Archives for animals/wildlife

You can take the girl out of the country . . .

February 4, 2010 | 3 Comments

. . but you can't take the country out of the girl! Proven true when I accompanied Mike on a quick jaunt to the city earlier this week. The photos in this post reflect what most captured my attention and lens on Monday afternoon. While I enjoy taking in NYC's impressive architecture, urban landmarks, the dizzying number of places to do serious damage to the wallet and the fashion-ista parade on Madison and 5th, I still gravitate toward the city critters. Since there are no sheep to feed in Central Park I found myself at the duck pond at dinner
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Out and About

February 1, 2010 | 6 Comments

Today feels downright tropical, with morning temps in the mid twenties. The sheep are out in the yard, basking like lizards in the sun. Kona, Coral and Violet are doing much better and clearly are getting restless – tired of being cooped up in the milk room. Last night they were baaahing loudly, missing their friends, complaining about the lack of wi-fi. I think they're ready to return to the barn ;^) Holly has the reigns for today as I need to be out and about. I stopped for a moment to admire a neighbors' horse standing roadside and thought
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Preggers

January 29, 2010 | 9 Comments

At this time of year, the milk room is our warming spot. It's heated, there's a table and a place to sit, hot and cold running water, a telephone, a microwave oven, a fridge. There's even a blender, in case anyone wants a milkshake. But the best part – it's large enough to build a couple of good sized sheep pens in the center and the concrete floor has a drain, so it's also easy to clean. Handily located, just off the main aisle of the birthing barn, this room has been a godsend on many occasions. LIke today for
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Coyote Tracking

January 24, 2010 | 4 Comments

I spied a coyote zipping through the hayfield this morning just as I was getting into my car. Had I looked two seconds later, wouldn't have seen him at all, and everything happened way too quickly for me to grab my camera. Anxious about being out in the open, he scooted across the road near the ravine, heading toward the paddock where the bred ewes spend their days. After feeding the flock, I back-tracked to see if I could tell what he'd been up to. From the looks of all the fresh critter tracks in the snow, he was after
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Crackerjack

January 23, 2010 | 12 Comments

I'm not sure how we've managed to score another perfectly fine Saturday, but I'll take it. While last weekend's post featured a moment with Caitlyn, my diva llama, this morning I had a moment to appreciate what a truly amazing friend Crackerjack is and how fortunate I am to have him in my herd. A few weeks back we placed him with the bred ewes in the birthing barn since we're nearing the time of year when his guardian role is needed to protect our newest and most vulnerable flock members, the lambs. I couldn't ask for a more patient,
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Fruit Loop

January 20, 2010 | 6 Comments

Have you ever wondered if goats prefer strawberries or clementines? The answer is: both! Gypsy is our little fruit loop, brightening our spirits on an otherwise gray morning. Thanks everybody, for your very kind words about my blog, in response to Monday's post. The contest runs through next Tuesday (which means I'll announce a winner by 7 pm EST Tues. evening). The rest of the Sheep Shares Farm Yarn memberships are going fast. By the end of the week, the contest may end being the only way to get one. Please spread the word!
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Saturday, Sunny-side UP!

January 16, 2010 | 12 Comments

I'll be brief since I'm sure we're all outdoors today, enjoying sunshine and warmth. I'm soaking it up since tomorrow I'm teaching all day, and then we're due for more snow. I didn't mind taking my time with barn chores today. Not one bit. Caitlyn mugged for the camera at breakfast. The maiden ewes kicked up their heels, frisking along behind me as I carted their breakfast bale outside this morning. What a delicious Saturday. Wishing you a happy weekend.
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Visitors & Weekend Scenes

January 11, 2010 | 4 Comments

Lazy greetings. Cilantro, Teaberry & friends at afternoon nap. Winter feedings: gold finch and sparrow. Buster, nattily dressed in my purple sweater – minus sleeves (sacrificed for lambie sweaters last spring!). I'll leave off with some scenes from and a few words about my St. Distaff's Day gathering on Saturday. I so looked forward to this coming together of a handful of die-hard, local fiberists who I knew would be here regardless of weather. On my iphone calendar I had written the word "FUN" starting at 4:30 after evening chores. And it was. Cozy. Great friends. Scads of fiber. And
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Sheep Moves

January 9, 2010 | 6 Comments

One of yesterday's tasks was moving the little ladies from the open barn on the west side of Reynolds Road to the birthing barn on the east side of the road. The wind and driving snow added to the chaotic frenzy and, after weeks of same-ness, the girls were thrilled to have a little adventure. Holly at the lead. It was snowing pretty hard! The dash through the gate. Cognac takes a little detour to flirt with the boys. Signs of sheep traffic. The scramble to the big barn. The little ewes will stay in the big barn until shearing
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Winter Thicket

January 6, 2010 | 7 Comments

It's cold, but pretty here today, I went hunting in the thicket behind the barn(need some wild grape vine for a craft project). Had a little company. I can tell from the lack of hoof prints, the sheep haven't explored much beyond their feeders in recent days. My walk with the camera and pruning shears sparked some interest and they investigated the thicket with me. Here's some shots for your sheep (and goat and llama) viewing pleasure. copyright 2010, Barbara Parry. All rights reserved. Feel free to share a link to this site. Please do
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