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Barnyard Buddies:  All Things Sheep and Goats  |
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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
 Posted - May 10 2010 : 4:35:51 PM
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Thanks Grace and Sarita! I didn't know you could clip the tips. I think I am going to have to do that. The fiber is very long so I shouldn't hurt it. I am going to have to wait to take it outside to shake though. My what weird weather. Today was nice but cool. I dug in some flower beds and got some dirt under my nails. I love that feeling!
Sounds like the rest of the week is going to be wet. You can tell everyone around here was praying for rain because the Lord has answered plenty.
Hope you ladies have a wonderful evening, I just got my new Maryjanes magazine today so I am going to marinate in my hot bath and read! ah!
Barb |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2010 : 08:04:40 AM
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Barb the weather guessers are saying I will be getting snow today - Oh How Exciting - just kidding.... Some parts of Colorado already got snow on Monday - will this winter never end???
Just so you know that some mills will not even work with fleece over 5 inches in length so at time we are forced to cut great fleeces if you wish to send them to processors. Most of the time we do not wish to cut tips because we are selling the fleece intack and the buyers wonts those tips - ie, for tailspun yarns, for felting or doll hairs but it you run the risk of felting the fleece then I am all for cutting. I agree that putting them in mesh bags keeps the fleece from going all over the place but do not be lulled into thinking that will stop felting it just slows it down. Great tips by the way Sarita and I loved your picture on your blog with the fleece on the line....
I received my pound of bunny fur Monday and I will start work on batts this week I hope... I have some great colors that I dyed looking at me but I just have to get my brain in gear.. What are some of your favorite color combinations??? I would love to hear about them - O.K. I also really need a new thought pattern and who else to go to but you talented ladies.....
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
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2010 : 08:13:36 AM
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blues into purples, pinks into purples and anything pastel gets my vote 
Talking chance of some snow here tonight but Grace if you would want to keep it I will not be hurt at all!!!
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 - May 11 2010 : 12:19:36 PM
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Rae - Really I do not mind sharing my snow - what are friends for!!!
I love pastels too - thanks for sharing with me - I guess it has been all this gray days here that has stopped my brain from seeing colors. I also spent two days spining a fiber roving that was black, white, gray and chocolate brown.. Not to exciting in my book although it turned out great - just need some color in my life.
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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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2010 : 2:11:03 PM
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Hey ladies,
It is not snowing here but very yucky! Wind and rain. I cleaned my kitchen but good today, I am not going outside only to feed my loving sheep and see my ever so growing puppies, they are Gods blessing in my life right now. It is amazing what God sends to you just when you need it!
As far as colour combinations, I am more of a natural girl. But, I know that the turquiose is very popular with brown which sounds weird but it works. It's almost like the 70's all over again. I haven't attempted dying wool, and you would think me being a hairdresser that colour would just jump at me. I am just so amazed at how white I can get the other wool. Before , I was covering up white! Go figure.
Let me do some thinking and I will get back to you.
Hope everyone is staying warm and dry today. Grace, I will pray that your winter is over. Ours was short this year, but last year was 6 months.Yuk!
Barb |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2010 : 5:23:43 PM
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Grace, My favorite color combination is greens and purples! Think violets or lilacs!! I hope the weather will warm up for you soon!
Barb, I actually did some batts that were turquoise and light brown and they came out really pretty! They reminded me of the beach with the water and sand.
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 - May 11 2010 : 5:36:02 PM
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Grace, right now my favorite is light aqua, light lavender, seafoam green. I hope the snow melts for you soon. We finally got a day I could work outside without a jacket -spring might actually show up one of these days. Still transplanting tomatoes and worked awhile in the strawberry patch.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2010 : 6:03:40 PM
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WOW great suggestions ladies - love them!!! The turqoise and brown reminds me of my wonderful indian jewelry - LOVE THEM!! The Lilac and Green are the bushes in the back that every year start to bloom and we get hit with a storm like they are saying we will get tonight.
