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Barnyard Buddies:  All Things Sheep and Goats  |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 18 2009 : 03:15:30 AM
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Hi Ladies - up at 2 am because the dogs are barking non stop. When out in the bitter cold to check the farm - tons of prints but no glowing eyes..
Masqurade is having some great days - Monday she even wanted out of the pen but I kept her in because some of the more aggressive goats might hurt her and I just was not going to let that happen. Monica - her baby has calmed down now that mother is doing better.
Oh Monica a puppy - what kind??? My dogs are the world to me especially Kasha - which also is doing much better. You can tell by the continually barking..
Sheri I hope that the passing is a peacefull one and that you know you are still in my prayers. Today I have to go into town, snow has melted enough to get to the roads. Just a quick one to the bank, food shopping and chicken supplies - several of the feed stores have stopped carrying things so I am going to the health store to pick up grains to make their feed. Well, this early bird is in the shower and off to town. Have a wonderful day all and be safe.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 18 2009 : 4:07:48 PM
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Sheri, I will be praying for your friend and her husband!
Grace, I am so glad to hear that Masquerade is doing better! I am not sure what kind of puppy it is but he is so cute! He is black with tan paws and a bit of tan on his face! Gary said it would be great to get a dog, but Isaiah first needs to prove he can be more responsible. Hope fully it will work out! My neighbor took the rest of the puppies to a no kill shelter yesterday and kept the one Isaiah wanted to give him a bit more time to be able to get it!
I though you all might like to see the pic of what I have been up to lately! I never knew carding would turn out to be just as addictive and spinning and dyeing! I am really in trouble now!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2009 : 06:53:43 AM
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Oh Monica - those sure do look pretty!! I am hoping to get to the carding room in the next day - the new batches of Alpaca are dry and so now the fun begins. I received a box of pencil roving from a sheep farm that raise Clun Forest sheep. They have the big machinery but someone really needs to sit down with them and show them the ropes. I was very dissapointed when I opened the box - tons of VM which should not be in the final product so I guess I will be picking and recarding. Luckly I did not pay and arm and a leg but still it will take time because there is no way I would ever let a customer of mine have roving like this.. So keep up the great work Monica.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2009 : 08:57:41 AM
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Grace, I hope you get everything with the fiber worked out. I have been very happy with the last order of fleece I got. When I washed out the Lincoln there was very little VM. It was one of those fleece that maybe has a dozen pieces of straw in the whole thing. The lady I got the fleece from sent me a sample to look at for her because it was a bit dirty on the ends, but it washed up just beautifully and carded up into the nicest batt!
Here is a pic of the puppy! Our neighbor brought her over last night while they went to the market! The kids had a great time with her! She is really fun to play with except when she found my cell phone in my pocket and tried to make off with it!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2009 : 09:53:18 AM
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Monica your fiber is beautiful. What a cutie of a puppy. Has Dad decided yet?? I have been cleaning and sorting and playing general household catch up preparing for the holidays. I should have between 14 to 18 for Thanksgiving dinner. My mouse invasion continues although I have had to bend to putting out decon for lack of another option. I have never seen so much mouse poop in my life....ick. It's a drag because I wear a good dust mask while cleaning just to guard against Hunta virus.
My friend's husband is pretty much in a coma now so I think it is really close. It will be good for all when he transcends. I went through this with both my parents and it is so hard on the care givers. I think that after a certain point, the person is more on the other side than on this one.
Woke up to unexpected snow this morning about an inch but it's trying to turn over into rain. How are you doing in the weather department, Grace? Hope all your animals are doing well.
Have a good day everyone.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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LunaTheFarmLady
True Blue Farmgirl
448 Posts
Luna
Rineyville
KY
USA
448 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2009 : 10:32:07 AM
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Hi All
Just thought I'd check in here and I'm sad to hear that there is so much sadness among us both 2 and 4 legged. I will be thinking about you all and sending my prayers your way. I'm glad also to see the growth. Monica, your carded batts are stunning and that pup is just adorable.
