Holiday Turnover Report

My Dear Friend,

My most sincere wishes that this finds you and your loved ones safe and well.

I think it is now safe to say that we are through the holiday season. I use the word “safe” intentionally, friend, because there have been developments around Pemberley Farm in the last couple of months that have been enough to rattle even the most stalwart of fellows.

First, I must relay that Slider and Flora are no longer in the neighborhood, though their destinations varied quite significantly. Slider went the way of the once-missing friend Spud, and now resides in someplace referred to most often as “freezer camp.” Flora has joined another neighborhood and according to all reports is thriving in her new environs.

I should also note that several of the regiment seem to have gone AWOL recently. I do not mind their absence as much, however. They tend to prey upon our nerves and are ever greedy for my corn treats.

I can, however report the addition of a new face to the Farm. This is Wellington, a young mini bull who has come to live here and befriend some of the young ladies of the neighborhood. He is a handsome fellow who has the attractive quality of being rather small of stature, and therefore easier for Farmer Jay and Ma Berry to manage.

We are similarly sized, in fact, and have enjoyed becoming acquainted during his visits to Pemberley. He is a bit shy for a male bovine, primarily due to his size, I think. The ladies of his species are of much grander proportions than he. It will take some courage, I believe, for him to move about in their society.

I am also pleased to report that Kiersten J’s Beast to Blanket class has officially begun. I am sure she will be sharing the details of her first session with you herself, but I wish to share this photo she passed on to me:

Kiersten J said the students enjoyed dyeing the yarn together, and that they thought the mascot she brought along was quite adorable. I can’t quite make out the resemblance, but perhaps you can?

Next week she will bring in some of my wool and that of my neighbors so the students can see and feel raw fleece. I believe they’ll be constructing drop spindles to spin some cleaned and carded wool after a demonstration with a spinning wheel, as well. I’m eager to hear all about it!

Finally, friend, I need to show you my other new neighbor, and ask for your assistance in identification. It’s very quiet and has no conversation whatsoever. At times, it completely flattens itself against the ground, as if hiding. At other times, it seems to blow away with the wind.

I wish to be an amiable neighbor to this creature, and yet I find myself positively skittish in its presence. My fellow neighbors have nothing helpful to say.

Have you any advice for me?

Most sincerely yours,

Mr. Darcy the Sheep