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May 22, 2007 by Elaine.
Shearing Day! After nearly a week of rainy drizzly soggy damp, the day dawned bright and sunny and breezy. Sheep fluffy and much drier. God bless shearers, and please, most especially, ours. She never ceases to amaze me. Every shearing day I am apologizing for the bad behavior of my flock, like a mom embarrassed by the antics of naughty child. These Icelandics, they never want to relax for the shearer…but instead are waiting for that moment when, yes,,, now,,, escape!…a few fancy kicks and twists and pirouettes, and a break for freedom. But, she is amazing, this shearer, and with a few quick moves, has the wayward creature under control again and… the fleece is off. What a difference! the rag tag bunch of dressed for winter mommas are now svelte and sleek and prancing and dancing. Well most….some definitely could use a few less calories and a serious exercise regime. By summer’s end all will be back in shape.
The lambs today were remarkably brave about having mom off to the beauty parlor,not much crying. A sophisticated bunch, lounging in the creep and out in the sunshine, but ready to run over for a warm bellyful of milk as soon as mom returned.
Pedicures for all the yearling rams and unbred ewes…nice soft hooves from the rainy weather..made a nasty job much easier. Spring deworming, like a good dose of tonic for the season, and we’re done.
Off to the shower for a well deserved and truly needed hot soapy scrub. And, then, that special bottle of wine, saved for the end of lambing season…a toast to you all.
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