Life on the Guitner Road

Record Setting October Snowfall / Power Outage

2011-11-03T10:52:00.001-04:00

Oct 25, 2011

We were having a lovely October. Then it happened... the record setting October snowfall and power outage. Because of the heavy snow and the trees still dressed in their autumn finery, branches felled power lines throughout the area. We were without electricity from Saturday at 2 P.M. through Monday at 2 P.M.

Oct 30, 2011

Hayley didn't like the wet snow falling on her back but later decided playing in the snow was great fun.

Brad and I carved a Hayley pumpkin. Brad carved a spider pumpkin, too.

Of Sun Dogs and Puppies

2011-10-10T19:51:00.004-04:00

I often see sun dogs in the evening. We have a great view of the west sky from our place. This afternoon I noticed these sun dogs rather high in the sky. We've had a week of lovely clear fall weather. Now the rain is moving in for the next couple days.

Two weeks ago we got a new boxer puppy. A girl this time. Her name is Hayley. I love her a lot but she thinks my dining room is her potty. Something's got to give. She's 12 weeks old today.

BR finally got weather suitable for painting the barn. He worked at it all weekend long. Nice going, Mr. C!

Hey, Blogosphere, I didn't forget you.

2011-09-18T12:58:00.003-04:00

Summer's dry, hot weather has passed. As we are nearing Autumn here on the Guitner Road, the rain has arrived. Remnants of Hurricane Lee brought nearly a foot of rain last week.
We had a new occurrence - water in our basement. I had bragged to a co-worker at the beginning of our rainy week that in 25 years, we had never had water in our basement. Sept. ninth's deluge changed that. We spent last weekend drying out. We vacuumed 200 gallons out, then turned on the fans and dehumidifier.

The sheep got sheared Wednesday evening. There was a thunderstorm going on outside but all the sheep were dry in the barn. YAY! Dan (our shearer) will soon wrap up his fortieth shearing season.
I have wavered between breeding sheep and not breeding sheep for 2012 lambs. Here's the latest on that: I will breed 6 ewes to Blue this fall.

The cooler weather and shortening days have Blue thinking of the upcoming breeding season. As I watched Blue pacing the fence line admiring the ewes, I was reminded of a Johnny Cash song.

I apologize if the donkey may make you think of Hannibal Lecter. Fiona's wearing a grazing muzzle for her own good. She loves grazing, so to keep her from foundering on the lush grasses she is muzzled. This muzzle allows her to eat and drink at will. It just makes eating more difficult for her.

This month will mark a year she's been with the sheep. They all continue to progress in cultural understanding. Fiona and I are on friendlier terms, too. I took the banner photo yesterday when I saw her laying beside the sheep in the pasture. I hadn't seen it before. When your belly is full and the temps are warm, take an outdoor nap. Mm-mm - good.

The banner photo reminds me of a Sesame Street spot: One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others.
I see three possible answers: 1) one donkey 2) one standing sheep 3) one white sheep

I'm Downsizing but the Sheep Are Moving On UP

2011-06-21T18:26:00.007-04:00

Two groups of sheep left here in the past week.
The first group, six yearling ewes and stunning Mick, a ram, moved east of Scranton, PA. The ewes are 6 of the 7 sheep in the banner photo. The dark ewe in the center back and the donkey are still here with me. The second group to leave here has also moved north and east of here. They are about an hour from NYC. That group is composed of 8 of this year's ewe lambs. I received this photo of them grazing upon arrival at their new home yesterday.Yes, there are 8 sheep in this photo. Shy Cinderella is well hidden behind spotted Minnie on the right.Thank you, Susan for allowing me to share the photo you took of the young ewes at their new home yesterday.
To the new owners: I hope you will enjoy these lovely animals as much as I have. May they bring you peace and delight.

Open Barn April 16 10 AM to 3 PM Final Notice

2011-04-15T20:17:00.001-04:00

Leaping Lambs Video, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

It's too bad the weather will be rainy and windy for Saturday's Open Barn. We won't get to see anything as cute as this.

April 3 - 2011 Lambing Wrap Up - Mesa and Jetta

2011-04-04T16:53:00.005-04:00

Mesa delivered twins just after noon Sunday. A big boy, Lightning McQueen, and a little girl, Sally Carrera from Disney Pixar's "Cars." In the photo below, Sally is standing by her mother and Lightning is resting in Mom's shade. Blue is the sire to these two lambs. In this photo they are about 27 hours old.Jetta was marked on my calendar to deliver this weekend. This was her first delivery. She had a big black boy - Flik and a brown/gray tiny mite girl - Princess Dot. These two are named from "A Bug's Life." Princess Dot is very small beside her big brother. I didn't weigh them but my guess is 5 pounds and 10 pounds. This is the largest size discrepancy I've seen in a few years. Jetta's babies are by Newman. In this photo they are about 16 hours old. I was in the house, bathed and in bed by midnight. So that's a wrap for lambing this year - YAY! Twenty-two lambs to eleven ewes. Nine sets of twins, 1 set of triplets and a single. Seven sets of twins were a boy and a girl, 2 sets of twins were 2 girls, the triplets were a girl and 2 boys and the single lamb was a boy. The final tally 12 girls and 10 boys.

March 27 - Butterfly

2011-03-27T21:19:00.001-04:00

Butterfly's Ariel and Eric, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Butterfly delivered her twins Sunday morning. I would be lying to tell you I didn't have anxious moments during this birthing. She delivered Eric first. When Ariel was born she paid her no mind and went about cleaning Eric. I put Ariel on a towel in front of Butterfly and swooped up Eric in a second towel, taking him out of Mom's visual range for a short time until she realized she had another lamb that needed her care. (You see, last year I wasn't there when she gave birth in the pasture. When I found her she had bonded to one of the lambs and the other needed bottle fed. I didn't want that to repeat.)
I'll spare you the entire story but this year Mom likes both her babies. YES! By afternoon there was time for a bit of play in the lambing jug.

March 26 - Tundra, Tresor and Bella

2011-03-26T21:54:00.007-04:00

Busy day from sun up to sun down. Three sets of twins were born today. Each set was a boy and a girl. I was to be at Mom's and Dad's for breakfast at 7:30. Instead, I was in the barn with Tundra's babies. White Prince Charming and pretty brown and white Cinderella.Tresor took advantage of some pasture time to deliver her babies. Brown and white Mickey and brown, black and white Minnie greeted the world Saturday afternoon. Bella chose the pasture to birth her babies, too. The sun was getting low in the sky and I hustled the 3 of them to the barn. The brown ram is Captain John Smith and the black ewe is Pocahontas.

March 25 - Tamar

2011-03-25T21:24:00.004-04:00

Tamar is an experienced mom. She is noted for having 2 white lambs annually. She fooled me when I went to the barn at 4 AM to find she had just delivered one large 3 color ram lamb. He is Tarzan. I expect he'll be the largest lamb of all this year's babies.

March 24 Lambs - Liberty and CoCo

2011-03-25T21:05:00.005-04:00

I went to the barn early Thursday morning when I heard a lamb fussing on the monitor. The fussing lamb was hungry Flora. What I was surprised to see was Liberty with 2 black and tan ewe lambs in the large stable. Liberty isn't fond of me so I've been hands off with her as much as possible. She's a first time mom and doing well. Her babies are named Laverne and Esmerelda from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." About the time Liberty was getting her lambs cleaned and fed, CoCo Chanel went into hard labor. I'd been concerned about CoCo. She's a big girl and last year delivered twins but one was stillborn. She promptly delivered a girl and boy Thursday morning. I was calling my co-workers to keep them abreast of the birthings when CoCo got agitated, had contractions and delivered a third lamb, a ram.
She had black lambs last year. I bred her to Blue again and this year all three lambs are tan and white - go figure. These lambs names were suggested by my cousin, Lynette. She wanted a Copper and Tod from "The Fox and the Hounds." The ewe's name is Vixey, from the same movie. Copper is CoCo's golden boy. She's lukewarm toward Vixey and she's giving me fits about letting the Tod nurse. He's getting smarter and stronger - I'll be watching closely how things progress with them.