Luna
Luna The Farm Lady
http://blueballmountainspindleneedleworks.blogspot.com/
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2009 : 10:34:53 AM
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Sheri prayers out for your friend and for you to have strength for her through this.
Monica your puppy looks just like ours!!! Ours, they say, is husky, beagle and german shepherd. She is really smart and has those cut eyebrows!!! The coloring is exactly the same.
Ok another rookie question ladies. If I were to get a couple calves, very young, can they room with the sheep??
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2009 : 12:11:39 PM
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Hi Ladies - Hope all is well.. The weather is sunny and very cold - I am at 38 degress right now. We had melting but now we have ice - sure makes morning chores exciting. Skating is not one of my strong events.
As for the calves in with sheep I personal never raised calves but my long time girl friend raised both sheep and cattle and they NEVER were together. A calf can do some damage if the get scared or aggressive. I know you think if these doe eyed sweeties and think I can do this - well, when one get's spooked that is an all together different matter. In the pastures they are able to get away put if you have them in a contained place well, you have trouble. I even have to watch my goat girl together because some of them if they get a wild hair up you know where they can kill someone or some four legged if they get a mind too... Now that is just my experience and the experience of a lady who has been raising cattle and sheep for nearly 30 years.. Good luck.
Monica the puppy is so cute but I do not think I have met a puppy I did not love... I was going to say German Shepard and something smaller because the paws are not that big. Gary is going to have a hard time around your house. One nice thing about my husband was even thou he did not like animals he know that I could not live without them. As he said everytime he went out of town on business I managed to bring home another animal. Then when we had children it got worse in his eyes because my sons loved animals as much as I did. We had every type, size, shape and species living in the house - Yes, even snakes - I LOVE snakes. My husband was always out numbered and he just would say - You take care of it - I pay the bills. Good luck on getting Gary to say Yes...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 07:45:07 AM
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Anyone else ever raise cattle and sheep? I just wonder as I remember my Grandpa raising both with only one barn. The calf we are looking at is still bottle feed so only a couple weeks old. I understand the hurting thing as I don't want that but just curious.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4111 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4111 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 10:53:30 AM
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I have cattle and 2 sheep. But I keep them seperate. My jersey cow, Summer, would try to kill the sheep. Summer does have an attitude problem. The beefers don't seem to be bothered with the sheep. They even come up and sniff, and lick on the sheep. I would never let them be in a pen together, just cause of the size difference, and the sheep would be the ones to get hurt. The sheep did get out with the calves one evening, for about an hour, and the calves did not care one bit. The sheep on the other hand, had a ball. They jumped, hopped, and kicked, it was so funny to watch. They knew they were somewhere they weren't supposed to be. The other thing with calves still on milk, is they will still try to suck on something, or anything.
Best wishes to all
Michele ps loved the fiber picture, and the puppy. The fiber looks just wonderful. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 11:19:16 AM
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Hi Rae
Forgot to mention also if you are wanting any of the fiber from those sheep the cow manure will stain the fleece and then start to weaken it. My friend also stated that they parasite issue can be a prolem because when the calves are on milk they get runs that will also set up some stomach issues for sheep. Sorry for this sounding so negative but since you only have the one barn and you are new to sheep I just worry a bit. There is also the issue of fencing - I know you where working on fencing before bring home the sheep but I can not remember what type you put in?? Cows can be really hard on fencing if not done for them.
Hope we did not rain all over your parade??
