Instead of turning on the heat in my studio this morning, I opened the windows to let the warmth in. The wooden storms that Ben made last fall are off and I got two of the old windows to open. It’s not unusual for windows that have been closed for years to not open easily. I know by this afternoon I’ll have to put the curtain ( a piece of fabric I nailed to the molding) down on my west window the sun will be so hot and bright.
The green grass has brought something I’ve never experienced before. Rotational grazing. There was so much pasture at the old Bedlam Farm we never had to worry if there was enough grass. Morning conversation between Jon and me is usually about our work and what we’ll be doing that day. Now there’s also the conversation about were to move the sheep and donkeys and for how long. We’re setting up temporary fences splitting the pasture in half or fencing off the front yard. Which gate to keep open and which to keep closed. It’s about keeping an eye on the donkeys do they don’t eat the bark off the big old maples and buds off the Lilacs. Watching for the sheep to lie down or move to the back pasture when they are full.
Simon was the last to stop grazing. I walked out into the field to move him to the back with the rest of the animals, cuddling with him a bit first.(Simon is always up for a cuddle) He didn’t seem to realize he was alone until he saw Fanny and Lulu by the apple tree. Then the thin long squeak that precedes the sound of his full bray as he ran to his women.
Rotational grazing is a lot of work, altho rewarding. I have never had enough animals compared to the available grass to have to do it. The pictures of your pastures are beautiful. Annie