More March 22 Lambs - Leah

2011-03-23T11:09:00.006-04:00

This year is Leah's third lambing. She was immense. I'm glad her babies are here. She delivered twins in the early evening hours. A badgerface girl weighed in at 8 pounds. Her brother weighed in at 9 pounds. They are Coral (top photo) and Crush (bottom photo) from "Finding Nemo." All are doing well.Oh, by the way, bide-a-wee Blue is their daddy.

2011 Lambing Begins with Jensen

2011-03-23T10:59:00.005-04:00

First time Ma, Jensen delivered twin ewe lambs March 22 around 1-1:30 PM without assistance. Jersey West Mick is the first time Pa. All are doing well. This year's lambs will be named after Disney characters. Jensen's girls are Flora (front) and Fauna (behind). They weighed in at 7.5 and 6.5 pounds respectively. Tiny and sweet is what they are.

New Hay Arrived Today

2011-02-12T18:26:00.003-05:00

One hundred nice sweet smelling bales of hay delivered and stacked in the barn today. It was well orchestrated by BR. Thank you, dear husband. What a way for you to say "I love you."
It pulled off without a hitch. Much thanks to all involved in the effort. Thank you to those who shared the use of their trailers - Dave and Wayne. Much thanks to Adam for his hauling and stacking. Thanks to Steve for his help. I thank you, one and all.
I call them "my" sheep, but believe me, having them is a group effort.

Hello 2011!

2011-01-09T08:11:00.004-05:00

I'm emerging from a couple weeks out of commission. I hurt my back Dec 23. Recovery hasn't been so fast as when I hurt it in September. Both incidents involved sheep and lifting. You'd think a girl would learn to be more careful, wouldn't you?

We had a couple inches of snow overnight Jan 7/8. The sheep and Fiona were out and about in it Saturday morning. I grabbed the camera and headed to the pasture.

Young rams Newman and Mick:

Old ram Blue:

Sprightly Klickitat:

The ewes and Fiona:

The ewes are plumping up. Leah looks like triplets are in store.

Speaking of lambs: Open Barn is scheduled already - Saturday, April 16.

Contact me for directions if you need them.

I'm expecting about 20 lambies this spring.

Catnip Mat Action Video

2010-10-31T07:51:00.001-04:00

Catnip Mat Action Video, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

After ignoring it for months, Gus decides to drag the catnip mat off the rocker to the floor. After chewing on it for a time, he can't decide if Woodrow needs a lickin' or a whoopin'. After this episode, Gus went outside and caught himself a mouse.

Breeding Groups for 2011 Lambs

2010-10-30T13:41:00.006-04:00

Just back from breeding ewes in Boyertown, PA - Blue gets the biggest group: Seven of my ewes plus visiting ewe, Alice. What can I say? He's a lucky guy!Blue's yearling lambs get bred this fall. We needed some fresh blood for them.
Here's seven month old Newman from Olde World Farm in NY, with his two ewes, Jetta (left) and Tundra (center):Then there's year old Mick from Jersey West Farm, NJ with his two ewes, Jensen (front) and Liberty (right):

BR's Batty Pumpkin and Grim Reaper Pumpkin

2010-10-30T10:37:00.003-04:00

BR's been honing his pumpkin carving skills in the past week.

The Cat's Out of the Bag

2010-10-15T16:17:00.001-04:00

cat's out of the bag video, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Gus and Woodrow at play. When Woodrow watched it on the computer, he put his paw on the monitor. Gus pays no attention to tv's and computers but Woodrow is quite fond of them.

Woodrow

2010-09-25T08:20:00.012-04:00

Although Facebook friends knew of Woodrow even before he came to live with us, I have yet to introduce him in the blogosphere. After losing Merlin at Christmas, I thought Gus needed a friend. No, we weren't actively searching for a cat.
Friend and co-worker, Tonya, found two little kitties sleeping on the road as she went home from work in the middle of the deep, dark night. She took them to the vet for cleanup. She had them for 2 weeks, debugging them. Woodrow's brother is now with a Maryland family.
Woodrow came to live with us in June. We love him. Well, I love him. BR puts up with him.He daily sleeps curled beside my neck, purring his little heart out. He's a lap kitty extraordinaire.
He and Gus get along together very well.Both are named for the leading characters in Lonesome Dove.
Each evening after dark, they chase each other through the house. Both are leash trained, since we are so close to a heavily traveled road. They like to be outside to chase birds and bugs. We often take short strolls outside around the house or through the pasture.
Woodrow just came home from neutering. He's doing well. I thought he'd not like me afterward but at this moment he's curled, purring on my lap.
Just like me, he likes playing in wool and yarn, too. Dear Woodrow.

Socks for BR

2010-09-14T17:59:00.003-04:00

BR said no one ever knitted him a pair of socks before. Now I need to get him to model them for the blog. HA!

LOOK! They Fit! YAY!!!

Big Girl Play Day

2010-08-21T21:05:00.002-04:00

The South Cumberland Fiber Guild had a "Dye Day" today. It was just as much fun as it was when I went two years ago. Pam's color selection set the tone for the day.

Here's the fence when we were nearly done.

Freezing Sweet Corn Family Style

2010-07-18T06:13:00.017-04:00

Mom and Dad have a grand set up for preparing sweet corn for freezing. Mom has it all stored in memory from previous years, along with suggestions on how to improve it this year.Dad usually follows instruction pretty well but on occasion disagrees. (Now you know where I learned the fine art of finger pointing. I got it from both of them.)Saturday we had a multi-generational gathering to process 25 dozen ears of corn. (Dad didn't know it but we had a birthday lunch prepared for him, too.) They cranked out the awning and set up the fan. Husks went right onto the truck bed for easy unloading later.

Dad divided the corn into boxes so we knew whose corn was being processed. I thought the corn was very nice. We purchased it from the Ebys on Feaster Road. After husking comes the final silk removal. This is Dad's drill strapped to a bench with a brush in place of a drill bit. It's noisy. I wore my ear plugs. Dave lent us his turkey cooker. It has a basket for easy ear removal. We cooked 2 dozen ears at a time. Then onto the two coolers set up with ice water.

Then the cutting, bagging and freezing happen.

At noon we had a lunch of hot dogs, barbeque, sweet corn (of course), watermelon, lemonade, birthday cake and ice cream. Afterward was time for story telling and cat naps.Kaden rescued the few worms we found and loaded them onto his truck for a ride around the patio. Madison loved playing with the garden hose.

Born 4.4.10 Brooke's Winnebago

2010-04-14T14:24:00.001-04:00

Born 4.4.10 Brooke's Winnebago, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

The only single lamb of 2010, Brooke gave birth to black ram lamb, Winnebago on Easter morning.

Born 4.2.2010 Butterfly with Erie

2010-04-14T14:23:00.001-04:00

Born 4.2.2010 Butterfly with Erie, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

First time mom, Butterfly, gave birth to twins Erie and Fox. Much to my dismay, Fox has become a bottle baby. Though he was sturdy and strong, she wanted nothing to do with him.

