Sheeps and Peeps Farm

{this moment}

2012-02-03T05:50:00.000-05:00

Friday's Fences

2012-02-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Joining the fun at Life According to Jan and Jer for Friday's Fences or as we like to call it
'The Many Moods of the Split Rail'.

solstice to solstice :: comfort

2012-02-01T05:56:00.003-05:00

comfort

A bird has a nest
A fox has a lair
A den is a home
If you're a bear.
I have a comfortable old chair.

Soft pillowed blue,
a flowered cloud,
The perfect place to read aloud
to myself or silently
letting long words run over me,
letting the stories I have read
make moving pictures in head.
New chairs are nice
but mine is best.
My spot to think in
brood in
rest
to plot in
dream in, many dreams,
to scheme a few outlandish schemes in
Kings need crowns to be the king
but me
I can be anything
any person
anywhere
if I just have my book and chair.

"Comfortable Old Chair" by Karla Kuskin

response to week six of the solstice to solstice project at urban.prairie.forest
a fifty-two week project focused on the seasons - one word at a time
flickr pool - the solstice to solstice project

Saturday's Sunrise

2012-01-30T07:01:00.001-05:00

From 6:58 a.m. to 7:36 a.m., we experienced a most glorious sunrise... each moment more beautiful than the last. In thirty-eight minutes our mountain top went from darkness into light. An everyday miracle. A reminder to hold on to that which is beautiful in each and every day.

Many thanks to all of you for the thoughts, prayers and love you have sent our way.

We are so grateful.

A Time of Sorrow

2012-01-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

a page in our book of memories... is gently turned today

a man who wore many hats in our farm family

father-in-law, friend, teacher, role model, pap, pappaw...

we will miss his smile and the twinkle in his eye

rest in peace... Dwaine.

{this moment}

2012-01-27T06:27:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.
A single photo - no words - capturing a single moment from the week.
A simple, special extraordinary moment.
A moment to pause, savor and remember.
Participating with the SouleMama blog.

solstice to solstice :: stillness

2012-01-25T07:11:00.000-05:00

response to week five of the solstice to solstice project at urban.prairie.forest.

a fifty-two week project focused on the seasons - one word at a time
flickr pool: the solstice to solstice project

Following the Freezing Fog

2012-01-24T06:43:00.002-05:00

from the soft pink reflections of dawn to the first light of sunrise striking the mountains

and the graceful birch tree branches

from the tops of the hard rime frosted mountains to the soft rime covered teasel in the old barnyard

from the tree tops in the brilliant blue sky to every tall blade of grass and small seed head

We were blessed with a Sunday that was a spectacular, sun-filled, sparkling winter wonderland.

It was just what we needed to renew our spirits.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Freezing Fog

2012-01-23T07:06:00.001-05:00

This winter has been full of interesting weather, and Saturday was no exception. We were in a fog, literally... All. Day. Long. And not just any fog, we were in a freezing fog. This occurs when liquid fog droplets freeze to surfaces. Early morning the temperature was 33 degrees. It had dipped to 27 degrees by late mornng and remained there the rest of the day. Normally you would hear no complaints about a 27 degree day from these parts, but with all the moisture in the air, it was just miserable. There was a running battle with icing gates, latches and doors. We were all kind of soggy by the end of the day.

Now, lest you think we are complaining, we have to let you know that this is just a set-up for tomorrow's post... pictures from Sunday... it was a spectular day! In the meantime, please enjoy the soft mystery of the freezing fog... honestly, it really was quite pretty also.

{this moment}

2012-01-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

Friday's Fences

2012-01-19T20:47:00.000-05:00

Joining with Life According to Jan and Jer for Friday's Fences... have to admit to being a little fascinated with the snowy, roadside curves this week.

solstice to solstice :: peace

2012-01-19T05:22:00.000-05:00

peace

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."

--- John Muir

response to week four of the solstice to solstice project at urban.prairie.forest.

a fifty-two week project focused on the seasons - one word at a time

flickr pool: the solstice to solstice project

Sugar Frosted Mountains

2012-01-18T06:29:00.001-05:00

Above the big turn at Bellview, you could begin to see a strange phenomenom this weekend. It was not the sugar-frosted trees on top of the hills that we usually see, but pockets of sugar-frosting on the side of the hills; producing an eerie, ghostly, almost fog-like feeling in the mountains.

