Mrs Down's Diary

No-one was happier than John, though. He couldn't wait to get back to his cows, sheep and dogs, and we were not allowed to stop for any stocking-up of provisions on the way home from the airport. Fortunately I had planned for this and am currently in the midst of a major defrosting operation.

Geoff had looked after the farm well and there had been only one casualty. An old Friesian cow had died.

She calved about a fortnight ago and John had treated her for mastitis (an infection in her udder) soon after. She seemed to have responded well but Geoff was concerned over her and called the vet in. Sadly, despite treatment, she expired. Another orphan calf to foster.

The best bit of our holiday was a day spent with a guide, Stephen Daly, bird watching.

My sister's house, where we were staying, is in Andulacia. Salt marshes, beaches and the sierra are all readily accessible. Our guide took us close to the famous sherry-making area of Jerez. And into the bodegas.

Despite generous samplings of wine and sherry, we managed to refocus on the day's activities and head off to birdland.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette March 12