Interweave Press No Sheep Skein Swap

Interweave Press has been hosting a No Sheep Secret Pal Yarn Swap where partners send send skeins of non-animal fiber yarn. The various reasons people joined this swap have been interesting...some joined because they have animal fiber allergies, others because they are vegan, others because they feel humans shouldn't use animal fiber. And me? I joined because I thought it would be fun.


Fortunately, I've been paired on the up and down side with people who seem to have no problem with animal fiber. After all, if not for my vocation and avocation of shepherd and farmer, my small hand spinner's flock would not live better than 70% of the world's population! But they do...live better than 70% of the world's population and I rejoice in that fact. My animals live a life of ease and freedom from the stresses of sheep coming and going. No one ends up on the dinner plate, no one is shipped to market. The only thing my dear little boys and ewes have to do is grow delicious fleece and let me love on them. Everyone's life should be so good!


Someone in California sent me a skein of Debbie Bliss 80% cotton 20% silk aran in royal blue. It's lovely but judge for yourself...

We've been busy at Thistle Cove Farm, working on the house, my studio and landscaping. My studio has been emptied so the floor can be painted, our bedroom paint job is completed and the wildflower patch at the kitchen porch back door is almost finished. I'll have to show you photos later, we're in a burning rush to ready ourselves for a drive across the mountain to the Town House Grill. It's a delightful restaurant where the chef takes extra care to not only prepare delicious food but to present it beautifully as well.

I'll leave you with a photo of a deer that was wandering around near Anne's house last week. I caught a glimpse of the deer through the hedgeso knew to get out the camera. Still, I almost managed to mess up the shot because my settings has been switched whilst in my purse.

Be cool, it's a hot August.

Blessings ~ the anticipation of an excellent dinner ~ a bedroom almost finished ~ a studio almost finished ~ a wildflower garden almost finished ~ meaningful work

Rain and a studio

A week ago Tuesday we awoke to this scene.

and, later, this

Yes, it's RAIN! And...it has now been raining, off and on, for more than a week! Thank you GOD! The pastures and fields are showing green, the animals are delirious with fresh, growing stuff to eat and I'm doing the Happy Dance! So what if I look like the Valley Ejiit! It's RAIN and God's Own Blessing and Gift...thank you Father.

It's been great weather for making things and my studio, aka Sandra's Playhouse, has been getting a workout. We've restored an old building (previously used to cure hams and bacon) into a studio for me. It's lovely having a place to go that's (a) away from the phone, (b) away from the house and (c) where supplies can be left out to be used again at *my* whim and fancy! It's not quite finished but I've already moved in and am using the space to both make things and restore my sanity.

It has a chair and ottoman for R&R, reading, knitting, quilting, writing or other hand work; also a bed for the doghters and spots for the cats. ~

A place for my spinning wheel and short chair that used to belong to Grandmother. This chair is so comfortable...just my size and with arms and a cozy cushion covered with a sheep fleece. And, a table (formerly computer table) that's now used to work on crafts, cut and sew fabric for quilts, aprons, etc.

My, oh my...I'm absolutely Over the Moon! Stayed tuned...soon, I'll show you the greeting cards I've been making. They make lovely gifts either by themselves or when tucked into a small basket of goodies to bless someone's day and life.

Blessings ~

~RAIN!

~working space

~two finished quilts

~hot soup on a cool day

~wind chimes in the window

~eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to work

Typical Week @ TCF

Last month, we prayed for the rain to hold and it did and is still holding. We've not had more than a few drops in more than a month. If you're the praying sort, PLEASE pray for rain at Thistle Cove Farm! Our second cutting of hay won't happen if we don't get rain and get it soon.

Even the buzzards want rain; I've seen more turkey vultures this year than ever before. It looks like a family has nested and hatched out their fair share of the little buzzards and they all like to ride the wind currents over this valley. Actually, they are quite beautiful when I forget their job on this planet. They are necessary though so I take photos and ponder their usefullness.

We had a film crew at the farm this past week. They are filming a CD/video for 'Round the Mountain and were here to film the scenery, horses, sheep and me at the spinning wheel. It was a lovely morning, enjoyed by all and especially the sheep. Some of the tamest sheep came into the yard to eat corn and were filmed around the spinning wheel. At least, as long as the corn lasted and then they grazed the yard.
Quilts hanging on the line provided a nice side-drop to the scene while the spinning wheel faced down the valley. The quilts were made by (l to r) by my beloved Aunt Bonnie and Dave's birthday quilt was made by me. We were all pleased with the arrangment and feel it adds greatly to a video that lacks textural softness. The quilts and animals add a touch of gentleness that softens the video and gives a more rounded picture of crafts, especially fiber crafts, in southwest Virginia.

The week ended at the Buchanan County Fair where Heritage Crafts and crafters were on display. This is a small fair but one where heritage is appreciated and welcomed.

Bud Thompson, farrier, pounded on the anvil, Charlie and David Butcher (father and son) played bluegrass on guitar, dulcimer and fiddle; Cheryl Kerr and Emily Butcher made baskets and a Bland County woodworker carved a face in a tree stump. I did the usual fiber "thang".

Blessings ~

~rain which we desperately need, dear God

~county fairs

~friends, some near, others far away but all dear

~a rich and varied heritage and culture

~critters, beasts and varmints - even those who do the nasty jobs

~the privilege of living @ Thistle Cove Farm in the USA!

Armenian Fiber Femmes @ Haghpat Monastery

I'm home and, almost, feeling normal after severe jet lag. Dave and I have been to Armenia and, at Haghpat Monastery, found Fiber Femmes!

