There is a type of vigilance among shepherds, though. Like a sixth sense. The items in the photo are almost always by my front door. The boots, lead line and dog are my tools, along with my crook. With these assets I can handle most minor things here at the farm. The only things I would add to this action kit might be: a hammer, nails, baling wire, my folding knife and on rare occasions, my 12 guage.
Grey Feather, just before shearing |
Many years ago we raised llamas at Zoar. If there's one thing llamas enjoy it's running through the countryside. Yes, there was a time when I would get regular calls from the Sheriff's dispatcher. "Are your llamas loose?" Needless to say they were the most cunning escape artists on the planet. People have no idea just how cunning they are. Out here, a lot of people at the time didn't know quite what they were. I remember being asked on several occasions..."Can you eat'em?" I was horrified! When I explained that we raised them for their fiber I knew I had lost most of them. "You spin it? Like in olden times? Why would you want to do that?
I'm digressing, sorry. The point is, if you raise animals they get out. So, it just makes sense to have what you need to get them back by the front door. By the way, Beau doesn't live by the front door. He goes where I go. He's really becoming a darn fine farm dog.
I have another recipe I thought you might like to try. This one is from Sicily. The Bear and I lived there for three years when the cubs were small. This is simple and delicious. It's good with a nice Malbec.
Four Flavor Linguine
1 cup (heaping) fresh, chopped parsley
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine (more if desired)
1 small can tomato paste
1 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated fine (more if desired)
1/2 teaspoon dry red peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
linguine
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine (more if desired)
1 small can tomato paste
1 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated fine (more if desired)
1/2 teaspoon dry red peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
linguine
Chop parsley and garlic; assemble remaining ingredients while noodles are cooking. Drain cooked linguine al dente.
Quickly, add all ingredients (except cheese) to pasta and toss. Add cheese and toss again.
Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top.
Quickly, add all ingredients (except cheese) to pasta and toss. Add cheese and toss again.
Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top.