Aelfwin was beautiful, and as someone who aspires to have four-footed livestock but wonders how I'll handle the harsher realities of management, I found this post really helpful and moving.
Another wonderful offering, Carly. I could quote so many of the phrases you use as the most apt and moving descriptions of life. Thank you so much for the incredible pleasure your writings bring.
Last fall I finally had to let go of a couple of my boys. They were both insanely friendly (one a bottle lamb the other just nice on his own). They lived fairly long lives but they both refused to let me trim their hooves without big battles. My husband and I aren't getting any younger, so I had to say goodbye. It was so damned hard. It never gets easier. But every school child should be taught about these sacrifices.
I have long been saying that every school child should have to work a year on a real farm, learning the cycles of life, where their food comes from and yes, the sacrifices that come with it.
Those battles are a real strain. I have to admit a good few of our culls have been fine animals that I just can’t do the fight with anymore every time I need to handle them. Big, strong, feisty, horned ewes. They’ve been some of the hardest decisions but we have to be realistic about our own capabilities as well as everything else.
I’m sorry to see that sweet girlie go but totally get it. So appreciate your writing about the cycle. I didn’t realize Aelfwin’s connection to Floki; every morning I’m grateful to roll out of bed onto his lovely fleece. And now I will think of her too as I begin my day 💕
Claudia, thank you for such a moving and heartfelt comment. I had a moment when I almost didn’t want to post this piece in case the person who bought one of Aelfwin’s fleeces would be reading, but then I thought no, this is the truth, it’s part of the cycle of it all and anyone who’s been following that long will appreciate that.
Yes, we got Floki at the same time as Aelfwin, the breeder had run two rams that year and told us all the ewe lambs with black faces would be at least his half sisters, while the white and brown faces were off the other ram. So we got three of each. Aelfwin was just like a little mini version of him! So lovely to hear you still treasure his fleece, and I’m glad to say we don’t plan on sending him away anytime soon, Floki is one in a million! :)
I could have written this post, only with all goats. We've made final cull selections for our herd today and there was definitely some sadness. It doesn't matter how many replacement doelings I have, I still try to justify hanging onto an old matriarch of the herd, or a kid I had to bottle feed.
Ooh I don’t envy you, I dread those decisions with goats. There’s just something so much more relatable about them, so much more to them than sheep, and the closer handling with dairy goats esp.. We have a couple of goats that I just can’t, it would be like eating the family dog!
I have to admit, some of my most beloved dairy goats did not end up as food. They were laid to rest in the far meadow covered in flowers. We've since switched to wilder meat goats that would sooner gore me than give hugs, but I still develop a fondness for certain ones!
Aelfwin was beautiful, and as someone who aspires to have four-footed livestock but wonders how I'll handle the harsher realities of management, I found this post really helpful and moving.
She was :) I’m glad you found it helpful, making the decision is the hardest part, but it does get easier. Thank you, Meagan
What a beautiful fleece. I'm glad Aelfwin had a good run and your remaining sheep have spacious pastures to graze.
I will miss not having her fleece to work with every year. Thank you, Daria.
Another wonderful offering, Carly. I could quote so many of the phrases you use as the most apt and moving descriptions of life. Thank you so much for the incredible pleasure your writings bring.
Sally, so wonderful to have you here! Thank you, so much for your kind support, it really means a lot, and I’m so glad that you enjoy reading.
Last fall I finally had to let go of a couple of my boys. They were both insanely friendly (one a bottle lamb the other just nice on his own). They lived fairly long lives but they both refused to let me trim their hooves without big battles. My husband and I aren't getting any younger, so I had to say goodbye. It was so damned hard. It never gets easier. But every school child should be taught about these sacrifices.
I have long been saying that every school child should have to work a year on a real farm, learning the cycles of life, where their food comes from and yes, the sacrifices that come with it.
Those battles are a real strain. I have to admit a good few of our culls have been fine animals that I just can’t do the fight with anymore every time I need to handle them. Big, strong, feisty, horned ewes. They’ve been some of the hardest decisions but we have to be realistic about our own capabilities as well as everything else.
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved Aelfwyn. You gave her a wonderful wild and happy life. 💕
Thank you, Ali :)
I’m sorry to see that sweet girlie go but totally get it. So appreciate your writing about the cycle. I didn’t realize Aelfwin’s connection to Floki; every morning I’m grateful to roll out of bed onto his lovely fleece. And now I will think of her too as I begin my day 💕
Claudia, thank you for such a moving and heartfelt comment. I had a moment when I almost didn’t want to post this piece in case the person who bought one of Aelfwin’s fleeces would be reading, but then I thought no, this is the truth, it’s part of the cycle of it all and anyone who’s been following that long will appreciate that.
Yes, we got Floki at the same time as Aelfwin, the breeder had run two rams that year and told us all the ewe lambs with black faces would be at least his half sisters, while the white and brown faces were off the other ram. So we got three of each. Aelfwin was just like a little mini version of him! So lovely to hear you still treasure his fleece, and I’m glad to say we don’t plan on sending him away anytime soon, Floki is one in a million! :)
Beautiful Carly.. and that last sentence. Oof yes, felt that xx
Thank you, Ali xx
I could have written this post, only with all goats. We've made final cull selections for our herd today and there was definitely some sadness. It doesn't matter how many replacement doelings I have, I still try to justify hanging onto an old matriarch of the herd, or a kid I had to bottle feed.
Ooh I don’t envy you, I dread those decisions with goats. There’s just something so much more relatable about them, so much more to them than sheep, and the closer handling with dairy goats esp.. We have a couple of goats that I just can’t, it would be like eating the family dog!
I have to admit, some of my most beloved dairy goats did not end up as food. They were laid to rest in the far meadow covered in flowers. We've since switched to wilder meat goats that would sooner gore me than give hugs, but I still develop a fondness for certain ones!