figure, Farmer X.
I was off to a sheep fair in my truck a couple of years back, with the first draw of the year's lambs for sale. On my way I passed our friend's yard gate.
He was stood in the middle of the shippon yard, leaning on his dung fork. (Seemingly a full time job).
As I trundled past we waved our good mornings, although a puzzled expression crossed his weathered countenance.
I thought no more of this brief encounter until I was several miles down the road. I noticed a Land Rover in the mirror, the same colour as Farmer X’s (Blue, but that doesn’t exactly narrow it down does it?).
 | A typical Devon livestock market |
This Land Rover followed me despite ample opportunity to overtake. When I eventually arrived at the sheep fair, some 20 miles distant, who should pull in beside me but our friend, Farmer X.
Wake up and smell the roses
Now I know the good gentleman through and through and he doesn’t market his sheep at this fair, being loyal to a different event the other side of the moor.
"Hello," I said, "don’t usually see you up here. Are you buying or selling?"
"Neither boyo," he replied. "Just wondered where you were off to so I hopped in the Rover and followed you!"
The strangest aspect of this happy rural scene is that, far from being an idle and nosey peasant farmer, he is an industrious man who gets through enough hard graft to kill a horse!
But he also takes a little time to "smell the roses" as he goes along life’s bumpy cart track. A lesson for us all.
Off to the smoke
I must shoot off now, have to organise the "Anton Coaker All Stars’ Sawmilling Team" who will have to cope without the boss for a whole week! How will they possibly manage?
The wife and I are taking the short noisy things (our delightful children) off to see Aunty and Uncle in the big smoke.
See you next time, Anton
 | Last month's diary > > > |  |
| | | |
|
|