Born 4.2.10 Mesa's Mandan and Marameg

2010-04-14T14:22:00.005-04:00

Born 4.2.10 Mesa's Mandan and Marameg, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

The first of three sets of twins born April 2. Ram Mandan (L) and dear ewe Marameg (L).

Born 4.2.2010 Bella's Seminole and Sugaree

2010-04-14T14:22:00.003-04:00

Born 4.2.2010 Bella's Seminole and Sugaree, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

I was so worried first time mom, Bella, would give me problems, but no, it was her sister Butterfly instead. Bella gave birth to ram lamb,Seminole (L) and ewe, Sugaree (center). They are doing great. She keeps them as far from me as she can.

Pima and Fox, Precious Bottle Babies

2010-04-14T14:21:00.001-04:00

Pima and Fox, Precious Bottle Babies, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Fox (L) isButterfly's twin and Pima (R) is Leah's triplet. It's maddening when ewes reject a lamb. These babies have been a delight and good company to each other. My sister-in-law, Jane, provides their mid-day feedings while I'm at work.

Born 4.1.2010 Leah's Pequot and Paiute

2010-04-14T14:20:00.001-04:00

Born 4.1.2010 Leah's Pequot and Paiute, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Triplets Paiute (L) and Pequot (R). Brother Pima is my bottle baby. Smaller and weaker at birth, he didn't stand a chance with his stronger brothers. Leah and Cassie were delivering their triplets simutaneously.

Born 4.1.2010 Cassie's Comanche, Catawba and Cree

2010-04-14T14:19:00.001-04:00

Born 4.1.2010 Cassie's Comanche, Catawba and Cree, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Three sets of triplets on April Fool's Day. Outstanding!
Cassie and Blue made a beautiful set of babies.

Born 4.1.2010 Lyra's Kiowa, Klickitat and Kickapoo

2010-04-14T14:18:00.001-04:00

Born 4.1.2010 Lyra's Kiowa, Klickitat and Kickapoo, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Lyra started the day early with the birth of her first set of triplets. She's twinned before. Ram (R), Kickapoo, is a badgerface.

Cud Chewing 101

2010-04-14T14:15:00.001-04:00

Cud Chewing 101, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

At 23 days old, Ottawa and sister, Oneida, begin chewing their cuds. This is a fine way to rest after a morning in lush pasture.

Moms,Lambs and Pregnant Ewes 15 second video

2010-03-30T14:28:00.001-04:00

Moms,Lambs and Pregnant Ewes, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Out to pasture in the morning, lambs love to romp and play. You can easily see the difference between the pregnant ewes and the moms.

Born 3.28.2010 CoCo's Nacisi

2010-03-29T16:36:00.001-04:00

Born 3.28.2010 CoCo's Nacisi, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

First time Mom, Coco Chanel, gave birth to twins girls Sunday. Unfortunately one was stillborn. CoCo and Nacisi are doing fine. CoCo is a very nervous mom. I think 2 babies may have been a bit overwhelming for her. She was glad to get out for a bite of grass this morning.

3.25 and 3.26 Amazing Aurora's Beautiful Triplets

2010-03-29T16:31:00.003-04:00

The amazing Aurora finally delivered her triplets Thursday night, Friday morning. She delivered without a hitch. Tri-color ewe, Hopi, was first to arrive sometime after 11PM. Brown and white brother, Ute, made his appearance more than an hour later, sometime after midnight. Black and white ewe, Zuni, arrived about 20 minutes behind her brother. After and anxious day that included me milking a quart of milk from an engorged half udder, all lambs got settled into a feeding routine.

Born 3.24.10 Tresor's Tano and Tewa

2010-03-24T11:15:00.001-04:00

Born 3.24.10 Tresor's Tano and Tewa, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

On the ground when I went to the barn at 6:15 AM, Tresor's ram Tano (L) and ewe Tewa (R) at four hours old. Tresor's doing very well for a first time mom. No one wants or needs my help so far!

Born 3.22.10 Tamar's Ottawa and Oneida

2010-03-24T11:12:00.001-04:00

Born 3.22.10 Tamar's Ottawa and Oneida, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

This is not the ewe I expected would deliver first. Second time Ma, Tamar, delivered her babies with out my assistance, just the way she likes it.

Ewes in Waiting

2010-03-16T19:45:00.010-04:00

The ewes are heavily pregnant. My vacation to deliver lambies is just a few days away. I've been feeding the ewes grain based on: 1) whether they are bred and 2) how many lambs I think they are carrying.
We have 3 groups, the "No Breeders" are four of last year's ewe lambs and one dear old ewe I can't part with. They are a nosy young group. Jujubee is the old ewe that keeps them in line. Two of the young ewes are her daughters, Jetta and Jensen. The other two are Liberty and Tundra. Tundra is a pretty white ewe, just like her Ma. You'll see her Ma momentarily and there is no mistaking that they are mother and daughter.
Here's a shot of Lyra and daughter, Liberty. Liberty is a beautiful ewe. Her Ma is a great Ma.
Here's a photo of the regular ewes. They are getting a greater ration of grain than the "No Breeder" group. This group is made up of first time moms and ewes that twin. Tundra's Ma, Tamar, is the 2 horned white ewe. See, I told you they looked alike. Tiny Tresor, who has her butt facing you is a first time mom. She's getting a little round in the belly and her udder is beginning to bloom. I think these girls will be ready to drop very soon. Hopefully, they will wait a couple more days till I can be home to keep and eye on them.
The "Heavy Feeder" group is old moms and large ewes that have a history of triplets and one first time mom that is a big girl. I give them a bigger ration of grain than the regular ewes. Everyone wants to join that group.
Now take a look at this ewe and tell me how many lambs she's carrying. She has a history of twins but it looks like maybe 3 this year. Her grandmother was a mother to 18 lambs.I'll keep you posted.

The Blizzard

2010-02-12T09:26:00.004-05:00

We haven't had much snow for about five years. The local ski resort had to add a golf course to keep operating.
This year has been a reminder of big snows from our past.
I went to town Tuesday night in fear that I couldn't get to work Wednesday AM. They had forecast the winds that will snow us in for days. Although we are on a state road, it is low priority compared to Interstate 81 and Route 30 and Warm Spring Road.
BR stayed home to care for the sheep and keep the home fires burning. Cell phones are handy for directing sheep care. We were fortunate to maintain power throughout.
I finally came home Thursday afternoon. Route 30 was clean in town. Further west was still closed due to drifting. The Warm Spring Road was good except for an occasional spot narrowed to one lane. The Guitner Road was a different story. It runs north/south, so the strong west winds packed snow onto the roadway. The west lane was closed and the east lane was a foot deep with tracks of those who had ventured through.My trusty Subaru knew the path home. BR had our driveway all blown out.
Plows came through repeatedly around 9 PM last night. (There have been storms bad enough here that plows can't do the job.) I cleaned out the end of the driveway for BR to go to work this AM.
My folks will be returning from their trip to Florida today. My brother cleaned their driveway. I need to go now to open the end of it so they are able to get in.
I told them I'm going to let Dad shovel his sidewalk. I'm not being mean. He'll need something to do when he arrives home. It's his way. I thought they should stay South longer but I'll be glad to know they're safely home.

Snowy Weekend Candy Making

2010-02-07T19:07:00.017-05:00

My first venture into candy making was with my Aunt Joycee on a wintry Saturday morning about 45 years ago. We made mosies and when the sugar scorched, we dumped it in the snow and started a new batch. This time we were more careful and stirred continuously for a sweet treat. Joycee and I didn't have a candy thermometer but tested more than a couple spoonfuls of the hot syrup in ice water to see if it was to the hard crack stage. I remember her pouring the gooey goodness into Grammy's well greased muffin tins. I can still see those tins in my mind's eye. I wish I could remember if we set the tins on the snow to cool. My guess is that we did. I was always in a hurry to consume more sugar. Sadly, that's a weakness I expect will be with me until my dying day.

