Following a snowless December, 2012 is off to a cold start. I don't mind the cold, nor do the sheep.
Our rams and wethers are still in the paddock behind our house at the top of the hill (except for Chai and Cinder, who are down at the farm for breeding season). In most years, we've moved everyone down to the big barns by this time. This season, we're waiting for weather to force the issue. As soon as we hear snow in the forecast, it will be time to bring all sheep back to the farm for winter.
In the meantime, we're enjoying not shoveling and plowing snow. And the boys have enjoyed getting to know our new puppies. Farley and Zoe help Mike with sheep chores.
And the puppies are now uber-brave about approaching the scary sheep at the fence line. Sometimes they have stare downs. Mostly the sheep win, and then they butt the fence. The pupsters skedaddle.
Sorry for the long blogless lapse. Raising two pups is a huge energy/time vacuum. Add to that running a sheep farm and a fiber business. Then throw in the wedding of my son(!) and the holidays. It's been a hectic few months.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Wishing you a bright start to this new year!
Great update, Happy New Year and congratulations on the wedding. The pups look like they are having a blast.
Posted by: Stephanie B. | January 05, 2012 at 01:34 PM
I'm so glad to hear from you, it's a relief to know you are okay. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was worried about you. I love the top picture. It would make great note cards. The sheep look pensive and inquisitive; hmmm, is that doable at the same time?
Did the bride have something wooly to wear?Congratulations on your son's wedding. I hope you've had some relaxing time.
The puppies are adorable. I bet the staring contests are a hoot.
Smiles,
Posted by: Cheryl | January 05, 2012 at 05:09 PM
So good to hear from you - was getting concerned. Congratulations on the wedding and Happy New Year!
The puppies are sweet, raising young ones, human or furry is a job! but lots of laughs,
Posted by: Lisa | January 05, 2012 at 05:57 PM
Happy New Year Barb!! Enjoyed your update ~ great photo of the puppy being bullied by the sheep...too cute.
Posted by: Ellen | January 05, 2012 at 07:19 PM
Happy New Year! You have been busy and it is good to see pics of the sheep....without snow! Love the pups having fun with the sheep. Congrats on the wedding.....you don't look old enough to have a son to get married! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Konna | January 05, 2012 at 07:41 PM
great update, thank you so much! I love to see pictures of the sheep and farm, and now new puppies - who don't look so much like puppies anymore! Love the "skedaddling" pup - so funny.
Congratulations to your son and his new wife!
You've had a busy holiday season filled with good things!
Posted by: Torre in MD | January 05, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Yeah! Glad to know that your absence has been for spending time with family and dogs! I agree with the other respondents - the photos of the rams are great! And, more photos of the pups! Please.
Posted by: KP | January 05, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Happy new year! Missed you during your blogging hiatus. Good to know that everything is ok. Enjoy the snowless weather while you can.
Posted by: sue | January 05, 2012 at 10:56 PM
So glad you're back. I've missed you.
Posted by: Barbara | January 06, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Happy New Year! Glad you back. The puppies are growing. Congratulations on your son's wedding.
Posted by: Knittingdancer on Ravelry | January 06, 2012 at 01:25 PM
Like everyone else, was starting to get concerned; so happy to see that life and love were happening in your world! Love the pictures. The puppies are getting soooo big--they don't even look like the same dogs.
Happy New Year.
Posted by: Marcy in California | January 06, 2012 at 04:30 PM
Good news! A new post! I checked just about every day....always hopeful. And like others, I was concerned. Glad to know it was just life keeping you away & nothing more. Cute picture of 'skedaddling'.
Posted by: PghCathy | January 06, 2012 at 04:51 PM
Barb, it was wonderful to see your post, we all miss you are the farm when you are gone. Welcome back.
Meredith
Posted by: Meredith | January 07, 2012 at 03:27 PM
I hope you have a happy, healthy year.
Posted by: Linda | January 12, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Wow! Those pups have grown! Glad to see all is going so well.
Posted by: twinsetjan | January 14, 2012 at 10:35 AM