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Spring Shearing

rabbit and friends

This years shearing day went perfectly!  Lovely weather and a smooth progression.  Every year is slightly different and exciting as it shows the wool from at least six months growth.  Twenty seven in all were sheared this time; seventeen Wensleydales, seven Karakuls and three Corriedales.

rabbit and friendswaiting for shearing

 

 

 

 

 

I often have some anxiety the morning of thinking that my little darlings are hungry and are going to be slightly uncomfortable even if only for a few minutes.  As soon as my shearer John arrives though he calms me down just with his presence.  That in turn calms down the sheep as well so everyone becomes more relaxed.

john sanchez shearingDSCF8105

 

 

 

 

 

Joy post shearingDSCF8111

 

 

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The Barefoot Shepherdess

I don’t feel envious of other peoples lives very often but I found myself feeling that way today.  A customer of mine, Victoria, who recently bought a cat cave from me, mentioned I should check out this woman referred to as The Barefoot Shepherdess.  I went on youtube and found myself immediately enchanted and captivated by this woman and her traditional farm in the Yorkshire Dales of England.

She is famous for her barefoot walking tours and fashionable wool tweed ensembles and has gotten quite a lot of press from the BBC and other media outlets.  I, of course, am more drawn to her gorgeous farm and sheep work.  I like her aesthetic style but think I’ll stick with my tee shirt and jeans with coordinated muck boots!

I do not have the kind of space or soft green hills that she does so I wouldn’t dream of walking my rocky homestead barefoot.  But it does look like a heavenly way to look after the flock, check fence lines and look over the lush hillsides.

If you want to check her out in action try this youtube clip:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozm4tdwluhk

She also sells her eye catching outfits on her website:  http://www.shepherdess.co.uk/

barefootshepherdess

 

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At last- out to fresh pastures!

sheep in left field

 

Joy!  The sheep are able to do what they are born to do – graze!  They fields have dried out enough that I have moved them into three of the four fields, moving rotationally so it’s easier on the land.

They are so happy and contented this time of year.  The grass is cool and lush, the weather is in the 70s, they can come and go as they please.  It is absolute bliss.

When they are stuck in the barnyard and they see me before the evening feeding they will all sing a chorus of “we are bored and hungry, please feed us now”.  These days though there is this wonderful quiet due to happy sheep with full bellies.  Pretty heavenly.  Their feeling of peace is thankfully contagious.

Wish this could last forever but hot, dry days will be here before we know it.  Better enjoy each moment of this season while it’s here…

Dandelion and friends