tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80911975468685440712024-03-05T13:11:42.336-08:00Kalwa Taure ShetlandsMy thoughts about our Shetland Sheep Farm in Ontario, Canada, and about the daily life of our family.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-43441709435480115512011-03-23T18:46:00.001-07:002011-03-24T14:35:00.986-07:00Sally it is!Thanks for the name suggestions everyone.<br />I've decided to call her Sally. Somehow the name just sticks with me.<br /><br />Sally - as in Sally Forth! Tally Ho and so on.<br /><br />Thanks for the suggestion Kelly.<br /><br />Well - Sally gets a rest in today's storm - as it was mostly very wet snow - and freezing rain.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgZ_VGBAOyPTvCvxhM6OhbjfkHgX-EYcrW4_20QzMgv-zk0YkPxbm4e4b0dsmjfkMf8u34ITXTprn5j-d0V77UHpt6FeBdl4U0BING8yDtiIb8PTzI52IqWVAWhhn71Y_b33Asa-u_rkf/s1600/100_2233.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgZ_VGBAOyPTvCvxhM6OhbjfkHgX-EYcrW4_20QzMgv-zk0YkPxbm4e4b0dsmjfkMf8u34ITXTprn5j-d0V77UHpt6FeBdl4U0BING8yDtiIb8PTzI52IqWVAWhhn71Y_b33Asa-u_rkf/s320/100_2233.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587761988132681810" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't it pretty. I just love it when we get a late snow like this - and the pond isn't frozen. The water looks so black.<br /><br />Today, we were visited by 3 wood ducks on the pond. As well - 4 cardinals came to the feeders, along with several cedar waxwings, juncos, woodpeckers, blue jays and mourning doves. I thoroughly enjoy feeding the birds. Next year I have plans for a new feeding station to accomodate all of my little feathered friends - more work!Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-47448316051374459002011-02-06T13:04:00.001-08:002011-02-06T13:27:25.775-08:00Where Have I Been????Where have I been ? I've been asked that a lot lately and by more than one person.<br /><br />Well, as you know - life gets busy. Everything gets in the way these days - work, housework, the farm, pottery - but really, I must confess.<br /><br />I have a new best friend.<br /><br /><br /><br />That's right. I have a new best friend.<br /><br />And really, she does take up a lot of my time. Well, at least a lot of my time these past few months since we met.<br /><br />We've been spending a lot of time together lately, going for long strolls - morning strolls, evening strolls. Strolls in the snow.<br /><br />She's actually quite helpful though as a friend, and I am very appreciative. Because without her help this past little while - I' have been in real trouble with the chores around here. She's helped me manage the barn chores, and she's helped me getting hay and grain out to the deer in my back pasture (who are starving to death with all this snow).<br /><br />She's helped me work through a lot of obstacles unfortunately no one else has been able to help with lately. My husband is away frequently with work, and my daughter lives in Newfoundland, and my son, well, he's 18 now - and although he's here for me sometimes, more often than not, he's off with his friends, and I'm here alone (well - if you can count a dog, 9 cats and 27 sheep as being alone) - so she's been a big help especially when I'm here alone.<br /><br />Well anyway, as I said, she has taken up a lot of my time this past few months. And she has been, like I said - a huge help here. I'd like you to meet her:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YejFUwKGS06zYP_qkuQJxeNSvJxbe7PLMc5p5TUyIpaU1iX7ToXPFUhAo4Sa9S-B0icXXTnv0OH3V5XMfv5xlZt4dHOMHAb_m_gGyPf3HZIgjuWCjzpOQekfcJtiSF1nVqdRL6x_0InG/s1600/100_2090.