Archives for sheep

Wild & Windy

February 19, 2010 | 4 Comments

The wind was fierce last night. When I arrived for evening chores I discovered a barn window had blown in and shattered on the floor. Glass everywhere, but not in the sheep pen. The barn makes all kinds of god-awful sounds on a windy night. Gusts force their way through every little chink and crevice. The sheep were spooked – probably the combo of the glass shattering and the constant thumps and rattles shaking the barn. It was quiet a bit before dawn, but then the wind picked up right where it left off for morning chores. Here are some
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Peaceable Morning

February 17, 2010 | 7 Comments

It's been a week of cantankerous critters. On Monday Butch brandished his horns at me as I tugged the hay sled through the barn door. The Leicesters were sparring at dinner time. For the life of me I couldn't separate Deluth and Maia who were more intent on bashing the c*#! out of each other than eating. Several other ewes weighed in; others kept their distance. In the carriage barn, Cilantro took a cheap shot at Teaberry. Those two have been at each other off and on for days.Occasionally Parsley and Savory jump into the fray. It's hard to say
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“Nor’easter”

February 11, 2010 | 8 Comments

Yesterday's much hyped nor'easter didn't amount to much After a mere dusting of 3 inches, I had the barn lots plowed out by mid morning. Late afternoon's sun reduced the snow to scattered patches. You won't catch me complaining about the lack of snow this winter. A sifting once a week freshens up the yards and then I can feed the sheep outdoors. With so many sheep in full fleece, there's not much elbow room at the feeders these days. Lengthening days means plenty of light for end-of-day chores. Here are some happy campers at dinner. Speaking of
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Spread the Love

February 5, 2010 | 52 Comments

We're going to have a little fun with Valentine's Day this year. I can't play favorites, since I'm the shepherd. But you can send Valentine wishes to that special someone in the flock. Does your heart go pitter-patter for the debonaire Butch, or do you have a sweet spot for his gal-pal Gypsy? Are you sending love to Cocoa, our wiley-wooly flock matriarch, or do you adore her handsome grandson, Cinder (or perhaps Cinder's sister, Blaze?) Maybe your heart already belongs to our humble guard llama, Crackerjack (unless you're a secret admirer of his elegant but fickle counterpart, Caitlyn).
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Out and About

February 1, 2010 | 6 Comments

Today feels downright tropical, with morning temps in the mid twenties. The sheep are out in the yard, basking like lizards in the sun. Kona, Coral and Violet are doing much better and clearly are getting restless – tired of being cooped up in the milk room. Last night they were baaahing loudly, missing their friends, complaining about the lack of wi-fi. I think they're ready to return to the barn ;^) Holly has the reigns for today as I need to be out and about. I stopped for a moment to admire a neighbors' horse standing roadside and thought
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Preggers

January 29, 2010 | 9 Comments

At this time of year, the milk room is our warming spot. It's heated, there's a table and a place to sit, hot and cold running water, a telephone, a microwave oven, a fridge. There's even a blender, in case anyone wants a milkshake. But the best part – it's large enough to build a couple of good sized sheep pens in the center and the concrete floor has a drain, so it's also easy to clean. Handily located, just off the main aisle of the birthing barn, this room has been a godsend on many occasions. LIke today for
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Crackerjack

January 23, 2010 | 12 Comments

I'm not sure how we've managed to score another perfectly fine Saturday, but I'll take it. While last weekend's post featured a moment with Caitlyn, my diva llama, this morning I had a moment to appreciate what a truly amazing friend Crackerjack is and how fortunate I am to have him in my herd. A few weeks back we placed him with the bred ewes in the birthing barn since we're nearing the time of year when his guardian role is needed to protect our newest and most vulnerable flock members, the lambs. I couldn't ask for a more patient,
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Sheep Shares Colors – Sneak Peek!

January 22, 2010 | 9 Comments

A quick post for inquiring minds. While the sheep are lounging around, eating bon bons, I'm slaving over the dye pots, wending my way through the color samples for the Spring Shares: Cormo Silk Alpaca. Here's a look at what's a'cookin'! Three (duh, make that four) of my favorite colors pictured above. Starting at the left: duck egg, katydid, hen of the woods and hyssop. This shot shows a few more colors. Clockwise from upper left: duck egg, lavender buds, bluebird, hyssop, hen of the woods, katydid, ladyslipper. It's so tricky photographing colors and showing them accurately. But these
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Saturday, Sunny-side UP!

January 16, 2010 | 12 Comments

I'll be brief since I'm sure we're all outdoors today, enjoying sunshine and warmth. I'm soaking it up since tomorrow I'm teaching all day, and then we're due for more snow. I didn't mind taking my time with barn chores today. Not one bit. Caitlyn mugged for the camera at breakfast. The maiden ewes kicked up their heels, frisking along behind me as I carted their breakfast bale outside this morning. What a delicious Saturday. Wishing you a happy weekend.
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Visitors & Weekend Scenes

January 11, 2010 | 4 Comments

Lazy greetings. Cilantro, Teaberry & friends at afternoon nap. Winter feedings: gold finch and sparrow. Buster, nattily dressed in my purple sweater – minus sleeves (sacrificed for lambie sweaters last spring!). I'll leave off with some scenes from and a few words about my St. Distaff's Day gathering on Saturday. I so looked forward to this coming together of a handful of die-hard, local fiberists who I knew would be here regardless of weather. On my iphone calendar I had written the word "FUN" starting at 4:30 after evening chores. And it was. Cozy. Great friends. Scads of fiber. And
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