Under the Bright, Blue Skies

Thursday morning, it was time for the lambs and their mums to move outside to the pasture. I used two sets of netting to create an alley to guide them.

As soon as I opened the gate at the barn, the ewes surged into the alley, baaing for their lambs to follow them. Most did, but one of the smallest ewe lambs panicked when everyone left. She ran in circles, not seeing the opening. I caught her and carried her out to the pasture, where she leaped across the grass to the safety of her mama’s and sibling’s side.

The lambs took some time to sniff at the ground, and their mothers warned them to keep inside the fence. Then, they played tag, galloping up and down the hillside. One lamb buckled his knees and hopped on all fours toward the hay bale I threw inside the fence.

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 is your favorite outdoor activity when spring arrives?

Share your answer and this newsletter with someone who is ready for spring.

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

Welcome to our new doeling, born Tuesday!

When she was born, she was barely bigger than my hands, yet her cry for her mum was strong. As she figured out the use of her legs, she crawled forward on her knees, then burst upward on all fours, then abruptly fell over. She flailed in the straw until she caught some new momentum and lay on her stomach, then she’d crawl forward again, yelling for her mum as she went.

Friday night’s sunset was stunning. Here’s the view from the back gate:

After chores, Jeff, Mia, and I ventured across the Illinois state line to see the planets aligned. We found a good viewing point with the clouds to the left and the planets lined just along the cloud. A silver sliver of moon hung just above the horizon. Straight up from the moon were Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, glowing red. Saturn and Uranus were hidden without a telescope. It was a cool sight!

Farm Shop

We’re now taking pre-orders for 4-H lambs. Reply to this email to let us know of your interest!