We are Building a Fence.

It is so exciting, after two years of waiting, the fence is going up. Even with the restrictions on social interactions due to the coronavirus, progress is still being made. We hope the perimeter fence will be done by May 9th.

Did I tell you we are building the fence…

We have the south fence hung except for where the southeast gate is. When we are satisfied with the way the panels are set, we will make the final attachment to the t-posts. We started putting in the first posts along the east side cable fence, but had some drama about whether we should put it on the east side of the cable fence (into the road), or inside the cable fence. I personally do not think it is in any way possible to pound t-posts into an engineered roadbed, but some think otherwise. While we have waited for others to come to their senses, we laid out the irrigation pipe on the existing pasture, and put the fence around the horse chestnut tree. This week we started putting up the fence on the west side. It seems that things are sorted out about the cable fencing now, and next week we should be putting in the blue line fences. Whew

If you want to join us, we will be here pounding posts, and wiring up panels. Lots of sun and fun for all… Or you could just come out and watch the sheep.

Yes, We Moved Back to Caldwell

And did not really tell anybody about it.

If we did not get any pictures to post on social media, did it really happen?

Those of you who have been to the Caldwell pasture will have recognized it in the last post, and realized that we moved. We had a good day for it, and as seems to be typical, were rushing against the weather. This year it was wind and hail. We did have a lot of helpers though. And this is a story unto itself.

The Six Missionaries Rooing Rams

One of our long time volunteers was getting a burger in Parma, when she struck up a conversation with a couple missionaries. To make a long story short, the missionaries volunteered to help move the sheep. First, there were two; then the next week there were four; and then when we were rooing a couple rams two weeks later, there were six. Some of them had never been on a farm (they were city folk, and I mean big cities), and never worked with sheep. However, a couple had experience working in their families’ sheep operations, and our ways were not what they were used to. But all of them threw themselves fully into the jobs at hand. It was a joy to work with young people who were so driven to be helpful. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Enough that they kept coming back. We really enjoyed having them with us, enough that they have an invitation to come back at any time.

Pulling the Wool
Bib Boy King, “Yes sir, one bag full”
BigBoy King Freshly Rooed
Stark Getting the Final Touches

Some ended their mission early due to the hardships caused by the coronavirus, and the rest have new restrictions governing their ability to volunteer. We have remained in contact with them, and hopefully the restrictions will be lifted before their missions end so we can see them again. Some have asked if they can remain in contact after they are gone. Of course! It is always great to make new friends, especially those who love sheep.