The Seventh Anniversary

Is wool! Or copper, but who cares about stupid ole boring copper. Saint Tim knows that around here, every anniversary is wool ;-).



This handsome couple (curls courtesy of Miss Ewenice, who is enjoying not having to walk as far to find green grass today) is headed out this afternoon as an anniversary gift.

Since it's looking like everyone is ordering sheep in pairs this fall, I no longer feel any guilt about bringing home two lambs that first trip to NY. Well, I didn't really anyway...and can you believe how "skinny" Boudreaux was? I was going to dress him up as a table for Halloween this year, but ran out of time. Yikes!

Turns Out...

The grass IS greener on the other side of the fence.



That's Miss Henri peaking in on the bottom of the picture and the boys out back. Yes, one has on a rain coat.

After two drought years in a row, our pastures are not in top condition heading into winter. We haven't even had enough rain to think about planting a winter cover crop. At least this year we were able to bring in enough hay (we hope, although the pessimist in me is thinking I should stuff as much more into the loft as I can).

To ease the load on the existing fields, I spent much of the day building a portable electric fenced paddock back in the pond field. Whereas last year I just let the hoodlums run free back there, I promised our pine trees (that got stripped as high as the sheep could reach) that I would not let that happen again.

I find I enjoy playing with electricity. I like configuring gates and corners. I was a bit worried about teaching sheep with big woolly coats to respect the electric, but set them up with some strategically placed grain where their noses would most likely end up eventually touching something hot (sorry sheeps :-/) and everybody seems to be getting along just fine.



I do worry though when I see a group of thugs - I mean Jacobs - standing around one nerdy Cotswold. And what about the Adventure Chicken up on the fence? It's definitely the funny farm around here some days.

First Socks

I can't remember when I started these. It was this year sometime, but that gives you a general idea of how long they've been hanging around. I was determined to finish them...of course...and was hoping the idea of knitting socks would grow on me, but, well, you see, they, um, fit and all, but, well..........the Iris (Border Collie) in me is yelling "WHY DON'T THEY MATCH?!?"

Be-Witched

Today at Equinox Farm we are dealing with trying to find a water leak. Well, we've been trying to find it for over a week, but since it's supposed to start raining tomorrow, the pressure is really on.

We've narrowed it down to being between the meter and the house, but there are two or three water lines running through the front field, so really, we haven't narrowed in down much. We've checked with the previous owners and they have hopefully gotten us in the ballpark, but nothing definitive. What we really needed it turns out, is Stella's son Wyatt.

Using a basic wire coat hanger from our closet, he was able to divine or "witch" the water lines for us. He starts out with the two bent wires balanced in his hands facing away from him. He slowly walks across the field and when he gets over the top of a water line, the wires spin (on their own) to cross in front of him.



I tried it and yes, the wires do spin on their own. I was not able to divine with any accuracy though, so it is definitely a rare talent.



So, having a good idea where to start looking, Saint Tim and Water Witch Wyatt are going into the ditch digging business this afternoon. Thank goodness for good neighbors!



I have something important to be working on in the house, I'm pretty sure ;-).

A Fiery Reminder

As I came through our front gate this afternoon I noticed not only the huge burning bush (how had I not previously noticed the burning bush?!?), but the fallen leaves of said bush.



And I thought to myself, "These leaves look amazingly like the colors of the magnolia throw".

That is still on my big loom.

Uh oh.

Not only is this appalling in it's own right, but also a brutal reminder that the two Christmas gifts I wanted to weave on this loom can't possibly be woven without finishing the spring (egad!) throw.

So, how many folks out there have already finished their Christmas fiber gifts? How many haven't yet started?

Just so you know, there are 46 days until Christmas...if you count today and don't open gifts until the 25th.

Movin' On Up

Everyone and everything on a farm has to be willing to multi-task. Even a dog house/cat condo. Saint Tim put the finishing touches on Boo's fancy dog house over the weekend, moved the cats into their "deluxe apartment(s) in the sky" and I promptly put it to work as a drying rack.



Those are Master Woolliam's pretty curls drying in the sunshine.



So why isn't Boo sleeping in his new house?



You can't beat an afternoon nap in the warm fall sun. See his eyes closed? (You can click to biggify the picture.)

Fibertarians Unite*

Tomorrow is a very important day. For all of us. I'm not going to stand on my soap box and tell you who I think you should vote for. I will get up here though and tell you to Go Vote!

Even with all the hard times of late, we are still a nation of great wealth and opportunity. We should never forget that. And never forget the women who lived before a time when they could vote. Or African-Americans. Or those who have died defending our rights. All of them.

And it's not just enough to go place your vote, but please vote responsibly. Vote educated. Do your homework. Don't make a decision based solely on newspaper, radio, tv or internet propaganda. Keep your antennae up.

We don't think twice about researching a spinning technique or how to wash wool, or what might be wrong with a sick lamb or a lame horse. We don't go out and choose a breed of sheep or chickens or skein of yarn just on one person's opinion. We would never open a hive of bees without some learnin' (and a veil ;-).

Read.

Listen.

Learn.



Think.

*For a little levity...