Hello, Rachel

Doesn't she have a sweet face? With her "sugar lips" it always seems to me like Rachel is smiling. I love just looking at her. She has the perfect Shetland face. Those cute little Shetland ears!...

Rachy continues to hold the matriarch position in the flock. Anna Belle is the likely candidate-she certainly bosses most. But Anna seems perfectly content to allow Rachel to rule.

These sheep entertain me so much with their social interaction. I suppose it is all very subtle. Yet if one spends time with a flock, you begin to learn the body language and facial expressions. Sheep are constantly communicating with each other.

Rachel is the one sheep that always communicates with me. Perhaps because she is in charge of the flock, she feels it her duty to relay messages to the shepherd. She is always aware of me, even when I am in the house. She can see me through the windows. And when I cough, clear my throat, or speak to Clancy first thing in the morning as I'm crawling out of bed, she answers with a "Baa."

That "Baa" usually means, "Dear Shepherd, we have been patiently waiting for our breakfast. Please put on your coat and give us hay. I do think we may suffer if you leave your chores unattended much longer." Thank you for that constant reminder, Rachel.

When I step out the door in the morning, Rachel is right there waiting for me.