Knowing the big snow would keep us home, I planned to make some candy this weekend. Stopping for groceries on my way home Friday, I got ingredients to make either peanut brittle or my new favorite candy recipe - Toffee Brittle with Chocolate and Sea Salt. It's sinfully delicious. I found the recipe at Culinate.com. There aren't many ingredients.
I boiled butter, sugar and salt from a soft yellow color to 300 degrees.
Then I added the walnuts and poured it onto a well buttered cookie sheet.
Then I sprinkled chocolate bits over the hot toffee. It takes them only a few minutes to melt. Then they are ready to spread over the toffee.
Now is the hard part. Allow the chocolate to cool a bit so that when you sprinkle the coarsely ground sea salt over the chocolate the salt doesn't disappear. Sprinkle a wee bit to see if it melts. If it doesn't you can put the rest of the salt on it. If it melts, allow the chocolate to cool a bit longer. It's not adding the salt that's difficult, it's keeping your mitts off the candy that's tough.
Since the chocolate didn't firm up fast enough for my liking, the kid in me had to carry it out to set on the snow. Gus couldn't imagine what I was doing outside. This recipe makes about 2 pounds of candy. You have to share it. Your belly won't feel good if you don't share it. Enjoy. M-M-M-M Good!

We've Survived The Big One

2010-02-07T08:27:00.009-05:00

We got about 15-18 inches of snow. We kept our electricity throughout it all. The snow fell for about 24 hours. It wrapped up here around 2 PM Saturday. Our saving blessing was that when the snow stopped falling, the wind stopped blowing. The sky turned blue and left us to enjoy the beauty of it all.
Here are some photos of our adventure. You can click on the photos for more detail.
The barn steps. Brad climbed through the hay hole this AM to throw down hay for the sheep.
The sheep are trapped in the barnyard till I get a path open for them today. Blue is making certain the girls are still there. I fear he would tear the place apart if he couldn't see them.
Brad had a big snow blower fun yesterday. It sat unused in the garage last year but has been handy this year. It performed well in the deep snow. Brad says the heated handles are a joke.
Some evening light photos from Mom's and Dad's.
A snow drift around the north side of the house.
Mom's nandina bush is as pretty in the snow as a cardinal.
And finally, a lovely Sunday morning view west of the Guitner Road.

Exuberant Merlin

2010-01-16T16:10:00.007-05:00

I haven't made a post since we lost Merlin. We are doing well. We are not ready for another dog at this time. We are glad Gus is here to help us along. I'm getting teary just now as I type.
Mer helped me bring in the sheep in the snowstorm on the Saturday morning 12/19 before Christmas. By Sunday night he was seriously ill. On Monday afternoon when he peed outside just before going to the vet, I saw exactly what the problem was. His liver had failed.
The vet thought maybe he could get him turned around but by Wed. morning 12/23, it was obvious to the vet he was beyond recovery. We put him down that evening. I was shocked to see how he had deteriorated in 48 hours. Had he not been at the vet, he wouldn't have lived that long.
The vets and their staff always enjoyed Merlin because he thought a trip to the vet was fun. He loved the techs and they loved him. They cried along with me that evening.
We've shed a good many tears since then. I was concerned I wouldn't know when it was time to say goodbye. It was definitely time and I've had no regrets about our decision.
Many friends called or took time to comment or write a card. I have appreciated their sentiments. We had hoped to bury Mer here but the weather made that quite impossible so he was cremated and we have his ashes here with us. We got out photos the other evening and a video we made the first few months he was here. They are a comfort. That dog loved people and his life better than a lot of people love theirs. He will be missed.

Gus Is Snooping Into Packages

2009-12-20T16:19:00.003-05:00

Gus feels sure there's something in the bag just for him.

2010 Lambs - Wrapping Up Breeding Season

2009-12-20T08:02:00.005-05:00

Electric sheep with eyes all aglow. Ten of these ewes are mine and ten are from my breeding and come back annually to breed again.
Don't tell the ram but his glory days are just about kaput for this year. The shearer worries about Blue being too thin going into breeding season. It's been my experience that he actually gains weight once he gets with his girls. It's prior to breeding, pacing the fence row 24/7, that wears him down.
P.S. This photo was taken Dec 17 - just 2 days before the big snow.

It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter...

2009-12-20T07:58:00.002-05:00

The foot of snow we got is beautiful, light and fluffy.

Saturday Morning Sunlight - Life is Good

2009-11-28T08:02:00.004-05:00

I can't say if it's due to being at work or the days of rainy weather(probably both) but it seems like a long, long time since I've seen the morning's golden light. The sheep were bathed in it this morning. Look at the golden light in that clump of red cedars on the hillside. Sweet. Click on photo for a larger view.

Reese's Homecoming

2009-11-15T17:23:00.003-05:00

Reese is a matriarch. She and her oldest daughters, Clara and LoveHeart, were born here on the Guitner Road. In fact, Clara and Lovey were born here during my 50th birthday party. Now they live in Boyertown, PA, east of Reading. Without a ram at their farm, they come here each fall to get new babies. This year the Reese clan has arrived, ten strong. Five last weekend and five today. We followed them out to pasture today to join up with the other breeding ewes and the ram. Here's a brief video of that meeting. Blue should be in his glory. He's got 19 ewes to attend to and such fine weather for courting:

They will be here well into December. I would love to know if they recognize each other from living here and from their previous visits. Studies say sheep are supposed to have good face recognition. Don't you wonder how the sheep communicates that to the surveyor?

East Meets West (of Dawn and Moonset)

2009-11-03T08:25:00.003-05:00

It happens sometimes that the full moon is setting in the west when the sun is waking up in the east. The sky is lovely in both directions at once. This morning was one of those mornings. As the moon was just above the west horizon the sun was just below the east horizon and here on the Guitner Road the stage is set for a brilliant Autumn day. I went to the deck and photo'd the moon and out to the driveway to shoot the east sky then to the computer to blend the 2 shots. I want you to see where they meet but matched the mountains that make our south central PA location so special.

Gus's Catnip Mat

2009-11-02T19:32:00.003-05:00

Georgie is a dear soul. Georgie loves cats. She loves them so much she bought my Gus a neat catnip mat. Gus didn't know he liked catnip until he got his mat. Now he plays with it and gets really large pupils. Then he lays around and licks himself.

Autumn Stroll

2009-10-25T12:48:00.009-04:00

I love this time of year, beautiful foliage and crisp blue sky days. The weekends this month surely haven't looked that way here on the Guitner Road. We've had lots of rainy weekends. But today the sun is out and the fall colors are lovely. We enjoyed the warm Indian summer day. BR and I walked to the creek to check on the bridge. It's closed for repairs until April. Although it causes both of us to detour to work, the upside has been far less traffic on our road.
Merlin got to play in the creek. Brad and Merlin pause before heading home. A piece of good news: The ram finally got to be with the ewes yesterday. He's been pacing the fence row for weeks awaitng breeding season. Click on photo for LARGE Size.
I have a short verse for the occasion:
"What sheep on yonder hill doth breed?
'Tis bide-a-wee Blue with the Shepherd's Loft ewes."

