Friday Farm Favorites: Evening Treats
Clover and Hamish
Every evening, Farmguy and I give our sheep and chickens treats of grain and lettuce. It’s one of my favorite times of day—probably because the farm is so still and quiet. It’s easy to feel happy and at peace surrounded by such grace. And, sometimes, as I sit in the grass trying to capture a different perspective of the barnyard, I can’t help but feel incredibly moved by the simplicity and beauty of this place.
Here’s the thing: Although it’s treat time for our sweet woollies and chickens, we’re the ones who actually receive something special—a feeling of gratitude and a renewed spirit.
Hamish
“In ways that matter, we are all the same. I have yet to find an emotion that is normally attributed to humans that is not displayed by animals. Just because they don’t speak our words doesn’t mean they are not communicating. They are constantly communicating. Once you click in, you can see it. If we let go of the unconscious limits we normally impose on animals and simply look at them, listen to them, and pay attention, they have a whole lot to say, and they say it clearly.”
~Kathy Stevens, founder, Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
What beautiful shots you shared! Animals are so very special.
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Thank you so much, Anne. I always enjoy photographing their sweet faces. Hanging out with our sheep is one of my favorite pastimes. 🙂
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Do you raise you sheep only for the wool?
BTW, I’ve never seen an animal display hatred. Animals show dislike for someone, or anger towards another dog, but not hatred. Hatred is anger without reason, animals always have a reason, usually intrusion into personal space.
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Mainly, we raise them for their beauty; however, we also appreciate that they keep our fields “mowed.” Sometimes we use their wool for yarn, roving, comforters, and pillows.
I don’t know. We once had a rooster who sure did dislike us. 😉 He loved stalking folks from behind the coop, before flying at top speed with his spurs in full force.
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May be wrong, but sounds more like he was protecting his turf.
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We always treat our animals with kindness. So, we never have an opportunity to observe hatred. And, I’m sure our rooster was only doing his job. He was actually a very good protector. If we’d still had him, maybe the fox would’ve been deterred.
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Those sweet little faces are just blooming with personality! They melt hearts 🐏
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That’s a really nice thing to say! Thank you. They do have LOTS of personality. 🙂
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Yes, they are communicating. Today’s chapter in Charlotte’s Web spoke of Dr. Dorian telling Mrs. Arable that perhaps animals can talk, and he might have missed it if he wasn’t paying close attention. Farmers pay close attention. That’s why they talk to you. Life is good. And your photos are terrific.
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I loved Charlotte’s Web as a child. I must’ve read it a dozen times. It’s such a lovely story, and I agree….farmers do have a close bond with their animals, especially on a small hobby farm like ours. Thank you for your kind comment, Jennie. 💛
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My pleasure, Tonya. Happy weekend, and best you your farm animals.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You are welcome. 🙂
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Wishing you the same. I always enjoy your photographs.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Thank you, David. I’m so happy you enjoyed the photos. Hugs to you! 🙂
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Thanks for this delightful way to end the day and week. I cannot imagine life without fabulous fur faces and expressions around me.
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What a lovely comment! I’m with you—life wouldn’t be as enriching without those sweet furry faces. Many thanks. 🙂
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You can tell how much you and Farm Guy love your creatures great and small. They look contented and well cared for, too. I like the sheep (rams?) xo 💖
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That means a lot! Thank you very much, Robin. Clover and Hamish are wethers, but all of our Scottish Blackface sheep have horns. 🙂
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😍😍😍
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🙂
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The peace and calm and serenity that we gain by giving simple treats to our animals is priceless and let no-one EVER tell me that animals don’t feel emotions same as we do. It’s just a question of taking the prejudice goggles off and letting yourself really see. I love the gift you share with all of us of your beautiful place, your priceless animals and the unbegoggled eyes you view your world through. Thank you Tonya. I wish you all a peaceful and joyous weekend 💛
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I agree with you, Osyth. Animals are sentient beings with the same range of emotions as we experience. With a little respect, sensitivity, and love, we can all tune into this reality. As always, thank you for such a thoughtful and generous comment. I sincerely appreciate your words. Enjoy your weekend! ❤️ xo
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Happy weekend Farmgirl! I love the way you look at things….it is the reward of your animals love and not the animals who await treats. You really are a kind soul as I used to think of the happiness of giving the animals treats. It is much more than that. Thanks😃🤗🤗😚
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Happy weekend to you, Garfield! And, a heartfelt thank you for YOUR very sweet comment. I’m really touched. 😊💛
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Awww😊😊😚
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🙂🌻 xo
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Wonderful sentiments expressed here. So much love and gratitude. Definitely a bright spot in my morning. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your farm with all of us. ❤
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Thanks so much, Joey. That’s very kind. I’m happy our sheep added a bit of sunshine to your morning. 🙂
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Thanks for the reminder that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Lovely photos.
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I’m delighted you visited. Thank you. 🙂
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Their eyes are so full of warmth 🙂 thank you for sharing and reminding us of the important things in life.
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What a lovely thing to say! Thank you, Prajakta. 🙂 Sharing our farm life brings much joy. I’m so happy you enjoyed the photos of the sheep. Hamish sends his love. 😊❤️🐑
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So beautiful, Have a happy weekend 🙂
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How kind! Many thanks, Judy. Happy Weekend to you! 🙂
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Thank you xx 💖💖💖
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💗🌻
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Hamish looks like quite a character. Nice looking animals. 🙂
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Thank you, Deborah. You’re a good judge of sheep. 🙂 Hamish is definitely a character! 😉🐑
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I love your farm so much! I have nominated you https://penpaperandpetals.com/2017/10/08/the-blogger-recognition-award/
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First, congratulations to you! That’s wonderful!
How very kind! A heartfelt thank you for such a lovely comment and gesture. I appreciate your thinking of my blog. 🙂
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LOVE these photos, especially that second one. He’s gazing at you with such intensity… 🙂
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Thanks so much, Laura. 🙂
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Such beautiful photos. Looking at your blog makes me feel as if I’m there. I’m a new follower.
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Thank you for your kind comment. I’m so glad you visited and many thanks for following my blog. 🙂
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It has been a month since I liked this post and am going to catch up with you, Tonya. 💕🍁
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🙂❤️
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❤
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