White-out

Finally, another 8 oz. of white alpaca singles is on Louie II's bobbin (it only took me five months). As soon as I ply, wash and deliver this, I'm taking a color break!

Maybe these sparkly 'Peepers' batts I got at Sock Summit last year from Farm-Witch? Then it will be back to the white alpaca for the last 12 oz. of my obligation. And then? Oh, I have so many pretty fibers waiting to be twisted into yarn!

There has been knitting, too. I'm on the final stretch of my second Talia vest, this time in Denim Heather. I told you I'm on a vest kick! And with the cool, rainy weather we've been having, a vest feels right friendly. (BTW, I am not complaining about this weather; I love it! Living in Midlife provides all the warmth I need, thankyouverymuch. If I wanted to be sweaty from spring through fall, I'd move back to the Midwest.)

I am enjoying each day of iris season to the fullest. Beauty really is food for the soul.Are you full yet? :-)

If not, how about some milk chocolate for dessert? A handsome lamb is another kind of beauty, at least to some of us:
That's it for now at . . .

Take it as it comes

The rain, the sun . . .

. . . lambs. (I had a more graphic photo of wide-load Katie from the rear, but she by far preferred this demure shot from behind the arena panel - said it's much more flattering.)

Enduring the pregnant pause at . . .

Garden and iris update

Katie grows uncomfortably larger; the little wethers are feeling somewhat better. There are sheep many miles away that I would like to see at Boulderneigh, but so far they haven't sprouted wings. Shall we turn our attention to the latest iris debuts (I think these are the last) and the garden?


Some of our salad greens, with a volunteer red potato plant peeking in on the left.

Five kinds of potatoes in two rows.

Our cruciferous veggies (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) in front, with invisible carrots and very visible radishes behind.

Our peppers, onions, and the shorter of two rows of Royal Burgundy bush beans.

Our six tomato plants; at least two more are needed.

Brian's strawberry patch.

We are getting quite a bit of rain today, with more predicted through the weekend. What a good boost that will give our garden! Now if my dahlia tubers would just sprout.

That's it for now from . . .

The hardest job

Last night Rick helped me band Barry and Banjo. Rick sympathizes because he's a guy. I feel bad because they're my babies.

I really thought it would be hardest on Barry, because he's the biggest of the lambs (in every way). But little Banjo was the one who whimpered and cried, and then acted like his hind legs couldn't bend when I put him down. I told him that the dirty deed means that he gets to live a long and happy life as a loved and spoiled fiber pet, but he wasn't listening. Indeed, he was far away in the house of pain. They did seem somewhat better this morning, poor babies. I left everyone in today because it was raining this morning and I'm away from home all afternoon and evening (the little sheep don't know and trust Rick when it's time to come in for the night).

Blake and Bodhran get to hang free and easy until Black Sheep Gathering at least. After that, if no one is interested in purchasing him as a flock sire (let's make a deal!), Bodhran will be wethered since I have his dam, half sister and half brother. He is the mellowest lamb of the bunch, with such a beautiful head and nice conformation; I think he'll make a great ram OR fiber pet. We'll see what happens with Blake. He has a home with Banjo if he ends up as a wether; otherwise he'll stay here for further evaluation as a flock sire. He's getting friendlier; I'm watching that.

Blake shows great breed type with his woolly poll and cheeks. So far his tail is within the breed standard, if not ideal. Now Blackberry has the perfect tail, IMHO:Short but still covering the essentials, fluke-shaped, with wool on the upper two-thirds and a hair tip.

Here's the latest debut in the iris bed:Pretty in pink!

As I mentioned, it was raining this morning. I'll take credit; I watered the garden yesterday. I knew if I didn't water the garden, the chance of rain in the forecast wouldn't materialize; I figured double watering was better than none. And because I didn't think we got enough, I washed my car this afternoon. It worked; it's raining again!

That's it for now at . . .