West Texas Pioneer Couple

2009-10-18T15:26:00.001-04:00

I have never been to Texas and have never met these people. This couple and people like them impress me so much. When I listen to them speak it brings up a sweet longing in me. I would like to be more self sufficient, more removed from today's crazy living. They are strong in my eyes and I am just... a weiner.
I won't follow in their footsteps. I am too lazy to give up electricity and I love my high speed internet. I feel materialism and commercialism aren't healthy for us in many ways.
I hope you'll enjoy watching this as much as I did. I wish them long and healthy lives.
Pioneer couple

Shared via AddThis

"Do you think she'll let us out to play?"

2009-10-08T14:49:00.001-04:00

"Do you think she'll let us out to play?", originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Who wants to be trapped inside this sweet October day? Not these two creatures.

I knitted a new fall bag

2009-09-27T16:29:00.003-04:00

I spun yarn and I knitted. Now it's ready to tote...

... my new bag.
I love it. It's not too big but there's room for all the essentials.
If you're a Ravelry member, you can read the fine print here.
The fall jewel tones are just right for the season.

"It's not everyday your young man turns 35..."

2009-09-07T07:05:00.006-04:00

NBC will be 35 this week. It looks good on him. He's a fine son, he's always been. His daddy and I have always thought the most of him. I can hardly think he's 35. It wasn't long ago that I was that age. Time truly does go faster as we get older.
Here's NBC with his Mrs: and his grandparents:The seven of us went to supper at Outback last evening and had a fun time. Wishing you all the best life can give you, son.

Spinning a Yarn

2009-09-06T07:38:00.014-04:00

After returning home from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May, I was ready to spin yarn. I had purchased 8 ounces of roving from Gale's Art while I was there. Then, I ran across a Fiber Fancy ad and found more roving that I needed to have.
All summer the roving has been calling to me. Finally, I got out my spinning wheel and I've been spinning. I've been having a grand time. Gus would like to assist. He thinks fiber preparation is his forte. I think I don't want him anywhere near my roving and yarn. When he sees it, he becomes excited. His mouth flies open and his hind claws extend. I've been sending him outside to chase bugs in the evenings as I spin.
Here are some photos. When you click on the photos to enlarge them, they come alive. This is the Gale's Art roving: The sigle ply being spun: and as 2 ply yarn:
Currently I'm working on spinning Fiber Fancy's Earthy Rainbow roving: This is how the singles look:I took this photo yesterday as I was trying to best capture the colors in the yarn. The wonderful fall jewel tones put a smile on my face. When I finish spinning this, I plan to spin some of my own gray roving. Then with both yarns I can knit a new fall bag for myself.

Foggy Guitner Dawn

2009-09-06T07:21:00.003-04:00

Up before sunrise these days to go to work. For just a time now, the sun will be coming up while I'm getting ready to leave for work. Here on the Guitner Road we enjoy sunrises, sunsets, moonrises and moonsets. Speaking of such things: Have this summer's sunsets been especially beautiful or do I just appreciate them more? I missed seeing the sunsets when I worked evening shift. Next month will be two years I've been on day shift. I miss my second shift co-workers but I love going to bed before midnight and waking up with the sun. Those are the hours this body functions best.

Ocean City MD Get Away

2009-08-26T17:35:00.016-04:00

BR and I left the Guitner Road Sunday morning for a few days at the shore. The last time we were at Ocean City, the sun appeared about an hour before we left. We watched the weather maps carefully this time, since Hurricane Bill was headed for the same destination we were. We were delighted that he stayed off shore through the mid-Atlantic area. The coast was rough when we arrived Sunday afternoon. The lifeguards earned their pay that day. I had never seen so many surfers at Ocean City before.
Monday, I awoke to a storm off the coast north of Ocean City. I watched lightning in the distance as the sun came up. Though the thunderstorm never came our way brief showers did. The early morning sky had sun dogs around the sun. The surfers continued on despite the storm. The rain didn't spoil our day either. It soon moved on. Though the sky was cloudy, it was plenty warm and we were able to enjoy a day on the beach with out getting ourselves sunburned. We stayed at Rodeway Inn on 29th Street. It's beyond the north end of the boardwalk and has some sand dunes in front of it. I was up to watch the sunrise each morning, sitting on the balcony knitting and taking photos. We rode bikes on the boardwalk one morning. It's been many years since we've done that. We parked the car upon our arrival and didn't get back in it until leaving for home this morning. We walked quite a bit and took the tram down the boardwalk one evening and walked back. Another evening we played a round of miniature golf. This morning I went on a shore side shell search. They were few and far between. Some sandpipers scurried along the water's edge. Here's a 30 second video of one of them:

Winter Hats for Great Nieces and Nephews

2009-08-16T16:43:00.003-04:00

Hey! I actually completed a project. I knitted hats for my brothers' grand-children.
I just hope they'll still fit when winter arrives.

Grand-dog-ter visits the Guitner Road

2009-08-02T13:24:00.009-04:00

Our son and daughter-in-law were out of town for a long weekend at Ocean City, MD. Their Scottie, Chloe, came to stay with us Wednesday evening and will go home this afternoon. Other than chasing Gus, she's been very good. Merlin has enjoyed her visit.
Gus has had a tougher time adapting to her. He's spent most of the last four days atop every piece of furniture to swat at her. His nights have been under the bed out of her reach. It's hard to imagine that a dog the same size as he is would bother him more than the giant slobber box he lives with.

Gussie's Sunday Afternoon Nap

2009-07-26T13:34:00.006-04:00

Gus found a quiet spot in the guest room. No Merlin to torment his sleep.

But then, Merlin's not allowed on the bed and he and Gus ARE friends. So here's what happened next:
Gus left his soft, lofty beddy and joined those he loves in the living room to finish his nappy.

Pap's 75 Now

2009-07-21T17:29:00.004-04:00

We had a birthday party last week for my Dad. He's 75 now and goin' strong. I love that man, and he loves all of us. My brothers, their spouses and Mom and Dad were here with us for an evening of good food and good company. We are blessed to have our parents near to us and dear to us.

Flowers for My Mommy

2009-07-21T17:02:00.003-04:00

This year my flower bed is little more than a weed patch. It's definitely suffering neglect. This morning I was able to whittle out of it enough flowers to make a bouquet for my Mommy, the World's Best Mommy.

Rhonda,Ellen,Sue

2009-07-13T06:30:00.001-04:00

Rhonda,Ellen,Sue, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Rhonda, Sue and I went to Pittsburgh Sunday and spent the day visiting and sightseeing with Ellen. Ellen arrived in Pittsbugh last September and has made a home for herself there quickly. It was good to see her smiling face and spend the day in her company. She took us to look over the city, pointing out items of interest, took us on the Incline and down to the waterfront. She saw that we had plenty of good food to eat. Sightseeing, good food, good company and fair weather, who could ask for anything more?

Gus on the Prowl

2009-06-10T14:46:00.002-04:00

chasing the elusive box elder bug, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Gus's (and Merlin's) video debut. Gus will chase anything. Here he's after the box elder bugs, so populous in the river rocks between the driveway and the barn. Merlin want his mug on view, too. You can hear Merlin breathing through the great bug chase. There's a tiny cat sound in the final few seconds of the clip.

Garden Time

2009-06-09T21:52:00.006-04:00

I planted peas in an early warm spell - March 8 - just before it got cold again. Today, June 9, I picked about 9 quarts of peas. Then I showered and dashed off for a fun day with friends from work. The peas are waiting in the fridge but they will meet with me here on the swing first thing tomorrow morning for shelling. I found these onions growing in the garden. Interesting how they're stuck to each other like kissing faces. As I shell peas tomorrow I can enjoy the clematis blooming on the arbor.
P.S. Seven bags of peas in the freezer. Not bad for the first picking.

