Saturday, March 3, 2012

In Like a Lion

The Shepherdess from Salty Ewe apologizes for the lapse in entries since the New Year. Life on and off the farmette has been busy has fulfilling, beyond expectations in many ways. Hercules has brought all kinds of good energy to us - his quiet and calm disposition is a welcome addition to the barn - and, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of lambs within the next six weeks or so.

The winter has been mild and with minimal snows. Our first real snow storm since winter, really, arrived this past week on March 1; we got over a foot here along the coast. The sheep stayed in all day, which is not ideal. Today, it's rainy and sleeting, with intermittent snow. A very grey day. Barn doors are open but they're choosing to stay in from what I can see so far.

Hercules as a lamb!
The anticipation of warmer days that will allow time in the garden, from early morning hours to late in the afternoon (until the mosquitos ascend) is building, and days like today add to that anxiousness. The garlic will pop first, and given the lack of cold temperatures and deep snow pack, I imagine that may happen sooner than later. Curious whether the mild winter will affect the harvest. Time will tell.

Such is the mantra of life. Time does tell. Stories unfold and life marches on, sometimes with unexpected twists that bring unspeakable joy - and sometimes deep pain. The delicate balance. Time telling truths. We wait for lambs and new life to grace our lives.