Tues. March 2, 2004

Good morning farmers. We had snow and rain mixed all day yesterday, tonight there is just enough fresh snow so it was very hard to see where to drive with the 4 wheeler without getting it stuck in oozy mud or a snowbank, which I did only once. Tonight was just about as busy in the lambing department as last night but the sheep were more cooperative. I brought in 1 single lamb and a set of nice twins, plus a ewe in labor that had mucous and what looks like old blood, not bright and fresh looking. She is pushing so may have a lamb by the time the owner gets to the barn about 5am. I left a note so he will know she was not looking normal. Later this morning I will go check on her, I hope she doesn't have a dead lamb in there but that is what I suspect.
EvaMae, I'm praying for your husband and also for the friend you visited in the hospital. Life sure gets difficult sometimes, and you folks seem to have more than your share of medical troubles. Our son recently told us he has been diagnosed with hemochromatosis. He has been bothered with arthritis in his hands for a few years and this winter was sent to see a specialist who diagnosed his problem quickly, so now he is getting treatments, has changed his diet and is feeling a bit better. His saturation rate was very high and the specialist estimates it will take about a year to stabilize it to normal levels. I wish his doctor had sent him to the specialist sooner but they seem to try this awhile, then try that awhile and when they run out of things to try they send the patient to see a specialist.
Last week we saw the first robin of the season, and there was even a bit of bare ground for him to hunt for worms. Some years they show up so early when there is so much snow it makes me wonder about their sanity, or at least their travel schedule. I remember sitting watching a pair of them one day in a snowstorm, and could just almost hear Mrs. Robin telling him "I told you it was too early".
Time now to see if the chamomile tea will help me go back to sleep. I'm yawning so it must be working. Have a good day everyone, count your blessings.