As all knitters, crocheters, felters, weavers, dyers and other fiber folks know...the language of fiber is international and crosses all language "barriers". Such was the case at Haghpat (also known as Haghpatavank)Monastery in the mountains of northern Armenia and overlooking the Pambak River. In the Middle Ages, it was a major center of learning and a masterpiece of religious architecture. The monastery was founded by Saint Nishan in the 10th century during the reign of King Abas.

At Haghpat, there are a number of folks scratching out a living by selling their hand crafted wares. This woman, and her friend, sold us some lovely things and, very graciously, allowed their photos to be taken. I've never seen crochet accomplished with a sewing needled and cotton thread!

She had a number of doilies made and a couple of beautiful white Celtic looking crosses. Of course, those crosses came home with us along with the wonderful memories of Haghpat and the "Haghpat Fiber Femmes".

Hay Season

Since Saturday we've been sweating bullets. We had a tiny, a very tiny, rainless window of opportunity to get our hay cut, kicked, raked and baled without it being ruined by rain. There are almost four dozen head of livestock, horses and sheep, here at Thistle Cove Farm and the horses have to have good forage for the winter. Forage that we put up during the summer months.

We "share" our hay which means we fertilize and lime the pasture, put up sturdy fences, etc. and someone else puts up the hay then we split the yield 50/50. By the time the other folks got here on Saturday, they only had time to get one pass completed on the alfalfa pasture before darkness fell.

Oh Lordy.

They came back on Sunday and cut a bit more then their equipment broke down. We haven't any haying equipment and their equipment is a "trifle" ancient but it does work...most of the time. Farming is Very Expensive and it's tough on anyone starting out...especially young folks and, we all do the best we can with what we've got.

This stomach churning stress inducing "haying" went on until Wednesday, late afternoon, when, finally, the last straw happened. Their tractor wheel fell off. Yes. The tractor wheel fell off. We all wanted to cry but that wouldn't solve anything; we still had the rain storm to beat.

Long story short...it rained buckets, Absolute Buckets, all around us but rain only danced on the blades of grass and stalks of grain, it didn't soak our hay field. The skies were black, it rained so hard, fast and furious, the skies emptied hail.

Everywhere except our hay field. What a GIFT! What a BLESSING! Yes, I stood outside and prayed the rain would pass us by and it did. "Ye have not because ye ask not." Well, this is one Sister who does not hesitate to "cast my cares upon Him for He careth for ME!" You as well, by the way, so cast up those prayers.

A neighbor , Very Graciously, was pressed into service and he finished baling the hay in just a few hours. The bales are Absolutely Lovely! Five feet by five feet in size...we were told they would go at least a ton meaning two thousand pounds...sigh. Absolutely Lovely!

Our horses and sheep will have hay this winter; thank You GOD!!

Yes, it really IS this exciting when we're able to put up dry hay. I raise rare breed, primitive Shetland and Romney, Merino and cross bred sheep only for their wool. No one has to worry about being sent to market, ending up on the dinner plate...everyone has a job and that job is to grow fabulous fleece. They do an incredible job and a lot of factors enter into the mix. My sheep eat wonderfully well, drink crystal clear mountain water and eat an incredible mineral salt supplement. All this plus no stress means their fleeces are excellent and turn into beautiful yarn, roving, blankets and other goodies.

It requires work, lots and lots of dirty, sweaty, hard work but is it ever worth it! Today, Thursday, my helpers and I went to the pasture and gleaned some hay. I do this every time we cut hay and find great pleasure in gleaning some treats, in the form of freshly cut hay, for the horses. I managed to get in two Workhorse loads before the skies emptied again of rain and hail. My "helpers" are a bit frightened of terrific storms so we skuttled back to the barn and house before the lightening turned horrific.

Tonight was Quilting Bee and we worked on Kat's quilt...we all sat around and quilted a top her Mother had pieced together many years ago. It's a pleasant way to finish a day that began at dawn and a gift that will warm many times over...both in the making and in the using when the cold snows and winds blow. Someone will sleep under this quilt and be warmed by the work of our hands and heart.

~Blessings

~DRY hay!
~rain to start the process all over again
~good neighbors
~quilters and quilts
~good help
~parts for the old tractor...hopefully...

Swap

Jennifer, at Desert Garden Farms, hosted a delightful Garden Yarn Swap and I'm the happy, happy, happy receiver of Laura's package. I adore using an old fashioned fountain pen and it will be especially lovely when used on this hand crafted paper by Laura. The handspun yarn is a delicious bulky blend of purple, yellow and green and will undergo much fondling before being used!

Blessings ~

~swaps and those who arrange and participate
~rain, much needed and appreciated even though we need to cut hay
~Fiber Femmes site and blog
~good health for all at Thistle Cove Farm
~Dave's quilt - almost finished!
~another beautiful, and just about perfect, day

Early Star of Bethlehem Quilt

This quilt is called the Early Star of Bethlehem Quilt and has Evening Star Motifs.

It's beautifully hand stitched and dates from between 1820 and 1830. My girlfriend, Mary Lois, owns the quilt and her family oral history says the quilter was a Mrs. Pierce whose Yankee husband served in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Pierce was, supposedly, the first to fall in 1776 and died in Boston where there is a statue honoring his death as a British casualty. Many years later his widow carefully pieced this beautiful quilt.

The colors of the pieces are still quite vivid; there are nine squares of different colored pieces to make this quilt measuring 90 x 95 inches. There are a few small stains and some darkening on the backing of the quilt. Some front pieces are worn away, probably by the chemicals used in the dyeing process. Two small holes in the backing do not affect the front of the piece. There is some fading and light staining to the front, to be expected with a piece this old. A hanging pocket has been neatly seamed onto the back of the quilt.

I believe this quilt is for sale; please contact Leslie for more details.

