Whilst Alicia and Daniel were preparing to leave, our most recent WWOOFER volunteer arrived at the ranch. We are happy to welcome Kevin who will be here for perhaps our busiest season and is (thankfully) anxious and eager to learn and (even more thankfully) happy to get down and dirty ! Kevin's stay here will coincide with the imminent birth of our long awaited Jersey calf which will mean milking and bottle feeding will be added to our busy daily schedule. In the ranch vegetable gardens the soil needs turning, seeds need sowing and weeds need pulling. In the orchards, Spring has almost sprung.... the blossom is ready to pop, the leaves are starting to show and busy bees are already hard at work. Spring means work in the garden, work in the orchards and work in the fields, Lunch will be later...dinner will be still later and bed will be heaven !
Kevin had a busy first day, having hit the ground running, he learnt to drive the old green tractor and...having mastered the art of working the creaking bucket was soon out in Lulu's Field helping Greg move fallen trees. Working in tandem the tractors carried the logs back to the ranch ready for milling. By default ( the original jockey took fright as she realized just how BIG lumpy Lady is !!) Kevin got to ride. Fortunately our novice WWOOFER and non rider had little or no time to get anxious and before he had time to say "no" he was astride the big Shire mare and heading out of the barnyard on the end of a reassuring leadline. Kevin's first ride was a success, Lady had no tantrums, the sun shone and Kevin was smiling as he trotted unaided back through the ranch gates. Well done Kevin !
Molly the old Soay ewe didn't look long for this world, we had long ago decided that the ageing sheep wasn't going to lamb this year and her future was dim but Molly had a surprise for the ranch team as the sun set last night ( yes....dinner was in the stove and we were late ! AGAIN). Molly the blonde soay had a little mini Molly at her feet and she was busily cleaning it up ready for her introduction to the sheep family.
Time to post this entry...the cuckoo clock has spoken. Take care, keep safe, M