24 January, 2009 by mountain dweller
There’s still plenty of action going on inside the sheep barn at the moment. We now have about 220 lambs (and counting) and of course their 270 mothers.

Which keeps my husband and the dogs busy for most of the day and evening.

But should they feel like some light entertainment, they need only step outside to watch the latest developments in downhill skiing. Yet another 7 inches of snow has turned the field into the perfect piste and the kids ski until they’ve had enough of walking back up (we haven’t got round to putting in a chair-lift yet).

I suppose if one day we decide that there is no future in sheep farming, we can always open a ski resort. Or maybe some sort of tourist activity along the lines of ‘skiing à la ferme’.
Any takers?

Posted in Counting Sheep, Family Stuff, the Alps | Tagged Farming, sheep, sheepdog, skiing, the Alps | 11 Comments »
17 January, 2009 by mountain dweller
I’ve often wondered who has the most fun in the snow – the dogs or the children. A couple of weeks ago we had about 15 inches and while the kids went sledging in the fields the dogs managed to get some play time in too.
The snow stuck to their rear ends in big bobbles and made them heavy enough for invitations to weight watchers.

But there was no way that a bit of ice was going to slow them down.

Dora, our 6 month old Border Collier was understandably hesitant at her first foray into Artic conditions.

but that lasted all of twenty seconds.

And by the end of the afternoon, it wasn’t only the dogs and kids who had developed a taste for the powdery stuff..

Have a good weekend everyone!
Posted in Family Stuff, a glimpse of France.., the Alps | Tagged border collie, Pyrenean sheep dog, snow, the Alps | 10 Comments »
10 January, 2009 by mountain dweller
Well hello there!

I know, it’s been a while. No excuses, except to say that I haven’t been able to make blogging a priority recently. Thanks to all of those who have written, or commented about my lack of posts – you are very patient my friends!
It’s that time of year again when my farmer goes on a long holiday in the sheep barn with 270 other females. His midwife skills are as much in demand as ever.
This time I’ll keep you posted. I promise.

Or at least I’ll try
Posted in Counting Sheep, Farming | 5 Comments »
1 October, 2008 by mountain dweller
I put in a quick mention about the team at the International Medical Corps and their project “Saving the lives of malnourished children” in my last post. I would like to congratulate them on their inclusion in the Top 5 of the American Express Members Project.
The second round of voting has begun and the project with the most votes will receive $1.5 million. Please give them a helping hand by voting:
http://internationalmedicalcorps.smnr.us/
Voting ends on 13th October so be quick!
Posted in Family Stuff | Tagged American Express Members Project | 6 Comments »