Spring is gaining slowly here. The trees are finally leafing out on the upper Patten. At the center of the farm (a drop in elevation of about 600') things are perceptibly further along. Warmer temperatures are elusive. Plenty of wind.
The pastures are greening up nevertheless. I have strong feeling that cooler spring is healthy for the lambs. We put them out in pasture every morning. Although they can return to the barn at any time, they mostly stay out all day. I know because I spy on them. The moms graze lustily. The lambs nap in the warm pockets on the leeward side of rocks.
When the sun intensifies, the mothers will retreat to the barn after morning graze. But until the heat (and the black flies) kick in, they are perfectly happy to picnic in the field all day.
The lambs are sturdy and robust. I'd like to show you the difference a week on pasture makes on their growth. The first three shots show the lambsters just over a week ago.
Gala (with Jonathan in the background)
MacIntosh (left) and Braeburn (right)
Pippin rules! First and largest lamb in the pasture.
Now check out some shots from dinner time yesterday.
MacIntosh
Pink Lady
Keswick and Fuji
See how they're filling out? A really nice bunch of lambs. Fuji (above) is IMO the pick of the ram lambs. He is the spitting image of his dad, Teaberry.
His pal Keswick (left) looks like his ears were dipped in coffee. He's got the same spots on his back side and hind legs.
No one knows what to make of Keswick's mysterious freckles, though we are having fun inventing explanations for this.
They are growing so nicely! What sweet little apples!! Did Chai have something to do with Keswick?? hmm...
Posted by: Lori | May 10, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Those are healthy looking lambs!
Posted by: A Rancher's Wife | May 10, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Thanks for sharing. I so much look forward to seeing the lambs. Enjoy!
Posted by: Kelli Page | May 10, 2011 at 07:40 PM
They all look lovely! Looks like cool spring days agree with all of them!
Posted by: Konna | May 10, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Oh My SO Adorable! They love the camera don't they? Lovely photos.
Posted by: MeredithJean | May 10, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Love the pictures and to see how much they've grown!
Posted by: Connie G. | May 11, 2011 at 09:19 AM
They don't stay babies for long. However, they are beautiful. You are so lucky.
Posted by: Candice Borrett | May 11, 2011 at 01:01 PM
So adorable. I am seeing Fuji mittens in my future, to accompany his father's :-).
Posted by: Peggy D | May 12, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Such beautiful little lambsters! I always wonder when I see your pictures whether they have any particular smell... milky maybe?
Posted by: Valerie | May 13, 2011 at 01:22 AM
I am most appreciative of these adorable photos. I would so love to have one of them for my very own. You are so fortunate to have access to such sweetness.
Posted by: sandra saitto | May 15, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Lamb photos are harbingers of spring, right along with tulips--your lambs are exquisite!
Posted by: Marie | May 16, 2011 at 04:37 PM