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YejFUwKGS06zYP_qkuQJxeNSvJxbe7PLMc5p5TUyIpaU1iX7ToXPFUhAo4Sa9S-B0icXXTnv0OH3V5XMfv5xlZt4dHOMHAb_m_gGyPf3HZIgjuWCjzpOQekfcJtiSF1nVqdRL6x_0InG/s320/100_2090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570685635148519890" border="0" /></a><br />That's right - we are drowning in snow. Every week - it seems we get at least another 6 - 10 " dumped on us - so I have been spending a lot of time with my new best friend.<br /><br />By the way - she needs a name - feel free to send me your thoughts in the comments box (be nice).<br /><br />She's a very hard working young lady - and I don't know how I'd have got through the past few months without her.<br /><br />And yes - it's a she. Always ready to work whenever I ask - I never have to ask twice or nag.<br /><br />OK - let's not go there ;-)Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-19884142010567198772011-01-16T18:09:00.001-08:002011-01-16T18:42:58.131-08:00Backing Up before we go ForwardI meant to put this post up before I put up the last post - but got so excited about Cate's news that I forgot.<br /><br />Anyway.....<br /><br />Way back in August......<br /><br />Or - let's go even further back:<br /><br />If you will recall - back in June of 2010:<br /><br />Kalwa Taure Blizzard (my favourite ewe) - blessed me with twin ewe lambs (both White) - and I named them Princess and Duchess in honour of my good friends Cate and Al at Earendel Farm.<br /><br />(Evil Laugh Here) - Cate and I started to scheme...........<br /><br />Al and I almost share a birthday (2 days apart).............. Hmmm. (and I LOVE to surprise the special people in my life).<br /><br />So - on Al's Birthday - I set out:<br />I had a ram to deliver to one customer in the back of the truck, along with a ewe that was going to Cate and Al.<br />And in the front seat (in a little cage beside me) - I had Kalwa Taure Princess.<br /><br />3 hours later (with Princess chattering all the way) - we arrived at Earendel Farm.<br /><br />Surprise!!!!! Boy - was Al ever Surprised!! When I walked into the house with Princess in tow.......<br /><br /><br />Al thought I was bringing in a cake.....<br /><br /><br />He was clearly "Floored" by the gift:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULX8FFxBAW7gDxj9igA_J0Vxg1wWvMDbOMILQQKgY-LyUQtzQDoCTroHFACFl3ougKi4gEhYGS5u3Q6gUpJ670pb6hvMVN5kqOEABhvbD7IoI6iRMCtCkYBfS5b-xDIaoActAo5_q0vxN/s1600/august+2010+098.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULX8FFxBAW7gDxj9igA_J0Vxg1wWvMDbOMILQQKgY-LyUQtzQDoCTroHFACFl3ougKi4gEhYGS5u3Q6gUpJ670pb6hvMVN5kqOEABhvbD7IoI6iRMCtCkYBfS5b-xDIaoActAo5_q0vxN/s320/august+2010+098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562974463162176002" border="0" /></a>Yes - she has on a pink (dog) halter - and leash - both with lots of sparkly rhinestones.<br />And a little pink tag on her neck - engraved with her name.<br /><br /><br />As you can see - she is clearly hypnotizing Al in this picture. As he gazes into her eyes - she is willing him to do "Everything" and "Anything" that she wants.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPqjDLA69MacUaz6piMFZMEEBuHm7D5t1sSCkjXG7TMpRE2tFOh__Wdy6-yaou3udPvE9t6FuX0j_TDxvlwycbxBgdeZmBOjY39GL7yrj4P6Ipy7aAnrhbcgMcH_mr5SvMr19vz9QSzjS/s1600/august+2010+102.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPqjDLA69MacUaz6piMFZMEEBuHm7D5t1sSCkjXG7TMpRE2tFOh__Wdy6-yaou3udPvE9t6FuX0j_TDxvlwycbxBgdeZmBOjY39GL7yrj4P6Ipy7aAnrhbcgMcH_mr5SvMr19vz9QSzjS/s320/august+2010+102.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562974886154971170" border="0" /></a><br />By the way - before I brought Princess over to Al - I made sure that I spoiled her "Royally" in any way that I could (insert evil laugh)....