Sheep Shearing In Wisconsin

This year we did something different on sheep shearing day.  We sheared the sheep in the barn! Randy put up a gate to keep the sheep in, and since it looked like it was going to rain we locked them up the night before.  I expected to find them wandering the yard in the morning, but instead I found a Sand Hill Crane!

It kind of freaked me out!  Randy was able to sneak out and take a picture of it.  He said he should have done a movie so he could have gotten a picture of it's wingspan.

The shearer couldn't believe how friendly and well behaved my sheep were.  Buttercup was the first one to get her wool cut.  When he finished with her she was turned loose in the yard and had access to the pen.  She went over to see the other sheep and they didn't know who she was with her sporty new haircut!  She kept wandering into the barn to keep an eye on the shearer!  Gracie the llama had the last hair cut of the day, and now we're good for another year. The wool is all in bags ready to go be processed into either yarn, roving or socks!

Our friendly Amish Sheep Shearer

Sheila watched!

 

Reticule

I found this cute little bag in the Jane Austen Knits Interweave Knits magazine, and I love it!

My head is full of ideas for this little bag, I love the bottom and the handles, but there are so many things to do with the sides! I'm seeing new lace patterns, different colored liners, monograms, bridesmaid packages...the list goes on and on! What do you all think?

Kitties hate the Paparazzi

At least these kitties do...

A Note from Bernard

Hello everyone, I hear Pam was busy shearing her sheep this weekend back in Wisconsin, and I hope she'll tell you all about it soon! My wool is about ready to pluck again, so I wanted to share another tidbit of Angora bunny care with you!

How to Bathe your Angora Bunny:

Don't! Not with water anyway, but I love a good blow out with a vacuum cleaner turned to blow instead of suck. A good air bath, lasting several minutes, once a week will keep my wool clean, and will keep my dander levels low! Kirsten and Matt have been brushing me several times a week, which is keeping my coat clean and well combed, so when it's time to pluck things will come out smoothly! For even more information, check out this nifty website Kirsten found: Bunny Central , the lady on there has videos showing how to care for my special Angora wool coat.

As always, have a wonderful day, and come back soon to hear about the Sheep Shearing adventures! Springtime really is the best time! :)

PS - I promised I would keep you all updated on my poo, and it's much bigger and healthier looking now! I get greens everyday, and lots of hay! I've even convinced Kirsten to package and sell my Magic Beans, they are perfect for Bunny tea ;)