Maria has never shorn a sheep before, but Rosemary was big and anxious and covered in awful crud, her wool was the worst mess I think I have ever seen on a sheep, especially one with such beautiful wool. Our friend Donna (she works at the local hardware store) and her friend Treasure were working on the sheep when we arrived.

Maria and Treasure took turns with the scissors and the clippers (Maria got a blister or two) and kept at it, as lawyer after layer of filthy wool was cut and trimmed off. When Rosemary tried to get up, Donna just leaned over on her, and sometimes Maria did. The three worked well and patiently together and got Rosemary to the point where we could take her home and she can survive the coming heat.

Maria seems to rise to every challenge life offers her, she will always be able to take care of herself. Those of us from the farm each had a role — I directed Red and was responsible for getting the sheep where we wanted them, Maria worked hard to get Rosemary in shape, Red was…well, Red.