Accidents

Sandy spared us along the coast of Maine, but many of us are very aware of the pain and devastation the storm caused to the south of us as we head into the season of giving thanks. Timing and luck. So much comes down to these two variables - neither of which we can control. Trying to be prepared for whatever comes our way is all we can do, really.

Having extra fence posts in case the sheep knock down the fence, for example...

old Bill's eyeball...

Last week, I was talking on the phone with my mom and looking out the window - something I'm happy to say we do a lot. On several occasions, I have had to hang up quickly because the sheep were out or an errant dog was in the field with them; but, last week was a little bit different. I did not call her back right away. All but three sheep were out. This is not good.

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence this time of year. It's not just a cliche for them; it's reality. So, when more sheep are out than in, the challenge becomes herding them without a sheepdog. I know how to move around them like a herding dog would - and, sometimes they follow, but with the abundance of lush, green grass all around them, it was an impossible chore. After over an hour of walking in circles, they were in. I was tired and should have known better than to start throwing around sharp and heavy objects.

A concussion has kept me from doing much in recent days. The fence post hit ledge, and the fence pole driver backed up and nailed me in the head. Miraculously, I did not crack the skull or lose consciousness, and good samaritan builders who were working nearby came to my aid. To think I had been embarrassed about the show they'd had with me trying to corral all of the sheep for an hour or more...shepherding with ego is impossible.
All in all, the salty shepherd is mindfully thankful for more than ever this season.
Timing and luck.