It has been raining here now nonstop since last Saturday. Really heavy, accompanied by high winds, the kind you can't drive in. I set off yesterday to go to the bank and to buy some tiles and came back after three miles or so. It was too much, even in the jeep. This morning, when I went to check on the ponies, water has formed a channel right into their shelter and I had to dig a trench around the edge to make a drain and get rid of it. All their straw and hay was soaked and there were two inch deep puddles on the floor surrounded by mud. Poor Maisie and Tartine were huddled in the top corner of the field by the hedge looking so miserable. Anyway, they now have a clean dry shelter with fresh hay and bedding and I hope they have the sense to stay in it. Meanwhile, the lake at the back of the house is deeper again, though it is flowing into what will be the garden pond, which is now full of water! And more rain is forecast for the weekend. The only ones who don't care are the cats, who are nice and warm, and at least I have a good supply of cat food.