Am i being unrealistic?

Neglecting to write this blog was one of my fears. I have a fairly busy life with an inherent inability to sit down and take stock. I was talking to a friend on Sunday evening and the blog was mentioned and that triggered me to start this script.

Covid is still with us, but as of this evening more than 14 million people have been jabbed. All four of my parents included, which fills me with huge amounts of joy. Are we finally about to see sunlight on this epic, almost year long journey we’ve all had to endure?

I’m extremely fortunate to work in an industry where the pandemic hasn’t affected us hugely. We still have houses to let, livestock to manage and crops to grow.

We have a lovely photographer called Adrian Wroth who is taking a snap shot (doesn't do it justice as the project is HUGE) of the Estate. Everyone who works here, going about their daily tasks. With COVID restrictions we can't be photographed in the office yet, so Adrian and I spent a little time with my flock and my fleeces.

Nerine & Tiny getting in on the action

Starting where I left off last year, you’ll be pleased to hear Ted is in training! My god, what a pleasurable experience it is. We’re at the very early stages...

There is a great shepherd not so far from me called Rob. He is renowned for his sheep dog training skills so we jumped in the car one weekend and paid him a visit.

As soon as I arrived I had grass and barn envy! He was lambing, the sound of the sheep got Ted excited. Rob sent his dog off to gather a handful of sheep and bring them down to the pen ready for us to take our first steps towards being a little shepherding team, it felt amazing. I’d never seen Ted shake with anticipation like he did this day.

Rob got me in the pen moving the sheep round and round in circles whilst Ted, outside then pen, did the same. I was amazed to see him at 12 o’clock whilst I was at 6, then at 9 o’clock when I was at 3. The sheep between us all the time. The sun was shining and I felt so proud of my little lad.

We drove away with a feeling of triumph and a slight, oh shit, I’m sure we had homework but god only knows what it was!

A week later I set up a pen in my field with 9 of last years lambs, ready to roll. Ted's a bit one sided and has a ‘keen’ eye so Rob tells me. In and out of the pen I got, shooing him along, trying to make him go in the opposite direction from where he wanted. Trying to hurry the Shetlands along, the faster they went the more Ronnie moved.

He loves it. Now each time we arrive at the field he’s so desperate to start work. We have a long way to go, more me then him, but we’ve started and that's all that matters.

I have been reading a lot about lambing lately. I read so much yesterday I felt completely overwhelmed and made the decision to get rid of the flock. Last year didn’t stress me out at all but something has put me on edge this year and I can’t figure out what it is. I’m overthinking it, and probably just need Proper Shepherds super chilled calmness in my head for 10 minutes. So, the flock stays but I must sell some of last years lambs.

Alex scanned the ewes a few weeks ago and out of 7, I hopefully have 11 lambs to come. April Fools Day is day one.

I'm getting nearer to being prepared but I still have this underlying panic.

Big M being scanned @adrianwroth

Am I being unrealistic thinking I can do this, although I’ve done it once already? There were parts of my life which caused me huge amounts of stress last year, but not the sheep. What’s changed in my head this year?

Off I go to figure it out.