Closer to home, in our backyard, the strange sugar-frosting continued in the hills to the south and southwest. It was almost as if something (the wind perhaps) had brushed the snow from the trees on the top of the hills leaving an outline; showing off their fancy curves.

We could also see this beautiful frosty coating looking from the barn, through the pasture. Some of the trees on the side of the hill above Wolf Creek had a heavy coating of frosty snow that lasted through the weekend. Could it have been caused by moisture coming up the hollow during the storm? Whatever the cause, the storm left us with a lovely winter wonderland and contemplating the many artistic talents of Father Winter.

The Weekend

2012-01-17T06:12:00.000-05:00

After Friday's bitter winter storm, Saturday was very much like living inside of a snowglobe. The high winds had ceased and the snow continued, falling gently... leaving everything looking like the winter wonderland it should be in January.

Although bitterly cold on Sunday, everyone seemed to be enjoying the winter weather. The deer came up out of the hollow and were grazing on the knoll most of the afternoon. And Bella despite having two shelters and a dog house at her disposal, chose to sleep out on the side of the hill under the goat tree.

{this moment}

2012-01-13T07:19:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a single moment from the week.

A simple, special extraordinary moment.

A moment to pause, savor and remember.

Participating with the SouleMama blog.

solstice to solstice :: color

2012-01-12T06:22:00.000-05:00

color

inspired by and in response to week three of solstice to solstice at urban.prairie.forest

a fifty-two week project focused on the seasons

flickr pool: the solstice to solstice project

Sunshine

2012-01-11T06:22:00.000-05:00

We've been 'walking on sunshine' around here... rain is supposed to move in this afternoon, followed by rain and snow mix and finally snow this weekend. The humans and the peeps sure have been enjoying the sunshine, but the sheeps are definitely ready for snow and colder weather.

The Joy of Books

2012-01-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

All the rage on Twitter today... this video is just wonderful! I think we all secretly hope that this is what really happens in a bookstore at night. (Thanks to Clara Parkes and Tara Austen Weaver for sharing.)

{this moment}

2012-01-06T06:26:00.000-05:00

Before the Snow

2012-01-05T23:55:00.001-05:00

Before the snow, we broke up the breeding groups and moved all the ewes back to the granddaddy green paddock at the barn. This will make morning chores much easier througout the winter. We penned Poseidon and Aragorn in a small space in the barn for about 24 hours and then moved them to the paddock behind the house. We've done this for several years and it seems to significantly lessen their aggressive behavior once they are removed from the ewes. We left the older ram, Liam, in with the group at the barn so that we can sneak him a little grain and carrots.

Everything went really well until we opened one of the gates and as a group of ewes came through we noticed an extra black ewe marked with the blue breeding wax. Blackberry, who was retired last year, had managed to weasel her way through two temporary fences and had a romantic rendezvous with Liam sometime during the day. She was promptly removed and taken back to re-join the ewe lambs; fences were re-built and strengthened with some extra poles. A minor mishap... fingers crossed that if she did get caught that she won't have any problems this time around.

So happy to have the ewes all together back at the barn!

At least it isn’t muddy

2012-01-03T15:02:00.001-05:00

After mucking through the mud most of December, the first days of January have brought temps in the teens, high winds and lake effect snow. The sheep are snowy and happy, but the wind makes for a not so pleasant experience for we mere humans.

solstice to solstice :: bare

2012-01-02T08:41:00.000-05:00

bare

bare branches
caught
in the bright
first light
of a brand new year

response to week two of solstice to solstice - urban.prairie.forest

Welcoming 2012

2012-01-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

Spent much of yesterday and today 'mending fences'... literally... out of necessity... seems like quite an appropriate way to begin the new year. Hope you are all off to a very happy start.

{this moment}

2011-12-30T06:35:00.000-05:00

Friday's Fences

2011-12-29T22:55:00.000-05:00

Our road-side fence at the old storage well... joining Jan's link-up for Friday's Fences.

Feeding Time

2011-12-29T06:56:00.000-05:00

The sound of the ranger with the daily hay delivery, brings sheep from the far corners of the field. They are a very pretty sight running to the hay; their long curly locks of wool flowing in the breeze. (click to enlarge the pictures... all that beautiful wool.. it takes a shepherdess' breath away.)

solstice to solstice :: dark

2011-12-26T22:46:00.000-05:00

dark

I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September.
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.