Madison's Dance Recital

2009-05-31T07:32:00.005-04:00

Madison is my great-niece. She had her second dance recital Friday night. It was a fun evening. Her first recital was my opening blog post. I'm including a small clip from her routine "I Enjoy Being a Girl." She's under the "III" on the clock.

"'Bye, Dave, we'll miss your bright smile and shining eyes."

2009-05-24T09:38:00.007-04:00

BR's Friend and Co-Worker, Dave, passed away quite unexpectedly last week. Dave was a good guy and fun to be around. Dave and his friend, Mick, played a round of golf Monday night and Dave never arrived at work Tuesday morning. If you've gotta leave this life, he went out the way we'd all like to go, quickly and quietly and on top of his game.
BR was pleased to see so many co-workers at his viewing and glad to meet Dave's mom, brother, sister-in-law and nephew as well as Dave's other friends.
He will be sorely missed.

2009 Youth Conservation Project at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

2009-05-14T11:13:00.008-04:00

2009 Youth Conservation Project at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Katie Burroughs was this year's recipient of the YCP Navajo-Churro ewe, Journey. The YCP is a mentoring program to help interested youth get started raising heritage breed sheep. There were about 20 sheep of various heritage breeds donated this year. This was my fourth year participating. I have met some great kids and generous shepherds through this program.
Katie is an amazing youngster. I selected her because her essay was astounding. I anticipated meeting her. She is well versed in agriculture. She was (again this year) the first place winner in the Sheep and Wool Skill-a-thon in her age group. You can read about that here: www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/skillathon/skillathon.html Katie raises sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. She just got a miniature zebu. (if you don't know zebus, you can read about them here: www.miniature-zebu-cattle.com/ )
Katie has a great future in store. The world needs more Katies.
I wish her the best with Journey. She is keeping in touch with me by email and sent a thank you by mail yesterday.

Marsha was kind enough to go with me again this year to MDSW Festival. We had a fun time but were cold and soaked to the bone until we left. Maybe the weather will be better next year.

Leaping Lamb Video

2009-04-27T17:34:00.001-04:00

watching you, watch me, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

We've had a cold spring. Finally, a pretty day for sheep and lambs to graze. Jensen looks at me, walks away, turns back toward me and leaps away with her friend, ZENN. By the end of the clip, all the ewes and lambs have gathered by the fence row to graze.

New Barnyard

2009-04-03T14:14:00.003-04:00

BR built a new barnyard and new gates recently. He's so talented and I'm so appreciative. We purchased the rough sawn 1x6 oak boards from a local sawmill for a very resonable price. We had gotten the original boards from the same sawmill and they were in place for 15 years.

The new layout provides increased security for lambs and no chickenwire mess between the boards. I guess painting will be in my future but not before Open Barn (April 11.)

Mesa's Miata (or why weren't you born when I was on vacation?)

2009-04-03T14:05:00.003-04:00

Just like last year, someone had to wait until I returned to work to give birth. I'm so grateful Mom and Dad agreed to go on standby while I was at work. When I put hay in the racks Monday morning, I noticed that Mesa wasn't eating. It's a classic "I'm in labor" sign. She gave birth to Miata around noon. I named him Miata as in "Me oughtta been born while the shepherd was on vacation." He's pretty cute and our only single. The final tally is one single, six sets of twins and 2 sets of triplets. That's eleven boys and eight girls if you were wondering.

Aurora's Amigo, Aries and Avalon

2009-03-28T12:27:00.002-04:00

Aurora's Amigo, Aries and Avalon, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Aurora finally delivered her babies Friday, March 27. All are doing well but it was a tough couple days for her prior to delivery. I may come back and write more later but not just yet. I'm tired.

I'm still recovering from the lambing blitz. Eight ewes have had babies in nine days. Daddy Blue did a great job. And then there's Mesa. I thought she was expecting but now I'm just not sure. Keep posted.

Zenith's ZENN and Zephyr

2009-03-28T12:25:00.003-04:00

Zenith's ZENN and Zephyr, originally uploaded by lamb lady.
Zenith delivered her boys March 25, in the wee hours. I was in the barn with them from 1 - 3 AM.
Zephyr was born first. He's black with a white cap, tail, a spot on his nose and a bib. It's been awhile since we've had a lamb with a white bib. ZENN is a lovely badgerface with a white cap and tail.
In keeping with our "Cars" naming theme, let me note that cars beginning with "Z" are few and far between. Zephyr's name wasn't too hard to choose. I had to go online to find ZENN's name. ZENN is a Canadian vehicle. ZENN stands for Zero Emissions, No Noise. The ZENN lamb is quiet but he can't claim "zero emissions."

Tamar's Titan and Tundra

2009-03-28T12:09:00.001-04:00

Tamar's Titan and Tundra, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Tamar gave birth in the pond field on Tuesday, March 24. Her twins are doing well. Way to go, Tamar.

Brooke's Bentley and Blazer

2009-03-22T09:18:00.008-04:00

Brad woke me about 5 AM Sunday and said, "I think you need to go to the barn." Just for the record, he's not psychic. We keep a baby monitor on at the barn and he heard muttering. New moms mutter to their babies when they are in labor and after the little ones arrive. Muttering is a quick, soft, low "Baa" repeated many times.

Before I went to bed I thought Brooke was behaving differently, so I wasn't surprised that it was her standing in everyone's favorite birthing spot, the back of the large stable.

Brooke is the oldest ewe in the flock and an experienced mom. She prefers I keep my hands off her business. She doesn't even want me to look at her babies. I did my best to stand back and let her take care of business. While I waited I refilled an empty water bucket and when I looked at her next she'd delivered a black lamb. I called it Bentley and watched as it got to it's feet and finally nursed with mom's gentle nudging and muttering. Bentley has the oft seen white cap, a marking called "the palm of God" and 2 white anklets on hind legs.

I waited quietly for another 45 minutes. I was getting chilled by then. I had put a bucket of warm molasses water in the stable with Brooke when I went to the barn. It was surprising how much she sipped up after the first delivery and before the second, as she labored.

Finally, she settled down to deliver the second lamb. Two good strong pushes and it was out. A black lamb with a few white hairs on top it's head.

I stepped into the stable, trimmed their umbilical cords, dipped their navels in strong iodine, checked to see what sex they were and returned to the house for a cup of tea by 6. Sweet!

I went back later for a photo. She had them nestled in the corner where the sun was shining. Take a good long look at little girl Bentley (L) and little boy Blazer (R) because any other photos I try to take will be with her blocking my view and all three of them running from me. Notice how Brooke's topknot stands on end, she makes me smile when I think of it. I think I do that to her. There are days when my hair feels like hers looks.

A One Minute Lamb Video

2009-03-22T08:26:00.003-04:00

New lambs in the barn with their moms at 2 days old. Lexus and LeBaron are at the back of the stable. Leah quickly covers them from our view. Moms are protective that way. Jetta and Jensen are at the front. Jujubee steps in to view as Jetta explores a water bucket and Jensen sees what's in the next stable.