TCF Tours

One of my very favorite things to do is host a group of folks on a Thistle Cove Farm tour! Today, Miss B's kindergarten class visited us and we had such a great time. Four and five year old children are so wonderful, they have loads of curiosity, are eager for new experiences and really enjoy meeting all the dogs, cats, sheep and horses.

When the bus arrives, the dogs and I climb on board to welcome everyone. There are always a few rules (don't climb on fences or gates, don't hurt the animals, stay with your group) and the most important one is HAVE FUN! The children are amazed that Gracie and Abbie enjoy getting on the buses, checking out the children, sniffing around for lunch smells and getting and giving kisses.

Well. Okay. So some of the children aren't as crazy about dog kisses as others but most of them think it's really cool to be greeted by two of the official Thistle Cove Farm mascots.

Every time they share their lunch with a dog, they scream. Every time a sheep's muzzle tickles their hands, they scream. When they chased the bubbles I blew, they screamed. When they saw the horses run toward us, they screamed. I must admit, the horses are an impressive sight as they gallop across the pasture. I raise rare breed, hypoallergenic (to most) pinto, gaited American Curly horses. The icing on the cake is the horses are *very* gentle, quiet and obedient. They have to be; I'm a middle age, slightly overweight woman and I need my animals to be very safe. My horses don't dissappoint and the visitors love petting them just as much as the horses love being petted. The carrots as treats seem to help as well.

You know, I should have a headache but I don't. I just adore little ones and love watching their faces light up when they realize they have gotten a correct answer to one of my questions. "What are the mountains called where we live?" Blank looks all so I tell them, "We live in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains." By the end of their tour they could tell me, "We live in the beeyoutiful Applecha Mountains!"

Close enough.

I teach and preach Agriculture and Appalachia and love letting the children know more about these beautiful, old mountains and where we get our food and clothing. If they ate a meal today, it's because somewhere a farmer got out of bed. If they flipped a switch and a light came on, it's because somewhere a coal miner got out of bed. I'm proud to be an Appalachian American and am so blessed because my roots go deep in these hills and hollers. I'm also blessed because I'm able to live here, at Thistle Cove Farm, and to share God's beauty and bounty.

Blessings

~children because we all were or are and we're our past, present and future
~the beeyoutiful Applecha Mountains!
~a lovely day
~friends and family helping out
~cool, fresh well water
- sweetened by these limestone hills

Happy Birthday, Morels

This month Dave and I celebrated his birthday at Town House Grill in Chilhowie, VA. It's a fabulous restaurant, the best in all of southwest VA, and they do an incredible job with delicious ingredients. As a special treat, we both had dessert and this is how his looked:

He had the chocolate bomb torte with melted center, fresh whipping cream and strawberries and Happy Birthday, written in chocolate, was a Very Nice Touch. Happy Birthday, Beloved...may you have many more!

By the way...sorry about all the photos in the previous post. Seems like Blogger was being a bit over the top. When they don't have the "done" button for me to click on, I think the photos haven't downloaded but, low and behold, they did!

Earlier this month we went morel hunting and gathered quite a nice bundle. Morels are wild mushrooms, available only in the spring and are quite the delicacy. They sell for huge sums of money both in restaurants and in markets but, for the person with the knowledge, experience and the patience they are available for free on the mountainside. Miss C. shows how it's done...she's quite the mushroom hunter and has, at a tender age, already years of experience.

Donna and Brian, her parents, have taken her on the mountains for years and Miss C. has an extensive resume of morel, ramp and 'sang hunting. She's not fond of snakes though and the woods rang with her shouts and shrieks when her Daddy stepped on a snake. It was an accident but he had to kill it because his foot broke the snake's back and it was cruel to let it live.

This photo is of Donna, Brian, Miss C. and Dave (in the background). We were taking a break by the underground river and caves.

We found a clutch of quail eggs but the mother flew off as we approached. I used the telephoto lens to capture this shot; she looks like she'll have quite the brood when they hatch. I wish them a long and happy life; in the mountains there are lots of predators and we saw bear signs over the ridge.

Spring time in the mountains is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, it means lots of work...after all the gardens need to be prepared, seedlings started, sheep sheared, fences and gates repaired and our neighbors are already cutting hay.

I love this time of year...my favorite time of year is...NOW and my favorite day of the week is...TODAY!

Go do something to make today special; go make some memories!

Blessings ~

~Dave, quite possibly the Very Best Husband in the World!

~free, wild food - morels, ramps, ginsang, creek lettuce and more

~supper, almost ready - fried cabbage, new potatoes and cantelope - and eaten on the porch with a beautiful sunset

~new friends - Hi Cat!

~almost more good life than is legal

~the Lost Arts Guild and all members

Sheep Shearing is Finished!

Hurrah! We finished shearing my small hand spinner's flock yesterday and today I can barely breath. It's a ton of work and I really missed Leslie's help but a new person, Fran, helped me.
The shearer brought his own catcher so it was the four of us...beavering away madly in a rush to finish before the rain started. We did. Barely.

It's been on the cool side, perfect for shearing. Although, I'm not sure the sheep appreciate being nekkid right now. A couple of weeks ago, they were suffering in an unexpected heat wave and even the shade of a tree or two didn't help a lot. I opened the barn dogtrot and they slept there during the heat of the day. It's always seems to capture a breeze and no matter how hot on the farm, I have two dogtrot's that always seem to bit a bit cooler.

The fleeces are have names, are weighed and ready to be photographed. I'm doing things a bit differently this year. Because I had new, unexperienced help, anyone who buys a fleece will pay for the fleece, minus two pounds. In other words, if a fleece weighs six pounds, the buyer will pay for four pounds plus shipping on the entire weight. I'm doing this because I'm not sure they are skirted to my specifications. Fran did a good job pulling the manure and urine tags but there might be a bit of veggie matter or small felted bits left.

