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Spring Sunshine Brings Greener Pastures.

4/17/2015

6 Comments

 
A warm Spring sun is shining over the Pacific North West, the barn swallows have taken up residence high up in the big cedar barn and the yellow jackets and hornets are swarming under the shade of the green metal roof. In the orchard, the apple, cherry, pear and plum trees are heavy with pink and white blossoms, the skeletal grape vines are beginning to bud and the raspberry canes are sprouting fresh green leaves. In the pastures where the lush Spring grass grows alongside the clover and the golden buttercups, the lambs frolic and grow, the horses, free of cumbersome Winter blankets absorb the warming solar rays and the flock of chickens sun bathe, wings outstretched and panting in the unseasonable temperatures.


The “formation eating team” aka the Gentle Giant sheep have moved pastures. The little lambs have grown enough for us to allow the flock into a larger field with a rippling creek and belly high grass. Our woolly moms spend lazy days under the shade of the sprawling Willow tree while their sprightly offspring chase endless shadows…. and each other up, down and all around their idyllic Spring pasture.

Our new equine guests, almost black, almost Friesian, Mariah and dappled grey Chelsey have settled comfortably into ranch life over the past week. Watching both mares rolling in the dewy Spring grass or calmly sleeping under the soothing warmth of the sun has reminded us that we really do have our own little piece of Heaven…right here on the Ranch.

In another pasture, chestnut Paso Fino, Tonto, previously despondent and inconsolable over the disappearance of his re homed pasture mate Misty has a new lease of life with veteran bay Mr. Cooper whose long time companion, old T-Bone recently left us for his place in Horse Heaven. Tonto has apparently experienced a new lease of life as he gallops, head tossing, mane and tail flowing through the deep green grass.

Greg’s young right hand man James, has experienced several epic first experiences over recent days….under Greg’s careful guidance, James has met the challenge of the nail gun, the intimidating wood chipper and the big ranch quad. Young James, new to ranch life, quietly encourages Sirloin the red Dexter steer, he has befriended the ewes and talks respectfully to our flock of laying hens. Tiger the tabby barn cat is frequently found wrapped around Jim’s shoulders and Luke the Australian Shepherd has found a new, gentle friend. Thank you Jim…looking forward to many more new experiences over the coming months.

Well, the past weeks have been a mixture of sadness, joy, relief and despair. We have lost old, cherished friends and we have gained wonderful new friends. We ask for prayers for Mom Sikora and Mum J both battling serious health conditions and we are thankful for everything that we cherish in our lives. Take care and keep safe, M
6 Comments
Annie x
4/17/2015 06:24:30 pm

sniff - I can picture all you have mentioned there Maureen and only a fortnight ago was there myself to live it all.
Pleased to hear of James' exploits.....
Look forward to the next dialogue ...
Lots of love to the Moms
Annie + Mal xox

Reply
Jean hudson
4/17/2015 10:33:15 pm

You write beautifully, my friend and sister! We are on the 0830 ferry heading for St Ignace, then driving 2 hours to SAM'S Club for food items. Our first guest is next Saturday. Love, Jean

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Frank Grubaugh
4/17/2015 10:42:06 pm

Actually going to leave a comment this time . Vanilla and chocolate ( the lambs named by our grand children ) are doing fine . The goats I'm sure think of them as really silly looking goats but goats non the less have welcomed them into the heard . The lambs think the goats are sissies who can't stand a little moisture . They now all prefer the pasture melody over the goat feed , the seem particularly adept at picking thru it so they don't accidentally eat any beet pulp . May god bless you and yours and may the sun always warm your back .

Reply
mum j says
4/18/2015 05:29:05 am

am praying for mom s.. all well here. pretty day enjoying the sun. stay well you 2. loves 2 all. mum j.

Reply
Marilyn Cooper
4/19/2015 01:48:44 pm

Your socks are in your egg hutch. Hope you have many good warm days with them😊.

Reply
mum j says
4/21/2015 02:17:47 am

some one let me run out of taffy, wonder who that was? lol.have a good day you 2. loves.

Reply



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