Letting Go

It was a big day here at the Salty Ewe, and even though I knew this day was coming, the reality of it didn't hit until after it was all over. Three sheep, including little Aztec the ram, were loaded into a truck this morning and then headed off for their new home in Northern Maine. A really great young couple is starting out with sheep, and they're adding a couple of other rescued crosses to their new starter flock. So, even though it is hard to see them go - but probably harder just letting go in general - knowing they will be well cared for and loved makes it all a lot easier.  Having some control when you have to let go seems to make it all a little easier. So, I am thankful to have had that this time around.

final pull from the garden yesterday

The cold came quickly, as promised. A hard frost on Friday night had me pulling up armloads of beans and peas in the dark - and the carrots and last bit of greens came up yesterday. The sun was out all day, but it took a good chunk of the morning for the frost to disappear from the lowest and most shady spots in the field. It was a full day of working in the gardens, reflecting on a summer that came and went with a blur. Summers can be that way sometimes.
The days are getting shorter now and many trees have lost their leaves completely, while others hang on with a tenacity that defies windy odds. I like those leaves the best; the strong ones. The sturdy and healthy stems will give way when they're ready. No sooner. And, then they will let go, too.