When lamb Chop was born, early on a bitterly cold morning, he was disowned by his mom….he was disowned by the whole flock…he was the ugliest little lamb we (and possibly anyone else!) have ever raised and he was dying from hypothermia. He came up to the farmhouse where, dressed in an infants diaper he barely survived on the goats milk we tried to feed him. Bran the Border Collie loved him up and we cuddled and coddled the gaunt little scrap. Gradually a spark of light lit in his vacant eyes, Lamb Chop’s little body started to move, his ugly little face took on character and we knew that the boy was going to make it, but we also knew that his uncertain start could possibly have long lasting repercussions and it does. Lamb Chop has a dietary “issue” which results in a nasty nether regions problem but Lamb chops saving grace is his character. For all these reasons, lamb Chop the ugly will stay here at the ranch as season by season his brothers and sisters “disappear” and, as long as our Woofer Interns / friends are here, he will be wearing a hat!
Greg Leslie and Derek worked some more on the sheep pen while I buried myself in Jurassic Park that used to be my vegetable garden. I spent a little while watching but left as my anxiety level went through the roof. Derek bravely held a piece of wood while Greg bashed it with a lump hammer…that’s blind faith if ever I saw it!!! Watching L and D working with the power tools, planning and building is rewarding in a way I could never have imagined, we have watched their confidence and skill grow daily and sadly as they become more and more efficient, their leaving date grows closer.
Well, no clouds this morning, no promise of rain..which incidently did not fall yesterday and the temperatures are going to be high, again. We had better get ready and get our day started, it’s going to be a busy one. Have a great day, take care, keep safe, M