Still no lambs, and I no longer think anyone is 'on the verge.' I do this every lambing season. As bellies, udders, and girl parts swell, I start thinking the blessed event could be close. But when the end-stage changes occur, I remember what "close" actually looks like. Neither Vienna or Blaise looks like that yet. But Blaise is a bit of a wild card being a first-timer, and the other day in the pasture she acted very much like a ewe in early labor. How uncomfortable those lambs must have been making her! They have dropped some now, but are still extremely active. I took a snippet of video in which you can see her whole body shudder with their movement:
I got Bernadette sheared on Sunday; like Bridget, there was a well-fed young ewe under all that wool! She was very good even though she is one of my wilder flock members. I was able to roo around her face, upper legs, and crutching area, which speeds things up a bit. Rick and his wood-turning mentor hauled in a Silver Maple tree trunk while I was shearing, and Richard snapped a photo.
Rick plans on initiating the spalting process in that log before turning any wood from it, so he will have a long time to anticipate what it might become. I asked Poppy to jump up on it for scale.
Looks like Poppy is anticipating catching a bird!
That's it for today from . . .
8 comments:
Ah, the anticipation of new barn babies. Always keeps us on our toes! I hope lambing goes well. Looking forward to baby pics!
I, too, am. looking forward to the “baby” pictures.
It's a real joy to see and hear about someone who takes such good, conscientious care of their livestock. Sadly, not everyone does. :o( Your animals are lucky-duckies!
Waiting and wishing is the absolute best! The spirit of a good shepherd! Great post!
I use wool/linen pads for French Polishing. Otherwise, I don't know much about sheep. However, I am a very good wood turner! Has your husband discovered Bill Jones yet? If not, he should. Bill was a good friend of mine - and the undisputed world champion/dean of hardwood and ivory turners. He passed away several years ago at about age 90, and worked up until the end. There's a whole new world in store for him! Notes from the Turning Shop is worth every penny, if you can find a copy.
I hope lambing goes well, too, Leigh, especially since I only have two ewes expecting! And I can hardly wait to see if Blaise and Spot produce flashy babies.
Elaine, 😊.
I appreciate the affirmation, Mama Pea and wyomingheart!
Tim, I'll look that up for Rick. There is a professor at OSU who wrote a book on spalting; we heard her speak at a woodturners conference. I think he plans to get ahold of her to buy some specific spalting 'agents' for this tree trunk. I think his hobby now outweighs all of mine put together – horses, sheep, spinning/knitting tools, and fiber! 🤣
Michelle, I really enjoyed your blog, which I just now got to read. It's so interesting!
It really caught my interest, when you mentioned that Rick plans to initiate the spalting process on that huge log! I have seen wood items made from spalted wood, and always thought it was a natural process! Nothing like learning something new every day! I have no idea what is involved in that process. I do know that the finished product is absolutely lovely! I'm going to have to do some research!
Have a good day tomorrow!
Jeanne, spalting IS a natural process, but it can also be initiated and somewhat controlled by humans.
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