So, buy whatever the fleece weighs, pay for all minus two pounds and pay for shipping on the entire weight. Trust me, there aren't two pounds of worthless matter so it's a deal for you.

Clear as mud, eh?

Any questions, please let me know. As usually, the boys and ewes have outdone themselves and the fleeces are breathtaking. They range in weight from around five to twelve pounds, depending upon breed. I'll have a list of available fleeces on the blog and on various lists next week.

We're having blessed rain and everything looks nourished. Our water table is low and if we don't recover now, we'll have problems with hay later. We raise our own hay and feed more than forty head of horses and sheep.

We've finally working on the house again and doing those small things that make it finished. We hung a lot of pictures and photographs, got some molding put up around fireplaces, etc. to give a polished look, the back porch has been cleared off...just a lot of little things that have needed doing for a long while. I'm now looking at the clutter with a new eye and thinking about storage, giving a lot away (it's tag sale season) and re-vamping my studio and office.

I spoke with Aunt Esther tonight and she's well. She's ninty and goes like she's sixty or even forty! She's been visiting her family in several states and just returned home to her quilting, crochet and needlework. She does all beautifully and, throughout the years, has gifted family and friends with quilts, pillow cases, blankets and other gifts of her hands.

Next week I'll show the quilt pieces she recently sent me...made by family members decades long past and ready for me to put together.

And so life continues...

I have a lovely photo of the view from our front yard but blogger is being contentious. Perhaps next time...

Blessings ~

~rain
~traveling safety
~beloved Aunt Esther
~a healthy flock and herd
~our dear home - Thistle Cove Farm
~shearing is finished for another year ~I can feel the pain of the assorted bruses and bumps from being tossed about by the sheep (some can't you know and would give everything to feel a bit of pain)

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Fiber Femmes May/June 2007 issue is now on-line and it's really a great issue! Of course, Leslie and I always say that but we have to say that because it's true! There are a lot of MSWF photos, some really fine articles, a bit of fun thrown in the mix and a new feature...affordable advertising. If you have a small business, perhaps an etsy or ebay store, you really should consider Fiber Femmes affordable advertising. For less than pennies a day, you can reach more than 5,000 readers per issue, readers who are actively involved in the fiber industry and who use fiber in all its forms...fleeces, yarn, felting, etc. Visit Fiber Femmes S.E.X. page for more information, then, give us a shout to get your advert in front of Fiber Femmes readers.

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival celebrated its 34th year this month and it only keeps getting better and better! Here are some photos to whet your fibertite...

Only a fiber person would understand this one!

From south of the equator -

Sittin' & Knittin' a Red Scarf - this was a wonderful idea! A local yarn shop had chairs outside their tent where people could rest a bit and knit on red scarves for orphans. It was fun and interesting to see what other folks had knitted and then to add our prayers and stitches to the mix.

Hurrah! I've won...

Please visit Liz Curtis Higgs and click on the My Heart's in the Lowlands book (just under the yellow tulip top center). If you don't know Liz Curtis Higgs, she's the author of Bad Girls of the Bible, a trilogy sent in Scotland (Thorn in my Heart, Fair is the Rose and Whence Came a Prince), Loved by God (a DVD Bible study series) and a slew of other books. She's incredibly honest about her lifestyle prior to Christ and writes with humility and love and, perhaps most importantly of all in this frosty world...encouragement!

And, along with five others... I WON!

To have a writer, and especially Liz Curtis Higgs, say my words touched her heart, is a Mighty Thing Indeed. In fact, it's overwhelming, gratifying and gives me validation as a writer.

THANKS Liz Curtis Higgs!!!!

God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands and heart!

Blessings ~

~Liz Curtis Higgs

~healthy family and animals

~Fiber Femmes May/June issue almost finished

~clean clothes drying on the line in the hot May sun

~sheep shearing almost finished

~a beloved nephew leaving to serve our country

In the Midst of Life

On eleven April I celebrated my 54th birthday. That doesn't seem so old but as I draw nearer to sixty I find myself thinking "old" and not "older". Wonder why that is? We find some birthdays dramatic and even crisis mode and others clear sailing. Thus far, no birthday has been anything other than gratefully appreciated. After all, consider the alternative to waking up above ground. Doesn't bear much thinking, eh?

A little while ago, flowers arrived from Anne and Ken. What a thoughtful and kind gift...flowers. Grandmother Bennett hung a little plaque on her living room wall that said, "give me my flowers while I live". What a wonderful sentiment! What a big difference the small things make in our lives. How many would still be with us today had a kind word, pat on the back or small gesture been extended toward them? What a difference we can make in the lives of family, friends and strangers when we look beyond ourselves. It's not enough to pray, in secret, for others. We need to pray, in public, for them as well. We need to let them know they are loved, needed and wanted; no one can fill another's place. Each of us are unique, created in the Creators' image to be loved by Him; to be sought by the Hound of Heaven with a love so great He felt it was worth His life.

Has anyones' life been enhanced because you passed their way today? Sometimes it's us who needs the embrace or to be reminded of a bit of warmth in a frosty world. When we strive to reach out in kindness to others, we're casting our bread upon the waters, ensuring good karma, making sure what goes around is good so that good comes back around.

I'm a firm believer in reaching out to others because others will be there when I reach out in need.

Dave and I have been watching the CNN broadcast about the VA Tech shootings. As of right now the death count is thirty-one and climbing; some of the wounded have been taken to the Roanoke trauma center. I've made telephone calls to check on loved ones who work and go to school at VT; so far everyone is accounted for and safe in body if not spirit.