<br /><br />And so - after introductions, and placing the sheep in the barn for the evening, we went in for dinner.<br />We enjoyed a lovely meal, followed up by Al's Birthday Cake: A wee white sheep made by a friend of mine with a wonderful artistic touch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10-w3MkwposYiis7e8xcVxmuuK9xm0Wr1lv5d2s6kaS2ccxAQeUAdXGAOcI5rz9gWaxpnleLsNECaZZk-ilIt775Mu8-1FnqtdZ5Us_uPoCTRVAm0qCIxvKF46bRlgUBI3FRGExqHDdhs/s1600/august+2010+106.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10-w3MkwposYiis7e8xcVxmuuK9xm0Wr1lv5d2s6kaS2ccxAQeUAdXGAOcI5rz9gWaxpnleLsNECaZZk-ilIt775Mu8-1FnqtdZ5Us_uPoCTRVAm0qCIxvKF46bRlgUBI3FRGExqHDdhs/s320/august+2010+106.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562975516868492706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWogxGHseJDZIk_bMm8EI2x2vGlxI2YI5JmGwsFF-wpXiisiBl8H6auaKOsxE8jgAI-ypN_AxmlzNiYa2zMrY3rU30gMoO6vR1H99nqLdcERbO8I51mwgPPKmpZDseIl6NqnE2vYWArUM0/s1600/august+2010+105.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWogxGHseJDZIk_bMm8EI2x2vGlxI2YI5JmGwsFF-wpXiisiBl8H6auaKOsxE8jgAI-ypN_AxmlzNiYa2zMrY3rU30gMoO6vR1H99nqLdcERbO8I51mwgPPKmpZDseIl6NqnE2vYWArUM0/s320/august+2010+105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562975153749986722" border="0" /></a>All in All, I would say it made for a great Birthday surprise for a great friend.<br /><br />Oh - and as a little post script to this blog.<br />I was recently over for a visit to see Princess (and Al and Cate). Princess is doing just fine - and has everyone totally bent to her will. She has everyone eating out of her hand...er paw.<br />I couldn't imagine a better home for this little lovely.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-41442552647616956672010-11-07T16:12:00.000-08:002011-01-16T18:08:58.005-08:00I FEEL THE NEED TO CROW!I am just so excited and proud that I have to tell everyone the news:<br /><br />My very good friends Al and Cate entered 2 fleeces from their shetland sheep in the<br /><br />ROYAL WINTER AGRICULTURAL FAIR in Toronto, Ontario recently (this is one of the biggest Agricultural Fairs in Canada).<br /><br />Earendal Kinwulf (Out of Kalwa Taure Esme - and Cherrington Merlin) - took 3rd place in the<br />Natural coloured wool class. Kinwulf is a 3 year old wether (shown below).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIdjjD9Z0qZFXkHeyjz1_KnEkuMRi-jiFW5jMHL-kyRKhkIhMkIbW_RRsxJUBr0LF39tbddEkWB3Lt3epffIs7FcWUVrWHkevrRRoeP3A3ldvygc_u0odORZ7TWLPkpbZwZgqmlDRJWKM/s1600/kinwulf361.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965612570912482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIdjjD9Z0qZFXkHeyjz1_KnEkuMRi-jiFW5jMHL-kyRKhkIhMkIbW_RRsxJUBr0LF39tbddEkWB3Lt3epffIs7FcWUVrWHkevrRRoeP3A3ldvygc_u0odORZ7TWLPkpbZwZgqmlDRJWKM/s320/kinwulf361.jpg" border="0" /></a>And -<br />Cherrington Sarah (Molly) shown below - a 9 year old ewe that I sold to Cate a few years ago - took 5th place! She's 9 years old!!! Wow - a 9 year old ewe against yearlings!<br /><br />1st, 2nd and 4th places went to yearling icelandics. There were dozens of fleeces entered in this class - and so this is a wonderful accomplishment for shetlands.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn6t-9zCEPvtuAosiDfmV76wmXJK0RwEOi2BAyFVdig8FEP0d_DOBuH3Yv0esR-UUsIewafaSVIneTbKToZBzz75niW4u742B9LepMue72Rk-VWkJRDS60WZgZRpu1WI4reCQXcqzgl56/s1600/molly2.