It was the day designated for the Soay sheep census. Since the Autumn, eight little balls of greasy fleece and big curly horns have been here on the ranch. They arrived by default…..we gave them a home when their circumstances changed and here they have stayed. Soay Sheep are a Heritage Breed, one of the very first breeds of sheep and they originate from the United Kingdom….so it was sort of fitting that they came here. Unfortunately, we knew nothing about the band of eight, who they are or how old….what we do know is they can run, they can jump, they have big horns and they have an even bigger attitude. Jamie their “other” mom came to visit and share what information she had recorded in her little black book if we could catch the fluffy four legged balls of fleece. Greg had a plan !! Quatre had fortuitously chosen yesterday for a return visit from the city and found herself in the middle of a rodeo with eight little sheep quite determined not to be caught and Greg with that determined look on his face. We are going to do what ??! Sadly my camera was safely tucked up in it’s case and clearly a replay wasn’t an option but when Greg took a flying rugby tackle and landed on the big blonde ewe with the grubby dreadlocks I knew that a GREAT photo opportunity was lost. Thanks to Jamie and Quatre the sheep now have names numbers and some history. We look forward to the Spring when our little balls of attitude have their lambs and we have even more attitude on the ranch ! (like we need it !).
Currently Bran the Border Collie is taking advantage of the heat vent in the floor, not usually an issue but he clearly found something dead to roll in and, coated in his new eau de corpse he has decided to share the fumes. The warm forced air is wafting the ungodly stench around the house. Bran is clearly destined for a thorough bath today, either he moves residence into the garage, I get a nose plug or both .
So, it’s January 2nd 2013….New Years Eve here passed quietly and we look forward to a healthy and happy year. Thanks to family friends and WWOOFERs for their love and support over the past years. Take care, keep safe, M