What's the meaning of violence or hate or ill-will in life and in our lives? I'm certain only that I don't know. On my best days I barely comprehend the love, grace, peace and mercy of God and loved ones. To attempt to comprehend the mind of madmen is more than I can bring to the task...so I don't. I pray and when I don't know what to pray, I cry and allow the Holy Spirit of God to intercede on behalf of my heart.

I do know that with each passing year, with each birthday, I find it more and more difficult to hear, much less see, the ugliness of mankind. I wonder how the great heart of the Most High bears it and He's had since time's beginning to look upon our sin.

On a list recently, someone asked what words do we use when words are needed. I responded that words are, for me, not as worthy as action. When someone is in need of comfort, I show up with food or a hand knitted shawl and then do that person's chores or house cleaning...some thing of action to show them what I can't tell them. I don't trust myself nor my words for fear I'll get in the way of the words and not be a comfort.

Then, I find something like the following by Julian of Norwich and find much comfort in her words. A balm in Gilead for those times when I feel like a great dumb beast simply bearing up under yet more madness.

Like today.

Julian of Norwich ~

"All things shall be well

You shall see for yourself that

All manner of things shall be well

For as the body is clad in the cloth,

And the flesh in the skin,

And the bones in the flesh

And the heart in the trunk

So are soul, and body, clad and enclosed in the goodness of God
As truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our mother

And he revealed that in everything and especially in these sweet words where he says,

"I am the power and goodness of fatherhood,

I am the wisdom and lovingness of motherhood.

I am the light and grace which is all blessed love."

I looked at the hazel nut with the eye of my understanding and thought, what can this be?

I was amazed that it could last for I thought that because of its littleness it would suddenly have fallen into nothing.

And I was answered in my understanding.

It lasts and always will, because God loves it, and thus everything has being through the love of God.

You will not be overcome.

God did not say you will not be troubled,

You will not be belaboured,

You will not be disquieted;

But God said, You will not be overcome.

What, do you wish to know your Lord’s meaning in this thing?

Know it well, love was his meaning.

Who reveals it to you? Love

What did he reveal to you? Love

Why does he reveal it to you? For Love

Remain in this. And you will know more of the same."

Blessings ~

~the love of God

~the love of family

~the love of friends

~the comfort we are not alone when God holds us in His love and loved ones hold us in their hearts

Tempus Fugit & Happy Resurrection

Tempus Fugit! In other words...time flees and quickly. Those people who work for themselves, in jobs of their own choosing, would, in all likelihood, not change a thing. But, it's difficult to get it all done when it's only you who is the do-er. Frequently, when I talk with friends who work for themselves, the same topic comes up...getting it all done and how to decide what doesn't get done.

Tops on the list are animals. Anyone who shepherds, farms or raises animals agree the animals are the *first priority*. Tending to the animals comes before feeding oneself, cleaning house, knitting or crocheting, quilting, baking...even bathing. During lambing season there's been many a morning I crawl out of bed and put on the same, dirty clothes I wore the day before. There comes a point in time when it simply does not matter what clothes I wear because they will, in due course, become filthy, nasty anyway.

And I do this because I LOVE it! As do most shepherds and farmers I know. It's more than a lifestyle, it's a life and one we all love and wouldn't change for all the tea in China.

It's lambalanch season and lambs are all over the valley. Yesterday morning I left the house at seven a.m. to meet Mother and Sister in Roanoke. Roanoke is about equi-distance for all of us so we meet there for lunch and to catch up with each other. It's a practice we've just started and are hopeful our menfolk can come next time.

Anyway, I'm driving up the valley, appreciating the beautiful morning, being watchful of deer and other wildlife. Always, as I pass William's farm, I slow to look at his sheep. I enjoy seeing where other shepherds are in the process, no matter the season, and William is smack dab in the middle of lambing. Tee tiny lambs frolic in the lamb-lot closest to the road, there must be a dozen or more just in one lot. It was dawn, the air was cool, the grass was wet with dew and, to a one, all the ewes were standing stock still with one rear leg extended behind them. To a one, the lambs were lined up at their mother's teats, drinking their fill.

After a night of sleep for the lambs and ewes both were starting their day on a positive note. The ewes were being relieved of the pressure on their udders by the lambs suckling and the lambs were receiving much needed nourishment in the form of warm milk.

I'm a sap. I know this and anyone who knows me knows this. I wear this hard, exterior shell to cover the fact I'm a soft touch and have a tender heart. Throughout the years I've learned just how frosty this ole world can be and I've "built a wall around me that you can't even see" ---remember that old Phoebe Snow song...I LOVE that song and her as well...that anyone with a bit of patience and eyes can see my facade of a crumbling wall. Family and friends who are nearest and dearest, by grace and mercy, know I'm a fake and love me anyway.

I am a most blest woman!

Anyway. Being a practicing Christian means my wall has to crumble. It means I have to be available and open and honest and real. It means I have to be hurt and, sometimes, just because I'm all too human, it means I hurt others. God forgive me. It's an ugly truth but the beauty is He forgives me and forgets my failings. God is a better God than I am His, imperfect, creation and the Psalmist said, 136:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Thanks be to God, His mercy extends to me...and to you too.

Back to the lambs and ewes...

It was simply enchanting! I'm going back this week to take photos. In the meantime, it reminded me that my day goes better, much better, when, first thing in the morning, I fix myself upon my Creator. When I drink my fill of His word, when I take time to study or hear His word, to fix my eyes and heart upon Him, my path is made smooth and I'm better able to handle what the day brings.

