After last Monday's rain (we only had 3mm here) the forecast was for a week of fine weather. Right, we said. Let's get some hay cut. It's rather important that we get it in good condition. Our horses (at livery) are pretty picky and their owners even more so if the stuff doesn't smell completely sweet.
Anyway, we got it cut and sent in the turner. Twice a day we've turned it since and by last evening it was nearly ready to bale. But overnight the weather's turned cloudy and there's even the possibility of a light shower according to the experts. We had hoped to bale before the weekend but sadly that is now doubtful.
Saturday and Sunday could be a bit dodgy too with the possibility of a little light rain and cloud. However, we should be back to sunshine again on Monday and if baling has to wait until then, so be it. There seems little prospect of enough moisture to spoil the sample and you can't make good hay without sun on your back.
Once it's tied up and in the barn we will be looking for more rain for the arable crops. Although not as much as those poor people in the south of France have had. All the media concentration has rightly been on the flooding, the damage to property and cars and to the casualties. Nothing's been said about the damage to crops and farms but with 14inches falling in 48 hours it must have been pretty serious. I feel very sorry for them.