By Judy Barnet, Ag Columnist
Easter has come and gone and by the time you read this, the Stanthorpe Show will also be over. I hope everyone enjoyed both.
Thursday evening saw the arrival of our cottage guests and camping friends and what a magnificent evening it was. As the sun went down the sky was pink in the west but to the east, there was a beautiful golden glow and the near full moon was bright and clear. After taking Dora for a walk I was loath to go inside until the sky was completely dark. It was just the loveliest twilight.
Good Friday dawned clear and bright and it was hard for me to believe that I really didn’t have any urgent jobs besides feeding the animals. I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the verandah with Dora. All was good until Grey cat decided he wanted to join us on the verandah. All hell broke loose as he launched himself at poor Dora who was cornered on the verandah, unable to get past as our old cat smokey blocked the only path out. Poor Dora. The cat’s domain is the cat’s domain and dogs are always excluded from there. Humans are allowed only because they have treats! I did get a lovely photo of Dora before WWIII was brought out though!
After breakfast, I thought I would take a few last photos of the lambs before they go under the hammer on Tuesday. I noticed an eagle circling above the trees in the scrub paddock and it seemed to be hanging around. I also realised I had not seen Lucifer the drake for a few days. CJ feeds the poultry so it would not be unusual for me to miss him. I have been leaving for work early due to the flooding and having to detour via Texas so am not necessarily home when the ducks come around for a feed. Sadly it looks like he has been taken. Most likely the feral cat or a fox. Fellow Rare Breeds Director, Catie, arrived this week with her mum Rosie and daughter Abbie. We attended to some RBTA business, and have been kayaking and barbecuing down at the dam. The weather has been perfect! It has been a busy week as the builders are also staying and putting up the shed.
Today is one busy busy day. The shearer is coming today to knock the wool off the lambs that went for sale on Tuesday and I need to get sheep in for display at the Stanthorpe Show to take in tomorrow. The sale was not as good as I had hoped with only a 33 per cent clearance although some will most likely sell in the week after the sale and I do have people coming to look on the weekend. The registered Babydolls sold well though, to a top of $855. The beautiful Heritage Southdown ewes which are a cross between a Babydoll and a Southdown surprisingly did not sell through but these ewes were really outstanding and top-notch and will go into my breeding programme. I also sell a few rams throughout the year.
One of my favourite events of the year is coming up on the 7 May – the Church of England Fete. I have attended it and presented some animals for many years. I absolutely love the fete with its big treasure sale in the hall and huge book sale stall as well as the spin the wheel auction of which I am a very keen participant. The dancing is great to watch and I love drooling over the Rolls Royce and Willys Jeep on display. One of these days I might be cheeky and go for a drive in the Rolls just so I can say I have been in one! Inevitably, by the end of the day when we pack up and go home the cab of the old Cruiser is packed with books, linen and other treasures I have bought. I need to think ahead and take two vehicles.
Finally, Catie Gressier shared with me two articles she has written. I couldn’t decide which one so have included both. Thank you Catie – it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to spend time with you.
