Friday, March 06, 2009

Sun and shadow

As forecast, today dawned clear and sunny, after a cold, grey, blustery day yesterday. (The photo above was taken a few miles away earlier in the week, when the weather couldn't decide between the two.) After leading the sheep to pasture this morning, I noticed someone else had taken up residence in the sheepfold:A bed of hay in the sunshine - the perfect spot for a cat-nap!

After finishing chores, I did a visual final check on the sheep. I could see everyone but Inky; where was she? I expected to see her grazing or napping in the sun, but had to walk into the stand of firs to find her:I guess a belly full of babies generates enough heat that she didn't want any "solar gain" effect on her black wool!

Looking out from under the firs, I spied my beautiful Butter:You more experienced shepherds convinced me; I do believe she is pregnant! If she has a single gulmoget lamb, Garrett, you may have to fight me for it!

On the way back to the house, I snapped this shot of Braveheart eating in the shade, with sunlight streaming through the woods beyond:Between his tattered neck from Russell's "grooming" and his shredded coat, he looks like Raggedy Andy, but I still think he's a really handsome little ram. And he's become a tail-wagging sweetheart again, now that his hormones aren't raging.

That's it for now at . . .

8 comments:

MiniKat said...

It's so nice to be able to enjoy the early bits of spring finally. I'm thinking about guesses for the lambs!

Anonymous said...

MiniKat told me that if I needed a dose of spring, I should visit your blog. I am glad that I did. It is a very enjoyable visit and I really like your blog. Thanks for sharing your animals with us.

Michelle said...

Well thanks so much for visiting, Doreen - and thanks, MiniKat, for recommending my blog!

Claire MW said...

Wonderful pictures Michelle. I just love the one of Inky under the trees. At a glance, she could be a sleeping black bear!

I saw your comment on Punkin's Patch about the horse umm..."fluffs" and nearly laughed myself silly. You definitely win on that one!

An English Shepherd said...

More lovely pictures :-)

thecrazysheeplady said...

What would we do without our kitty barn friends. I just can't imagine it.

And I agree - I laughed my head off at your horse "fluffs" comment :-D We're all crazy. and. it's. okay.

Kathy said...

Isn't it great when those pesky hormones go away? I can hardly wait to see what Inky has. She looks like a wonderfully wise ewe.

Hugs from the AZ Shepherdess on walkabout Down Under

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Lovely photos all, but you know I just have a thing for those 'orc' colored critters. A catnap sounds like a splendid thing to do!

~Lisa