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 3:13:46 PM
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Thank you for info, I want to know before I do things. I do have another alternative as my father-in-law has a empty barn we could also keep them at. Just have to build another here 
It all makes a lot of sense. I have seen people with pasture in large areas as they claim they eat different things, is that true? That would be way down the road. Once I get going using the wool I don't want it ruined as I am hoping that that will be a part of my income here eventually so thank you for just being honest and don't ever sugar coat with me. THANK YOU
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 4:37:23 PM
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Hey ladies, please say a prayer for the puppy we are hoping to get! She has a small lump on her chest and my neighbor has no clue what it is! She is going to the vet tomorrow and I am just desperately praying that it is nothing! Isaiah has gotten really attached and would be crushed if anything was wrong with her! He even cried the other night because he was worried that she was lonely! I had to reassure him that my neighbor had her in the house! The puppies had been outside when she had all of them, but with just the one now they have been keeping her in!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 6:00:52 PM
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Rae I would suggest contacting your local extention office and find out what is normal where you are and what others allow them to eat. I only know sheep not cows. Also animals are like people not all of have a personal liking to certain foods even though we could eat it. I think having the cows living somewhere else until other arrangements on your place would ge perfect.
Monica I have your little pup in my prayers - just remember puppies get lumps sometimes which are nothing more then fat pockets or a small bump from a sticker or such thing. I know it is scary. When Kasha was a pup she would get these lumps on her neck - each time the vet would drain it and check it - it was never explained and when she was two they stopped. Never had another one since, but I check her every day - yes, I am a worry wart. Hugs to you and Isaiah.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2009 : 6:27:54 PM
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Grace, Thank you for the reassuring words and prayers!! I will know tomorrow! I love the the new fiber you put up on etsy! I have been playing non-stop with my drum carder! I am hoping to get some sales for Christmas! I do need to order a new band for my wheel and get busy on some more yarn! I also have 9 pounds of freshly washed white Romney to play with and dye! I must say Grace Gerber that you didn't warn me that the addiction snowballs from spinning to preparing my own fiber to carding to dyeing to... I guess the next logical step is my own sheep or goats!! :) grin! What an incredible adventure this has been!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful evening!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 08:12:47 AM
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I am keeping my fingers crossed for the little pup - I am sure it will be minor.
I think I did tell you in the beginning that if fiber is your calling it will be all consuming but until the right person gets into the process they don't believe me. As for the sheep and goats if it is in your future trust me they will come...
I wished I could get pictures on this site - I keep messing it up. I will be placing some yarn I spun on my drop spindal with beads. I have not done that type for some time and they turned out wonderful if I do say so myself. I also just finished dyeing some rayon chenille for a customer and I made some extra for the shops. They turned out better then I hoped - I really don't do rayon much but this was a new mill and I thought, Why not?
Well ladies have a great Saturday - it is cold and cloudy here - I think I will work inside today my bones are screaming. Let us know about the pup..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 10:08:36 AM
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Grace, I am sure you warned me in the beginning, but I just have to give you a bit of a hard time about it every so often! I ma having such a wonderful time with all of my fiber adventures!! I even figured out an easier way to do the beaded yarn and I am almost done with my next one!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day today!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 8:18:44 PM
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Monica how is the puppy??
You know me I love getting folks in just as deep as I am... I still some how can not get my pictures on this site so you will have to venture over to the blog to see the new yarn I put up. It is with my sweet Einstein - He is one born this year to Eva - a cashmere and the fiber was just a dream to work with.. Love to hear what you gals might think of it.
I hitting bed early tonight so have fun ladies and don't do anything I would not do - O.K. go ahead but you will have to tell me all about it later...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2009 : 8:45:03 PM
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Grace, I am unfortunately not sure! The vet isn't exactly sure what it is! They did do an x-ray and it could either be nothing or it could be a goiter! It appears to be right on her esophagus! The vet did say that it's very rare for a puppy that young to have a goiter so that's the good part! The other thing the vet seemed concerned about is the way Shadow will play for about a hour and then just crash! Other than that she is healthy and eating well! The vet said to wait a week and then have it checked again! I am still praying to no end that it is nothing! Isaiah would be so crushed!
The yarn is beautiful and Einstein is just adorable! I think the only thing left for me is to get animals!! grin!! All I am doing tonight is curling up on the couch by the fireplace and working on my beaded yarn!
