Weaning the Lambs | Foxfire Fiber & Designs

The lambs huddle around me in the barn. With the shift of independence from the ewes, they've become more interested in our comings and goings. When I arrive they press in like this. They butt me in the legs and nibble on my camera strap. It's a nice way to start the morning.

This group has made the transition of weaning quite smoothly. Just one very noisy night and then quiet. Except for when we arrive. They shadow Crackerjack, their new leader and we count on his help in getting them where we need them to go.

The mother's are drying off well. I checked udders while doing rounds yesterday. A couple of them are still a little bagged up, but each day I can see a slackening as their milk supply eases. I can tell they were so ready for a break. There's been no calling for the lambs at all.

I'm finding myself with energy for light farm tasks: patting down udders, checking fence lines, filling buckets, pulling an occasional weed. Early morning or evening are my best times, when the sun is low in the sky. I'm grateful for Mike and Holly's help; they're bearing the lion's share of the chores.

I've really appreciated your continued healing thoughts. My cardi-care is going well – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Baystate Franklin in Greenfield. The gals who run the rehab program are awesome. Each week I step it up a notch. I can't tell you how good it feels to be moving after sitting still for a while. I don't do that very well! I still crash late afternoon, almost every day but allowing myself to take a break (while it feels horribly indulgent) is doing my body a world of good. Even if it's just to read or write or knit or contemplate my navel for 30 minutes.

happy monday!