A Population Explosion
My Dear Friend,
I hope you and your loved ones are doing well.
Today finds me full of the most interesting of news! As you may remember from my last letter, we were recently invaded by an innumerable horde of noisy rapscallions. I must report that they are still about in the local environs and make no sign of departing any time soon. Some of them have decided to take up special residence in the very halls of Pemberley, and I am sorry to speak ill of any of my fellow creatures, but they are the boldest of corn thieves it has ever been my misfortune to observe. I despair of them.
You can see their behavior in the video below, where you shall also meet my new companion, Caroline.
I will tell you more about Caroline in just a moment, but please observe the shocking larceny of the invaders (the corn they’re plundering is intended for Caroline and myself), as well as Slider the bull calf’s odd behaviour.
Caroline is fascinated by what Farmer Jay referred to as Tallowdega (the family enjoys watching cars drive very rapidly in circles, I believe, which has some relationship to that term), while I remained most concerned by the regiment’s shocking lack of table etiquette.
We believe Slider may be somewhat disturbed by the recent arrival of his baby brother, and his subsequent perception of no longer being the sole recipient of his mother’s attention and affection.
May I make known to you our new neighbor, Meatball? He’s a healthy lad who arrived quietly about 30 minutes before Ma Berry and Farmer Jay arrived home with their newest calf, Donut:
Just a few short days later, another young lad joined the neighborhood bearing the name Brisket:
Apparently, Brisket is meant to be a companion for Miss Moose, and there may be more little ones sometime in the future, though Farmer Jay says that will not be for some time.
A few days later, Miss Posey dropped her calf as well (that IS the proper term, I have learned, though it sounds somewhat careless), and I am happy at last to report the addition of a new young lady to the neighborhood. Here is Miss Flora:
Thus ends the tally of the smaller additions to our local populace.
In addition, another young lady has been added to the wee flock.
Mr. Knightley has been feeling a bit cantankerous and territorial over the past few weeks, especially when others come near Emma and Lizzy. He is quite protective.
Farmer Jay and Ma Berry thought it might be best for all concerned for Mr. Knightley and me to have a little distance from one another for a time. I do believe this may also have something to do with potentially forthcoming small creatures, but this is beyond my comprehension at the moment.
The Good Book tells us it is not good for a man to be alone, and this is also the case with sheep. Rather than break up the merino trio, everyone thought it best that I be provided with another companion. I was introduced to Caroline shortly thereafter and we are becoming acquainted.
Caroline is mostly a Suffolk breed, with pretty caramel-colored wool. Before coming to the neighborhood, she had never become accustomed to having and using a halter. She has the breeding to grow to be one of the largest sheep on the property, so Farmer Jay wants to be sure she can accept the halter before deciding if her stay is temporary or permanent. At times we graze near a driveway and need to be on a lead so we’re safe from cars that may come by. Caroline must decide whether or not she is willing to accept that particular accoutrement and practice or if it will cause her too much distress. I hope I can help her adjust.
Speaking of fashion accessories…
What do you think of my hat? Here’s a better picture of the image:
Caroline said I look smashing. Is that a compliment?
Most sincerely yours,
Mr. Darcy the Sheep
