After Sandy

A quick post to let you know that, yes, we are all ok.  Sandy hit our mountains with over 2 feet snow and drifts even higher.  Like much of the rest of our state we are without electricity.  We have a wood stove, and that is providing warmth.
Yesterday, feeding was done with snowshoes, and the tractor got hay to the top of the hill and the sheep in the back pasture.  Monday, we stockpiled hay in buildings closer to the some of the sheep.  A lesson learned from past snowstorms. 
As sometimes happens with big snowstorms, the animals have begun to rearrange themselves because they can walk over the temporary fencing dividing the pasture.  Bella, for the first time ever, has actually sought shelter and has hunkered down with two ewes in their small shed.  Although you can’t see their fencing at all, so far the rams have stayed in their small paddock.   Just in case they decide to wander, the corral gate was shoveled out and closed.  And those lambs that were shorn on Saturday, well don’t worry about them.  They are tucked away snug in the barn. 
Thank you, everyone, for all your thoughts and prayers.   The blizzard warning has been lifted, but we’re under a winter storm warning today for three to five more inches.  Roads are getting re-opened, so hopefully the lights will come back on soon.  We’re praying for all those who were hit much harder and are so much less fortunate than us.  We’ll keep you updated as we can. 

Release the Bio-mowers

So… you’ve been in the peak of lambing season and barely get out of your barn clothes except to go to bed… it’s been raining cats and dogs for weeks and the grass has been growing equally as strong,   What’s a shepherdess to do?  Why, it must be time for the annual Release of the Bio-mowers!

Hestia and her girls know something is going on over there

most of the mamas rush in to take advantage of the new grass

some of the lambs decide to participate

while most decide it’s just a good opportunity for a nap

Pest Free

Davita

As soon as the barn door is opened, we are usually joined by one or more helpers during morning chores.  Whether it is tipping every bucket in sight just to see what might be inside, carefully watching the rabbit pen for real or imagined intruders or inspecting the feed and water in the brief period of time it takes to load the bed of the Ranger; these helpers take their jobs very seriously – protecting the feed stores by keeping the barn pest-free.

Spot