March
We have already had some bookings for our new Beech Garden room - included in the price will be use of the hot tub which will be at the end of its garden.
The puzzle at the moment if it really is one - is what types of seed we should get to sow on the pasture that the pigs dug up last year. We want a traditional grazing pasture not just made up of grass but with clover, Timothy and some grazing herbs - everyone gives you good advice but of course everyone 's opinion is different - we shall just have to plump for a mixture and see how it grows!
February
More snow and yet more snow - I think we have had enough now
We will be able to take credit/debit cards from April to make it easier for you to book and pay the deposit.
We are now taking bookings for Beech Garden Room which will be open from the beginning of May. This will be an ideal place to holiday with your dog as it has its own little garden and a lobby for dogs that prefer not to sleep with their owners.
It is also a perfect romantic getaway room with its own front door,the garden with seating to take in the panoramic views and fridge for keeping that champagne cool!
There should be some really good Severn Bores this year - we can tell you the best places to see it from and it really is worth seeing especially the 4 or 5 star ones.
The Severn Bore for more info on this click here.
We are on the Alastair Sawday's site Special Places to Stay 
I have been in and out of hospital and we are busy making seville orange marmalade with variations such as Cointreau and whisky added to some batches.
John has had some Bat boxes for his birthday so we have picked a tree well away from the house in which to put them.
January
Maddie having her afternoon tea
The new piggies -( Oxford, Sandy and Blacks ) Ginger and Roger settling in 12th January
Jake warming himself after a strenous run!
December
Now the snow has decide to return - the chickens don't like the snow at all - they sit round all fluffed up.
John is busy filling up the log baskets as there is nothing better than sitting by a crackling warm fire when it is cold and grey outside.
We had a white Christmas here and then the snow went.
We have had a very small amount of snow but it makes everything look very picturesque.
The village pantomime is coming along very well - we are sold out already and are having to fit in another performance.
Beech room will be ready from March 2010 - it is a double room with kingsized bed and ensuite shower room. It also has a lobby with fridge and sink and coat drying facilities.
This room makes an ideal dog room if you are holidaying with your dog as it means they do not need to sleep in the same room as you - my dogs are surprisingly wriggly at night and always seem to be dreaming of chasing rabbits!
It has its own little garden and again if you are a dog owner there is a dog shower outside for cleaning muddy dogs who have enjoyed their walk! Actually it works just as well for muddy humans, wellies or coats!
We are going to be in the new Sawday's "Special Places To Stay" Book and from February on their website.
And with it the first really white frost - all the animals water containers were frozen up and the pond had frozen over.
It doesn't seem possible that in 4 weeks Christmas will be over and that 2010 will be starting - time just flies.
The chickens have settled down now we have moved them to their new house in the top field and are still laying quite well.
November
We have received Visit England's Breakfast Award.
This recognises the fact that Steep Meadow offers guests a high quality and good choice of breakfast plus service and hospitality that exceeds our 4 star rating. We are very proud and pleased!
Our intrepid guests have gone cycling around the Forest despite the weather - cycling or walking amongst the trees lessens the impact of the wind a little bit. It was very windy here last night even one of my hanging baskets was blown of the hook but the pansies seem ok at least they got a good watering!
Misty moisty morning and the hair on Emma and Elliot has gone all curly with the dampness and of course they have grown longer coats for the winter.
Bonfire night - John is helping with the fireworks at the Rotary bonfire in Monmouth - when you watch from our windows as you can see the fireworks from several villages and Coleford. Fun for us but not for the animals who will be shut up early tonight.
We have been able to make our own apple juice for guests this autumn - delicious first thing in the morning. It is interesting how the different varieties have very different taste and flavours and the goats enjoy all the residues!
We are making good progress with Beech Room which will open in 2010. It will have a super king bed or two singles, an ensuite shower room and an entrance room. Plus it will have its own garden and seating area where you can relax and take in the views.
It will also be good for dog owners as the entrance room will be suitable as a dog room and there will be a dog shower outside - ideal for muddy dogs or wellies!
October
The weather has changed but despite it being rather blowy our visitors have been out exploring the local paths. The woods look lovely now but there is still quite alot of green about.
The cows are fine so are the goats, in fact all our animals seem to be doing well : even the bees as it has been so mild are still out and about visting ivy and the last autumn blooms.
Pantomime rehearsals have begun in the village hall on Sunday evenings so we are only able to do cold platters on Sundays from now until end of January.
The cows have just had their TB tests and so we hope they will be OK.
A little bat flew into our upstairs sitting room last night and made itself comfortable down the side of a chair - it took John awhile to gently remove it and pop it outside again.
We have been busy trying to find local suppliers for oil and have found R oil , which is made in Gloucestershire . It is cold pressed rapeseed oil grown in the Cotswolds and is lower in saturated fat than Olive oil (R-Oil: 7%, Olive Oil: 14%). We think it has a lovely taste. It is used in such places as Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons, Oxford, where Gary Jones is Head Chef, the House of Lords and the Dorchester.
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