Thursday, March 15, 2018

Deja Vu All Over Again

We've gotten stuck in a repeating pattern of nor'easter type storms about once a week.  A wet snow of around ten inches plus wind yields miserable conditions for being outside and drifts that have to be slogged through or cut through with shovel or tractor. 


The little birds appreciate the seed we put out, especially in these late winter months when natural food is scarce or buried.  We've started to get a nice sized flock of goldfinches along with the juncos and sparrows.



Sheep chores remain the same - feed twice and water four times a day.  Trudge, trudge.


And Beggar's Row is always full of hopeful faces as we walk back and forth.

L to R:  Nora, Kahlua (aka Crazy Jumper) and Luellen

More often now the days get above freezing and cause the overhanging snow to form icicles.


And when the storm passes and we do get a sunny day it really boosts morale (even if we have to break a new trail to the barn).


Fresh snow is especially tasty, even when the water buckets are full.  Notice the nose marks in the snow of the foreground.


The shadow on the wall shows how much the snow wilts and droops from the east facing barn roof as it starts a slow slide off.  It's good the sheep don't have access to that side of the barn as a sudden avalanche could bury someone.


And the sheep linger in the yard a little longer before pressing on to see whether the hay in the barn or feed bunk is better.


"Hmmm, follow the hooman or stand in the sun?"

"I'm going to go eat.  You can't grow this much wool on just sunshine."

Eeesh, she is really hanging out of that coat.  It's a good thing shearing is going to happen soon.

6 comments:

  1. Robin! I really admire your fortitude in keeping up with chores and this weather while seeing to your flock. Spring cannot come soon enough! Thank you for sharing these great photos!

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  2. Always love your pictures and stories.

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  3. With this cold weather, bet you sometimes wish you could grow fleeces on yourselves. Kahlua is looking especially lovely in her fleece...

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  4. Hoo boy, those ringlets! I just worked a shearing this past Saturday in Colrain, MA, right on the Vermont border. Snow was up to here (hand above knee), but it's better to shear the sheep before lambing if that can be arranged. All the fleece is beautiful, but I was struck by the way the fine-wool fluffs open when the blade releases it, like ripe cattails. You're going to have a VERY busy shearing day!

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