Archives for winter

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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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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Wind & Snow

January 3, 2010 | 3 Comments

For hours I've been watching this poor guy. He's trying remain upright in a strong wind in order to glean the millet and sunflower seeds that have blown onto the ground from the feeder which has been blowing sideways all morning. Hellacious wind all night and right through morning has caused some crazy drifitng. This bird, the only one I can see from my window today, must be very hungry indeed to spend many calories fighting for a meal. I'm reading Elizabeth Marshall Thomas' book, The Hidden Life of Deer which is making me think about wildlife's struggle for survival
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Enough Snow!

December 13, 2009 | 5 Comments

Today got off to a bright start that made me think the forecast predicting yet more snow was false (ha, ha, ha!). Gypsy and Butch greeted me at the gate, looking for treats. I was packing apples today, their favorite. Sometimes it's oranges, sometimes carrots, occasionally bread. Whatever, they love it all. By mid-afternoon the sky was full of fat white flakes, coming down wet and heavy. Unbelievable. So I skipped the errands planned for the day and hunkered down. Finished decorating my tree. The sheep have been loathe to leave the barn and I can't say I blame
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