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 307px; display: block; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965462175536754" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn6t-9zCEPvtuAosiDfmV76wmXJK0RwEOi2BAyFVdig8FEP0d_DOBuH3Yv0esR-UUsIewafaSVIneTbKToZBzz75niW4u742B9LepMue72Rk-VWkJRDS60WZgZRpu1WI4reCQXcqzgl56/s320/molly2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />You can read more about this in Cates post at: <a href="http://earendel-farm.blogspot.com/">Earendel Farm</a><br /><br />Of course - In my Humble Opinion - this reinforces a lot of what we've been working on for the last several years. I will take a moment to tell you a bit about: "<span style="font-style: italic;">The Cherrington Project</span>".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Cherrington Project - An Overview:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />About 16 years ago - I set out in search of some little sheep to cut the grass in my large 2 acre back yard. In Harrowsmith Magazine - I came across an article on Shetland Sheep and the Dailley Farm - Oh boy - little sheep! And so I set out to find the little Shetlands (the Dailley farm is about a 2 hour drive from my farm).<br /><br />I was introduced to a lady "Dale" - who owned the farm with the prefix "Cherrington" - and I purchased 3 sheep - 2 ewes and a ram.<br /><br />I knew very little about sheep - but I was excited to get these great little sheep.<br /><br />Fast forward about 5 years. Dale has sold her farm - and has decided to disperse her flock - which has grown to about 30 sheep.<br /><br />Knowing that I will offer them a good home - she gifts me with about 15 lovely "Cherrington"<br />Shetlands - with the promise that I will love and cherish them - and always give them a good home.<br /><br />Around this time - I am starting to learn about fleeces, spinning and genetics.<br /><br />For those of you who don't know about the Cherrington Shetlands.<br /><br />All of the Cherrington Shetlands and the Skerryvore Shetlands are directly bred back to the original sheep brought in by Colonel Dailley. Dale and Chickie (the owner of Skerreyvore Shetlands) selectively picked sheep to breed for the softness and handle of the fleeces - both of them were spinners.<br /><br />Back to the Future.<br /><br />About 5 years ago - Cate and I met and became friends, and she started to raise shetlands as well - in Particular she wanted to work at preserving those lovely Cherrington Shetlands.<br /><br />Together - we have been working very hard to maintain the remainder of the Cherrington Flock. Many of the Cherringtons that I have - are now residing at Cates farm - and together - we have been very selective in the breeding of our sheep - for a single coated - fine, even crimp.<br />Most of our sheep are directly bred out of the original Cherrington flock with very little outside genetics. We maintained 3 lovely Cherrington Rams - Cherrington Charles (who died about 5 years ago) - Cherrington Merlin - a lovely ram who passed away last year, and we still have Cherrington Harry - who is now 10, and arthritis is starting to take over - so this past year, Cate and I purchased a lovely white ram from Carole Precious (Dailley Pachino)- with a stunning fleece - and wonderful conformation and horns to help carry on the genetics.<br /><br />We are still working on selective breeding of the remaining Cherrington ewes - and offspring.<br />We selectively breed only 2 - 3 ewes every year - and scrutinize the fleeces - not only by us - but by a group of several spinners. Sorry folks - we haven't microned the sheep yet - but that is coming. So - that's kind of the story about what we're doing and how we're doing it. We're trying to maintain this lovely little island sheep and their beautiful fleeces.<br />Cate and Al are very proud to have done so well at the Royal - and I'm so proud of them as well.