Sunday, February 26, 2006

They know





It's a bright, sunny morning. We recieved at least 10" of fluffy, white snow, the farm is quiet under it all. I let the non-lambers out this morning and Daisy immediately walked the perimeter of their winter area, right to the spot Jessie had died, then she stood at the fence for the longest time, just looking out. Daisy and Jessie grew up together, they were inseparable. She never gave me too much attention because she had what she needed. Now she is at my side. It's interesting and I subscribe to the belief that animals do have connections, people and their own. They know loss and they show it if you are watching.

Friday, February 24, 2006

In memory of Jessie



We lost this most wonderful ewe today. We got to the barn this morning for feeding and somehow in the night she had gotten tangled up in the fencing and just couldn't free herself. Jessie turned 2 this month, she was a high- spirited, bouncy, happy sheep. She never really took on ewe status, still acted more like a 6 month old lamb. It has been a very long day; losing an animal, whether it's expected or not is never easy. Jessie will not easily be forgotten. The shearer came today as planned, so we did shear Jessie too. All the ewes are sheared, coats are back on, the straw is bedded high and the pregnant ewes are nestled in one barn, the non-lambers in another. The weather is supposed to be particularly cold for the next few days but all is well. We have 4 ewes ready to lamb within the month of March! The cycle of life goes on. But for tonight our thoughts are with Jessie as she climbs the stairway to heaven. She'll get in!

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

View from the udder side


So here is a picture of our Bea and her beautiful udder! I have been anxiously checking every day the past few weeks waiting for some sign that the ewes are bred, time is marching on, come on girls! Low and behold, Bea and Ashley are on their way! Now I know it doesn't look to promising but it's just beginning!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Entering blogland


Through a little help from my friend Caroline (who you can find at www.thefibercast.com, a true and devoted fiber lover and admitted computer geek!) I think I am on my way to having my own blogspot! I am thinking this will be a good place to keep you updated without formality. But if you like formality then visit my website at www.longridgefarm.com! Stay tuned....more to follow.