The Weekly Bleat: Green and Pleasant Land
Some of you who read this blog may remember my fondness for England. It’s because of my time spent there as a student that I came to love so many aspects of that “green and pleasant land.” One of the memories I treasure is the beautiful Scottish Blackface sheep grazing in the fields and meadows. It was this lovely, bucolic vision that inspired me to have my own sheep in Virginia. Not only do these majestic animals bring joy and enrich our lives, but they are a daily reminder of one of my most favorite places. When I look out the window, I feel as though I’ve been transported to some charming village in the Cotswolds. These sweet sheep are my little piece of England.
cuz
Categories: Green Hill Farm, Sheep Keeping, The Weekly Bleat
So peaceful and serene, lovely animals.
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Thank you very much. I love looking out the window and seeing them in the pasture. It really fills my heart with joy. 🙂
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I can think of nothing more sweet and serene. I spent summers withh grandparents on their farm. I awoke one morning to one if the mules gazing at me through the bed room window. Delightful!
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Your summers on your grandparents’ farm sound idyllic. The image of the mule gazing at you through the window is lovely. Donkeys are very curious, and I’d imagine mules are as well. Thank you for sharing such a charming memory. 🙂
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I spent 6 months consulting in the English Midlands area (Loughborough) and spent my weekends hiking the trails, many of which went through sheep farms. The land and people are wonderful, and it was fun watching the sheep grazing, not really minding that I was passing through their land.
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How wonderful! I would love to spend 6 months in England. There are so many delightful walks throughout the country. And, it’s lovely how people are welcome to pass through farms on their hikes. Farmers don’t seem to mind hikers and motorists passing through—as long as you close the gate. 🙂
GPS once sent me on a “short cut” through the middle of a sheep pasture while Farmguy and I were in the Cotswolds. 🙂
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Would love to go back, but just not in the cards.
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Lovely photos Tonya!
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Thank you, Ritu.
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Oh you just fuel my little inner burning flame of conviction that I WILL have sheep of my own! There is nothing quite like England’s green and pleasant land to instil a love of all things pastoral, I think.
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I know you’ll have your own sheep soon. It’s only a matter of time. 💗🐑
I completely agree about England’s green and pleasant land. I love the flight from D.C. to London. My favorite thing is watching the sun rise and flying over the beautiful English countryside. I absolutely love looking down and seeing the green fields. 🙂
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Hey! Not baaaaaaaaaaaaad!
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Thank EWE, Jim. Baaaaaaah!! 😉🐑
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There are less sheep in the Cotswolds these days, but the land is still green and pleasent. I didn’t know you were such a devotee of my corner of England!
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It’s amazing how much the Cotswolds sheep and their wool contributed to the economy and affluence of the area. It’s such an interesting history. My husband and I love Gloucestershire. We’ve been visiting the area almost every summer since 2007. I would live there if I could. 🙂
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The pretty parts of Gloucestershire are fearsomely expensive places to live unfortunately. If I could afford it I would move back in a heart beat!
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Very true. It’s such a charming place: beautiful countryside, historic homes, gardens, art galleries, wonderful restaurants, etc. I guess I will have to be happy with my annual or biannual visits. 🙂
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So lovely Tonya! I have never been to England but your past photos always make it so idyliic. Are all these photos of your sheep?
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Thanks, Kathryn. You would love England. There are so many interesting things to see and do, especially if you enjoy history.
Yes, all of the photos are of our sheep. 🙂
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They look so inviting and peaceful… All worries will melt away looking at them.
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Thanks so much, Prajakta. Our sheep bring lots of joy to Green Hill Farm. 🙂
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So serene and pretty, Tonya.
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Thank you, Jennie. It’s something I’m thankful for every day. 🙂 💛🐑
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You are welcome! Enjoy your weekend.
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Thank you, Jennie. You, too!
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They’re simply beautiful creatures. ❤ I always enjoy your photos. It’s so pretty there.
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Makes me feel the same way. I loved that part of England. Didn’t know you went to school there. That must have been an amazing experience…:)
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That’s kind. Thank you, George. 🙂
I attended a college that had an abroad program at the University of London, and I spent a semester with a home stay family in Barnet. It was a wonderful experience that really shaped me as a person. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to travel in England and Europe as a student.
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So glad you found some aspects of England to continue here in your current life. Those sheep do seem sweet and easy going! I am happy to hear you like them which confirms my “softer side” which has assumed they were nice if their owner/farmer is kind towards them. ❤
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That’s kind! Thank you, Robin. 🙂
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So cute!
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Thank you. 🙂
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Wow! Happy sheep holiday!
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Thanks! 🙂
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They are so cute and the scenery is just amazing. Very beautiful.
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That’s such a lovely compliment! Thank you.
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