Today is Palm Sunday and, in Christian churches all over the world, the sermon and lessons were on Christ and His disciples - The Last Supper, His triumphant ride into Jerusalem, prayer and betrayal in the garden, the trial, the crucifixion and burial. Easter Sunday, next Sunday, comes His release from and victory over the grave; He Lives, He Lives!

Maybe it's because I live so close to life and death, to the earth and with the animals that I think, what might be to some, strange thoughts. I'm sitting in church today and thinking, "it's a short way from the Penthouse to the Outhouse".

No, I'm not joking. Look at Christ and how He was heralded when He rode into Jerusalem upon that ass. People threw palm branches at His feet, they sang songs of praise and gladness; I'm sure people cried they were so overwhelmed with... what? Emotions of joy, laughter...what, exactly? And one short week, not even a full week, they were spitting in His face and crying "give Him the death we reserve for our worst criminals!" They couldn't even find fault with Him, they just wanted Him dead and gone where He couldn't rouse the people with His miracles, His teaching, His words and works.

Emotions don't last. None of 'em. Not those of joy or sorrow, gladness or pain, love or hate. Emotions change like the wind and I've learned not to depend upon emotions. Don't get me wrong. I like emotions, I like feeling 'em but I don't rely on them. Not in me nor in others. I rely on being there, on follow through, on promises not only made but kept. I rely on people who have proven themselves reliable. I rely on myself but, most of all, I rely on God. On His promises, on His favor, on His word.

I'm grateful for the Resurrection, for what we call "Easter". It's a grim and joyous reminder of what this 'Christianity' is all about. It's a reminder of what great and painful cost He paid so we might re-enter the Garden and be with Him for all eternity. It's a reminder of the revival we can have, here and now, while waiting for the Bridegroom to come. It's a grim and joyous reminder for me to live deliberately, to live as a thoughtful and attentive follower of Christ. Not to do my best, for that's not approaching good, but to allow Him to be in me, to work through me, to allow His Spirit to change me. And, when I've fallen short, to ask for and receive His forgiveness and that of others. To pray as He taught, "Thy will be done."

So, in this spring, Easter and Resurrection season, join me. Covenant with yourself and Him to live deliberately, to follow through on your decision to be a thoughtful and attentive Christian. To forgive yourself and others no matter if they forgive you or not. To live as Christ would have you live, today and today only. To know and accept that God forgives and that's enough to keep you and me going in the right direction.

Happy Resurrection, fellow pilgrim, the tomb is empty!

This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Art Bookbindery, "Empowering Writers to Self Publish."

If you're not familiar with Christian Women Online, pay them a visit. It's an interesting site, full of good, useful and uplifting information. I found this contest after I'd posted but felt it worthwhile to come back and add a footnote.

In Like a Lion

March has arrived...with a fury and blast of wind and rain. We've returned home, safe and sound from our Moroccan adventure, but brought with us the same upper respiratory crud that's been closing schools and office buildings all over Virginia. And we haven't even been here!

Leslie and I are both sick and it's March 1...which means a new issue of Fiber Femmes is due. We're doing our best but not going to make our, self-imposed, deadline. So be it.

All that to say, an update is in order but so is wellness and health so will download our photos, update the blog and finish Fiber Femmes tomorrow...Inshallah as they say in Morocco or "God willing and the creek don't rise" as I've heard all my life here in Appalachia.

The honor and gift of your prayer is requested.

The photo of my ewes was taken a couple of weeks ago when Jon, Morgan and Linda were here; thanks, Linda...great photo!

Above Freezing!

For the first time in two weeks, we're above freezing and it felt positively balmy. I dressed in only three layers while doing my farm chores and was on the tractor and in the elements for almost three hours. A round bale of hay had to be set out for the mares and Dandy, water checked, minerals replinshed, food for sheep and horses and a vet visit. It helped the wind wasn't blowing; that always adds to my grief as well as to the wind chill factor.

I finished knitting and delivered my hat for the Lions auction at end of February. Last year they raised $11,000 for various charities in the town and county. One of these years, I'll find someone in town who will let me watch the televised auction; we have satellite and can't receive any local coverage at all. That's one thing about satellite...it makes rural people even more isolated and cut off from the community. When I do go into town, I enjoy catching up on community events by spending a few extra minutes chatting at the post office, library and feed store.

I'm finishing up a purple wool shawl and a varigated blue rayon scarf, both for me. After that, I'll finish hand quilting my quilt, weaving my rag rug and, maybe, finish that sweater I started years ago.

Over the weekend, Thistle Cove Farm had a bit of excitement. Jon Lohman, of the VA Folklife Program, and his photographer, Morgan, came for a visit. I'm afraid both gents were icicles; it never got above twenty degrees F and with a wind, was probably around zero or below. Jon, just about frozen stiff, graciously stood for a photo with me and Abigail.

They wanted to take photos of Linda W., my apprentice, and me as Apprentice and Master in Traditional Fiber Arts. The Folklife Program has been in existence five years and it's an honor to have been chosen...the first Fiber Artist and the first person working with animals/sheep. It validates what I've spent these last dozen years doing and it gives recognition to all of us who are spending their days and time shepherding and farming.

Sophie Shetland, one of my favorite ewes, is helping Morgan with his camera. Sophie is a great hand to help.

Linda spent some of her time using the Elbe picker on some washed Shetland fleece.

It was a delightful and blessed day...all of us enjoyed the company, the animals, the work, the day. Jon and Morgan kept commenting on the silence...by that they meant the lack of city noise. We rarely listen to the radio (only when there's a basketball game Dave can't watch on t.v.) and spend about 3 to 5 hours a week watching television. I need to be able to hear what the animals are telling me...are they stressed, anxious, calm, peaceful and I can't hear their voices when there's the noise of a radio or television.