..... Oliver Herford

response to week one of solstice to solstice - urban. prairie. forest

Found Finery

2011-12-26T06:44:00.000-05:00

The family thought I was crazy to keep this old piece of barbed wire that one of the sheep somehow found and got twisted up in (had to be cut out of her wool). That... some pine and red berries from the fence line... add a couple pieces of pretty green baler twine...

I think it is just about perfect for a shepherd's front door.

(edited to add: please note - no sheep were harmed in the making of this wreath)

from all of us

2011-12-25T06:39:00.000-05:00

{this moment}

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.
A single photo - no words - capturing a single moment from the week.
A simple, special extraordinary moment.
A moment to pause, savor and remember.
Participating with the SouleMama blog.
(although there may not be {this moment} on SouleMama today; we could not pass up sharing this special moment in our granddaughter/great-niece's week)

Winter in Aurora

2011-12-22T00:30:00.001-05:00

Hope you enjoy this beautiful film by Bruce Dale, as we celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Aurora in Winter from Bruce Dale on Vimeo.

Cycle Two

2011-12-17T06:47:00.001-05:00

Breeding Cycle 2 is moving right along. The rams marking crayons have been changed to a darker color so it will show up in case any of the ewes did not get caught the first time round.
So we're off to Grantsville this morning... hoping to make a stop at Firefly Farms for some Christmas cheer. Have a lovely weekend!

{this moment}

2011-12-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

Just like Sam Sheepdog

2011-12-14T06:36:00.000-05:00

Samson is in with the ewe lambs for the winter, and just like Sam Sheepdog he spends much of his day in a very business-like manner - sititng at the top of the hill by his dog house on the lookout for the bad guys or patrolling the perimeter fencing.

Hmmmm.... there seems to be one very tall lamb at the pile of hay...

Oh, it looks like our Sam has decided to employ the art of camouflage and disguise

or maybe he is just looking for a really warm spot in the sun.

Good dog, Sam.

Mother Nature's Holiday

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature not to be outdone has been putting on a show and providing some beautiful holiday decorating of her own.

Weekend Forecast

2011-12-12T06:13:00.000-05:00

The weekend forecast... cold and with a 100% chance of sparkle...

{this moment}

2011-12-09T08:06:00.001-05:00

Finally....Snow

2011-12-08T15:42:00.001-05:00

It's not very often that you find us using the words 'finally' and 'snow' in the same paragraph, let alone the same sentence...but here we are using it as a blog topic. After the last couple of days of cold, dismal rain downpours it finally changed to snow at noontime yesterday, turning everything from grey and muddy to pristine white.

And so we say "Finally....Snow"

Miss Bella is also enjoying the snow.... burying her dog treat

And the sheep are once again in their element...snow is always better than rain for them.

Appreciation for simple tools is felt once again:

New larger tires on the Ranger (which, by the way, work nearer to their full potential when you remember that you have 4-wheel drive)

And the trusty rubber mallet to get gates opened and water troughs usable.

And thus, we find ourselves saying "Welcome snow, we embrace you'"

At least for today...

Sunday's Clouds

2011-12-07T05:53:00.001-05:00

It has been raining or drizzling almost steadily for the past two days, and there is a winter storm warning of 4 -6 inches of snow for the next 36 hours. Let's ignore all of that... here are Sunday's Clouds. The morning dawned sunny and quite beautiful. It seemed that every direction you looked there were lovely cloud formations - each quite different each quite lovely. These are not the big white, puffy clouds of a summer day. These clouds are dense but fraying at the edges, wispy, scattered, small white kernels of cloud - the clouds of deep fall.

Late afternoon and evening were not to be outdone by the glorious morning. The clouds throughout the entire day were just spectacular... a gentle reminder that we spend far too little time looking up.

No Maintenance Beyond This Point

2011-12-06T05:58:00.001-05:00

After last week's Tuesday and Wednesday snowfall, we had some pretty warm weather the rest of the week. So Saturday on the way back from the feed store in Eglon, we decided to come home the back way, possibly for the last time until Spring. Here we found some very pretty drifts, and you can see why this section of road becomes No Maintenance Beyond This Point once winter settles in. The state road crews plow either end but this turn at the top of a small hill normally blows closed and stays that way until snow-melt.

