Life is tough sometimes. What should bring joy, can feel flat and meh. Managing depression and anxiety is never easy. Yet despite the low mood and recent episodes of high blood pressure, good things have been happening on Webb Acres. An understanding counselor helps, and I can say that I am beginning to feel the joy of a house and pasture full of critters again.
When considering what was next on Webb Acres, one thing I knew for sure was I wanted camelids again. Alpacas were out as we learned the hard way that they do not do well in the Texas heat. I really wanted a camel but our vet, Dr. Kaki, and Jim Bob said NO. So we compromised and brought home two llamas. The excuse for having llamas was for them to guard our sheep. And I am pleased to say, they are naturals. They interact, eat together, and seem to enjoy each other’s company. We named the regal elder, Athena, the Greek warrior. The nearly one year old baby is Adelphi, Greek for sister. They are still shy with humans but are comfortable at their new home.
Our girls, Honey and Maple were the next acquisition. Year old lab mixes, these sisters have settled in nicely despite initial fears and anxiety. I think they have finally accepted that this is their forever home. The cats still don’t trust these enthusiastic sisters but we are still working on bringing them together. Apollo and Mavra don’t trust them yet and I can’t blame them.
Finally, I happened across a couple of photos of dorper sheep for sale on Facebook of all places. After some texting and conferring with Jim Bob, we bought two ewes, one pregnant and the other with a young lamb. They are so much fun and super friendly!
Anticipating a birth of twins or maybe triplets as the pregnant momma was huge, we returned home from a party on Sunday, December 14 to find a new addition in the pasture. Momma must have screamed when she gave birth as she had a single big boy whom we named Astro. Everyone is healthy, constantly hungry, and adorable.
I am still working on the website, and will have an online store with alpaca and other products. As we grow our dorper herd, we will have registered show sheep available for lease and purchase.
As I come out of my low mental state, my goal is to post regularly (weekly?). I realize my consistency isn’t the best practice for bloggers but I will make every effort to get back to doing more of what I love – writing.
Wishing a happy holiday season to my readers.
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