Cassie's Triple Play

2009-03-22T08:03:00.003-04:00

The neighbors called Saturday morning to tell me there was a ewe with lambs in the pasture. I had just left the ewes out a short time earlier, so was surprised that lambs were on the ground that quickly. That's twice in less than 15 hours I missed the birthing.
I asked BR to help me carry babies in from the field, as I had just done it the evening before. (It's an exhausting task with Momma nervously beside trying her best to trip me up.) I was glad he came along as there were three, yes 3, babies to be taken to the barn. Once at the barn everyone got a drink from mom and though they are small, they're doing quite well. A white boy, Charger, and two black girls, Cooper and Camero.
Last year, Cassie held out until the day I returned to work to deliver her lambs. She was so big, I knew she was having triplets. I asked Mom and Dad to be on standby to watch over her. Did she have triplets? No! They helped her deliver two 13 pound babies. These three might weigh 26 pounds total. They're nice, Cassie, you had nice babies.

Lyra's Lincoln and Liberty

2009-03-22T08:01:00.001-04:00

Lyra's Lincoln and Liberty, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

These twins were born in the pasture early Friday evening. I was home but obviously not attentive enough. Brad and I had been working around the barnyard from late afternoon through to early evening.
When I went to the field to bring the ewes in for their grain, Lincoln and Liberty were beside their Ma in a low area of the pasture away from the other sheep. I carried them from the field, a back breaking task, with Ma trying to confound my every step. After all, they were her babies not mine. Finally, I put Lincoln down to follow Lyra. I carried Liberty low to the ground so her Ma knew exactly where she was and followed me.
I was starving till I got to the house well after 8 PM.

Leah's Lexus and LeBaron

2009-03-20T09:21:00.005-04:00

I was sure it would be triplets, not that I wanted triplets, but she was so big. Once again, I was wrong at trying to guess what to expect. But that's quite all right. First time mommas have plenty to handle with two.

Leah had twin boys, somewhere between 8 and 10 PM, March 19.

It wasn't as easy a delivery as Jujubee's, but good just the same. The boys are smaller than Jujubee's girls, they weighed in at 9 pounds each. They are similar in size to each other and quite handsome. It looks as though they will each have 2 horns like their daddy, Blue. This isn't a great photo but it showed the lambs better than the others I took.

With 10 days of vacation remaining:

Two ewes done and seven to go.

Count: Girls - 2 Boys - 2

Let the Birthings Begin - Jujubee's Girls

2009-03-19T11:21:00.003-04:00

jujubee jetta and jensen, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

I took 2 weeks off work to deliver lambs and it wasn't till the fourth day that any have arrived. The theme for naming this year is "Cars." My co-workers composed a great list. It's nice to start the baby names with mom's first initial. That helps me to remember who they are.
Jujubee was in labor when I went to the barn this AM. She gave birth unassisted to twin ewes between 8:40 and 9 AM. Each weighs in at a respectable 10 pounds. They are nice and strong and off to a good start with big drinks of Momma's rich, warm milk. What pretty girls they are.
Jetta, on the left, is named in honor of her Grandmother, Jett.
Jensen is a British auto manufacturer. They just didn't look like Jaguars, either of them, so I dug a little deeper to come up with Jensen.
Now, I just need to convince the other 8 to drop their babies before I go back to work. I hope they go like dominoes.

GUS!

2009-01-31T08:12:00.000-05:00

Look who's new at our house. AuGUStus. Life will never be the same. Knitting with a cat is different than before. Now I get to pry the yarn from the cat.

Blinking your eyes is different than before. It's now a reason to be attacked.

Anything that moves is fair game for Gus, even air, just ask BR.

Gus is so glad for a warm home, he tolerates being loved by Merlin. Mer thinks Gus is the best toy ever. See the love shining from Mer's eyes?

Being Unique

2008-12-28T08:55:00.000-05:00

We like being unique here on the Guitner Road. We say things like "I'll bet there's not another family (or person) on the Guitner Road that......." You can fill in the blank with whatever is appropriate at the time, such as "....has parents married to each other for 55 years and they're still fixing Christmas Dinner for their kids."

Aren't we so lucky? That Mom and Dad are healthy and want to do it is a source of pride for me. Just in case you think we make them cook, you need to know this: they know that when they don't want to anymore that one of us will carry on in their stead.

It was disappointing to me that I had to work Christmas Day. Someone had to, and this year was my turn :( I'm not five, I've gotten over it. I sent a letter to all that my son read in my absence. I went there as soon as I got off work. I missed seeing my son and daughter-in-law but got to catch a glimpse of everyone else. Brad took photos for me.

Above are two of Santa's best helpers.

I received a neat Christmas gift. It's one of those unique things that I'm willing to bet no one else on the Guitner Road got for Christmas. I got an umbrella swift and ball winder. I finally got to play with it Saturday morning. I promptly turned all my yarn skeins into center pull cakes. Big Fun, Big Fun. Then of course, I have to take many photos of it.

Now I'm ready to get back to knitting.

Brad's Christmas Gift

2008-12-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

Brad's been talking about a kitten for about a year. I have not wanted one. I said that Merlin would eat it, etc. The truth is I hate litter boxes. We haven't had a cat or litter box for eight years and I haven't missed having a litter box at all in that time.

Three kitties were playing in traffic at Mom and Dad's on Christmas. Before I went home from there, I grabbed the yellow one and took him with me.

Merlin hasn't eaten him yet. Kitty's so grateful for a warm, dry home. He lays on the back of the sofa purring his little heart out. He doesn't have a name yet. I would call him Sunshine like our long gone old yellow cat was named but I think Brad should give him a name. Keep posted.

December Evening Snow

2008-12-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

I had to get a shot of Brad's lovely Colorado Blue Spruce in the snow the other evening. He works late on Tuesdays and I wanted him to see it. The flash picked up the falling snow and makes it difficult to see how pretty the lights are that he takes care to get placed just right. As it grows, it's more challenging to place the lights. Maybe a taller ladder will soon be in order.

Favorite Christmas Decorations or Why Everyone Needs an Aunt Joyceee

2008-12-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Joyceee is a lovely soul. She is a precious one. Who could help but love her? Over my life she has gifted me with her gentleness and kindness and her love. She joins us for our family gatherings and I am always glad to see her. When we take road trips together we have great fun. Everyone needs an Aunt Joyceee to love them like mine has loved me.

Joyceee has given me some of my favorite Christmas decorations. As I'm decorating this week, I think it's time to document some of her contributions to our Christmas stash.

In 1994, she made and gave me these lovely old time cross stitched Santas. Aren't they dear? They are stitched on paper and inserted in a wooden base with a tiny pine tree between them. Each Santa is 1 1/2 inches at his base and 5 inches tall.In 2000, Joyceee cross stitched another tiny treasure for me, a Christmas sheep with a wreath on her neck and a tiny brass bell. The frame is 5 inches square. A couple years ago she gave me a lovely glass tree ornament. I love hanging it on the tree and worry that the dog will bother it. It is teardrop shaped, 6 inches long with a 4 inch diameter. Mary and Joseph are in the stable as sheep graze on the hillside under the night sky. Thank you, Joyceee, for these treasured Christmas decorations but most of all for your love and for being the special aunt you are to me.

lookin' out my backdoor

2008-12-02T10:02:00.001-05:00

lookin' out my backdoor, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

This is the moon, Venus and Jupiter (L to R) in close proximity on Monday, Dec 1. Brad called me out to get an eyeful of the sight last evening. It was cloudy, rainy and ugly earlier in the day, so quite a treat that we were able to see this spectacle. It was just after sunset and you can catch a glimpse of a tree in the bottom right of the photo. I have a smart camera. It took this shot on "auto" mode. Nothing that I took manually looks as good as this shot.
Shortly after we came inside to get warm the phone rang. It was Lane proudly announcing that he'd gotten an 8 point buck in the afternoon. Now it's not everyday that a boy gets his first buck, so we drove up to check it out. There were grandparents, great grandparents, aunts and uncles there to see Lane's deer. He was really tickled and tired. I bet he slept good last night.