Time for supper so thanks for visiting, the gift of your time is greatly appreciated.

Grateful heart ~

*warmer weather

*good health

*wonderful friends

*home made bread

*home made toasted coconut chess pie

*a good night's sleep

COLD!

Weather report is calling for tonight to be the coldest one thus far...somewhere around zero with wind chills of minus fifteen degrees F.

Now Wait Just a Doggone Minute!

Isn't that the weather report for last night? I think so...

I moved horses around today, made sure everyone has shelter, food and water. When it's this cold, shelter is a necessity. My neighbor seems to think I pamper my animals and he's, probably, right but, like Dave points out, "my animals, my money, my time" so it's all right to "pamper" them with shelter, warm water and fresh hay. Odd, but I never thought of those things as pampering; I've always thought of those things as necessities.

Grateful heart:

*Dave...he takes care of his women and when you look up the words "steadfast, honorable, faithful" in the dictionary, there's his picture

*Stephanie - beloved beautiful sister who has more talents than she can use in one lifetime

*Steve - beloved handsome brother who has a depth of soul unmatched

*Godly parents - Jim & Gladys who preach the love of Christ every day of their lives...sometimes they even use words

*honest work both to earn my keep and to increase life's enjoyment

*winter - even Earth must have her sleep

Cold

It is, as Daddy and Mother like to say, blue blazes cold! We've had snow and more snow and, with the wind chill tonight, it will be around 15 degrees below zero F. All the horses have indoor shelter and the sheep are on the hill, backs to the wind and cozy in their woolen coats.

These trees are in our back pasture; the one in the foreground is a Summer Rambo apple and the two in the background are wild cherries. The Summer Rambo is in process of expiring and every year I think this might be the last apples it gives us. It takes spring and summer and sometimes the autum as well to grow a hard, crisp apple. My favorite kind. Every year I say, "this is the year I'll plant more apple trees" but, thus far, I've only planted a Granny Smith. The Granny Smith is about five years old and it's giving a bountiful harvest...enough to eat, give to the animals and enough for pies for home and sharing. This spring I hope to plant some more trees - a Summer Rambo, Cox's Pippin and a slew of other heritage apples.

Wild cherry trees give shade to the animals but I've got to be diligent that no branches die. If a branch dies, I have to saw it off immediately as the dead leaves give off arsenic which will kill animals and humans alike. I've often thought the farm offers enough tales to write a thousand mystery books.

The little building needs to come down but that won't happen until warm weather. As it stands, it still offers a bit of wind break for the animals. Hopefully, we'll be able to build a run-in building in one of the lower pastures and that will give shelter.
I'm sitting both at the computer and my sewing table, sewing a scarf and a quilt. Weather has prevented me from going to quilting bee for two weeks and for church for three weeks. Church was called off one Sunday because of ice and the next two Sunday's I didn't want to travel icy roads. There are people who get out on icy roads but I'm not one of them. I've not been off the farm, other than one trip to the grocery, in several weeks. That grocery trip was made during the middle of the day on a warm day when the ice had melted. I don't think it ever got above freezing today.

Dave had a business trip to Princeton and stayed the night on Friday. That was a good choice as the weather turned really cold, snowy, icy, windy and it was dangerous on the roads. When using the Workhorse to carry hay to the animals, I slipped and slid all over the farm. I do my very best to be safe all the time but especially when Dave isn't here. I've had one episode when I spent an hour lying on the snow, too sick to move and feel no need to repeat that experience. We don't, usually, have to leave the farm during bad weather, so we don't. Other people have to be on the roads and we feel no need to add one more potential accident to the mix.

Dave's cousin, Kyle, was at the same meeting and afterward, came, with his fiance, Ruth Anne, to overnight with us at Thistle Cove Farm. I spent my time baking, cooking, cleaning...doing all those things one does to prepare for company.

Last night we had a lovely home made, from scratch mind you!, meal of kielbasa bean soup, bird seed bread, toasted coconut chess pies and shortbread - almond and tangerine. The food was wonderful! There are a lot of things in life I'm not good at doing but, as Dave's uncle likes to say, "one thing I can do is put together the groceries!"

On the sewing machine is a cotton scarf followed by a quilt. I have only a couple of seams left, the borders to sew and then it's ready to be pieced with the batting and bottom. That's a job to be done at the quilting bee as they have a giant table that will hold the quilt. Everyone gathers around the table and helps put the quilt together...work shared is work halved while joy shared is joy doubled. Funny how that works, eh?

This is the view from our sunroom and where I spend a lot of time when I'm indoors. One of my spinning wheels is set up here, there's a gas burning fireplace, a cozy spot to read and knit and, very conveniently, located between the kitchen and lavatory. My to-do list is very long this week and there's a ton of work to be accomplished. I've got to move horses around tomorrow so everyone will have barn shelter for the next few weeks. If I take some time, do some moving around now, I'll save myself from having to do it every night. It takes a big chunk of time to do it every night because every morning everyone has to be re-arranged again. This has to be in order to keep the two stallions separated by a pasture; a fence alone isn't enough of a separation. So, tomorrow will see everyone in a new pasture and that will bring some squealing and fuss for an hour or two. Even the animals rail against change!

There are also fleeces to be boxed up and mailed to the processor; a lap quilt to be mailed to a wounded soldier; birthday package to Aunt Esther as well as several other envelopes, etc. Some weeks I feel like I, single handed, keep the US post office in business. I'm one who still sends hand written letters and cards in additions to snippits I find that I know will be of interest to someone somewhere. Let's face it, who doesn't get a thrill when they go to the mailbox and there's something other than junk mail or bills. A "real, live" letter or card hand addressed...what an absolute GIFT and you haven't even opened it yet! Glory Be!