Right now it is raining and hailing at the same time - not hard but if that temp drops a bit more it will be a mess.
I love my violets and every year I do make a batch in yarn - Jenny from MaryJane always seems to grab those up - which I am thankfull for..
Sheri I have been thinking of making a batt that would look like washed up on the beach sea glass. I can picture it almost but it is not there yet. I am also thinking of making some batts that look like the tangerine sorbet my daughter in law made for Mother's Day. She also made a lime sorbet and I just finished dyeing some bunny that color so that might be happening too.
I thank you all for your suggestions and Barb give those puppies a kiss from me. I so loved all of Kasha puppies - she was also the best mommy on the planet..
Well, got to get ready for LOST - only a few more to go.
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
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 03:39:58 AM
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So far only rain here. Suppose to let up a bit today and be back tonight and all day tomorrow  but the good news is weekend is suppose to be nice. We need moisture but just not every day for a week at a shot. None of the animals are too thrilled with it either!!
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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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 04:17:53 AM
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Woke up to yucky rainy drizzily, yucky, yucky yucky! Sounds like another cleaning day! Why is it that the kids make the most laundry on days when you can't hang it out on the line? Well, sometimes I have to swallow my frugalness and use the dryer, just to get it done or I end up with mount laundrist!
I am going to work hard today because my washed wool is dry and I can start carding again. Thanks for all of the great advice, you ladies are such a blessing from above.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all get together to meet someday?
Barb |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 06:53:20 AM
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Sure would Barb!!!
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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Edited by - Old Spirit on May 12 2010 06:53:48 AM |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 06:54:03 AM
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Boy what a night - we had down pouring of rain then it turned to hail, then snow with huge thunder claps that rattled the windows. I had to run out to close up the chicken coop and as I opened the shop door and a clap of thunder hit a quail came running into the shop scared to pieces. I ran to the coop - all where wet and cold - closed the doors and ran back to the shop. I was so worried about the quail and how to send it back out without feeling horrible. I got it out and it sat under the deck for the whole night - yes, I checked on it thru the night. This morning we have about an inch of snow but cold as can be - it is getting hard to find something good about all this. Yes we need the mositure but last night that was really something - got my nerve going.
Hope for a better day - I did sit and spin for about 4 hours while watching the Boob Tube.
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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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 07:16:24 AM
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Forgot to ask - with this weird weather we are having for those with animals are you expecting any change in your care of worms, lice and flies??? Some folks around here are reporting more lice issues already - not had to deal with that but interested if you have seen changes....
Not scratching now - I don't know about you but the moment someone mentions Lice I start itching - a mind thing I guess.
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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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4316 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4316 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 08:58:00 AM
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I would say ticks fall into that same catagory Grace. Someone finds a tick and it sets everyone off! It is still chilley here this morning. Hopeing for a gradual warm up by the weekend. Got to get picking rocks! And then fence checking,for summer pasture for the beef. Finally had our last calf, a heifer. Hope your weather gets nice soon!
Michele |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 09:35:06 AM
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Oh Michele don't get me started on ticks - Yuck, it seems as if I spent my whole life looking for ticks...
Your picking rocks??? What for?? I have fence duty too but need to wait a bit till the ground dries a bit - sunk to my calf while walking just down the driveway - slush how fun.
I just got back from the barn and clipping Lilly's fleece. Monica do not jump out of your seat yet - have to go thru the mess I shorn off and see what we got. She was a dear thru the whole process. Her first haircut - such a love bug. She is a great big sister too - watchs over those two boys as if they where her own. Love Her!
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
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 12:30:40 PM
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Michele did you get to the sheep fair this weekend at Lake Elmo? We didn't as I said before
Ticks are really on the loose here, yuck. They like my husband more than me which is just fine!!! Yup we have some rock picking as well as the ole' fencing stuff going on and a few hundred other things once the weather clears out.