I know it's November but today was like October

2008-11-11T19:47:00.000-05:00

When I was in the fourth grade at South Elementary in Bedford, PA, Mrs. Shaffer gave us a tiny book of poetry. We memorized verses of poetry each week. It was a chore but some of those poems are with me yet, as is the little booklet. That was over 40 years ago. Wow! That was a long time ago! Below is one of my favorites. This time of year always calls it to mind. Hope you enjoy it, too. Mrs Shaffer would explain all the lines to us the week before we had to recite it.

October's Bright Blue Weather
By Helen Hunt Jackson

O suns and skies and clouds of June,

And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October's bright blue weather;

When loud the bumble-bee makes haste,

Belated, thriftless vagrant,

And Golden-Rod is dying fast,

And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When Gentians roll their fringes tight

To save them for the morning,

And chestnuts fall from satin burrs

Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie

In piles like jewels shining,

And redder still on old stone walls

Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things

Their white-winged seeds are sowing,

And in the fields, still green and fair,

Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,

In idle golden freighting,

Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush

Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,

By twos and twos together,

And count like misers, hour by hour,

October's bright blue weather.

O suns and skies and flowers of June,

Count all your boasts together,

Love loveth best of all the year

October's bright blue weather.

Merlin Takes Pause

2008-11-09T16:58:00.001-05:00

sweet pup, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

This guy is as loyal as a dog can be.

Just After Sundown

2008-11-09T16:56:00.001-05:00

after sundown, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

I love to watch the sky changing at this time of day. The hour after sunset has the most amazing skies.

Want To See More?

2008-11-01T19:55:00.000-04:00

Whether the sun was in or out, the La Sal Mountains north of Monticello, Utah, had a dusting of snow on them throughout our stay. Monticello is the county seat for San Juan County, Utah's largest geographic county. The town has 2,000 residents; the county has 11,000:

The San Juan Mountains to the east in Colorado, made a beautiful backdrop for Monticello. Famous Telluride, Colorado is about 100 miles due east of here:

Sheep on the Navajo Reservation with a lovely view for their grazing pleasure:
Some antelope stopped their grazing to look at us before they ran off: A copper mine east of Phoenix was quite impressive. There was some heavy equipment that looked tiny on that hill:

More Arizona/Utah Trip Photos

2008-11-01T19:23:00.000-04:00

I've almost gotten caught up since returning home 2 weeks ago. Waa Waa Waa!
Here are a few more photos from our trip.

This is leaving Harrisburg. The Susquehanna River and the green fields. The moisture in the air:

Between Tuba City and Kayenta on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona are these stone "elephant legs." That's my description of them. I don't know if the locals have a name for them. The size of them is astounding. There they stand along the highway. Nothing else around them looks like they do. Notice the shiny silver pick-up truck parked at the base of them for a size comparison. That's it there, so tiny you can barely see it:We stopped at a convenience store on the Navajo Reservation. There were nine dogs in the parking lot. Brad and Barb went into the store and I waited in the car. I fed a potato chip to this fella and thought I was going to lose my fingers. I guess that's how he earns a living. We saw pastured sheep near there with dogs running about. They weren't herding dogs, believe me. It made me nervous. I don't trust dogs near the sheep:In the Monument Valley area again. The landscape is so dramatic there:Trees growing in a wash add soothing green to the harsh dryness of the Colorado Plateau:

What Sheep on Yonder Hill Doth Graze?

2008-10-26T09:23:00.001-04:00

What Sheep on Yonder Hill Doth Graze?, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

They are my ewes with their favorite ram, Blue. The ewes have been with Blue since last Sunday. Brad woke me to see the pockets of fog in the low lying areas this morning. The fall colors, the fog and the early morning light make a great surround of the green hillside. It is a peaceable scene.

We Made it Back to Pennsylvania

2008-10-17T08:24:00.000-04:00

We're home from our grand adventure. What a great time we had. I still haven't settled down and today looks no more promising. Brad is back to work today. I go back tomorrow. Here are a few photos until I can tell you more about our trip

The saguaros along I-17 north of Phoenix. They quickly dissappear from the landscape when the altitude reaches 4000 feet:A photo from Monument Valley. I think I saw John Wayne out here:Doc McNeal and Elta Begay examining an old Navajo rug brought to the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association's Annual General Meeting in Monticello, Utah:Brad took this photo of Barbara and me at Canyon de Chelly. Brad spent his week watching over 2 chattering women. He was most attentive and accomodating. I think he was ready to get home: Salt River Canyon area on our way back to Phoenix. This trip through Apache lands was new territory for us. The roadway drops 2000 feet in 5 miles through a scenic series of switchbacks:

Next on the Agenda

2008-09-23T19:43:00.000-04:00

Shearing begins Wednesday evening.
Then sheep to auction.
Then our trip to Utah.
Then lambs to the butcher.
And then finally just for poor old Blue - breeding season. It's been a tough wait for him. These cooler nights and shorter days make a ram...ah... frisky, yes that's the word, frisky. I just hope the fences can withstand his friskiness. They've taken quite a beating in the past week. It's not all his fault if the fences come down. I've seen what those girls do to him. They're tormentors.

The hay is in the barn

2008-09-23T19:41:00.001-04:00

Oh, what a relief it is!, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Oh, what a relief it is! There's hay in the barn. It's filled to the rafters. I've held my breath all summer waiting for this. It looks nice and it smells wonderful. Ewe girls are going to eat good this winter.

The dog I live with...

2008-09-21T08:17:00.001-04:00

The dog I live with..., originally uploaded by lamb lady.

...is not the same dog that you see when you visit. As you see in the photo, the dog I live with can be calm and relaxed on occasion. This is his chair in the computer room. He often sleeps and snores while I'm on the computer.

Fine Son

2008-09-09T15:08:00.001-04:00

Fine Son, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Nathan is 34 today. Wow!

All Hands on Deck

2008-09-09T14:59:00.001-04:00

All Hands on Deck, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Brad and I have scrubbed the deck and are now staining it. This is a pain in the butt. Didn't feel we should spray the stain onto the wood, painting will get us better coverage. All those posts have a lot of surface area. It feels like it'll be along time before we're done.

full moon in the fog

2008-08-19T08:42:00.001-04:00

full moon in the fog, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

Just before I left for work Saturday morning, the moon bid me take this photo. I propped the camera on the deck railing to keep it steady. It seemed the shutter would never close. There was just enough light to catch the fog and eerie landscape.

Guitner Road Sunrise

2008-08-19T08:40:00.001-04:00

Guitner Road Sunrise, originally uploaded by lamb lady.

When you don't have to be at work and you can't sleep, it's best to let your partner sleep while you make some tea, feed the dog and quietly read your favorite blogs. If you're lucky, when the dog is ready to go outside you can catch a sight like this.

Hot Heads in the Cool Morning

2008-08-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's a surprisingly cool August morning. After the heat of the past month, the welcome coolness makes the sheep frisky. Apparently some power struggle had ensued. I got to the barnyard in time to see two ewes, Cassiopeia and Zenith, butting heads. Maybe Cassie (the black sheep) called Zenie (the badgerface) a cruel name. I can only guess what the root of the problem was, but after seeing what happened next, I'm thinking it was some "to do" over the new ram, Blue. Here's a photo of the two ewes butting each other:

Ewes butting at each other isn't too alarming. Rams fighting can be fierce or deadly, never funny. The rams act just like the big horn sheep you've seen on TV.

See what the winner does: she steps to the fence to visit Blue.

I called this photo "I Like Ewe":