Tales of the Animals on a Borrowed Farm: Diana

Diana

Princess had one good friend, and her name was Diana. She was a well-bred Katahdin sheep, and she was very good-natured. Diana did not mind Bear’s children, and they would have taken rides on her back if their father had not forbidden them. She was gentle and calm, facing every day with confidence.

Diana loved Pickle best. She was about four years old at that time, and Diana came up to her ears when she stood next to her. I can still see them, Pickle with a bucket of grain on her head, and Diana leading all the sheep in procession behind her.

Diana and Princess were close friends, and you could often see them, lying near each other on the grassy field, contentedly chewing their cud as the sun slowly set and spread a dream-like warmth all over the place.

Life was good in those days, as Bear and his family recalled. They were very happy.

Diana had a baby lamb around the same time that Princess had her twins. He was a cute little chap and he loved to play in the fields. He would run around, jump after butterflies, and try to make friends with Princess’s twins. He certainly was a lively spirit.

His little white face always seemed to be smiling, and he loved playing tag with the children. I’m sure he did not know what tag meant, but he always managed to outrun the children when playing with them.

Diana and her son were both sold also when Bear left the farm. The children had become very close to all the animals, but they were especially fond of Diana. The moment of separation was heartbreaking, and I can still see the children, patting the sheep for the last time and trying not to cry.

The memory of the borrowed farm has become an old one, but one that is never forgotten. The animals all played important parts in the lives of Bear, his wife, and his children, but those special and dear ones like Billy, Brownie, Princess, and Diana, made the most impact. I don’t believe that Bear’s children could have found many friends better than these dearly loved creatures.

Until next time,

Your friend,

Ellen Hamilton 💖