exploding the myth of the rural idlyll

As you can see, it's not all glamour this pig-keeping lark.

It is so muddy where the pigs are at the moment that I have to wear waterproof trousers and walking shoes. Unfortunately wellies are out of the question because of a problem I have with my achilles tendon.

Sadly, waterproof trousers and coats don't stop my face/hair and glasses getting splattered with mud every time I go up there. Bring on the summer I say.

Hopefully nobody saw me taking this picture because the angle I had to lean over at in order to get my feet and the pigs in the shot was rather ungainly to say the least!

[Beryl Lloyd]

Ha ha !! bums up was it !! No , not always idyllic I agree --animals need tending whatever the day or weather Good shot despite your acrobatic approach !!

[🐞Lucy Dolittle]

Oh I feel for you jan! as I squelched through mud this morning I tried to see a positive (3GT and all that). I came it with at least it means we are not flooded. If only it would get colder we would stumble on the mud rather than slide into it. Do you being your boots in?

[Issi Bannerman]

Yuck! Good for you Jan - Happy, mud-free, New Year!

[Lee]

Brilliant shot. took me a second to work it out. 'Where There’s Muck There’s Brass'

[Cathy Donohoue]

Wow. That is really a hard working job.
Happy New Year.

[Padlock]

That looks like dropping yourself right in the brown stuff. On the other hand you do love it!!

[Jan Hall]

@padlock hmm, I must remember to remind myself of that next time I am slithering around in horizontal rain!

[Padlock]

Thought you would

[Tremerryn]

Oh dear, I do feel for you but what a beautifully taken and gloriously muddy shot. Wishing you a very Happy New Year and may the sun hurry up and come out!

[Pat Knowles]

A glamour girl you are to be sure Jan!! Ha ha I have never looked as bad as that....wellies would have been better & I do hope you have a good hose pipe!!
Worth it all though isn't it ...think of the lovely summer outside with these lovely piggies & the donks & goats!!
Happy New Year...I wonder if all that mud will be replaced by a different look for tonight!

[Margaret Brown]

I can smell it from here!! I remember it so well!!

[Hazel]

Ohhhhh, the mud! The colours are nice, sort of co-ordinating!

[Shepherdman]

Those that dream of an idyllic country life forget about the winter mud! At least I only have muddy dogs to contenwed with.

[Tony]

Terrific capture of that unusual subject.

[dh (delena)]

As a horse owner I am familiar with the issue of mud and this winter does seem to be especially bad, but at least I can wear wellies. We've been keeping Tai in for the last few days because we don't want him getting mud fever.

[❀ Lynn]

You look like you've been having some wet!! Over here they are so particular about how you raise the pigs...special barn, special clothes, no mud!!

[Donna]

Oh, for once I'm glad I've got my snow! Thank you so much for that, lol. Just be glad you didn't lose your balance with the shot (something that I no doubt would have done).

[Ruby]

Great shot!

[Jennifer Ruge]

Wow! That does not look like a whole lot of fun!