Happy Ewe Year!

Happy, happy Ewe Year to each and every one of you!

We're hoping time and constraints will allow a bit more blogging in the coming year for us! One of the plans is a "Tale of Two Fleeces", following the processing of two ewenique raw North Ronaldsay fleeces from Orkney, as well as many other projects we hope to get into!

May this next year be happy, healthy, and prosperous to everyone!

Cheers!

Celebrate!

Happy National Spinning and Weaving Week!

This is the time to get all those unfinished projects done, the equipment dusted off and greased up for work, and, most of all...sharing what we Fiber-Folk actually do with all those fleeces, cotton bolls, silks, dyes, and...
(well, you get the picture)!
Take that spinning wheel or drop spindle outside or downtown and spin! Invite friends over to share what each other is doing with their fibers after they're spun.(Knitting? Crocheting? Lace making?)
It's time to show others what we do and how we do it! They'll figure out how nice it is, get hooked, and maybe even keep these wondrous arts going.

This is our week to show 'em exactly how its done...so go for it! YAY!!!!!!!

I'm Still Around...I think

Yes folks...I am still around. It's been a year like everyone has - with its ups and downs, excitements and doldrums, thrills and duds. I have been meaning to write more blog entries but have found myself wanting to be outside, or spinning (hand spinning), or knitting, reading...or even checking my eyelids for holes while "listening" to a tv program my DH is watching.

What I have put off doing is becoming more enlightened on this WordPress blog as I had frustrating problems uploading photos. Some of that is resolved, but it still isn't as easy as blogspot was - or I should really be honest and say I haven't wanted to devote the time to re-teach myself and become more efficient at it.

The sheep are fine...the cats are mostly good except for Shadow showing his age and Pixel is battling lymphoma. The HHWB and I are getting older, getting much closer to retirement and thoughts of moving from Arizona to a place that has more moderate temperatures and weather. I hope to get back to blogging on a more regular basis but just wanted everyone to know that, yes, I am still upright and above ground. ;)

 

Cheers!

For A Friend

Tonight, my friend Tina is hurting. Earlier today, Tina said a sad goodbye to a long-time cherished friend, her cat, Sinda.

Tina and Sinda shared over 20 years together. Sinda was there before Tina met her husband, John, and was her constant companion over the years. I know too well what she feels this evening. It's more than just the loss of a cherished pet, but more of the loss of a friend and companion who shared the ups and downs of life with grace and love.

My heart goes out to my friend tonight. I know that with time, the hurt of this time will be replaced by warm memories of the beautiful times they shared together. And if you wish to leave Tina your support, here's the way to her blog:

http://ablipontheradar.blogspot.com

 

 

 

In Memoriam

Bluff Country Skittles - May 7, 2003 to Summer, 2010

It is with deep regret that I inform long-time readers of this blog about the passing of one of the great Shetland rams. Bluff Country Skittles passed away in the high pastures of Colorado this past summer. Skit was a young ram, just 7 when he died, but he left a large impact, as big as he was, on many hearts during his life.

Skittles had gone up to Jared Lloyd's ranch the summer about this time last fall. I needed new bloodlines for my small operation and Jared was very keen on adding Skittles genetics to his flock as well as "collecting" him for posterity and keeping his genetics available to future generations. Sadly, that was not to be.

One morning this summer, Jared said he walked into the sheep shed to find Skit lying down, front legs crossed and his chin resting on them the way he slept many times. But he didn't move. When Jared went over to rouse him from his sleep, he discovered that Skit had passed on. There was no sign of trauma or markings in the dirt of a struggle or thrashing. Just Skit, asleep.

I know I will miss him. He was one of my first Shetland loves and a truly majestic ram in so very many ways. He had almost perfect conformation, was large but well-built and had personality to spare. I couldn't have asked for a better ram to begin earnest breeding with. He had it all.

I will miss our walks around the place, Skit...and how you would gently sway me towards the apple tree for a snack of leaves if you could get away with it. You left some mighty big hooves to fill, Buddy...

...and I will miss you.