June Bug

My apologies for the lapse in posting. As summer kicks in, the workload has doubled. There is now as much to do outdoors as there is indoors, and I'm struggling to find a balance. Holly is keeping pace with barn cleaning and fence rotation and Mike is tending to the "big boys" camped at the top of the farm. We all take turns with bottle feedings and I handle the daily triage of minor issues. A lamb that spent too much time at the grain feeder has a poopy bottom (lucky Holly had the fun task of cleaning him up yesterday). Another ram lamb has a goopy eye that needs attention.  One of the ewes has slipped a leg strap and her coat is trailing on the ground. Nothing terrible, nothing earth-shattering, just the usual little random management tasks that add up to a decent chunk of time out of an already busy day.

And then there's the tackling of the  "to do" list in the studio. I'm chipping away at the summer Sheep Shares and special orders while fighting a bug I've managed to pick up over the last week. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to make me feel run down, sore and tired. I taught a 2 day spinning class last weekend and I think that really pushed me over the edge. My problem is I don't stop, even when I begin to feel under the weather, because there is simply too much to do and when it comes to caring for 100+ critters, there are no sick days. So I'm doing the best I can for the moment.

On the plus side, we've had a glorious stretch of weather and I have managed to spend a few moments of each day enjoying the pleasant company of pretty lambs. The dry sunny days mean that first cutting is underway and everyone is making hay. Norm managed to round bale our "long lot", a twenty acre piece on the easternmost side of the farm, yesterday just before today's rain. Got it off the field just in time.

"Saffron"  photo by Ben Barnhart

I'm also working on my garden installation. Yesterday, with help from Ivy Palmer from neighboring Pitchfork Farm, I got my lettuce, herbs and tomatoes into the ground. This may seem late to flat landers, but up here in the hills, we're right on time. We had frost warnings as late as last week here, believe it or not. Ivy has helped me rethink the layout of my veggie plot this year and I'm feeling energized by the changes. I love trying new ideas, plus it's way more fun to work in the garden with another person.

Ivy and lettuce.

This weekend I'm on the road again, off to the Big Apple to share stories and pictures of my flock with Big Apple Knitters Guild. Hoping to be over my June bug by then.

Pumpkin & co.

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Comments

[Manise]

Feel better soon! Have fun in NYC. I'm still getting my veggies planted too. Better later than never I say and I am never disappointed with the results. Looking forward to seeing what your plot of "crops" looks like!

[Marcia]

I'm still putting my garden in, too! Some things just don't benefit from being planted too early, even "down south" where we are! On the other hand, I think the ship has sailed here for lettuce and radishes until fall.

Hope you feel better soon...there was a nasty 2-week severe cold thing going around (sore throat, cough, extreme fatigue) that knocked me for a loop...maybe it was the sheep flu?

~Thanks. The sheep are fine - it's just me! Glad I'm not the only one still planting, from the sounds of you and Manise!~

[Jo]

i won't tell you to slow down because you won't!!! you sound like me, go go go until.
anyway, enjoy life, which you are doing ... you are always close to nature, you have the right ideals.
the babies look great and so sweet. i wish it was me going to my hometown, NYC....have a good time there and squeeze in some rest.

~ thanks, Jo, will do!~

[Valerie]

Sorry to hear you're not feeling well; please don't worry about getting the Sheep Shares done---it's more important for you to get a little rest if you can and get over that bug. I've never met anyone who likes June Bugs! Hope you're feeling better soon and able to enjoy your upcoming weekend events. Thanks for more cute lamb photos!

~Thanks, Valerie. The Sheep Shares work is actually the easiest part of my day. I hope to rally by the weekend.~

[Meredith]

Sorry you are feeling under the weather, even though your weather looks beautiful. When you are a Mother to 100 + little creatures you can't get a day off. Motherhood is tough, but at the same time the most amazing experience. Feel better soon,
Meredith

~thanks, Meredith!~

[Jody H]

Wow, I hope you're on the mend soon, Barb!

After reading your blog, I have a greater appreciation for the work of a shepherd and will now be more conscientious about buying "local."

Hope you're feeling better for your weekend.

~Thanks, Jody.~

[Leslie]

Thanks ever so much for going the distance. Even when you're not feeling 100%.

The flock is looking great. Loving spinning the fiber. Have fun in NY.

Leslie

~Thanks Leslie. Just boxed your summer share - hope to get them out this week, one way or another!~

[Minh]

Sending you good vibes so that you get better soon!