A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

​A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland

I must start off with apologising that this article is a few weeks late coming out, quite simply put I was away for Christmas, New Year and a bit of time into January, upon my return my feet have not hit the floor running, I have been gliding in all directions.

You see back in September of 2023 I was badly hurt in a serious industrial accident at work, within this fortnight I was also poisoned by my medication and my body has had a major reaction to these Med’s and others, this in turn has caused a series of chain reactions in my body, but as always I struggled on forging forward leading my troops into battle, I made an oath long ago, that was I would never let my Young Sports down and I never have yet, unfortunately this has caused some other health issues, my Doctors haver ordered me to take a complete rest, so this I did and I went to stay with some very dear friends in the Welsh Mountains who are working sheep farmers.

A bit of a busman's holiday really, I spent most days out on the hill being driven around in the farms 4x4 buggy, my dogs Goose and Tilly enjoyed this too very much, I cant stand for long let alone walk, so my dear friend drove me everywhere, I think I need to get one of these 4x4 Buggy’s they go anywhere.

Each day my friend would go out on the mountain to check his flock and I and the dogs would join him, he would stop and say here is a good spot to let the dogs work the vast bracken banks, whilst he went on foot to check his flock, Goose and Tilly loved this very much, it was like a sea of Bracken and the dogs lapped it up, bolting rabbits, hares, squirrel, fox and other game, I didn't really shoot I just sat there letting them enjoy themselves, occasionally I gave a command or two and got them going, but for me I didn't want to disturb the peace and quiet of the mountain, plus I was getting more enjoyment watching my dogs work from my comfy seat in the 4x4 buggy.​

I must say I and the dogs had the most wonderful time, we really did not want to come home, unfortunately we had too as I have a plethora of hospital appointment, tests and treatment to deal with in 2025. I must say all of this really has taken the wind out of my sails, but as always you cant keep a good man down, I will find a way to function even if it is with less vigour than before, there is also my oath to never let the young sports down too, this oath keeps me fighting on and not just vegetating on the sofa.

I spent my birthday over there too, I went for a wonderful meal with some Welsh Masonic Brethren and their families in the village pub, a roaring log fire, a cracking pint of Guinness, wonderful food and Fantastic company, what more could I ask for to celebrate a birthday that was hard won, for I almost checked out this year, I am very grateful to our wonderful NHS all the doctors and nurses and other staff I telle.

I even got to see a Welsh Masonic temple, meet some more brethren who are also great shooting men, visit some real culture and try some wonderful traditional Welsh food.

As for the weather we had everything known to man, High Winds, Rain, Floods, -5 frozen and frosty, the best part of 8 inches of snow, to scorching hot and everything in between, I must say I love the Welsh Mountains, the variety of everything, the friendliest and most generous people, the food and drink, just everything, there nothing I can say I dislike, apart from having to leave this Countryman’s Winter Wonderland, even having a tree come down on my little Railway Carriage/Log Cabin Home was an adventure, my friend using a chain saw as the key to let me out in the morning, yet again another story to add to a life times tapestry, The Lord always looks after me and gives me a tale to tell to those who will listen.

I must say when we pulled up at home and I let the dogs out, the sombre look on their faces mirrored my own, oh no were back here, no more rabbits to chase.

Because of my health I have decided to take more of a back seat from now on, sort of semi retire, so you wont see me at all the shows from now on, just the select couple, of course my team will be at them all, but I personally wont be, so please show my team the love and support you have done so for me all these years, I will still be here writing my humble scribbles and making the odd cameo appearance, but for me now, I want to smell the roses and drink the wine after a lifetimes hard work, plus spend more time inspiring my Young Sports and less time with all you Hairy Back Sided Ole Blighters.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humble scribbles as much as I have enjoyed writing them, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a belated Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous NEW YEARS.

A Countryman’s Winter Wonderland​

By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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