Ian McRae, our idiosyncratic shearer, returned to finish shearing our sheep today. We had a good long talk which I will share tomorrow when I’m fully recovered from my exciting one-day illness. I want to give it some thought.
We talked, listened, argued, and agreed we had begun a conversation that would go on for a while. I sometimes felt like an old fart playing-wise man, but I think the message was necessary, and I was heard. So was he.
The shearing went well.
I admire Ian; he is a fierce individual, intelligent as anything, and as unique and principled as he is bright; I admit, he reminds me of myself when I was his age.
He’s also a poet, and I’m asking to see his poems.
More tomorrow.
The above photo was taken as Ian left, and the clouds broke, and the sun peered out for the first time all day. It was lovely.
Ian has a radiant smile. There’s a lot going on behind it.
When Ian is done shearing, Maria swoops in to collect the wool. She was happy with it today.
Cat love: When I looked into the barn cat box on the porch, I saw Flo lying on top of Minnie while Minnie licked Flo’s face and chin; pretty sweet.
It is challenging, skilled work shearing sheep; the good shares make it look easy. Ian makes it look easy; here, he trims the hooves of each animal when he is done.
Nice to see all the color in that parting shot.
Fascinating to see even brief captures of sheep shearing.
Good to hear there was listening from both of you.
And Maria has wool to work now: )
Spectacular photo.
I love that there are still skilled people like shearers, farriers, and so much more. Thanks for sharing your time with some of them.
“Old man look at my life/I’m a lot like you were.” — Neil Young
What is Ian’s background with sheep? Did he grow up on a sheep farm… ?
He’s been shearing a long time, I think that’s all the information about his life I need to share.