A Sight For Stressed Eyes
The donkey peddling cowboy was held up doctoring some of his cows yesterday and couldn't come check on the sheep, but thankfully we were able to ford the creek river in our big farm ton truck late yesterday afternoon (what an adventure!). I'd put Silly Wendy (who received the second half of her name during our Name That Sheep Contest) in a bonding pen the day before because I knew she was extremely close to lambing - unlike two weeks ago when I kept her in one for four days and finally realized she wasn't nearly as close as I'd thought. I was thrilled to see that while I was stuck on the other side of the creek from the barn she had given birth two a big pair of healthy and adorable twins.
But that's old news. I still remember the first time I read a James Herriot book. I was in junior high school and picked one up because one of my best pals had become totally addicted to them. The first chapter began with Dr. Herriot tending to a prolapsed cow, and, squeamish as I was, I couldn't understand why in the world my friend was in love with these icky books. And while I later fell in love with them, I certainly never pictured myself doing something eerily similar nearly 30 years later.
I'll spare those of you who are here only for the food and cute animal pictures any more details. Just know that tonight was another one of those James Herriot moments - only the vet was nowhere in sight. I've definitely expanded my sheep tending skills, and the mother-to-be has been 'put back together,' but with a broken water bag and no baby in sight yet it's looking to be a very long night. Heading back down to the barn now.
© Copyright 2008 FarmgirlFare.com, the award-winning blog where living with livestock means there's never a dull moment, and inbetween picking out and picking up five different colors of paint for the new building and dealing with lambing emergencies, Joe found a moment to present me with a beautiful first day of spring gift - a single blooming daffodil he plucked from the yard.
But that's old news. I still remember the first time I read a James Herriot book. I was in junior high school and picked one up because one of my best pals had become totally addicted to them. The first chapter began with Dr. Herriot tending to a prolapsed cow, and, squeamish as I was, I couldn't understand why in the world my friend was in love with these icky books. And while I later fell in love with them, I certainly never pictured myself doing something eerily similar nearly 30 years later.
I'll spare those of you who are here only for the food and cute animal pictures any more details. Just know that tonight was another one of those James Herriot moments - only the vet was nowhere in sight. I've definitely expanded my sheep tending skills, and the mother-to-be has been 'put back together,' but with a broken water bag and no baby in sight yet it's looking to be a very long night. Heading back down to the barn now.
© Copyright 2008 FarmgirlFare.com, the award-winning blog where living with livestock means there's never a dull moment, and inbetween picking out and picking up five different colors of paint for the new building and dealing with lambing emergencies, Joe found a moment to present me with a beautiful first day of spring gift - a single blooming daffodil he plucked from the yard.
I love all your farm stories--food and cute animals...as well as the more dramatic tales, too. Thank you for sharing, I'm always reading!
ReplyDeleteI loooved the James Herriot books while growing up, too.
I wish I lived closer to you. I could come for a few days just to help out. Seriously. I may not know what to do but I'm a fast leaner. And if not, I can always take the photos. and keep you supplied in chocolate chip cookies and brownies. I am serious. I don't know you and yet I feel like i should be there helping or something. Hang in there and email me if you need another body to help out. jeanmark @ verizon.net
ReplyDeleteI love to look in on your blog! I love the farm pictures and all the animals! Someday I too will have my Farm!
ReplyDeleteI wish you sheep the best and hope the "put back together mother-to-be" has no more trouble. I pray the rest of your lambing season goes well.
-Jeanette
www.youngliving.org/jccronk
happy spring lambing!
ReplyDelete*sending you a kayak to forge the raging river with your black midwife's bag perched on your head.*
The lamb twins are so cute! And I admire your courage in learning and doing what your mother-to-be needed you to do for her. Bravo Farmgirl, Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThe twins are so cute!! Can't wait to hear their names!
ReplyDeleteStay Dry!
I've come across your blog before and sighed for home... Missouri. I think I'll bookmark you this time.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to guess just where you are in MO, but then I haven't read all of your posts, either. I'm in Indiana now but there is nothing quite like springtime in MO.
Happy farming!
From one farmgirl to another, I have been there and understand that these sort of situations only happen when the weather/conditions are at their worst. Good on ya! Would love to be there to help!
ReplyDeleteBabies!! So darn cute. Glad you made it over safely and everyone is doing well.
ReplyDelete(Riana's kayak sounds like a good idea to me and conjured up a great picture in my head!)
I had that happen two years ago - isn't it always something with animals? Glad you were able to ford the raging (meandering was during the hot months right?) stream to get to the girls - they need you. I think Joe is a good guy - presenting you with that daffy dill! Happy Springtime FG - it is that getting too busy to sit down season isn't it?
ReplyDeleteTwins, thats great! only 23 more girls to go. Or did you have more lamb with out photo documentation. Isn't it amazing what you do when you have to. All the lives that depend on you. You should be very proud of your self. You and the hunky farm guy do a great job. I come for more than just cute photos and good food. But I do love the food, oh heck the photos are pretty darn nice too.
ReplyDeleteI devoured the James Herriot books. I didn't grow up to become a farmer or a veterinarian, but I still love to read about the adventures of both. Good luck with your lovely sheep -- I hope Cary is recovering well.
ReplyDeleteI love James Herriot. I'd love to hear more details if you even wish to share. I'm sure some day I'll have to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteHere I am again...reading away about farm animals..sheep and lambs..absolutely and completely spellbound by all the goings on...Love the picture....I live a full circle opposite, but love every little detail... good Easter blessings for you and yours and all the animals... Dee Dee
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
ReplyDeleteDetails - I'll take details! Don't hold back, it's like an adventure for us too.
ReplyDeleteI hope it's all going well.
Hi Susan...I think you live one of the most authentic lives one can imagine inside the U.S....and I know that I'm on the edge of my chair every day, waiting for the next chapter! Glad you and the rest of the residents made it through the flood...hope you make it through lambing season ok...and - Happy Easter!
ReplyDeletebest, Stephen
Keep your chin up!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know I'm not the only one having James Herriot moments.
Seems like it's been a James Herriot month....one thing right after another.
Good luck to you & your girls