Feelin' Hot, Hot Hot!

It's been really, really warm here today - almost 90 F! This is really hot for us for this time of year. I've started to hear rumors that we are to start getting the possibility of monsoons starting soon. I certainly hope so. I miss clouds. Today we're had nothing but clear sky.

I've been watching the sheep via "Sheep-O-Vision" today...mainly because they, too, are feeling the heat and staying close to the cool barn with the fans blowing the air inside. I do go down there often to make sure everyone has cool, clean water.

As you can see from this first photo (Sheep Thrills Ole) the lambs have become Debris Magnets, gathering hay, twigs, and assorted other bits flying around in the air lately. My DH keeps asking if I can get coats in their size. At the rate they are growing it won't be too long before they are big enough for coats...and ear tags, and shots, and weaning, and finding new homes(?).

The second photo is one I got recently of Blessa. She's finally warming up to me! I've noticed this of most ewe lambs and wonder if it's some internal mechanism given to them from Mother Nature...the boys are bold and the girls hang back almost as if to say, "You guys try it first and if you're still alive afterwards then I might try it too". Natural female survival instinct. :)

And Sheep Thrills Shaun the Sheep was caught off-guard this morning, looking over his Mum's back. Shaun has the softest fleece of any lambs we've ever had here. It is just bee-u-tea-full! He is very respectful and comes for attention or treats only when called. I think he's inherited Skit's personality...but then all the boys are that way.

The only one who will be any problem (and I'm nipping it in the bud right quick!) is Ole. Ole would rather be in someone's lap than anywhere else! Or he might try to sneak up behind someone to nibble on clothing. (And yes, Lois, we are indeed using the "Tough Love for Rams" approach with this one!) I rap his knuckles and say a firm "No!" if he tries anything like that. He has, on occasion, found himself suddenly on the ground with me pinning him down and saying "no" in a very loud angry voice. It only took twice before he realized that I meant business. And in his eyes you can see a very gentle soul softly looking back at you. What a charmer! But, if he ever slips and wants to be a Lap-Sheep again, I'll have to explain to him that it would mean he has to lose a little something first...like his ram-hood.

And, Blessa was kind enough to stand still for this wonderful shot of her bum! But you can see she's got a nice set of square legs there! She's her father's daughter alright!

And here's hoping that all of you are staying cool and hydrated in the Summer heat! Before we know it, we'll all be complaining about snow and ice! :)

Thought for Today: Never chase elk out of your pasture in flip-flops. The elk have the advantage if you do! ;)