When last I checked in here, I was a year younger (at least on paper), I was as yet blissfully unaware of health crises swamping family and friends, all sheep were still living celibate lives, less rain and leaves had fallen, and we weren't in the midst of another pandemic lock-down. What a difference a week can make!
Late last Sunday afternoon, it was time for Spot to start fulfilling his destiny here. He had completed two weeks of quarantine in good health, and sweet-talking the wethers through the panel dividing them was going nowhere. So I haltered the wethers and tied them up in the barn to wait; haltered Blaise, Vienna and Sarai and led them to the 'honeymoon suite' (separated at first to get acquainted); then put the wethers out in the pasture with the younger ewes. Spot could hardly contain his excitement; his 'harem' was unsure; the wethers were confused; and the younger ewes were terrified! Thankfully all have settled down – more or less. On the 'more' side, the wethers and ewes have formed a copacetic flock, and the boys get to enjoy more grass and attention. On the 'less' side, Spot has settled down to focus on one ewe at at time, while the other two get a couple days' respite. I haven't seen him mount any of them, but I can probably count on one hand the times I've witnessed that over the years – and lambs still happen. 😉
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| When it was Blaise's 'turn;' crossing fingers for blaze-faced babies! |
I have photos of other things to share, but as this is photo-heavy already, I'll save them for another post (soon, I hope). And if 'counting sheep' isn't relaxing enough for you, here is a video I stopped to take on my way to work Thursday morning. The starlings are gathering, and I could have watched them all day! Not quite a murmuration, but mesmerizing (at least to me) just the same. Kind of like watching ocean waves; enjoy!
That's it for now from . . .
15 comments:
Oh, Michelle, the birds were amazing! The sheep all look like characters too. Is your ram a corriedale? I love the blaze face on blaze....
No, all my sheep are Traditional 1927® Shetlands, Kim.
Sometimes the only thing that gets me through the long winter, is the prospect of seeing lamb photographs! I've been watching the murmurations here and it is mesmerizing. We've also been enjoying the large flocks of Canada geese that are migrating through.
Awesome video! I also could watch them all day! In fact, I think I could wear this video out! Thanks for sharing!
I think that qualifies as a murmuration! So cool! And I'm pretty excited at the prospect of lambs in the spring. Your lambs, I mean :-)
"his destiny". Made me laugh out loud! So many choices!!
Well then, Susan, I'm glad to be of help getting you through a long NY winter! I seen and heard some geese, but not LOTS.
I don't think you can wear it out, wyomingheart; so glad you like it, too!
A, it wasn't the aerial dance I've gotten to watch sometimes, but yes cool just the same!
Well, it IS the only reason to have a RAM, Elaine. 😉 Well, except for Blake; he was a dear retiree.
I think that's a murmuration too... lovely lovely video... and sheepies...who can resist!
Very interesting post. And I also enjoyed all the comments. It's a must, to read them all.
I'm looking forward to the new lambs, when it's time. They're always so cute!
That was quite a flock of starlings! Fun to watch!!
Well, obviously I can't resist sheep, Mokihana, since I am encouraging the production of MORE. 😉
Jeanne, I don't think I've ever seen such an accumulation of starlings before; my video certainly didn't capture all of them. They were gathering all over our hill!
Aha! Hard to tell with coats on... but coats sure make for great fleeces! Do you sell through Etsy or a website? Or use them all up yourself!!!
Kim, when they aren't all reserved and/or sold by shearing, I advertise on Ravelry, but usually they are spoken for by repeat customers. My 2021 clip is already reserved.
how exciting- can't wait to see your lambs in the spring. I'm sure they will be gorgeous :)
Happy belated Birthday and hope it was wonderful. I do love Shetland sheep, those and Romney's are my favorites and what I used to raise.
Michelle, I wish you well and when God brings you to mind, you're tucked in prayer.
Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm
I certainly have high hopes, Denise!
Thank you, Sandra; it was fine if not wonderful. Your prayers are always appreciated!
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