Happy Thanksgiving!

Turk and Christmas

Hmmm... Christmas?

Old Turk is happy for another reprive this year, he doesn't realize that we like meat that is chewable!

Sheep

Yesterday I was able to spend a length of time in the pastures, with the sheep. The boys had spent the night at their grandparents, the weather was beautiful (for Minnesota in November) and I simply enjoyed my sheep, and turkeys, and chickens, and donkey, and dog. I am so spoiled.
Fiona, my first sheep. Icelandic ewe.


The infamous Shrek. She had two other names previous, but Shrek is what stuck. Due to her lack of cute shetland ears. I'm not sure how many ear tags she ripped out before her arrival here. The flightiest sheep we have. You don't dare look her in the eye, she's gone. But, she's a great mom, and has beautiful fleece.
J.J. icelandic/shetland ewe lamb, named for Grama Jan. She's a big girl, and carries her mom Fiona's gentle disposition.

Marshmallow: ram lamb from Good Mama and Bam. Marshmallow was gifted with a group of 9 ewes. He is a happy boy. He has the most beautiful fleece with lots of crimp. I'll have to study up on micron sampling and send some in soon I think. Marshmallow is a mellow, friendly boy, who is not too pushy to humans or sheep. A good kind of boy to have around.
Cocoa and Sugar: I am anxious to see what these two give us in April. Sugar is a 2008 ewe we purchased from Rayna. She is 7/8 shetland, and Ag. She was not bred last season. She has grown well this past year, and I am anxious for some lambs from her. Cocoa is the gorgeous girl in front. She is the daughter of Shrek, who has now redeemed herself with this daughter and secured a spot on our farm. Cocoa began as a moorit girl, but also carries the Ag gene that turns her grey. I am completely in love with her fleece, and cannot wait till shearing next spring to get my hands on it.

I was lucky enough to spend some quality time spinning today with some lovely ladies, and Mike. We have gotten together and spun one Sunday each of the last three months. My turn to host will be our next event in January. These ladies are the same who taught me to spin. It is just a great time and the only chance I get to spin in my busy schedule. Yesterday I washed Annafleece's lamb fleece and today I began to spin it. She is our black bottle lamb from 2008, who still doesn't realize she really is a sheep. She maas to us whenever we step out the door, and tries to slip out the gate to go and stand on the deck whenever she is able. Kohen awoke from his nap to see the ball of 2ply yarn I was able to create sitting on the counter. "Is that my Anna?" he asked as he felt the soft yarn. His eyes lit up when I nodded. He is anxiously awaiting his mom learning to knit him some mittens.

Thank a Vet

Thank You Grampa Butchy.

Thank you Uncle Mike.

Thank you Anthony, Correy, and Breanna!

I only watched a small portion of the memorial service at Fort Hood today, but it was enough to remind me of the sacrifices that many give for me to live the life I do. Those listed above have all served at different times, in different conflicts, but we all owe them thanks and honor.