<br /><br />We think this is wonderful for our little breed of sheep. Sorry that I have rambled on on so long, but wow - I don't get to crow very often.<br /><br /><br />Note:<br />Just a little addendum to the above:<br />Cate tells me that the Sheep to Shawl Judge purchased the 3rd place fleece during the fleece auction. <br /></div></div>Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-50562427259636599912010-08-30T18:39:00.000-07:002010-08-30T19:25:27.205-07:00Physio TherapyAs some of you may know - I have a serious shoulder injury, which has been getting progressively worse this last couple of years.<br /><br />The pain has been so bad - that I have been forced to give up some of my favourite activities - like playing the violin, various sports, and it has seriously hampered me being able to look after my flock. Thus - I have had to reduce my flock so that I can reduce my work load. This has been very distressing to say the least.<br /><br />However - there is hope on the horizon.<br /><br />Earlier this spring, my physician suggested a different form of excercise to help strengthen my shoulder and try to put me back in shape.<br /><br />KAYAKING!<br /><br />My wonderful husband - ever supportive of all my endeavors, has embraced this sport with me:<br /><br />And so:<br /><br />Recently - we travelled to see my daughter in Gagetown New Brunswick (a two day drive):<br /><br />We of course wasted no time in renting kayaks and heading out onto the<br />St John River for a day cruise. We spent 5 hours out on the water - and I took some absolutely<br />beautiful pictures.<br /><br /><br />This one is a particular favourite -<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl26CJooL-b6yluUPoHeAsZleJ1U8Gy9uKTj4porKc_C9zx4jW904YjS7IPCHX6f1SVbWppCmLrztOQeITr3vfwt47_rDm8x0p4TVcxnJe5yCSWZbJvXei8KiwhcMQW1ah6vy-h6RWGpLp/s1600/Fredricton.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl26CJooL-b6yluUPoHeAsZleJ1U8Gy9uKTj4porKc_C9zx4jW904YjS7IPCHX6f1SVbWppCmLrztOQeITr3vfwt47_rDm8x0p4TVcxnJe5yCSWZbJvXei8KiwhcMQW1ah6vy-h6RWGpLp/s320/Fredricton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511386972077501138" border="0" /></a>(click to see larger), as we are heading up the<br />river and under the Fredricton Bridge.<br />That's my husband (Kevin) and my Daughter<br />Brittany up ahead in their kayaks - I stayed behind in my kayak to get the shots.<br /><br />We had a great time - and more on that vacation in another post.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We try to get out at least once a week - and for<br />a minimum of a 2 hour paddle - but prefer a 4 - 5 hour paddle. Surprising - when you are out there - you lose complete track of time.<br /><br /><br />Last week - we managed to get out twice - which was a real treat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cFY-qNgBjAi7AG-zUuYhB6v_rj_J6wTtNFgYSCic5OJ_oxaAJuRUzRUA6ykffm9SO1UphmODyHN8Sg-pNHVXo4uUULnGuj8n4IExFsrs9nKq5stMIVQ3XNmR5mlDuHDcgKYxUgPH_uYI/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cFY-qNgBjAi7AG-zUuYhB6v_rj_J6wTtNFgYSCic5OJ_oxaAJuRUzRUA6ykffm9SO1UphmODyHN8Sg-pNHVXo4uUULnGuj8n4IExFsrs9nKq5stMIVQ3XNmR5mlDuHDcgKYxUgPH_uYI/s320/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511389328450953202" border="0" /></a>So - on Wednesday night - we loaded up the car<br />with the kayaks and all the gear.<br />Yes - I get lots of funny looks:<br />(The kayaks are actually Longer than the car).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And after work on Thursday - we headed straight<br />out to The Pinery - which is a local<br />Provincial Park about an hour from here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDczVzNu5LD99pxY3M92vmwQyz3HDaVp88n453ylJpA74YCyBzFUnR862WmzlQa-wgkv4MMvq3_4gLzBg5CK8u9laobwXMFbsnYeIGAv16duW4DXsVnMPs5Ux_rIJAcAEtmUd1TOCqE7_/s1600/Pinery+%281%29.