Have a wonderful night ladies and stay warm!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 07:38:09 AM
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Monica thanks for the kind words about the yarn. I hope to get a more current picture of Einstein but he runs really fast. As for the pup crashing - I have always found that with puppies - they play like devils and then sleep soundly like angels.. That lump is in the same spot as Kasha's. As I said by the time she was two it never reappeared. I will still keep her in my prayers.
Animals - well if I warn you now about how addictive animals are you will believe me???? However, it was the best thing I ever did!!!!
Back to work I go but I hope everyone is having a great weekend end. I can not believe how fast this year has gone - have I been asleep at the wheel?
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 09:22:29 AM
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Grace, Apparently after the vet looked at the x-ray again, he said it's a small spot on Shadows ribs that didn't form quite right and probably will end up being nothing! So it looks like everything may be okay! I do believe you about animals!! There was another puppy that I really liked and I keep wishing that we could get that one too, but I know that Gary would never go for 2 dogs right now! That would be a miracle, but I still miss the other one! I am on a mad cleaning spree today!! I have to get caught up on laundry and the rest of the house! Being sick sure does a number on getting behind on house work! It also didn't help that the belt on my washer wore out and I was without it for a few days! I couldn't even get any wool washed out!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 09:58:32 AM
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Hello all. glad to hear the puppy will be ok. Did you name it Shadow? That is my German Shepherds name! It is snowing here this morning.
My friends husband passed yesterday morning, peacefully. It was a full circle moment for the two of us as he passed on the 20 yr. anniversary of my husbands accident and death. She was there for me and now I had the chance to be there for her. I am so glad he is no longer suffering.
Hope all is well with everyone. Have a great day all.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1497 Posts
Rae
MN
1497 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 10:57:20 AM
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Prayers to you Sheri and your friend.
When our dogs were puppies they would run and then some but when they rested they rested!!! Glad to hear Shadow should be ok.
Sheep are doing fine, Sally was complaining a bit as think she would like a treat, again. She is the vocal one of the family. Funny when Kevin was working on lean to, near their area she would stay behind him and talk.
Talking with a lady at church and told her my eventual plans with the sheep, spinning, etc and she thought it was neat as so many things are becoming lost arts. Those comments just always kind of give a person a boost, don't they?
Had a beautiful sunny day yesterday but today is pretty gloomy. Rain and snow stuff supposed to move in. Will see what happens.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 11:45:39 AM
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Sheri, I am so sorry to hear about your friends husband, but now he is at peace now! How amazing it is that it is on the very same date! I will be praying for her! My neighbor actually named her Shadow because she follows him everywhere! I am hoping that all is well with her and that dad will let us bring her home soon!!
Rae, That's great to get encouragement from someone!! I know it's so hard when people will say things like why don't you just buy yarn at Walmart! There are just people who will get what we do and people who will never get it! Glad you met someone who gets it! Who knows maybe you can get her addicted to spinning!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4111 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4111 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 07:48:09 AM
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Boy you gals do some beautiful yarn. I just love all of it. I hope to learn about dyeing, and spinning some of those fancy yarns you all do. My black/grey, and white yarn seems to plain now! I am working on making some felted slippers for myself, out of the black. I can't wait to see how they turn out after felting. They knitted up so very quickly. I used size 11 needles. If they turn out nice, it will be a quick and easy present for people on my list.
Drizzley day here today, with snow coming on Wed. My college son is home for the week. Hunting season here. He got a doe yesterday. It is nice to have him around, but boy he does eat alot! He plays football, so he is a big boy. My youngest is a senior in high school. My oldest is married, and just had a baby boy, a few weeks ago. So that makes me grandma. It is nice, cause you can cuddle him and then give him back to momma! :)
Take care
Michele |
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Barnyard Buddies: All Things Sheep and Goats |
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All Things Sheep and Goats
