Simple Pleasures

    So many times on our little farm something happens and I think of how fortunate we are to be here.  Nothing major.  Little things.  It could be watching Rain and Tucker run around the pond.  Maybe watching the lambs leap around and stand on Dandy's back as she's laying down.  
    Today I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with Josie.  She's my old girl - the last of the original ewes we started with here.  She's also humongously pregnant.  Between that and the injuries she sustained when a stranger's dogs attacked several months ago I worry about her...a lot.  
    This morning I went in the garden to see how things are growing.  I took advantage of our littie bounty by tearing off some lettuce leaves and eating them.  Then I looked out in the field.  There was Josie...watching me intently.  I ripped out a hanful of lettuce leaves and walked into the pasture.  I think I saw a bit of drool drop off her chin.  I held a red leaf out and she stomped her foot at me.  She's a skeptical girl, not to mention one that knows what she wants.  I switched it for a green leaf.  She inched a bit forward.  Then I went down on my knees, one hand full of lettuce, the other holding that green leaf out for her.  She walked right up and ate that leaf.  I gave her another...and another...  "Joseph, Mary, and the lamb," she said, "Just give me the rest!"  So I did.  We had one of those moments I'll never forget.  She stood there for a while longer after she ate, letting me talk to her and pet her.  I wrapped my arms around her neck, put my cheek on hers, and cried happy tears.  Afterwards we both went our separate ways, Josie going to do whatever big pregnant ewes feel like doing and me to reminisce about our happy moment together.  Smiling & Waving, Sharon

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