Cold Weather Knitting

January 30, 2011 by WoolyMama

I don’t think I have to tell most of you it’s been cold. Even here in Virginia we’ve been suffering with it the past few weeks.

For me, nothing fits the bill for the winter better than some good knitting to work on. So,with the help of some luscious Juniper Moon Farm yarn I cast on the Madelinetosh Honey Cowl and worked on it while Sushi enjoyed the fireplace.

If you’ll recall, my first attempt at the cowl ended in frogging because I had a twist in it. I re-cast it super carefully and ended up with about 300 twists, so I gave up and knitted the darn thing the whole way, twists and all.

It worked out okay; I had to do some creative “steeking” (a scary procedure whereby you sew a seem and then cut your project and re-sew or pick up new stitches) I managed to straighten it right out.

I really love how it came out otherwise. The color is just ridiculous gorgeous (thanks to the always fabulous Suzy Q who dyed it for Susie last fall) and super soft and scrunchy.

Can I tell you how hard it is to be friends with someone who sells yarn???? I have to talk myself out of stealing some every time I am over there.

The good news is I have plenty of yarn and projects already lined up and waiting for me to just get to them.

Some day in 100 years when I have free time.

Welcome 2011!!!

January 1, 2011 by WoolyMama

Happy New Year, all!!

Are you suffering from Post – Holiday Let – Down Disorder like me?

Fortunately we had some snow over Christmas and I was able to head over to Juniper Moon Farm and visit with sheep and new puppies and get some pictures to console myself.

Susie’s giant bellwether sheep, Ernie, allowed Maddie and I to spend some time petting him and taking pictures. I think he may be my new favorite.

If I can manage to get around to it, I think a nice oil painting of this big guy for over my mantle might be just the ticket for warming up our hibernation period this year.

We Miss You and It’s Been Awhile

December 14, 2010 by WoolyMama

So…… I’ve gotten some gentle nudging and suggestions that maybe, perhaps it’s been too long since my last post.

‘Tis the season for extra – busyness, and yes, that is my lame excuse.

Home schooling is still in full swing, as is decorating, cookie – baking, Christmas dinner planning, book club party planning, gift making, and more.

Not to mention all the other various and sundry mundane chores like house work and what have you.

And on top of it all, Oona’s been sick for the last several days. Hoo-ray.

Tonight I allowed myself the night off by whipping up a batch of Peppermint Popcorn while the girls were at Girl Scouts and then surprising them with it at the end of the meeting, along with an impromptu trip around town to look at Christmas Lights while listening to A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s been the best way I know each year to relax and re-ignite that Christmas spirit.

Tomorrow will begin the baking frenzy of cookies and sweets that will not let up until our larders are good and full of sugary trifles to get us through January and the packaging and boxing of gifts to mail away. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite sources for recipes and some last- minute gift ideas, all set to a rockin’ holiday soundtrack.

Stay tuned.

Cat Burglar

December 1, 2010 by WoolyMama

There’s not been too much sleep happening here lately.

Not since the tree went up.

Not since “he” decided to start skulking around said tree.

His favorite spot is about halfway up. You’ll know he’s there by the shaking and tinkling of ornaments.

When not hanging out mid – tree threatening to topple the whole works, he likes to roll around underneath, chewing on the branches and messing up the skirt.

I’m going to have to start posting the dog to keep watch.

My Week in Pictures

November 13, 2010 by WoolyMama

I spent a lot of time over at Juniper Moon Farm this week helping Susie with the animals and taking lots of pictures.

It has really re-affirmed that I am truly a shepherd without sheep, and being with the JMF sheep has helped keep me from feeling too frustrated and bereft over having none to call my own.

Roquefort, the black angora goat.

Charley and Churchill

May I nibble on your pants?????

Cini, the greatest dog ever. Period.

Moon over Juniper Moon Farm

It’s so beautiful there, and peaceful.

One day.

Soon, right???????????

Fabulous Shearing Weekend!

November 9, 2010 by WoolyMama

What a weekend!

The fall shearing celebration at Juniper Moon Farm was this past Saturday and it brought not only an excuse to snag wool and watch Emily the Shearer at her art, it also brought many of my friends from their various corners of the US to stay at the farm. The weather was gorgeous, the food was excellent, and all of the people made the day just perfect.

Wool, sheep, goats, friends, food, perfect fall weather. Ummm, I didn’t die and go to heaven, did I?

To see more pictures please check out Susie’s blog.

New Members of the Flock

October 21, 2010 by WoolyMama

Today we brought home two new hens (I know, we need more chickens like we need a hole in the head). I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity when I saw someone on Craigslist selling a Sicilian Buttercup hen. They’re not exactly the most common of breeds.
I didn’t want to bring her home alone (there’s that anthropomorphising I tend to do) so I bought a blue Maran hen as well.

They’ve been named Melinda (the buttercup, after Ghost Whisperer, Emily’s favorite show) and Amelie (the blue one, on the right).

She’s got quite an impressive comb. I went through all her feathers, checking for any pointy hackle or saddle feathers. I just do NOT need another rooster!

So far they are getting along fine in our front pen with Paddy duck, Berry the lame rooster (“lame” as in he has a bad foot) and little CC the hen who won’t stay out back with all the others.

If we keep on at this rate we may need to open our own “Chicken World”.

Jerry’s New Attitude

October 9, 2010 by WoolyMama

There’s been a gradual shift going on around here. A change in demeanor, in behavior, in attitude. Jerry seems to have a whole new outlook on the humans around him.

He’s been letting us pet him. Kiss his soft fuzzy nose, even (it feels like velvet!).

Sometimes he gets all in your face and nibbles on your lips and nose. This all started around the time he realized that us bipedal types more often than not have little apple slices for him. And he loooooooves apple slices.

It’s certainly made taking care of his vaccinations easier.

It also means that at times it looks like you’re making out with a llama.

I’m not honestly sure that making out with a llama is necessarily the best choice a person could make.

I’m just saying.

Either way, we’re all glad Jerry’s decided he likes us.

A New Baby – Daddy

October 8, 2010 by WoolyMama

Meet Jack.

Jack is Susie’s Angora herd sire. Isn’t he handsome?

Milkshakes doesn’t know it yet, but this gorgeous hunka – he – goat is going to be her booty – call in about a month.

I just can’t resist. They are going to make some super – cute mutt kids, let me tell you.

In other news, the chickens have apparently gone on strike – I am getting one egg a day – two if I am lucky. I imagine it’s because we went from brutal heat to low 40’s at night in the blink of an eye.

Of course today it’s like 80 out there.

Go figure.

Old Farm Day!

October 2, 2010 by WoolyMama

Today was one of my favorite days of the year. Our county holds “Old Farm Day” every October to showcase local farmers, 4H groups and small businesses, as well as antique cars and farm equipment. As if October needed anything to make it better!!!

The weather was perfect this year as well. After a week of rain the skies cleared and the sun came out and warmed us up to about the mid 7o’s. The smell of hay, pulled pork bbq and funnel cake was in the air and there was a light breeze. Cows mooed, sheep and goats baa’d and children were squealing with delight.