A Dog Possessed

Jeff was in charge for the week, including writing this week’s Sylvan Sundays, as Elise was attending a national agriculture conference in New Mexico.

Mia is seen here utterly completely focused on her task. She will excavate veritable craters in and around the Christmas tree patch that we will need to return to fill. But we are more than happy she is digging.

She is pursuing gophers. It is bad enough that the tunneling activity of these subterranean varmints creates piles and furrows to become walking and mowing hazards. This loose denuded soil encourages undesirable weed growth too. But gophers are detrimental to Christmas trees. They consume the roots, killing the tree (they target the Christmas trees because the soil is softer here, thus easier to dig).

So Mia can, and will, dig to her heart’s content and nothing will deter her in her quest.

Thanks for Reading!

And I hope you feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the week ahead with this moment preserved in picture and prose. Consider:

• What captivates you?

Share your answer and this newsletter with someone who enjoys the same hobby as you.

If Sylvan Sundays was forwarded to you, welcome! To learn more about our farmers, check out “A New Year’s Introduction,” and to learn more about our name, visit “Being Sylvan.” Also, make sure to check out “This Week on the Farm” and “Farm Shop” below!

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This Week on the Farm

Our lamb count is up to 16! Three more joined us this week; Ramona had a single lamb on Tuesday and Nyssa had twins Saturday afternoon. The color trend for the Shetlands continues: each of them are black, as have been almost all of their siblings this year. And preparations continue for Christmas tree planting, somewhat hampered by cold rainy weather.

Farm Shop

As we get closer to show season, we’ll have lambs ready for 4-H members. Let us know if you’d like to take a look at our selection by replying to this email!

Our Etsy shop has only one fleece left, so make sure to put your order in before it’s gone!