Author's posts
Dec 14
Starry, Starry Night! A simple Country Pleasure…
The stars are so bright in the cold almost Christmas night one needs little more light to see. As I walk along on the crunchy leaves I can smell the cold in the air. It is a bit damp and the air has a tiny sting to it…and off to my right I can see …
Oct 26
Simple Country Pleasures…
The full moon rising in the Fall sky bathed in the mists rising from the temperature changes… Sheep calling to one another in the night quietly. Watching the older ewes turned towards the sunrise for warmth…the lambs walking over to them and laying down to capture their warmth! The soft tinkle of the bells on …
Oct 25
WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!!!
WOW! AN UP DATE ON THE HAPPENINGS AT MAPLE GROVE FARM… In March we held a very successful Jim Hartnagle Clinic! We learned so much and decided to hold a second Jim Hartnagle Clinic in October! KAT Ballou had puppies in March! Every month we have held Private Working Clinics. In April Jeanne Joy Hartnagle …
Sep 14
Sweet Rain…Simple Country Pleasures…
As I sit looking out my window into a lofty sea of green dotted with an occasional fragrant white bloom…I hear the soft rain falling on the Magnolia leaves. It is a lovely sweet sound, with an even lovelier fragrance. I hear the soft tingle of sheep bells in the field…sigh…I wonder if my sweet …
Jul 19
Sweet Gift…
Jul 19
Sunday…Summer…Raining…
I have spent most of this lovely Sunday afternoon and evening in my bedroom writing. Listening to the birds and now crickets frogs…singing… and lambs calling softly to their Mothers…the breeze off the summer storms is cool and fresh and the sweet Magnolia blooms have been just heavenly…their sweet perfume hanging ever so softly in …
Jul 18
Lamb Buying…
Thru my herding work I meet the most interesting and lovely people! About a year or so ago I met a lady with a dog that she was wanting to herd sheep with. She has a flock of lovely Katahdins. Our friendship grew and this spring she had some very nice lambs to sell. We …
Jul 18
Been A While…
So much happening this Spring at Maple Grove Farm! LAMBS arrived in May, all 34 ( and lost only 2) so the total was 36! Ewes are all fine. And great Mothers! Even the Barbs ! I finally figured out how to be successful with them! A small field away from everything and tall grass= …
Mar 29
Peaceful Springtime Evening…
Sitting in my swing this evening the birds are happy singing “Oh Springtime!” The wind softly moving, and the air fresh from the recent rain smells heavenly. The crickets and frogs have woke up from their winter’s nap…and they join in the chorus! Peaceful, beautiful and wonderful as the sun sets…I know all is alright …
Feb 16
Valentine’s Day Herding in Virginia!
Valentine’s Weekend AHBA Trial As a farm owner, a trial and clinic venue host and AHBA Judge I know how much work and effort go into putting on an event! One always prays for good weather! But when a weather event like the last few days happen (snow, freezing rain and temperatures, no sunshine) …

