We spent most of the day in the lavender field putting up pasture fence. We're experimenting with running the ewes in the field to keep weeds and grass down. I'm paranoid of roaming dogs that appear every so often, usually friendly, but they can run a sheep to a frenzied death. If all works as planned, come spring, the lavender field won't be quite as over grown grass wise, making Martyn's tilling easier - we hope. So stay tuned to see how the grand experiment works. I've let the donks run in there too, as they love thistle, and we are slowly weeding it out. But they get a little playful, running up and down the rows as if it's a special maze we created just for them. Amusing as it is, the plants are tender at a certain stage, and it's too risky for comfort.
And before you call us crazy, animals don't eat lavender, including the deer that frequent the field. They might test a plant here and there, but they stay away from it. There is concern that the initial bud growth come spring might be tempting to young ewes, but, I guess we'll find out. Besides, sheep fertilize the pastures as they eat. It was so pleasant working in the field with them as they tagged along near by. I just love my ewes. I'm always so happy when breeding season is over [as are they] so I can be back with 'the girls'.
The weather was perfect, about 50 degree and sunny. We finished the afternoon chopping wood. As I was coming in, the sky was like a Rubens painting. Unbelievable. Within 15 minutes, it was gone. I took this picture seconds before it disappeared. These short theatrical productions are worth the entry fee of working hard all day in the field.
With the showing of Venus and Jupiter on Wednesday night in the south western sky, I could not help but surmise about the year 2052. For Jupiter and Venus will not line up again like this until then. I'll be 94 years old. Many of you reading will be long gone, and some of you 20 somethings who might not blink about aging will be in your 60's. It was interesting and surreal to think of. Martyn and I talked that night how the night skies and all their history makes a human feel very small. I think it's good to feel small. It reminds you you're not the ruler of any one's world, not even your own. If I'm here in 2052, I hope I can remember that moment, but perhaps it's the fact I could take notice of it in the current times that's most important.