In other news, we have found the Ultimate Flickr Group - Obsessive Sheep Photographers - 1,952 members strong and 11,318 photos in the pool. Oops... gotta go... off to make this photo of the lovely Juliet number 11,319!

I Feel Pretty

2011-12-02T23:34:00.001-05:00

Everyone wonders why it takes so long to do the morning chores. Well it seems like there is always a helper... or two or three. Sometimes it's all a bit distracting... but hey... there are lessons to be learned here. This weeks lesson - We all need to stop and enjoy those 'I Feel Pretty' moments.

{this moment}

2011-12-02T06:28:00.001-05:00

Aragorn's Companions

2011-11-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Aragron is our three-year-old registered Border Leicester ram. He has great bloodlines and throws a wonderful lamb with a long top and beautiful wool. He is still kind of the wild, young thing but has settled down a lot this past year. Three breeding groups this fall... we are so excited... only about 147 days to go before the first lamb hits the ground this spring.

604 - Sweet Pea Lincoln - Coopworth - Wensleydale

612 - Princess Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale

616 - Rosey Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale

720 - Cassidy Cotswald - Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale

721 - Hannah Border Leicester

722 - Jill Romney - Coopworth - Wensleydale

811 - Petunia Lincoln - Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale

815 - Aibreann Border Leicester

906 - Lucy Romney - Coopworth - Wensleydale

914 - Bertha Cotswald - Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale

919 - Serenity Border Leicester

922 - Funella Coopworth - Blue-faced Leicester - Cotswald - Wensleydale

929 - Juliet Border Leicester

1002 - Maibh Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale

1056 - Hermione Coopworth - Border Leicester - Cotswald - Wensleydale

Poseidon's Girls

2011-11-29T06:34:00.001-05:00

Our five-year-old colored ram, Poseidon, is a Cotswald - Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale cross. He is the most agressive of the rams, and you learn very quickly not to turn your back on him. He is very large and can deliver a real wallop if you are not paying attention. Let's just say he definitely commands respect. He also produces an amazing fleece, and vigorous lambs with beautiful, long curly locks.

4014 Fiona Coopworth - Blue-faced Leicester cross

40 Athena Coopworth - Border Leicester cross

41      Hera Coopworth - Border Leicester cross
620    Daireann Coopworth - Blue-faced Leicester cross
817    Dierdre Coopworth - Blue-faced Leicester - Wensleydale cross
910 Julie Coopworth - Border Leicester cross
930   Havva Coopworth - Blue-faced Leicester - Border Leicester - Wensleydale cross
1008 Poppy   Lincoln - Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale cross
1025 Nettie   Border Leicester

Ready... Set... Go

2011-11-28T05:56:00.001-05:00

We were so excited Saturday to get the last of our 32 breeding ewes all set for breeding; all the hooves were trimmed and crutching finished. We put up (and later took down) 820 feet of temporary fencing for moving lanes; moved dogs, dog houses and watering troughs. We were excited that we got the ram's bellies trimmed and marking harnesses on before dark, and were not working by truck light. We were even more thrilled that it was a beautiful day and not 20 degrees, not raining or snowing, as in previous years.

Today, we are proud to present the first of the 2011 breeding groups - Liam's Ladies. Liam is our six year old registered Border Leicester, purchased from Kelly at Spring Breeze Farm as a yearling. He has great lineage and a super disposition. He throws a beautiful lamb with a long top and lovely wool.

613 - Hebe Coopworth - Border Leicester - Wensleydale cross

711 - Daisy Lincoln - Coopworth - Wensleydale cross

716 - Harmonia Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale cross

801 - Patience Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale cross

809 - Hestia Coopworth - Border Leicester - Cotswald cross

821 - Siar Cotswald - Border Leicester - Coopworth - Wensleydale cross

924 - Meara Coopworth - Blue-faced Leicester - Wensleydale cross

1004 - Aurora - Registered Border Leicester

{this moment}

2011-11-25T05:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Oh... So Close

2011-11-23T06:25:00.001-05:00

Althogh the lambs have been grazing close to the barn all summer, it really makes us happy to have the breeding ewes back in the barn paddock. Maybe it is because they are so familiar... we know their voices, their personalities. We have been hoof trimming and crutching, getting them ready for breeding, and we are oh so close. Hopefully we can get finished up on Saturday and get everyone into their breeding groups. Maybe we better fix a cup of tea and get those breeding goup lists finished up. There is a lot of fence-line pacing going on.

