Chapter 267

Ruth Olmsted

9/21/2011

Ruth Olmsted, PHD and Shepherd's Hey Farmer

A funny thing happened on the way to Farm Fest in Clifton Park this week. We went to see the sheep but met Dr Ruth and came home with her peach preserves and her latest book on Gandhi . She had collaborated with her Quaker Dad who had taught previously at RPI. Ruth is currently a Dean at Excelsior (Regents) College from which I believe brother Bill may have received some credits.

In between, we played good farmer, out standing in our field. When some corn was spread we were nearly mowed down by them critters. As soon as one sheep (or is it shep) saw it and came running all the rest followed in a herd rather sheepishly. You talk about your sheep mentality. Yet, you can feel their karma of simple peaceful equality (like Gandhi).

Farmer Larry spoke of using mind control to get the sheep to do what he wants, like our leaders do. I guess that's why they also have a staff. The Llamas protect the sheep from the coyotes and will kill a dog so Misha couldn't go in the pasture. Couple sheep were killed this spring.

I'd met Ruth spinning a yarn at her ranch just 3 miles by crow from our home but it was perhaps 5 or 15 years ago. Hadn't been back there not wanting to wear out the welcome, but this time talked a bit more. Found out her ancestors came through East Hartford, CT like ours did. She even has an original Fred Law Olmsted Geneaology book bought by her Great Grandfather back in 1914. It cites our heritage in England preceding the Norman invasion of 1066 at the Battle of Hastings and William the Conquerer's Doomsday Book which documented existing land owners.

The Cotswold Morris English folk dance troupe that she's been involved in for 20 years had performed earlier, but we got to hear George Ward again. Shepherd's Hey refers to a dance movement with lines of individuals going in opposite directions.