Do you remember the promise I made to myself last May, when lambing season rolled into its fifth week as I anxiously waited for Zuni's lambs to arrive? And how panicky I was because I was heading out to the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Festival and still waiting on lambs? That was a self imposed problem. I had let Teaberry dally with the ewes way longer than the usual four weeks last fall. Since Zuni had not bred in the first cycle, her lambkins were way behind the rest of the kids. Knowing that I can't put myself in
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As promised, some snapshots from last weekend's excursion to the Knitters' Review Retreat in Williamstown, MA. It was the perfect ending to a busy fall season of work and travel. There is something wonderfully cohesive and embracing about this weekend. Perhaps it's due to the roster of faithful, mostly repeat attendees, so it has the feel of a reunion with good friends.   Holly, ready for shoppers at the marketplace at our booth. But it's mostly because of the tone and spirit of this event which is set by  hostess, founder and master of ceremonies, Clara Parkes. Clara has created a
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  Patten Hill was veiled in fog as I went about this morning's chores. The sun came out long enough for me to squeeze in a three mile run and it's been back to fog and light drizzle, a somber but welcomingly quiet Thanksgiving day.  Although we might eke out another three to four weeks of grazing, the sheep are getting hay now, to keep them healthy and to preserve the fields. The ewes were looking for their share while I took this shot in the breeding/birthing barn. Teaberry appears thankful breakfast and for the company of so many lovely
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I love seeing the sheep after being away from the farm for a few days. Mike took charge of the flock so Holly and I could both attend the Knitters' Review Retreat, and I'll have more to say about our very special weekend in a separate post tomorrow. For now, just a some quiet moments from evening chores.  Topanga was being silly, standing atop a rock at dinnertime, dropping hay on Amy's head. It's nice to be back.  
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Holly and I are off for the Knitter’s Review Retreat today ( her first, she’s “super excited!”). I’ll leave you with a peaceful video clip of the young rams & wethers coming to the barn with Crackerjack one evening this week. Hope you have a great weekend. xo
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 Don't let his "ah, shucks" expression fool you. This guy's been up to no good. At morning chores I was startled to discover the entire ewe lamb group in the breeding pen along with Teaberry and the ewes. I ran through the pasture to check the gate that separates the two adjacent paddocks. From a distance it appeared closed which mystified me until on closer inspection I saw that the latch had been bashed out of shape. In fact, the staple that held the latch was nearly pried from the post.  So Holly rounded everyone up into catch pens and
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Last week Teaberry, our Cormo ram, came down from the hilltop in Andy's truck. We call the ram's first day with the ewe flock "big love day". Lots of excitement. Teaberry waited patiently in the truck while we adjusted sheep coats on the ladies and trimmed their toenails. He needed no coaxing to enter the pen, so happy to greet his girls. All of the Cormo ewes have lambed before, so this group is looking pretty happy and settled. Everyone knows what's expected. Tea is not wasting any time. I can always tell which ewe he's pursuing; they'll always be
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At dusk I stood on the stone wall behind the barn while I waited for the flock to come in for dinner. I called them in from the pasture and let them take their time filing through the gate, slowly picking their way across the wet ravine beside the barn. They always balk at that, hate to get their hooves muddy. If the goats are in the lead, the sheep hesitate. Experience has taught them not to crowd the goats or they'll get a nasty butt with the horns. Caitlyn always brings up the rear. With the change in season,
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