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDczVzNu5LD99pxY3M92vmwQyz3HDaVp88n453ylJpA74YCyBzFUnR862WmzlQa-wgkv4MMvq3_4gLzBg5CK8u9laobwXMFbsnYeIGAv16duW4DXsVnMPs5Ux_rIJAcAEtmUd1TOCqE7_/s320/Pinery+%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511390495738299570" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a picture I took as we were heading up the<br />main channel. This channel was dug out in the 1800's to help drain the local farmland - it is about 100 ft wide - and 10 km long (6 miles).<br />It's not very deep - probably only about 8 feet.<br />This was a very relaxing paddle - we probably did about 4 kilometers in each direction - or a total of 5 miles. For part of it we were paddling into a decent headwind - so on the way back - we were able to relax a bit and drift.<br />This is a great way to relax after a hard day at work.<br /><br /><br />And - lucky us -on Saturday - we<br />were headed down to Leamington - which is on the north shore of Lake Erie (near Windsor, Ontario) - so - we left the kayaks on<br />top and after completing<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMFYQgUIMfCevliNixO2Lup-YJ3H5efvqXUCewRnprPX880L2GzCbSPoX33rdPKGC_JqFqeMRwdnbz5mAIxEuNsBRwlEg6HXIomHJYIbCri4KMCezwRmIC-W4ftqKWTgwKQtfYudYK-RB/s1600/Pinery+%282%29.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMFYQgUIMfCevliNixO2Lup-YJ3H5efvqXUCewRnprPX880L2GzCbSPoX33rdPKGC_JqFqeMRwdnbz5mAIxEuNsBRwlEg6HXIomHJYIbCri4KMCezwRmIC-W4ftqKWTgwKQtfYudYK-RB/s320/Pinery+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511386027687118802" border="0" /></a>our business at the kayak store - we headed<br />off to Point Pelee - which is the southern - most<br />mainland point in Canada.<br /><br />We decided that we would keep to the marshes because the lake was quite choppy.<br />There are several small lakes - and trails throughout the marshes that you can canoe or kayak in - and so off we went. In the middle of one of the lakes there was this HUGE - probably about 2 acres in size patch of water lillies.<br />Here is a picture of Kevin as he eases his kayak in close to the water lillies. Look at the size of the lily pads - they were about 2 feet in diameter - and the flowers were about 8 - 10 inces across - many of them on stocks that stuck 3 feet above the water.<br /><br />We played on the marshes for about 3 hours in the 95 degree weather before packing up and heading home.<br /><br />So far we've discovered that we LOVE kayaking (yes - those are our kayaks in the last 2 pictures). We have taken the plunge and gone out and purchased a couple of sea kayaks - and all the gear - expensive - but worth it.<br /><br />And is it helping my shoulder you ask? Yes - the short answer is yes. It's been great therapy.<br />I'm hoping that this will strengthen the muscles - and help out with all the pain.<br />So far - no complaints from me. Besides that - it's great excercise, and quality time spent with<br />my husband and children. I highly recommend it.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-44992017821101161602010-07-05T16:37:00.000-07:002010-07-05T17:56:48.210-07:00New ArrivalsWhile I'm waiting for this sweltering heat to subside, so I can go out to work in my studio.<br />(by the way - it reached 36 degrees celcius here today - something like 96 degrees farenheit).<br /><br />We have a few new additions to the farm roster.<br /><br />On June 22nd (as I was walking out the door to attend a dinner meeting) - I notice Blizzard, my absolute most favourite sheep in the whole wide world - laying under the willow tree by the<br />barn.