There is a time to every purpose unto heaven.
And so there is a time to sell our sheep, a time to cull, a time to put meat in the freezer and a time to make way for the future. Sigh. Doesn't mean I enjoy all these times though.
Today will be spent getting ready for tomorrow, auction day. There are a few things wrong with sending livestock to the auction house, one of which is prices are not guaranteed, nor are they always good. I'm expecting $20 a head for my rams which is sad since their fleeces alone would bring at least three times that. URGH! Nothing I can do about it now. Just accept that it is time to let go.
Today I will also be lost in the throes of weaving and spinning, tasks that I enjoy and a cathartic. I will also be planning out breeding groups, truly a pleasant past time. And planning next weeks trailer load for the auction..sigh.
At any rate, what I've learned from having an unforeseen flock of 61 head, is that they are Gods' abundance for our farm, and a good thing. We had a phenomenal lambing season this year, bought in some new bloodlines, and brought back some animals that were originally bred here, sent to another farm and subsequently sent back here. So, our flock expanded rapidly. Who knew???
The problem comes from wanting to keep them all and then some. But Gods' plan is not for us to keep them, but rather to exchange them for the things we need.
Therein lies the benefit of the abundance, along with the knowledge that within a few months, there will surely be more.
This year has also brought about deeper relationships with other Finnsheep breeders which is a wonderful thing.
Being able to share your lifestyle and passion with others of similar ilk is a true gift and adds much pleasure to the day-to-day life of shepherding. There are few things as fun, interesting or informative as spending time talking to and visiting with other Finnsheep breeders.
Invariably the conversation turns to pedigrees, generations, color genetics, temperaments and ...fleece.
The other shepherds I know are as much fiber addicts as I am with a creative bent that is expressed through their use of the wool the sheep bear. Even though busy with the farm chores and often times off site employment they still find time to wash, pick, card, dye and spin, knit, felt or weave beautiful and creative one of a kind items for the shear ( pun intended ) pleasure of it.
They are also nurturing souls, enjoying the exchange between sheep and shepherd, one of providing for the flocks' basic food, shelter, well being while the flock in exchange provides our food, warmth and well being.
So, all things considered, life is good, sheep are good, God is great!
I'm sharing a link to a blog I thought some would enjoy. Classic example of like minded shepherd!
http://gypsyspinner.blogspot.com/
Regards,
Kathryn
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