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Within the confines of this blog, you will find bits and pieces of the life and times of myself, my family and friend dear and near., far and wide, few and far between. You will find bits and pieces of my world, tho small to some, but huge to me. You will find everything from 'soup to nuts',; recipes, hobbies,crafts, gardenings,loves of my life, GrandLoves-a-Plenty, and even my pets... Sooo, if you can handle family life, enjoy the tour of my 'Stuffings'.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Spring Lambing Season at the farm between 1978-1985 was always an exciting, exhausting, busy time. Here's part of the family , the ram is in the center of the doorway manning who enters or leaves the barn. His ladies and lambs surround him.
The newborn lambs were tended by my mother. She is holding my son who is not liking the whole ordeal., while the ewe tends to her twins. Did I ever tell you that I am a 'twin'? Back to the lambs. Mom would vaccinate them and hold them while Dad docked them and tagged them, to keep track of their progress. Each one had their own name and number. No critter on the farm went without a name. Sometimes it took awhile to name them based on a developing personality. That was usually everyones job, even the grandkids got in on it.
The folks sent my youngest brother to Sheep Shearing School when he was 13 yrs. old. He said it was sure better than the book learning at regular school.
It was the same time my Dad got laid-up with his bum legs. My brother had to help at the farm in between schooling and sleeping. He sure grew up in a hurry but never, ever complained. We all knew he would rather have been home than inside a school building all day long.
After sheared wool was bundled and sent onto a carting company, it wouldn't be long and Mom would get many wool quilt batts in the mail to warm every bed in the house. As adults, all of us, my siblings and I, got a batt for Christmas. I still have the quilt I made from mine. It's amazing how warm in winter and cool in summer, wool feels.
Lunch time was always a thrill to watch...sometimes the lambs would get so aggressive that their mamas had to put them in their place, even though the ewes tried their best to be patient with their youngin's.
Snack time was serious business in a lambs day. It was one time that they all payed attention to what they were doing and not 'kicking up a storm' and running their little legs off.

J.J. and my brother were best buds...
more 'serious business' going on....dinner time
Each spring, one of the 2nd grade field trips, was always to 'The Sheep Farm' to see, hold, pet and feed the lambs. The children would line up on the feed troughs two bus-loads at a time.
After a morning of fun with the lambs and a little education from my Dad, Mom would bring out the koolaid and homemade cookies. No child ever got back on the bus without at least 2 cookies.
Once the day was over, nightfall would mean all little lambs had to get back in the barn with their parents for a long nights rest. Afterall, more lambs-play tomorrow to wear them all out. There were always a few that had to get one more game of 'king on the mountain' in before bedtime...just like a lil lamb.
The farm has raised many different animals at different times throughout my life. Sometimes several species at a time...but back then it was 'The Sheep Farm'.
So, there ya have it. Yet more memories.
I think I must be craving spring time at the farm...more to come.

God Rush Your Spring

19 comments:

Dee said...

This is so cool. What wonderful memories and critters your farm has produced. Thanks so much for sharing. Sweet!
Wishing you a week making fun & warm memories!
:)

GardenOfDaisies said...

You have such wonderful memories of your childhood on the farm. What a lovely fieldtrip for the children who didn't live on farms, to come and see the baby lambs.

jack69 said...

Very interesting. Have never met a sheep! Counted some (ha), and remember Mary had a little lamb!
I did get to see some kids in Wyoming at a countgry fair getting their sheep ready for a show. And last summer had the privilege of having my first taste on 'a lamb shiskabob' in Bangor main. It was delicious.

Love the pictures, and especially the school kids being exposed to the farm. I have learned in my life to appreciate another person's job. Now I know you just don't 'Just shear sheep' it takes some training and I a sure it is Work, with a capitol W.
Great entry.
Sherry & Jack in North CArolina (see we made it up north!)

Cher' Shots said...

WOW ~ looks like somebody raided Mom's picture box. Wonderful, wonderful memories of being raised on that farm. Thanks Sis "Hugs"

Paula said...

I agree an animal should never been named until their true personality is seen and as you know they do all have one. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories with us.

Dianna said...

Dar, I just enjoy your blog so much. It is the way you share your memories from your childhood that makes it so endearing. I enjoyed today's SO much! Your parents certainly gave you and your siblings a rich heritage.

lil sis said...

Alright already, you brought a tear to my eye
Actually a couple of tears to both of my eyes.
Sure did have wonderful times at the farm.
And how special was it that Mom and Daddy shared
their zest for life with everybody. And boy-howdy, did
our little brother ever come through for them when
Daddy got hurt. Always helping, no matter what.
Makes me proud.
Love to ya'll - me

crochet lady said...

Thanks so much for sharing lambing season memories! I've always thought raising sheep would be interesting.

Anonymous said...

DAR, THANKS FOR THE ENTRY. sam

Naturegirl said...

Dar: I thoroughly enjoyed this visit back to your memories and seeing all those lambs and mamma sheep.What an intersting life!
You are always welcome to my peaceful winter garden! Wait until you see it in summer!!!
hugs NG

Unknown said...

I liked reading about you memories. Does your son remember the sheep too?

deb said...

Thanks for bringing back some memories. We had sheep along with cattle and others throughtout the years. Our lives parallel somewhat. How handy to have your brother be able to sheer the sheep. We always had to hire someone. Do miss the Spring Lambs jumping around and playing. Truly enjoyed your post
Have a great night!
*hugs*deb

Dar said...

Re: Stine, you asked if my son remembers the sheep...my folks raised them until he was 5 so he does remember them, but he doesn't remember crying over them. His cousin sitting on the fence remembers them also...he is Cher's son.

Re: my sisters...we sure did have it nice growing up on the farm. We always had some kind of babies to play with, whether, chicks, gosling, calves, pups, kittens, colts and fillies, ducklings, mink kits, piglets, lambs, even fox pups. Did I miss any? What a blessing to learn to love and care in such a special way. And to think Dad had a 'real' job besides all that. They sure were the best teachers in the world.

Thank You All for visiting. Do Come Again
Bless each and every one of you

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Just love the 'King of the Mountain' photo! What a great animal education for you all.
ps...JJ is pretty cute too

Nancy said...

Dar, what great memories for you. Animals are a pleasure but a lot of work. My husband is longing for a few acres so he can have chickens and goats. He really misses having his Brown Swiss cows.I'm off for house hunting in CT. Hard to find a place where you can have animals.

Dar said...

Nancy, thanks for stopping by. I have been hunting for a place for my sons too. They both want to be in the country so the search is on for 2 places with land...I know how fun and frustrating the search can get...but at least I don't have to pay for it. LOL Have fun searching and hope your hubby gets to have his animals...

Suburban Girl said...

What a great experience...so many memories. I would be the kid holding my nose cause of 'that smell.' Turns out I am wildly allergic to all things farm...wonder if that had anything to do with it.

Heli gunner Tom said...

I was raised on an 80 acre Beef, Hog and grain farm in Racine County, near Waterford that were the happiest days of my life-- hard work included!

email address: tschuckman@aol.com

Do you read the Bible much??

Tom S
tschuckman@aol.com
Happily Married.
Disabled Vietnam Veteran: 68-70
Jesus is Lord.

Please use my email address. Thanks.

Leedra said...

You finding me and me finding this post is so timely. I am going to a Fiber Festival this weekend and get to see my first sheep shearing at the festival. That is what I have been the most excited about. I plan of photographing the process if at all possible. Then I will move onto the booths of yarn and displays of finished products.