I was pleasantly surprised when the old ewe delivered twin healthy lambs this morning. I’d checked her at 2:30 AM and again at 6:30 and she just looked uncomfortable but as I finished chores this morning there she was with the newborns who were already standing and trying to nurse.
A less welcomed surprise was the snow that fell on several occasions today. Not just the snow but a bitter cold wind with it. Meg and I spent some time in the greenhouse doing some weeding and transplanting tomatoes into larger pots. In a “normal” year they’d go in the garden in another ten days or so. Nothing seems normal in 2020.
Ann (and I) had special visitors today when Sam and his girlfriend, Nicole, came down for a quick visit from Vermont and were joined by Liz and Matt for an early Mother’s Day dinner. It was the first time we’d seen Sam and all been together since sometime in February. It was nice even though there were no hugs and each couple sat at opposite ends of the long dining room table.
I’m not sure when I’ll get to next visit my own mother as, in her mid-80’s, she’s socially distancing by herself on the home farm in Minnesota. I have a brother, a sister, and a niece that live nearby that check in on her but each have not been able to really visit her due to their inability to adequately socially distance themselves because of jobs and other contacts through their external families and farms.
So Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow to Irm and all the other mothers and those that serve or have served that role; and especially to those that are unable to be with family and are suffering from Covid-19. UMASS Memorial and other hospitals have recognized the importance of loved ones getting to touch and say goodby in end of life situations and have begun to facilitate these opportunities when possible. We’ve heard several moving stories in regards to this.
Give your mom a hug and tell her you love her if you can, and have a blessed sabbath day tomorrow.