Sweet Pea showing off her pedicure

Conspirators

2011-11-19T20:10:00.001-05:00

While Samson relaxed in the sun, under the goat tree, Belladonna appeared to be conspiring with Poseidon and Aragorn. They spent about an hour chatting at the small walk-through gate. It seemed that the rams were trying to talk Belladonna into helping them break through that gate (which is not in the best of shape due to a previous ram incident). Luckliy Bella was distracted by the crow family when they came by to steal food from from her bowl and the breakout was averted.

{this moment}

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

What the Barncats Did...

2011-11-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

The barncats have been enthusiastically doing their job ridding the barn and the surrounding area of any critter ~~foolish~~ bold enough to wander into their domain. Once the weather turned cold, they began to take their job very seriously. We won't ~~disgust~~ bore you with the evidence of their conquests, but instead will show you how they occupy their time during warmer weather... what we like to refer to as "The Barncats Summer Vacation".

Out and About

2011-11-14T21:05:00.001-05:00

A trip to the Grantsville Stockyard this weekend with all its accompanying sights and sounds... then a detour to Firefly Farms Creamery + Market to stock up on their wonderful goat cheese. This stop had been much anticipated and excitement had been building for days. Our spirits were immediately lifted as we approached these beautiful goat totem posts at the entry.

We stocked up on their Allegheny Chevre, plenty to eat and enough to fix the Apple + Allegheny Chevre Tart (test driven earlier this month) for Thanksgiving. We loved peeking into the large windows looking into the Creamery. It was so much fun seeing the different stages of cheese-making. We picked up a few other favorites, and of course had to try something new. Oh... by the way... that new Golden Goat Cheese, available exclusively at the market, it's every bit as good as their other award winning cheeses

{this moment}

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a single moment from the week.

A simple, special extraordinary moment.
A moment to pause, savor and remember.
Participating with the SouleMama blog.

Big Weekend Plans

2011-11-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

The breeding ewes have spent the last six weeks or so in one of the hayfields, giving some of the pasture paddocks a rest. They spend the day in temporary fencing, coming inside the pine grove paddock's perimeter fencing at night. We have moved the large temporary paddock twice which has allowed the ewes to graze a large portion of the hayfield. We have followed this plan for a couple years and it seems to have really improved the hayfield along with eliminating many of the weed problems.

This weekend we plan to move the ewes back to the barn paddock and begin hoof trimming and crutching in preparation for breeding season. It won't be long now... the circle of life begins again.

Remnants of Summer

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Seemed like everywhere we turned this weekend we spotted remnants of summer... dried flowers, seed heads, skeletons of mother nature's wonders... November sunshine causing everything to glow...

{this moment}

2011-11-04T05:30:00.000-04:00

In the Fiber Room

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

We've been...

skirting... washing... dyeing... picking... carding... spinning... plying... niddy noddy-ing,... knitting... and enjoying the sunshine

October Snow

2011-11-01T06:23:00.001-04:00

While not the first snowfall of the season, Saturday's snow was the first with significant accumulation - over six inches. This presented a few chanllenges, as we are never quite ready for the extra organization required to haul and feed hay. We were so much luckier than our neighbors to the northeast... some inconvenience, but really... just a lovely October snowfall.

Ever Watchful

2011-10-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

A quick post this morning, as we are heading out the door... thought you might enjoy the runner-up shots for yesterday's {this moment}.
The elusive Pumpkin... in the barn rafters... ever watchful... always watching...
She's a barncat and proud of it.

{this moment}

2011-10-28T06:04:00.001-04:00

Late October Light

2011-10-27T06:47:00.000-04:00

Late October...

the sunlight and shadows seem to beckon us into the woods.

"Come... enjoy the way the light and shadows create a glow...

Come... watch the wind create a shimmer.... a glimmer...

as the last leaves of autumn show off their golden yellows and oranges...

Come... enjoy these final days of October beauty...

this only happens once a year."

