Summer is really here and we are enjoying it. The weather has been mostly beautiful with a few hot days thrown in now and then. The winter annual grasses are done for the year…
…and have made way for the summer ones. This is a grazing-type sorghum sudangrass, a close relative of corn. 
The pastures with perennial grasses have gone to seed. Some have been mowed for hay and some are being grazed by our sheep. The lambs are growing well and all 208 of them have gotten their first vaccinations.
We are not typically early risers, Philip and I, but the summer heat has started pushing us to drag ourselves out of bed a good bit earlier–like at 5am.
Usually by 7:30am, the sheep were already getting hot and even though they love their breakfast dessert of corn and oats, the heat was slowing them down a good bit. So we try to get out there instead by 5:30am. And we really do enjoy it once we’re out there.
The gardens are overflowing with fresh vegetables and we have been up to our eyebrows in work, but find most of it quite likable and satisfying.
The pigs have been loving their sprinklers and fans these days. This morning was cool enough that they got the “happys” and were running around, rolling in the straw and trying to see who could knock me down by running full speed into me or between my legs!
It had warmed up a good bit by 11am though, and they got the “grumpys”, so I turned on their sprinklers and they soon quieted down.
The cats, on the other hand, have been taking it quite easy, the warm summer days making them lazy. They leave their lounging spots to prowl around at night when it’s cooler.
The evenings have been pleasant, especially when most of the work is done and we get to spend a few quiet moments with our sweetest sheep.
–Dee
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing. The last one is awesome.
seems like a piece of the good life there at sweet stem with the critters. getting outside about 5am is my goal this time of year. it offers ‘gifts’ that that sleepers-in have no mind of. cup of coffee in hand, finners and i head outside with a great yawn——-or two, poised.
sheep shadowing with dorcas is great pic.