As dawn broke yesterday, river lets of rain water were already cascading down the sodden hillside. The previously gently rippling creek was transformed into a white water torrent and the pastures were transformed into extensions of the ranch pond as the first wave of rain storms hit the Pacific North West. Rain coats, rain pants and rubber boots were our only defense against the deluge as we trudged through muddy puddles. The big horses stood motionless in the pastures, rain dripping from sodden rugs, backs turned into the driving wind. The little band of sheep sheltered under the spreading branches of a big maple tree and Bella, our beautiful Jersey heifer stood expectantly by the gate watching and waiting for activity in the barnyard. Young Sirloin the red steer stood by her side, rain water running down his coat and dripping from the end of his bushy little tail. Bran the Border Collie splashed through murky puddles chasing ghosts and barking at shadows and little Luke buried himself deeper in a warm dry hay pile and waited for the call for lunch. On the ranch pond, the fish jumped, Harry the blue/grey heron lurked in the gnarled tree roots, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard took shelter from the deluge and high above Edgar the eagle soared through the swirling clouds, rising and falling with the prevailing winds.
This morning, the rain clouds had blown far to the North and there was an unseasonal warmth across the State. Winter woollies were ( temporarily, I'm sure) discarded and the sun shone over the ranch. The chickens ventured out from the shelter of their cozy nest boxes to feast on worms and bugs driven to the surface by the relentless rain , the horses tossed their heads and kicked their heels, out in the pasture a large flock of transient Canada Geese settled (hopefully temporarily) to graze and in the garden, the first rose of the year has bloomed. The rhubarb leaves are uncurling from the ground, Buds on the fruit trees are opening, Spring bulbs are flowering and the Jostaberry starts are beginning to show signs of life. It is one short week until the first lambs are due and though he doesn't know it yet, Mr. Barney the ram will once again begin his enforced period of celibacy in the "bachelor suite". As the "ladies" jostle for position at the hay manger, regular butt checks indicate which of them will be the first to occupy the currently vacant bonding pens. Swelling milky bars (and other body parts) indicate Baby Doll and Chance will be our first moms this year....but, we have been known to be wrong in the past. Clearly a "watched udder doesn't necessarily lamb first" .
Finally, Mom Sikora is feeling better and will be starting the next phase in her recovery program tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who included her in your prayers and for all the thoughtful messages we received on her behalf. We are blessed to have her and thankful that she has received such wonderful care. Time to go, Greg has put the kettle on. Take care, keep safe, M
This morning, the rain clouds had blown far to the North and there was an unseasonal warmth across the State. Winter woollies were ( temporarily, I'm sure) discarded and the sun shone over the ranch. The chickens ventured out from the shelter of their cozy nest boxes to feast on worms and bugs driven to the surface by the relentless rain , the horses tossed their heads and kicked their heels, out in the pasture a large flock of transient Canada Geese settled (hopefully temporarily) to graze and in the garden, the first rose of the year has bloomed. The rhubarb leaves are uncurling from the ground, Buds on the fruit trees are opening, Spring bulbs are flowering and the Jostaberry starts are beginning to show signs of life. It is one short week until the first lambs are due and though he doesn't know it yet, Mr. Barney the ram will once again begin his enforced period of celibacy in the "bachelor suite". As the "ladies" jostle for position at the hay manger, regular butt checks indicate which of them will be the first to occupy the currently vacant bonding pens. Swelling milky bars (and other body parts) indicate Baby Doll and Chance will be our first moms this year....but, we have been known to be wrong in the past. Clearly a "watched udder doesn't necessarily lamb first" .
Finally, Mom Sikora is feeling better and will be starting the next phase in her recovery program tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who included her in your prayers and for all the thoughtful messages we received on her behalf. We are blessed to have her and thankful that she has received such wonderful care. Time to go, Greg has put the kettle on. Take care, keep safe, M
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