David left for 7 weeks yesterday to take part in a research cruise in the Southern Ocean (will keep us funded for at least a year!). True to form our first lamb came within 18 hours of him leaving. What baffles me is the mom was smart enough to have her in the sheep house at 7:30AM on a relatively warm morning (30 plus degrees). Obviously a first time mom.

Lamb is a single (which I prefer for first time mom's) and seems healthy and robust. I haven't actually seen her nurse but she is warm dry and standing just fine. Her belly doesn't feel shrunken. I'll watch her steadily today (she is in the main barn with a heat lamp now) but it looks good so far!

For my friends on the board, if you could keep me in your thoughts I would appreciate it. I find running the farm and parenting alone a big challenge, especially since we have lambs and maybe calves on the way while David is gone. I'm also kind of psyched to see how much I can actually manage. I have 2 newly butchered sheep skins to tan, some minor handy man work on the house to do, firewood to maintain etc.

Kim

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Answers

I had to giggle when I read your topic line, Kim! But please be sure that you will be in our thoughts; and if you need some encouragement, just holler! I'm sure that you'll do just fine! Think of how all the women kept the farms going with mostly just the kids for help during WWII.

How many expectant ewes and cows do you have? Are the kids old enough to give you a hand, either in the barn or the house? What type of research does David do? He'll be home just in time to start the spring garden. I'm sure you'll have quite the honey-do list when he gets home!

Good luck to you both!

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Congratulations on the first lamb! How thoughtful of that ewe to make it easier.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers, Kim. I'm sure you'll manage things just fine.

Please keep in touch!

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Yes Kim, most definately in my thoughts. Such great timing......once again you know how to predict!!! ;>) Please do tell us, if you can, what kind of research David is doing. I am very certain you will do just great. Be sure and share your adventure with us.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Congrats on the new lamb! Seven weeks is a longer time than it might seem, especially when you're under pressure. We understand if you don't get in here to post chit-chat!

But, if you are in email communication with David, ask him, please, to post something here. We WANT a post from Antarctica! :-)

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

It is Murphy's Law that all scary stuff happens when the significant other is MIA, all the really bad storms, ice storms that have the power off for days, that threaten to throw the power line on top of the fuel tanks cause it is pulling itself free of it's moorings, snow so deep and drifted that you couldn't get out with the 4 wheel drive and chains, criiters that need endless hours of walking because they colic in the middle of the night when it takes the lone vet hours and hours to get here, ALL this happens when DH is in CA or WA state, weeks from being back home.

Being a "grass widow" really toughens you up quick, you either learn to manage or go back to the sidewalks!!!

You will do it and handle it well Kim, I got faith in you! If you are like me, you are too stubborn to give up or give in.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Could you please post how you tan sheep skins please?? When you have time of course. Plus, YOU GO GIRL!! Go Kiiim! Go Kiiim!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002