Yes, folks, it's that time again. Crutching!! This is the time when our shearers Steve Minnett and Col Doherty trim the wool from the faces of our adult sheep (to keep them from going wool blind.) They also trim the wool from around their butts to stop "daggs" building up (accretions of excreta) dollops of dung, hanging off the back, making them uncomfortable (becuase, unlike you and me, sheep can't get around to wipe their behinds. (Heaven knows how they got on before man with shears arrived on earth.
Steve and Col are our shearers - "our" shearers - because they care about doing the best job. Perfectionists. And nice blokes, too. We use them as often as we can get them. They are part of the family. It's an amazing relationship when you really get to know the inner life of afellow human being. And shearers are fearless about expressing themselves and revealing their feelings (after 20 million beers).
They are very professional, work very hard, in conditions most city people would reject. They make it 'a good shed' - a shearing shead is a very tense place at times, with so many sheep being processed. A good sense of humour is essential.
The rhythm of the seasons beats loudly like a drum on Uamby. EAch month has its events and episodes.
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