I'm going to try and take this week one day at a time. I only pray I'm not attacked by several of them all at once.

Greatful heart:

*healthy family and animals
*warm home
*cozy beds
*enough food to eat and share
*projects on the knitting needles
*quilts cut out, ready to be put together and then given away

Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar 2007

Quite a few people have been enthralled about one of my patterns submitted to the 2007 Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar. It's the Februrary 1 submission, Samuel's Heart Red Scarf and submitted in honor of women's fight against heart disease. More women are felled by heart diseast in the USA than any other disease yet it doesn't receive as much attention as other diseases.

Samuel is Carly's son by Zacheous; Sophie is Carly's sister. As you might well imagine, all of those sheep are tame, extremely tame. They pass along family traits so even visitors to the farm are able to pick out the family resemblence. I don't mean their looks. I mean the way they react when they hear me calling or see me carrying a bucket of corn.

All I have to do is rattle some corn in a bucket and all the sheep come running...some more quickly than others. The older wethers will walk more sedately and I've learned to save back a few kernals for them. The younger ewes and wethers will run at a trot so sure they are they might miss a treat should they tarry.

Sophie, Carly and Samuel are some of the first to arrive. Polly and Sally, Merino twin ewes, are pushing for first place as well. It takes a stout heart to stand up to several hundred pounds of "hungry" sheep running at you full tilt boogy. Most of the sheep are about knee high and I'm always careful to protect my knees, bending them a bit so they can take a blow with greater ease and, hopefully, lack of injury.

The other family resemblence is the way they "ask" for corn. If the bucket isn't directly in front of their noses or, if the bucket was in front of their noses and then moved to another nose, each of them will paw my leg. They will continue pawing, with those sharp little hooves, until the bucket has returned to it's "rightful" position...just under their nose. It's amusing but it also hurts like the dickens and I've plenty of bruses to show for their impatience.

When possible, I use my animals to model my finished patterns. They don't mind and it adds a very real element that even a human model doesn't bring to the picture. I ask you...what better model for a wool scarf than the animal that produced the wool?

So, here's a photo of Samuel wearing "his" Heart Red Scarf. Please admire but don't borrow as my photos are copyrighted.

We're in the midst of a blizzard, everything is white, animals have gone to ground and we're all snuggled in for the night. My plans for tomorrow include baking some chess pies, shortbread, bird seed cheese bread, making some bean, garlic, kielbasa soup, wrapping some packages for mailing, taking some photos of the animals in the latest snowstorm, laundry, and getting the house ready for overnight guests. I'll manage to squeeze in barn chores twice during the day as well.

Someone once said, "write your plans in pencil and then give God the eraser".

If you want to make God laugh...tell Him your plans.

Farm life...and death

My small flock of rare and primitive breed Shetland, Romney, Merino and crossbred sheep constitute a closed flock. That means no one leaves to go to market or slaughter house, no one is sold, no other sheep come here. There's almost zero chance of disease striking the flock, death comes through old age or accident. Sheep are considered aged at around seven or eight years; my "lambs" will soon be three years old and some of the ewes and wethers (castrated males) are nine and ten.

All are pets, all are well loved, their lives and fleeces testimony to the excellent quality care, food and water given them. Some know their names and most all of them come when called expecting to receive a treat of corn, a batt of alfalfa hay, a rub on the head or kiss on the nose.

Two days ago I found one of them down...not a good thing. The shepherd's term is "cast", as in a "sheep is cast and can't get up". This boy had lain, only God knows how long, on the frozen ground and was pitiful in his struggle. I got the sled (some inner Voice telling me all those years ago to keep it as it would come in handy), put Hank on the sled and pulled him to the barn. Frances helped me and it took our combined efforts to haul Hank as he weighed two hundred pounds or more.

There, I rolled him over on a canvas tarp and propped him up against the barn wall. My concern was for "brain freeze". When a sheep spends a night, either a frozen night or with his/her head lying downhill, there's a chance the brain will freeze and not be able to tell the body what to do.

Oh, that's not very scientific but it is, in fact, what happens. I fed him syringe after syringe of warm Gatorade to get liquid, heat and electrolytes into his body. I massaged Hank's limbs, body and head, spoke gentle and encouraging words to him; the dogs licked his face. We all endeavored to give him reason to live.

Least you think he was frightened of the dogs licking his face, all the sheep are quite used to that and will stand still for the dogs to wash their faces. So, it was a nice thing for the dogs to do and Hank seemed to enjoy it, and it brought him a bit of comfort and warmth.

Even so, we're all terminal from the first breath drawn and Hank didn't make it; he was dead when I got to the barn yesterday morning. We all said good-bye and I decided not to clip his fleece. Usually, when a sheep dies, I clip them before I bury them. Silly me, I couldn't bring myself to clip Hank as it's cold, extremely cold. You're right...Hank wouldn't know as he's gone over the Rainbow Bridge but I would know and that was reason enough.

The Preacher said in Ecclesiastes 3: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...". So, it was Hank's time to die and he lived a far better life here than he would have almost anywhere else on the planet. At the farm down the road, he would have been slaughtered by the time he was a yearling. In the animal world, males are superfluous as one male can service many females. Here, at Thistle Cove Farm, Hank was castrated and his life's purpose was producing fleece.

I know people who say animals, even our pets, won't be with us in Heaven. When I've asked how they know such a thing, they talk some nonsense (nonsense to me at least) about animals having no soul, only humans have a soul.

That seems both strange and rigid to me. Even as they are trying to impress upon me their views, I'm thinking it's not the animal that has no soul.

Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "There are more things, Horatio, in Heaven and Earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

And we may thank God for it.