Friday, October 01, 2010

Updates

Believe it or not, Rick is back to work today. He's being good; he called an assistant to drive for him and do any lifting, holding, pushing, or pulling that's he's supposed to refrain from for a week or so. I think it will be good for his spirits to be doing something productive and be out and about. He packed a lunch to avoid the "junk food trap," too. I'm really proud of him for the way he's stepping up the the challenges of change.

Annabelle the fearful.

I continue to hope that is is possible to tame this lovely lady, but know it will take time. She will eat a handful of grain in a pan if I leave it for her, but will not show any interest in it while I'm around. I do think she is panicking less at my presence, so that is progress. On Sunday I plan to put CIDRS in the four ewes I am breeding; she and I will probably have to start again from ground zero (if not lower!) after that. Wow, breeding season begins in two weeks! It will be a "wham-bam, thank-you ma'am" thing this year, followed in five months by a "wham-bam" lambing season if everyone takes.

Beautiful fiber and spindle, huh? Well, the story behind it is infinitely more beautiful, but one I must hold close to my heart rather than sharing.

That's it for now from . . .

11 comments:

Kelly said...

Annabelle has that look about her, the one that says, "One step closer and I'm out of here". What a rewarding challenge that will be to undertake.
Glad the hubster is doing well.
Take care,
Kelly

Laura said...

That looks like olive wood... And the fiber is beautiful. I'll be steaming through your neck of the woods tonight to pick up a blanket for the big guy. After dinner in Dayton, I'm going to have to jet home to feed, but I'll send you hugs as I go by!

susan said...

I'm looking foward to fleece shots, at least of the ewe when you catch her for her sponge.

Wild sheep really stress me out. I'm glad I don't have any. One wild ewe makes all your good laid back ones jumpy and uneasy. Especially when they get bashed by the wild one in their attempts to flee. Good luck with the taming down efforts. The fleeces look like they may be worth it.

I would really like to see fleece photos of the ram lamb and micron reports. I'm curious to see what the fleece structure and crimp are like.

Heather said...

Great news about Rick - bet he sleeps good tonight.

Michelle said...

Susan, it's a good thing you said something about getting a fleece sample when I put in the CIDR on her, or I probably wouldn't have thought about it! Her's is crimpy and consistent but didn't feel super-soft; the lamb's fleece is absolutely incredible in every way. I plan to test all my fleeces in the spring.

Sharon said...

I love a story with a happy ending :) I especially think it's great that Rick is taking this as a wake-up call, that it was not more and that he's making it an opportunity. Phew!

IsobelleGoLightly said...

Annabelle is just lovely!

Kara said...

I am so glad that Rick is feeling better! If anyone can get your shy girl to warm up, it is you.

Tammy said...

Very good news on Rick! Getting back to the routine (with good sense in mind) is a good medicine in itself. I hope that he will continue to adjust to the new routine. Diet is probably the hardest I think, in this on-the-go society with junk food on every corner. Good luck taming your ewe. It will be a challenge with seven years behind her, but hopefully she will at least become less fearful.
Tammy

Unknown said...

Michelle, I had no idea Rick had a heart attack. Haven't read your blog in awhile. I'm so sorry, but relieved he is doing well. Watched an interesting clip from former President Bill Clinton where he details the reasons he eats a plant-based mostly vegan diet in an attempt to reverse his heart disease and avoid a future repeat stent or worse. Food for thought and I wish you all the best. :) Heidi

Heidi said...

Gosh I am just getting caught up on my blog reading, how scary, but how wonderful that he is doing well.