Learning the Ropes

Isn't he a handsome devil? Zander is learning the ropes, patrolling, getting to know all the stock. He's still over-enthusiastic, but has no interest in harming anyone. I'm pleased with his progress. And isn't he gorgeous?

Portraits

Rainforest

I love moss covered stumps. Well, I think all moss is pretty cool. Good thing, too, since I live in the middle of a rainforest. Here are some of my latest favorites.

And this mushroom is over 6 feet up a tree. There are a couple others just below it that have passed their prime. I didn't know mushrooms grew up in trees.

Lambs!

Lambs are so very cute. I'm always amazed at how quickly they start supplementing their liquid diet with hay.

Lamb #1 enjoying fresh hay. Her face markings are getting darker.

And her companion gives her plenty of room.

Life is good when you are belly-deep in food.

Lamb #2 keeps approaching all other animals to see if they'll feed her too. She moves away very quickly when they refuse with a shake of the leg. She's also nibbling on hay.

Isn't she sweet? 

Dedication

The Great Pyrenees community lost one of it's best yesterday. Linda Weisser, breeder, mentor, and friend to so many in the community, died peacefully in her sleep after surgery. She will be sorely missed. 

Tonight the universe put on a spectacular show in her honor. This was one of the most amazing sunsets I've seen. It filled every inch of the sky with pinks, purples and blues. I could only stand in awe, and keep taking pictures. 

Linda, this one's for you.

Lost Sheep Saga

I was having trouble keeping weight on my oldest ewe. She was pregnant, and it seemed she couldn't compete with everyone else to get enough food. So I let her outside the gates, where there is lots of grass and browse, and where I could give her grain I knew she'd get. I'd let her out in the morning, she'd come back to be let in at night. Until 3 days ago.

Three days ago, the ewe didn't show up to be let in. I couldn't find her. The next day I walked through every accessible part of this property. I found the placenta, and footprints of both ewe and lamb, but I couldn't find them. Yesterday when I was under the power lines calling her, I thought "Wait - I'm an animal communicator. I just need to contact her!" Duh. So I did. She was OK. I told her to come home, to meet me back at the double gates. I was very disappointed that evening when she did not show up.

Today as it was starting to get dark and I was beginning my evening feeding, I heard the dogs all sound off. Some intruder was around. I looked down the hill after Charlie, and saw a ewe and lamb at the gate. The double gates. I ran down the hill to let them in. They stood there looking at me, as if to say "Well, you ASKED us to come here, now let us in!" So I did. Charlie couldn't wait to check them both out.

The lamb is fat and cute as can be. The ewe is in better weight than 3 days ago. Other than smelling a bit of skunk, she's fine. I have no idea where she was. But I know why she came back - I asked her to. I just forgot to put a time on it. 

Smoke and Mirrors

These birds are free range. They could be anywhere they wanted, on either side of this fence.

Mt. Rainier

Had to stop and take a picture on my way to the library. Mt. Rainier was glistening under her white cape. I love the cloud formations that occur around the mountain peaks.

Early Display

My peahens have started displaying to each other. I don't know if this is a dominance move, or what motivates the behavior, but it's pretty interesting. They don't have the lovely trains of the males, but they are still beautiful birds.

Today's Mountains

After a mostly cloudy day the clouds lifted in the late afternoon, exposing the mountains to a lovely soft light. I love the deep blue of the closer hills. Tonight is clear and star filled.

Sunrise

Lambcakes

One week old and already sampling the hay. She wouldn't look directly at me once I got the camera out, but I love her face markings.

Layering

Let Me In!

Charlie is old with sore joints, and sometimes likes to snooze inside when it's raining.  He has never been a house dog, so didn't learn about asking to come in. He figured out that if he puts his feet up on the window by my computer I notice and let him in the house. It works really well. When a 120 lb dog jumps up to put his feet on the window sill it makes a heck of a noise.

Zander, who watches all things Charlie, learned this trick. The way to ask in is to go to the window, jump up and scratch the screen a bit, then stand back and watch expectantly for me to get up and head to the door. 

I need a dog buzzer.

Couds Upon Clouds

Another Side of Rainier

One of the joys of living in the Northwest is seeing mountains at every turn. The lovely views of Mount Rainier from the freeway makes traveling south from Seattle much more pleasant. 

Six Geese A-Laying

Well, only 4 of them are a-laying. My two trios of geese are rarely found together. I love their behaviors. These are most definitely two trios of geese. Separate flocks. The single-file group usually lives in the chicken enclosure, so give way while on the other group's territory.

Clear Nights

So nice that it cleared up in time for the full moon. Clouds are moving in and rain is predicted for tomorrow - but we had our break, and as usual it is so beautiful here we forget the days of clouds and rain, and focus on the beauty. Primed to ignore more days of rain and dreariness.

Really, Ignore the Sign

Sunny Welcome

Born as the weather cleared, this little lamb has a few days of sun ahead. She's eating well, carefully following her mama around.

Good Morning Sunshine

First Lamb

This little ewe showed up today. Hopefully I'll have some better pics tomorrow, when it isn't raining. She looks healthy and is eating well.

And the Rains Shall Fall

A pipeline seems to have opened between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Northwest, a possible attempt to lower the ocean levels by pouring copious quantities of water over the land. Warm temperatures and lots of rain have caused rivers to rise past flood levels. I noticed on my way to pick up hay - 10 miles west - that the Newaukum River was at the top of it's banks, overflowing in a few places, and getting close to the road. On the way home a sign appeared announcing the road was closed 10 miles east of me.

As I fed out the newly-acquired hay I was mentally preparing this post, lamenting the lack of accompanying photos. Suddenly the sky brightened and a rainbow appeared. I had to run back to the house for the camera, and these photos don't capture the intensity of the light, the brightness of the colors.

The rainbow was complete, with the beginnings of a second shining through.

Then as I brought out a second bale of hay, another hole opened in the western sky and light streamed in.

The sun brightly broke through the trees to the west, and then lit the clouds with saffron and blue.

The short-lived sunset would not have been so glorious and awesome if the day had not been so wet and the clouds so dark. Every day has it's beauty. Our job is to notice.

Exploring the Woods

You want me to come in?

But look! There's something over there! 

Guess I'd better go check it out.