One of my favorite images in my life is the sight of the sheep, fed and resting, waiting and watching. This is an iconic sight, humans and sheep have lived together for thousands of years, they have sustained us, clothed us, graced our lives in so many ways.

Our sheep are starting to get old, the youngest is five of six, the others eight and up. Their presence has enriched us – me through the shepherding I loved to do with Red and will probably never do in that way again, and Maria though the yarn she loves and sells, an important ritual for us, along with shearing.

The sheep have brought us closer into contact with Mother Nature, who is bleeding for us. The sheep are among the most contemplative animals I have lived with, just behind the donkeys.

With Red gone, the sheep are starting to get comfortable with me, perhaps even like me to come around. They would never have lied down so close to me if Red was nearby. He didn’t allow it.

They are peaceable creatures, they mean no harm and do no harm. They are waiting every morning to wish me a good and meaningful day.