Despite the emergence buckets on the sugar maples, the landscape in western Massachusetts still reads "winter". The snow cover is measurable in feet. Just two days ago the entire woodland was spectacularly sheathed in ice. A trip to the barn calls for hat, gloves, insulated boots and a heavy parka. So it's a little hard to fathom that within three weeks we'll be welcoming newborn lamb here at Springdelle Farm. It's the surest sign of spring's arrival.
I am up to my eyeballs in fresh fleece and we have another round of shearing yet to go before the lambs make their debut. The busy exhilaration of late winter suddenly leaves me feeling that there are not enough minutes in each day. At least I have plenty to do while I'm waiting.
Speaking of something to do, several weeks ago I asked for your suggestions for a theme to use in naming the lambs of 2011.
I've listed the most popular (and some of our favorite) suggestions here. Now it's time for a little survey. Cast your vote for your favorite theme. One week from today, on March 17th, we'll tally the results and announce this year's theme.
Please share this post with anyone you think might enjoy the fun. Let the lambing count-down begin.
Oh wow! I'm going to have to think a few days before voting. Constellations would go so well with Sol's arrival at the farm, apple varieties is so regionally appropriate, but at the same time, the Shakespearean names have been on my heart for a long time. So many obvious names for twins - Rosencrantz and Guildenstern? Be still my heart.
Posted by: Kristy | March 10, 2011 at 08:15 PM
If you're a fan of Jane Austin, you could have a great time finding names within the pages of her books.
Posted by: Jean | March 11, 2011 at 07:50 AM
I'm so looking forward to the lambing season and I'm 1500 miles away from it. I can't imagine how exciting it must be for you in the middle of it. To see all those little ones come into the world. And the lamb races!!!!! I love the lamb races!!!
Posted by: Cyndy | March 11, 2011 at 08:39 AM
I was a bit surprised after I voted for Apple varieties to see that the majority of others had too. Just contemplating the most familiar apples and how the names would be perfect - Spartan, MacIntosh....
Posted by: Doreen | March 14, 2011 at 05:09 PM