Late summer evenings

The field is lush from all the rain.
Yes, it has brought an unusually bad parasite season for shepherds, everyone has been complaining, it has dampened vacations, mine included... but tonight, after a few days of sun and warmth, it is as green and thick as late spring. The animals are gorging themselves, having just been let into a new area to graze. The sky grows dusky, the crickets sing, the air is cool and fragrant. As I walk through my pasture talking to my flock, I am filled with happiness at the sight of them. After weeks of being wet and muddy and ratty looking, they suddenly are clean and fluffy, with fleeces blowing in the breeze. Lambs are filling out and showing me their promise for the breeding season to come. These are the moments I offer thanks for the blessings of a farming life and the friends discovered with it, both 2 and 4 legged.