Up and Running

Well, it is good to be back in the land of Internet. Our satellite system basically blew up and we had to wait on them to come install a whole new system. I never realized how much I rely on the Internet! I keep up with my checkbook, the weather, my kids grades and homework assignments, email and of course my blog and the blogs I enjoy reading. Hopefully, this new system will work better than the old one. So much to share since I last posted so here goes...

The shearer came. All I can really say about him is he did get the wool off the sheep and he was a nice guy. Several cuts and not very even shearing. When he left I was both relieved and irritated. Relieved to have the wool off the sheep and irritated at how they look. I really shouldn't complain since I didn't have to do it myself this year!

We still don't have any babies! There are 4 girls who look like they could go any day. I think they will be spread out quite a bit this year. I was hoping to have all the babies on the ground by spring break and that is obviously not going to happen since that starts Friday. Oh well. I have started picking through all the fleeces and washing some. I am very happy with most of them and hope to have them all ready to take to The Fiber Event in Greencastle, IN in April. Frankenmuth Mill will be there to take your wool. Saves me having to box it all up and mail it.

I have also been experimenting with dyeing. I have one fleece that I'm not crazy about so I am using her fleece to practice on. I am also using colors I'm not crazy about. This is a lime green used on a light gray fleece. The color will be variegated since her fleece is gray, brown and even has some black in it. Should be interesting.

Confused wool?

I'm not sure what is going on with this guy's wool. The top layer of it is coming off and leaving the under layer alone. None of the other sheep are doing this so it doesn't seem like it would be rooing if he is the only one. We have had a very strange winter with temps in the 60's one day and then 20 the next. Very weird. I'm hoping the shearer will be here soon.

I have been in Arkansas for a week so have not had a chance to post. I got a call from my dad saying my grandma was not going to make it much longer and she wanted to say goodbye to everyone. She has been in the hospital for about a month. She passed out at home and was taken to the ER. She is now in extended care where they are hoping she will get strong enough to go home. I really don't think that will happen. She wont eat and is getting very weak. I was able to spend several days with her and I am very grateful. At 94 she is one of the funniest people I know. She doesn't even mean to be funny. She makes ma laugh and smile. She kept telling us all to be good to each other and love each other. Family is and has always been everything to her. The nurses love her because every time one of them would do anything for her she would say what every southern lady says..."bless your heart". She seems to be at peace and she knows where she is going when she leaves here. I'm just thankful that God picked me to be her granddaughter.
I haven't posted a picture of Lucy in awhile. She is an 85 pound sweetheart. She knows what her purpose is. She is happier because she knows her job is to guard her sheep. Day 3 of The Purpose Driven Life is about what drives your life.

"Everyone's life is driven by something. "

The 5 most common ones are:

Guilt

Resentment and anger

Fear

Materialism

The need for approval

The benefits of a purpose driven life are:

Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life

Knowing your purpose simplifies your life

Knowing your purpose focuses your life

Knowing your purpose motivates your life

Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity.

"Point to ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace"

Verse of the week:

"You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 (TEV)

Verse of the week

At shearing time this year, I only had 5 sheep. I sheared the poor little things myself with the help of my husband. I was so worried about cutting the sheep that it took us 30-40 minutes to shear each sheep. Needless to say, I now have a real appreciation for anyone who does this for a living. By the time I got to the last sheep, I had the hang of it...somewhat...and actually got the wool off in one piece.

I washed the wool but put off sending it in for many reasons. I didn't have much of it... I didn't really know where to send it and I didn't hold out much hope of it turning out very well. Two weeks ago, I decided to just send it. I sent it to Frankenmuth Woolen Mill and the lady on the phone said it would probably take about 12 weeks to get it back. I was a little disappointed because I have signed up to take a spinning class in December and was hoping to be able to use some of my own wool. It arrived a few days ago!! Less than 2 weeks and I had it back and it really turned out beautifully! I plan on using the black iset for a braided rug I'm making for my kitchen but the other two will go to spinning class with me!!

The verse of the week is actually a passage from Proverbs 31:10-31

I am only taking portions of it here since it is so long but it is entitled The Wife of Noble Character

...She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands...She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple......She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come....She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.....Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Same Sheep?

This is a picture of the first lamb born on our farm. I have been amazed by how much his color continues to change. When he was born, he almost seemed like he would be black. When the black started changing to brown, I could tell it was going to fade but I couldn't tell what was going to be under it. I was convinced it would be grey and it may be, but now.....the color has a taupe color. There is just enough brown that I think he may be considered musket. It is a beautiful color and his fleece is sooooo soft and uniform. Of course, he has bad horns. I've known for awhile that he would have to be cut but I think I will keep this guy just for his beautiful wool!