Six Lambs

Edgewood, IL

Hello,

There are now a total of six lambs. Two sets of twins and two singles. For the three oldest today was the day to put on ear tags, trim tails, and, if male, castrate. I have been away from the farm for a long time. This bothered me more than I remember from the past. As you might imagine all of this is done without using pain killers, course that would be a stick just as the ear tag is so that is not such a big deal. The other two procedures were a bit more dramatic and in the lone male caused him to wail before going down on the floor and lying there for a while to recover.

Mama sheep were crying much more than the babies. As parents we can all emphasize with that hurt, panic, and desire to save.

I can understand the reasons for all of these procedures, but it is still hard to think that it is done. Some of the farm is gone from the girl.

We are still undecided about whether to leave tomorrow or the next day, but it will be one or the other. Today the temperature was around freezing with rain at times pouring down. We were happy to be in a place and not worrying about travel.

Leroy was hoping to hear about the job yesterday or today even though they had talked about two weeks. We both really want this job to be his, but know those other people must have a chance too. It will be well. That is my mantra for this time. Each day does indeed turn out to be a blessing in my life, why do I want more?

We are certainly enjoying picking out the black walnuts. What is even more satisfying is putting them on our oatmeal or tasting them in cranberry muffins. What in life could be better?

Paula