Loving

2011-10-26T06:46:00.000-04:00

♥ one branch on the old maple tree bravely clinging to its red and orange leaves

♥ a clean chicken coop

♥ the beauty of chicken feathers in the autumn sunlight

♥ wild birds... migrating and staying

♥ the vivid red of the season's final geranium blooms

♥ eggs... in all shapes and sizes

{this moment}

2011-10-21T11:37:00.000-04:00

Autumn Colours Week - Day 5 - Brown

2011-10-21T05:46:00.000-04:00

We're celebrating the colour Brown today along with the folks at Poppytalk - it's day five of Autumn Colours Week. Be sure to take a look at all the beautiful fall pictures contributed in the Flickr Pool.

Autumn Colours Week - Day 4 - Grey

2011-10-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Today along with Poppytalk we are celebrating the autumn color grey. Lots and lots of wonderful fall pictures in the Autumn Colours Week Flickr Pool. Enjoy!

Autumn Colours Week - Day 3 - Orange

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

We're joining in with Poppytalk for Day 3 of Autumn Colours Week. You can see all the wonderful photos celebrating all things Orange in the Flikr Pool.

Autumn Colours Week - Day 2 - Yellow

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

Day 2 - we are celebrating the color Yellow along with Poppytalk during Autumn Colours Week; please take a peek at all the lovely photos over here in the Flickr Pool.

Autumn Colours Week - Day 1 - Red

2011-10-17T05:02:00.000-04:00

It's Day 1... it's Red... and once again, we're particicpating with Poppytalk's Autumn Colour Week. Take a look at all the wonderful fall pictures in the Flickr pool.

Despite the Weather

2011-10-15T07:25:00.000-04:00

We worked furiously through an afternoon and evening that saw rain, sleet, hail, thunder, lightning, wind and even rainbows but finally got all the lambs tucked snugly in the barn just as it got dark. The barn is cleaned and reorganized, ready for the shearers to arrive this morning. Hopefully the lambs will be dry. Dress warmly... shearing helpers... it is cold and windy out there this morning.

[this moment]

2011-10-14T05:04:00.000-04:00

Off to a New Home

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

We are very grateful to the Harvey family for purchasing our registered Border Leicester yearling ram, Braveheart! He was off to his new home in Oakland, Maryland on Saturday. He is a real beauty with a wonderful disposition. We are sad to see him go, but hope he will provide the family with a flock full of beautiful lambs for many years to come!

Sunday Muse

2011-10-09T08:13:00.000-04:00

"Autumn burned brightly,
a running flame through the mountains,
a torch flung to the trees."
-- Faith Baldwin

{this moment}

2011-10-07T05:45:00.000-04:00

Scenes From the Buckwheat Festival

2011-10-03T06:49:00.000-04:00

Last week at our county fair, perhaps the most common sight were muck boots, rain coats and umbrellas. Most people would be disappointed in the constant rain and cold, but here in Preston County we know this is just your average Buckwheat Festival weather. Young and old alike donned their rain and cool weather gear and still came out to enjoy the buckwheat cakes, the show animals, the exhibits, the crafts, the amusement rides... all the activities that the county fair brings. Here are a few scenes... more to follow. We hope to have a guest post from Lena about her market lamb experiences later this week.

(In other somewhat unrelated news... we had snow yesterday... no accumulation... but snow... in the higher mountains four inches... brrr.)

{this moment}

2011-09-30T09:35:00.000-04:00

A Friday ritual.
A single photo - no words - capturing a single moment from the week.
A simple, special extraordinary moment.
A moment to pause, savor and remember.
Participating with the SouleMama blog.

Settling In

2011-09-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

Bella and Edward were getting settled into their fair pen last evening.

So excited to have new metal pens this year in the sheep/goat barn!!

This morning they are getting bathed and all ready to be shown this afternoon.

It's Buckwheat Time!

2011-09-27T06:29:00.001-04:00

Fall has arrived and that means that it's time for our county fair, the Buckwheat Festival! All over the county young and old are making preparations to enter their best - best hay, best pumpkin, best canned beans, best handiwork- competing for blue ribbons and Best of Show. 4-H and FFA club members are getting their animals ready for show and will take them to the fairground barns today. Lena will take Bella and Edward, her 4-H market lambs, this evening. She broke her wrist last week so this is sure to be an adventure; please wish her lots of luck.

The fairgrounds are being readied, and soon we will all delight in the colors, the sights, the sounds, the parades, the pageantry... delight in all that is our county fair... the Preston County Buckwheat Festival!

