Showers of blessings

It has been raining here, a lot. Typical for this time of year, though. Most of the leaves have fallen off the trees; between the leaves and the mud, venturing off the graveled areas can be a pretty slippery proposition. That's part of the reason I leave the sheep in during the rainiest of weather -- the mud. This morning when I approached the sheep fold to feed, Brava was springing about like a giant piece of chocolate-brown popcorn; the poor, pent-up thing!

Speaking of chocolate brown, I was able to get the spinning I finished yesterday plied this morning. I decided to add a fine gold thread since my overdying turned out so subtle, even though my first reaction to this idea was that the brown was too "casual" for the gold. But I think it turned out just right. :-) Another big thank-you to Beth for the fibery prize to her blog contest!
Last week when we got back from our trip, an unexpected package from another "blog friend" was waiting at the post office. Opening it in my car, I started with the enclosed letter -- and quickly decided to save everything for later when I had time to read, savor, and maybe cry. Tammy had sent me tender condolences about Rosie, along with three tiny porcelain bulldogs, all packed in roving from her beloved Dorset sheep Gracie. It was a most meaningful gift from someone who understands my heart on many levels.
God's blessings are indeed abundant. Even during tough times, He sends sunbeams of love to keep me going -- through things like the beauty in nature, the thoughtfulness of friends, little "windfalls," scripture and song. He also reminds me that while He feels my pain and frustration over losing my dog, my horse (who is out of commission for the time being) and my knitting, I have life pretty good. "You're right, Lord, I do. But I STILL really want a dog...NOW."

That's it for now from . . .