So... I got up this morning to do chores. I was out of the house by eight (lots later than mom does them, but lots earlier than dad would have...) and noticed that Africa (big, huge ewe) was getting ready to have lambs. I finished up with the chores and watched... and waited... She was definitely taking her time about things. Finally about two hours later, I realized that the lamb was probably turned the wrong way and went in to get my dad. We tried to catch her so I could fix things up, but Africa wasn't having any of that.
So... I ran to get the lariat, only to discover that it wasn't there anymore. Upon which discovery much frustration ensued. So then, Ari and I tried to lure her behind the gate with some corn. That didn't work either. She did snatch and grabs with the grain. That was about when we realized that (quite accidentally) dad had left the gate open, as it was our plan to trap her behind it. Unfortunately, she went in front of it instead and got out.
After a bit more chasing about, frustrated yelling and attempts to catch this angry, pregnant, 350 lbs ewe, we finally got her cornered in a fenced off space between two pens. Whereupon we hauled forth a humongous lamb that was stuck backwards. By 'we', I mean 'I.' I'd thought dad would at least hold her... he was pretty good at watching, though. Anyway. Huge ram lamb. And it's head and the back of its ears were bald. Funny-looking little critter. He kicked me all the way out...
Anyway... we moved them to a cleaner, wind-free area and waited. Before too terribly long, we had another. A girl. She came on her own, thank goodness. The next real challenge was getting them food. Africa's a great mother in all other respects. She doesn't like to feed her babies. However, both of them are happily up and going, now, with full tummies. Their names are Zulu (the boy) and Botswana (the girl). They weigh probably close to 15 lbs apiece.
After all the excitement, dad happened to find a little snake hidden underneath a board. Poor little fellow. Probably hiding from all the rotten weather. Anyway. He's a cute little fellow. We've detained him as a temporary pet. We'll have to get rid of him when mom comes home. She doesn't like snakes. Especially not in the house. Then Ari found a humongous lizard outside. We turned him loose. He was a vicious little biter.
Anywho... I've also decided that Ari's fingers must be incredibly heavy. Because he can't even lift one to help anyone do anything. He's leaving this afternoon for someplace. And the dishes will be waiting for him when he returns. I sooooo did not come here to be anyone's maid. I can quite happily wash my own dishes, thanks. But I came here to take care of the animals, not to watch Ari lie around the house and expect me to cook and clean for him just because I'm the nearest female. Dad at least cooks for himself (and us, really) and mostly cleans up after himself. I just think it's about time Ari weaned himself off his wetnurse. He fantasizes about moving out early, but he couldn't handle life without someone to take care of him. Urg. Frustrations.
Anyway... more news as it happens!
--Anna Grace
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