Autumn in Aurora

2011-09-23T05:05:00.002-04:00

Autumn In Aurora from Bruce Dale on Vimeo.

Welcoming the Autumnal Equinox by sharing this lovely film by photographer Bruce Dale

Peeking in on the Peeps

2011-09-22T06:14:00.000-04:00

The newest hatchlings are doing well with mama hen in their ultra-protective quarters; the two little ones are shy and just as cute as can be; mama is very protective

This summer's earlier hatchlings have moved (still with their mama) into juvenile quarters and are at that kind of awkward teenager stage; it's going to be exciting to see what they will look like when mature

And as for those spring peeps... it just seems that those silver wyandottes are constantly seeking the spotlight... errr sunlight

Not Yellow

2011-09-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

Naturally dyeing fiber is always interesting and often unpredictable. When anyone asks us what color we get from a certain plant the usual response is 'yellow' ... or 'probably yellow' if it is a plant we have never tried. This can be manipulated somewhat by the use of different mordants or afterdips, but still usually yellow or tan color based hues are the results achieved from local plants.

So it is always a great surprise when we make a dyebath from.....for instance.... blossums like these:

and these:

(14 oz. total fresh blossoms)

And add 2oz of alum and cream of tartar mordanted wool, and a tablespoon of baking soda in the last 15 min or so to change the pH....

And get a lovely bright shade of ...not yellow... but....green...:

So of course we have to add another 2oz of wool to the dyebath and get a still beautiful but pale yellow:

They do look very pretty together:

Now to see if the green can be duplicated with another dyebath. ~~May be~~ most likely be yet another surprise.

Musical Pastures

2011-09-20T06:26:00.000-04:00

In our never ending quest for better flock health, we've been busy playing musical pastures. The ewes have finally made it to the hayfield by the old barn. This involves putting up more than 1/2 mile of temporary net fencing, which will be moved several times in the coming weeks. They are brought back in to the permanent pine grove pasture in the evening to protect them from predators. This has worked out very well. The ewes are on new pasture in preparation for breeding season, and the hayfield is being weeded and fertilized.

In an effort to avoid another scandal like the one last year involving the young Maebh, we decided to separate the ram lambs from the ewe lambs following FAMACHA scoring on Saturday. The ram lambs are now in the granddaddy green pasture, and the ewe lambs were moved back to the graveyard pasture. We were really excited to score 19 'ones' and 0 'fours' this time. We did have to treat about a dozen 'threes', but that is less than 25%. The cooler weather is probably helping. All the lambs are out of the barn and out on pasture. Time to start planning for fall shearing.

{this moment}

2011-09-16T06:18:00.001-04:00

Peep Update

2011-09-15T05:50:00.001-04:00

Although we are still waiting on the first egg, the peeps of spring have grown wonderfully into the chicks of summer. The Rhode Island Reds and the New Jersey White Giants...

the Buff Orpingtons, the New Hampshire Reds and the Silver Wyandottes...

and of course, the free fancy... a Cuckoo Maran rooster, who may not contribute to the laying flock, but he sure does fancy up the chicken yard.

Now... if they would only start laying...

Raven Knows Best

2011-09-14T06:03:00.000-04:00

No matter how busy you are... how many chores are waiting... when you are invited on a long explore by Raven...

you follow...

otherwise, you would have missed this reminder of how small your worries are compared to the grandness of a giant puffy cloud in an endless blue sky

that grace and beauty can pop up out of the most unexpected places

that something as small as a dime can stop you in your tracks

and that even a long, forgotten stump can be quite lovely when the sunlight hits it just right.

You are reminded that you are so lucky to have such a great companion, because in the case of a long explore, Raven really does know best.

Sunday Muse

2011-09-11T07:27:00.000-04:00

the air is different today
the wind sings with a new tone
sighing of changes
coming
the harvest gathered
a flower, a nut,
some mead, and bread,
a candle and a prayer
returning the fruits
in thanksgiving
to the grove
and receiving
it's blessing
again
-- Rhawk, "Alban Elfed"

Late Summer Oranges

2011-09-07T06:13:00.000-04:00

While we have been pretty disappointed with how these particular zinnias have performed in the dyepot, (having to fiddle with pH almost to the point of invoking magic spells) they have been a beautiful addition to our dyer's garden. The butterflies, the bees and we have certainly enjoyed their beautiful bright orange colors as summer wanes and autumn waits just around the corner.

