But I also need to catch up with my own blog, so am trying to do a post every day to that end.
Chickens
No, that's not a chicken, just an apparently confused goldfinch. ;-) This week one of our two old (age seven?) Speckled Sussex died. She has been lame for months, but otherwise seemed fine. I gave her extra goodies, thinking she was getting stronger.... Now we're down to six good black laying hens and a lone Speckled Sussex. Next winter I'll probably look for a few new pullets to keep the eggs coming. Not that we use many eggs, but I like knowing where the few we eat come from, a couple of our neighbors have become regular customers, and another family will take any extras I have beyond that.
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Shearing/Rooing
Last week, after getting mid-side fleece photos and samples and shuffling sheep around to be ready for a smooth shearing date, my farrier/shearer called in sick. But before returning everyone to their usual quarters I wanted to get Blake rooed. That meant moving Nightcap out of the extra horse stall so I could use the stand.
Blake was as good as gold while I harvested his fleece by hand. He had quite a covering of new growth, too.
The next day I rooed Sarai. She didn't have nearly the new growth that Blake had, but a fresh sheep suit gives her some protection from sunshine and sharp little hooves.
Today I got an email from my farrier/shearer's wife letting me know that he would be stopping by this evening (while we were gone) to trim the horses' hooves but wouldn't have time to shear – and wasn't sure when he would have time in the foreseeable future. She said: "He's thinking ya might be ahead to shear on your own this time due to scheduling." Gulp. Me and my spring-loaded Fiskars had better get busy then!
If you are interested in a coated fine Shetland fleece, let me know. I have close-up photos of mid-side fleece on and off each sheep, and should soon have micron data on each one as well.
That's it for tonight from . . .
4 comments:
I am still a good reader but it is mostly kindle and audio books. It has been forever since I read an actual book for pleasure. I did, however just start Gifts From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh in paperback. We will see how that goes.
I would like to spend a year reading. Doing nothing but reading. I know I would most likely need to get up and move periodically (!), but it's a fun fantasy. To not have any responsibilities other than reading as much as I want.
I didn't read when I had the time (other than reading for school) as a child. I had a really bad experience with the librarian in the public library in our neighborhood. It put me off entering any library until I was more mature. Such a shame to have a person like Mrs. Ewing (yes, I still remember her name and can picture her) in her capacity!
I have always been a reader....still am. My home is full of books on all sorts of topics, from fantasy to how-to-do books. I love to escape the everyday challenges to a world only my imagination can go...even while perusing decorating books. I can not imagine my life with out a book nearby....and since we live in the country and the power goes out more than I do....a good book by oil light is just the ticket....also when sick in bed! Nothing could be more enjoyable than a good book, cup of tea and feeling warm and cozy in my world.....Blessings ~ Cissy
I'm still a reader, when I have time, but it's mostly audiobooks. I listen when I drive to my Wednesday knit night, which is about a 40 minute drive. On occasion, I also listen at home, if I find time to spin or knit at home. Next week I am traveling for work, so I will have a 12-hour drive to Ottawa and back. I am really looking forward to audiobooks during that drive! I also have to shear my sheep, but there are only two of them. Maybe this weekend if I can squeak it in!
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