Sue Woodcock: Youthful voices and Verdi provide a welcome boost

The drains were covered in this film of ice, too, and as it got a little warmer, it came down, leaving strange sculptures by the walls. I noticed the goats investigating, and during the course of the morning, these shapes were scattered round the yard. The whole place looked like a modern sculpture but I’m not sure what of. I haven’t considered my goats to be artistic creatures, but they are forever surprising me.

I was offered a washing machine – provided I collected it. My friends were terrified I would hurt my back or rupture something picking it up. Far from it. I loaded it easily into my car and then stored it neatly in the barn until I can plumb it in. Once I have rearranged the kitchen, it will prove a great asset.

Another friend donated some limestone chippings to cover my farmyard. With great skill, the lorry driver tipped them and I spent the rest of the day levelling them and raking them. I slept well that night and instead of being covered in brown sticky mud, the hall is now a grey colour, at least until the chippings settle.

I had a wonderful change to my routine. One of the women from the church choir was in an opera in Leeds, and I decided to go and see it – a superb performance of La Traviata by the Leeds Youth Opera. I have seen this at La Scala, Milan, and at Glyndebourne, but this production was by far the best.

Back home, I came back to earth with a bump. Next morning, snow was covering the ground. The sheep were bellyaching for food, the chickens needed feeding and the dogs needed a walk. The ground was still soggy underfoot with a slippery covering to catch me out.

With the snow came thick mist and, at times, white-out conditions. Trying to find a dog in this is not easy if the animal does not want to come in.

Fair is especially wayward in this respect. She lies just out of sight waiting for me to find her. She likes the personal attention when I seek her out and comes in grinning.

I was out getting the coal in when a man appeared at the gate. The dogs rushed to greet him and I went up to see what he wanted. He was looking very scared, especially of Fair, who was grinning again. It does look as though she is snarling. I put the dogs away and discovered he had come to collect the scrap metal I had arranged with a friend to be removed.

Together, we assembled a motley collection of old buckets and other bits of metal and loaded it into his truck.

I would only allow someone I knew to do this as I do not want strangers snooping around. I am aware that there are a number of metal thefts, especially around here, and I was glad to get rid of what I had.

At least I know that the dogs will sound off if strangers appear. McWoof has decided it is his role in life to protect me and, being a large dog with a deep bark, I am comforted by this.

The fact that he then adores anyone who I tell him is a friend, and wants to wash them thoroughly, is irrelevant. It is the perception that he is a guard dog that I need.

He is the most affectionate animal and is so grateful to have a happy home. He and Boo are inseparable now and play together for hours.

Having secured my socks and underwear, they have turned their attention to my wool, especially any fleeces I am spinning. Their mission in life seems to be to get me to keep the house tidy. I suppose I should be grateful.

The weekly quiz was well-attended because it was half-term. I raised a good sum for my animal rescue charity, West Yorkshire Animals in Need.

The two foster cats who inhabit my front bedroom are still looking for a home. They have now accepted me and are very affectionate.