Late Summer

2011-09-05T07:22:00.000-04:00

hanging on tight to what remains of late summer
soaking up the sunshine... the color...the sights
the sounds of summer insects... especially in the evening
trying to take in... absorb enough memories of this summer
to last until the next

Good Morning, Sunshine

2011-09-04T06:22:00.000-04:00

We were treated to a beautiful tropical sunrise yesterday morning, and unfortunately the heat, haze and humidity that went with it. It was FAMACHA day so we headed to the barn at daybreak in an attempt to beat the worst of the heat. The lambs scored pretty well, and two of the three being treated in the barn were sent back to the field with the others. The lambs were so calm and well behaved that we were finished before the sun had a chance to burn off the morning fog.

{this moment}

2011-09-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

A Friday ritual.
A single photo - no words - capturing a single moment from the week.
A simple, special extraordinary moment.
A moment to pause, savor and remember.
Participating with the SouleMama blog.

Homecoming at Mt. Olivet

2011-09-01T06:51:00.000-04:00

Homecoming at our community church on Sunday - old hymns... Romans 12... fellowship... breaking of bread... memories shared...

Precious mem'ries, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul;
How they linger, ever near me,
And the sacred past unfold.

Precious father, loving mother,
Fly across the lonely years;
And old home scenes of my childhood
In fond memory appear.

In the stillness of the midnight,
Echoes from the past I hear
Old-time singing, gladness bringing,
From that lovely land somewhere.

As I travel on life's pathway,
Know not what the years may hold;
As I ponder, hope grows fonder,
Precious mem'ries flood my soul.

Precious mem'ries, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul;
In the stillness of the midnight,
Precious, sacred scenes unfold.

-- music and lyrics by J. B. F. Wright

Folding of Hands

2011-08-26T16:19:00.000-04:00

Remembering Grandma Lena on her birthday
Sherrell Wigal, performance poet from Parkersburg, WV; transcribed from
'Allegheny Echoes - A Program of Live Music and Poetry'
from Allegheny Mountain Radio

{this moment}

2011-08-26T06:00:00.003-04:00

photo credit: daughter/niece Lena

Come and Get It

2011-08-25T05:07:00.002-04:00

Lamb Scoring

2011-08-22T06:33:00.001-04:00

Saturday was FAMACHA scoring day again for the lambs. It was foggy and wet, but they came in to the barn like troopers. They are slowly beginning to understand the routine. Scores were not quite as good as the last time, but we have had a lot of hot and wet weather which can make parasite loads spike. We kept three lambs in the barn for some extra care as they scored 4's making them a little anemic. We will give them vitamin shots and an iron shot to give them a little boost to get back on the right track.

Sunday Muse

2011-08-21T07:20:00.000-04:00

"Never allow anyone to rain on your parade
and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day...
Guard your fragile life carefully..." --- Og Mandino

{this moment}

2011-08-19T06:05:00.000-04:00

Just Because

2011-08-18T06:17:00.001-04:00

Lamb pictures.. in the pasture... just because...

The Big Weekend

2011-08-16T06:52:00.001-04:00

As many weekends are... this was a very busy weekend on the farm. We moved the yearlings and the older ewes back to the granddaddy green by the barn. It is so great to have them back at the barn, if only for a little while. In a couple weeks we will move them to a paddock where they will have access to one of the hayfields during the day. We also moved the rams to a new paddock... inching slowly towards breeding season.

Took Raven into the woods after doing a little work with the goat boys, and flushed that blasted fox. It took off up over the hill through the graveyard field.

Celebrated Mom's birthday... Happy Birthday, once again, Mom! Great-granddaughter Harley is ready to help blow out the twenty candles she counted to put on the cake.

And we sold a dozen of our ewes - yearlings and proven two-year-olds. Many, many thanks to the McComb family for making the trip from Marlinton to buy some of our girls. We are so excited that they are going to a handspinner's flock. We hope they will love the fleeces the girls produce and enjoy spinning them as much as we do!

C'mon Lambs

2011-08-13T06:02:00.000-04:00

Feeding time... apologies for the quality... had a lot of help from (the not so little anymore) Mr. 1001, who thinks he is the center of the universe, and constantly has to remind the shepherdess/s of this fact.

{this moment}

2011-08-12T06:02:00.000-04:00