Earlier this week Todd and I brought the ewes, including the five lambs, down to the lower section of the field we have fenced in so that they could enjoy fresh green grass instead of ancient bales of hay we’ve been hauling up from a giant barn off Route 5. I’m not sure who was more giddy – the sheep or us. Everywhere we look, in every direction, near and far, it’s shades of green, bright spring greens. We’ve desperately needed rain and gratefully have had some good solid downpours these past few days and the result: more green! As our hay farmer neighbor calls it, it’s green rain since the moment it hits the ground it seems to bring on more color.
There is something just so simple and rewarding about seeing the sheep on fresh pasture. It’s like all must be right with the world. I know we are too young to take on the mindset that we can ensconce ourselves on a hillside in rural America and let the world’s troubles belong to everyone else. But each morning and evening as we bring the sheep down and back up to the barnyard this spring routine offers a peace that lifts and calms. I recall feeling this way on some early morning train rides into the city, angled light, reflections off the gorgeous Chicago sky line. Cool air, glittering water, and the lovely Merchandise Mart as I crossed the Randolph Bridge over the canal heading to 190 North State Street. Just fleeting moments suspended above the to-do list, the troubles and worries of work, home, and family.
Back on earth, here in Vermont, to-do lists and work still tangle up the hours of the day. And the health of the sheep adds to our worries. Crosby, our ram lamb born two weeks ago tomorrow, seems to be struggling and we don’t know why. As new farmers, we’re doing all we know how to, and it will either be enough or it won’t.
But this morning’s walk into the field was green magic.
Peg
So beautiful Peg. Love that you are living it up in these moments!