Officially Autumn

Happy September everyone.

It's been a funny old week with warmish days, some very windy ones and a proper autumn feel to it all. Ebba the dog has been reveling in the feeling of something new to come and has found her voice, to celebrate it all. Ebba now talks loudly about things and she sounds like a big dog imitating a puppy. It must have to do with the fact that she's in season, but the voice seems to be a new, braver Ebba thing too.

Yesterday a dear friend came to visit and was greeted by Ebba who tried to climb up in her lap, while telling all about her day. It was a both comical and moving moment and in the end, we just had to go out into the paddock to play with our sweet dog. She is a lot of things but a lap dog she is not.

We are looking in to getting a friend for Ebba. A smaller dog to give her that last bit of confidence she is so clearly lacking. There is room at the inn, so to speak, and maybe she is a dog that would thrive with some canine company. We will have to work on that one.

Mindy, Mandy, Molly and My are looking perky and happy. Cooler air and berries in abundance makes for very happy sheep. They are also looking forward to the time when they get to stay indoors, snuggling up with their hens for company and lots of food to eat. They are a funny team of animals who love staying in their pen. It must be that feeling of safety and no stress that appeals to them. The young cockerels and the chicks still ride around on their woolly backs so it can't be the company of hen birds that they are missing out on, being outside all day.

The first flocks of migrating gees flew over us this morning. Their calls being answered by our cockerels made for a very nostalgic moment. It all starts again, that feeling of something ending. Nature winding down, the migrating birds starting their long flight towards warmer climates and us staying put. The cure for this gloomy feeling is to hug a sheep, drink a lot of coffee and clean up after a messy bunch of happy hens. Then call for Ebba and head out for a nice, long walk in the woods with dear husband. If all else fails - chocolates.

It's been a pleasure to write to you all about our funny, little life out here in the middle of nowhere. Two years on it feels it's time to call it a day. We are hopefully not going anywhere soon, especially as Ebba is not done yet with digging her way down to the middle of the earth. If you have a sweet looking dog popping up in your flowerbed one day, check that it's not our digger on four paws. You never know, as magical things do happen, but if it is her, do send her back as we do love her so.

Take care, be safe and above all - try to be happy as often as you can. We will do our best at this end....

Lots of love from all of us at Stoneback farm.