Day 76: Released from captivity

In a recent experiment, some wild animals were released from a zoo onto an island off the coast of Africa. They managed to survive in a form of harmony with the indigenous wildlife for a while, but finally had to removed and returned to captivity for their own good and for that of the local ecosystem.

It felt a bit like that here after tea today as we ventured out into the back yard with waterproof footwear, but otherwise as-we-were. Apart from the mountain and the large block of ice dominating the pond, there is surprisingly little evidence of the receding winter. Elsewhere in the area, flooding has taken over and it's certainly quite wet under foot in most places. Not that we have been actually stuck indoors very much, but going out was quite an effort, especially for Exile #4 for whom the snow has been more than knee deep for a long time.

We are basically doing well. Hot on the heels of Exile #3's sudden fever, Exile #4 has had one too - albeit only measured at a moderate 103 ºF. However, apart form being tired, they are both on pretty good form now. Exile #2 is also feeling healthy, although sleep is never quite enough. She had what we hope will be her last antenatal appointment today (if you don't count arriving at the hospital in labour!) so it's really just a waiting game now.