Spring Tease?

Winter flexed its muscle last night but today held early signs that winter is losing its grip. After a fast-moving overnight storm and a snowy start, by 9:30 it was low 40's. By noon the sun's warmth had melted the snow from the barn roof  and the traces of last night's storm from memory. 

Snowy late winter morning

Any seasonal shift infuses the barn with restless anticipation. Lots of jumping, jostling sheep as I doled our this morning's hay. Amy appreciated a quiet moment and a private helping of hay away from the frenetic energy in the barn.

Amy

The newly shorn yearlings, who look like a bunch of plucked chickens, were just plain nutty over in the big barn. I can't tell you how hard it was to get this picture of Chanel and Donatella – no one would stand still! Funny how the absence of wool makes their ears look so big.

Shorn yearlings

For the first time this year, the trees have that soft look, a slight reddening at the very tips of the branches that is one of the earliest signs of spring. As I turned onto Patten Road on my return from the post office, a flock of plovers pin-wheeled across my neighbor's pasture. They are among the first of the snowbirds to return each year to build their nests in the tall grasses in the meadow near the brook.

While I know today's weather may only be a tease, it still feels so good to have a taste of what's to come. Within the next week, we'll shear the rest of the cormos which is followed by the lambing count down. Then the real adventure begins. 

Thank you for continuing to send your thoughts for themes for naming this year's lambs. Just when I think I've made up my mind, another good idea is suggested. I will post our chosen theme for this year's lambs – and the winner of "Name the Lambs" here on Friday, February 27th.
Monadnock, belted galways late winter

I have a few more special announcements to make here over the next weeks. Stay tuned!

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copyright 2009. Barbara Parry. Foxfire Fiber & Designs. All rights reserved.