The pasture hasn't looked like this in longer than I can recall. The drought here in California has taken a mighty toll. Trying to look on the bright side, exposed earth like this allows me to find all sorts of crap that folks before us left on the ground. I generally find several dozen rusty nails, a handful of broken glass, and other treasures each time I walk through. It's part of my shepherdess job to remove these hazards to sheep feet. Despite the dearth of grazing, the sheep anticipate with excitement the rotation to the next paddock. It keeps them happy to have a routine. They don't find much, but are content with searching. their bellies are full from the morning's alfalfa hay, but they are sheep and need to follow a rhythm of graze, rest, graze, rest. Meanwhile, we look to the sky and pray for rain...
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This was the "time-out house" before and after. This is Yahtzee, contractor and lead carpenter. This is Onslo. He's a hard worker but he messes up from time to time. After this accident he had to spend a half-day at a safety seminar. So Gene-o just had to ask, "Hey guys, how's it going on that remodel; are you finished with the demo phase yet?" Story by Gene Nielsen Despite another ground squirrel army and drought year, I managed to create blue with saved indigo leaves. The murky yellow of the dyebath gives no hint of the marvelous blue that will emerge as each skein of yarn is carefully removed from the pot. It is truly magical. Most of these skeins will go to people who have purchased yarn shares through the CSA High Altitude Harvest.
I've still got seeds; I may try again, though it's late in the season. It makes me happy, having the blues! |
sheep thrills
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