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 - May 12 2010 : 12:41:27 PM
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Grace, I am excited!!!! You could just send me the whole thing!! I sat last night and picked out the guard hairs out of some Llama fiber that I got! It is really quite fascinating to me although wet Llama seems to smell like wet dog! yuck! I don't mind wet wool, but wet Llama is not my favorite! I know that it might seem tedious to some, but I really enjoyed having a nice quiet time. It has been non stop here the past few days especially with Gary sick and it's so relaxing to sit and clean fiber with a warm cup of coffee and some Junior Mints!
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 - May 12 2010 : 1:18:54 PM
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Oh Monica - I think I owe you an email - I have gotten all turned around... You mentioned the Mints - made me think of my boys - they love them... I sure hope Gary in on the mend and you make sure you take care of yourself too.
Llamas and Alpacas can have a funky smell because they love to roll in dirt and such - I found I really shake the heck out of the fiber before washing or working with it otherwise I can barely breathe. Lilly was so sweet after I gave her the haircut I rubbed her all over and rubbed oil on her horns, she melted into a puddle.. I got licks on my face and sweet vocals from her. She is such a sweet gentle girl.
Oh Yes Michele spill the beans about the festival - remember we are living thru your words. Come on spill!
Still not getting this rock picking thing? I got gather rocks from my forest to build onto my rock garden but not sure if you mean the same thing. You know us Colorado Gal's sometimes slow on the uptake.
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 - May 12 2010 : 1:48:13 PM
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Grace, Gary is finally feeling better! I think we are going to make it out to the movies tomorrow night. I can't wait! We were supposed to go Friday and then he ended up sick! Give Lilly a hug for me!! I have 3 boxes of mints stashed in my fiber! The kids never look in my fiber so they don't even know I have them!! haha!!
Some of the Llama I am going to have to take outside and shake out because it is really dusty! I may add a few drops of Lavender oil when I wash it!
Barb, It would be so great if we could all meet up someday!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2010 : 5:03:43 PM
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Grace for us it is to clear out areas. We have lots of big rock that get in the way of things, mowers, feet, etc.. I plan to use some to make a fire pit but that is about it. I am not a flower gardener. I like them but my daughter says I have a black thumb as far as they are concerned I do much better with veggies.
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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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 04:21:12 AM
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Good Morning ladies,
Good news! My daughter Chelsey's ewe had a beautiful little ewe lamb yesterday. We are calling her mini. She is so adorable. I haven't had a lamb in a month and you forget how small and beautiful they are!
Grace, rock picking, don't get me started! If you want to try, just come on over! Living in the great lakes area, we have lots of rocks that the frost brings up in the fields. So when we have to plant the fields, the rocks have to be picked first.
When we sow our new seeding of hay ground, we hand pick so when the forage harvestor goes over the field, hopefully no stones get pulled up through the header.
Rock picking is like watching paint dry. Lots of walking, a thankless job really, because you know they will be back next year. Kind of like dusting, it always comes back!
God bless,
Barb |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 06:37:08 AM
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Rae and Barb - O.K. now I get what you are doing - you bet I would be there in a heartbeat to help but who will do my work??? With our cold weather the goats have decided sitting is the best so I don't think they are going to raise their hands and help.... I go looking for rocks to fill in the huge holes in my driveway - and as I said to building up my rock garden. Rae I have stopped putting plants in it because everytime I get is just so the neighbors horse, cow, sheep or such breaks into my place and their goes the flowers. I know just have flowers on the decks. I also grow sometimes tomatoe and my herbs there too. I love gardening but the battle here to have something is just not in the time table.
I will post today the newest guest at my farm - I guess the neon sign is burning and letting everyone know that the Funny Farm welcomes one and all - too bad they don't pitch in with the work.
Have a great day ladies we had snow again last night - bitter cold this morning. Typing with a hat on and my long johns.
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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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 07:06:59 AM
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Morning all. I know what you mean about rocks growing back year to year. I wonder sometimes if the pebbles breed and have new ones that mature all winter??? You'd think after picking them out for over 15 years I'd have them out of the garden but every year....But, where you'd like to have them for decorative purposes they don't exist and you have to gather them up and haul them in. One of life's little paradoxes for sure. I'd rather be moving rocks around in the garden than lifting weights in a gym!
Sorry to hear you are still freezing, Grace. We haven't warmed up all that much over all either. I usually have my plants out to harden off and the seeds planted in the garden by now but it's been too cold and the soil isn't warm enough for anything to sprout. The night time temps are still cold. At least we might hit 70 today which will be really nice. I have a grow room stuffed to the hilt with plants that are huge - some of my grape tomatoes are almost five feet tall and I am scrounging for long enough supports to keep them from snapping off. I need warmer nights so I can move these babies out in the fresh air. Finally finished re-potting all those tomatoes into yet again larger pots. Too much potting soil - it's getting spendy.
New chicks are doing well and beginning to respond to me instead of heading for the corner. My daughter sent me a check to buy 2 new sheep to add to my little flock a happy mothers day indeed!! Now that's my idea of a good present.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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Toots
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Barb
Brussels
Ontario
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 07:42:13 AM
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I always told my husband Joe that if we could just find the mommy and daddy rocks then they wouldn't have babies! I think they maybe in China!
I sure hope things warm up for you all. Today it is rainy again and an east wind. It is always so cold. I had to shut up the area in the barn with the new baby, I don't want her to get a chill.
So happy to hear you are getting more sheep Sheri! I marketed 2 more lambs today:( It is so sad to see them go, but, it is the market I have chosen. When I was at the stockyards there where black and white(holstein) lambs there. Wow! I am going to find out what kind they are, I felt like jumping into the pen with some sizzors. Would that be ethically wrong?
Cheers,
Barb |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 08:19:26 AM
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Hi girls: Rock picking, snow, cold gardens, spring is arriving a bit late this year, isn't it? But we push on through it, long johns and all. Sheri, the description of your greenhouse sounds like that movie with the plants that attack people...can't think of the name of it.
Barb, kind of jealous about the lamb...ours are crazy wild and growing like weeds. Miss the days when I could catch them! And that was only 6 weeks ago or so. Enjoy.
I've been getting outside early in the morning to water everything as our temps are finally warming up but the wind likes to dry us out quick and it's usually not blowing early but builds as the day goes on. Been working on my young mare I got last summer...she's forgotten some manners somehow and her mouth grew a bit so the snaffle I had her in last year doesn't fit right and been trying new bits on her. This is what I get for not riding her all winter! My own fault.
In the sheep corner, did get a new sweetheart for Mother's Day...a gift to myself. Please visit my blog for pictures of "Socks". He's a beauty.
This weekend is my daughter-in-law's baby shower...only 9 weeks to go and little Kellen will be here. It's exciting stuff. I made a couple of blankets and got her a gift certificate for a pedicure...figured once she could see her feet again she might want to pamper them in appreciation! Ha ha. I'm of course offering my babysitting services when she goes if I can wrangle him away from my son. It's like a gift to myself and her at the same time! Right?
Planning a trip to the in-laws in Wyoming. Hope to stop in Oregon to see a close sheep friend. She is building up quite the fiber business and I'm really proud of her. She's a good example to get me motivated to do more. I find myself going in a thousand directions and not focused on any one particular thing especially this time of year. After June that will change as I'm losing my paying job to technology. Life's about changing, right?
Well, for today I still have that job so must get to it. Enjoy life today, girls. Grace, hope you can retire the gloves and long johns for a while soon.
Jami
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://cookecreeksheep.blogspot.com
http://cookecreekwool.etsy.com |
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Barnyard Buddies: All Things Sheep and Goats |
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All Things Sheep and Goats