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That could only mean one thing.<br />So - I dashed back in the house and changed - and ran out to help her (it was 87 degrees farenheit out).<br /><br />After about half an hour of standing up, laying down, pushing, standing up again, coming over and putting her head in my lap then going and laying back down - I decided I would chance going to the meeting. Blizzard has always been very good at delivering on her own.<br /><br />So - off I went and got changed and washed up, and off to the meeting.<br />Of course - I left instructions with my son and husband - and every 15 minutes, I got an update call.<br /><br />At 8 pm - just as I was getting ready to present my report - I got the call that her water broke.<br />Sorry guys - gotta dash.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgj8fj8Vel_OH9XcvfRB0lQpumz4n4kYey3tCQxavayDK7v-uYocw75gZ9kSyjC3b6UFCrJLu1-7ceRfK-50BEZf-uwVUZ19IphPnpR_b5tTOYppW6rIx3QpHZ0BeIq455IJXjhl5wWpo/s1600/Newborns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgj8fj8Vel_OH9XcvfRB0lQpumz4n4kYey3tCQxavayDK7v-uYocw75gZ9kSyjC3b6UFCrJLu1-7ceRfK-50BEZf-uwVUZ19IphPnpR_b5tTOYppW6rIx3QpHZ0BeIq455IJXjhl5wWpo/s320/Newborns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490586194034527378" border="0" /></a>Blizzard was bred to Dailley Pachino - a<br />beautiful white ram that I co-own with my very<br />good friends Cate and Al at Earendal Farm.<br /><br />Here are her two white ewe lambs about<br />15 minutes after they were born.<br />Aren't lambs amazing - just born - up on those wobbly legs looking for food.<br /><br /><br />Of course - in my opinion - they are absolutely<br />stunning (but I'm very biased).<br /><br /><br /><br />And........................<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYsiiPIqyPqLvmJbxve5JhOZIUKjkZczZEnDLOWHeK6I1DHXZQBz6oIAVl5Y2hrENv2GECwWs_Aik2HB-I80qJWHwoNQiNUtdKDooe0bUHPJh1QXAS92OGo10IxwplUDfhJQQPH-Nzk1k/s1600/Royalty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYsiiPIqyPqLvmJbxve5JhOZIUKjkZczZEnDLOWHeK6I1DHXZQBz6oIAVl5Y2hrENv2GECwWs_Aik2HB-I80qJWHwoNQiNUtdKDooe0bUHPJh1QXAS92OGo10IxwplUDfhJQQPH-Nzk1k/s320/Royalty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490586062678817922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are Kalwa Taure Princess, and Kalwa<br />Taure Duchess today - less than 2 weeks later.<br /><br />Don't you just love white lambs - they are the cutest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also - not to be forgotten - and along our<br />royalty lines (it's an inside joke)....<br /><br />Before I hurt my neck and shoulder so badly last month (which is now causing me to greatly reduce my flock).........<br /><br />As part of our flock improvement program - we brought this little lovely in from Carole Precious:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiXSLbot3SAePPQN5A0PTlbuqWUhTKgktTwUcx-tdzFy1uVaHvxooGQke85nGQRUHwKgrR6FZH_TAdRntu2hceRuUbHBIgTDzO3UVkLWel9dHdwH8W6AcJqZYNW2leV2kC9-ZhWa6Fl9E/s1600/Tiara.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiXSLbot3SAePPQN5A0PTlbuqWUhTKgktTwUcx-tdzFy1uVaHvxooGQke85nGQRUHwKgrR6FZH_TAdRntu2hceRuUbHBIgTDzO3UVkLWel9dHdwH8W6AcJqZYNW2leV2kC9-ZhWa6Fl9E/s320/Tiara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490585957126689810" border="0" /></a>Dailley Tiara<br />A lovely yearling ewe from the Chassagne Farm<br />(I think that's the name of Carole's new farm).<br /><br />Again - with the help of my wonderful friends<br />Cate and Al - as I had to be out of town at a meeting (again).<br />They went over to see Carole, and picked out<br />Tiara for me. Her fleece is like butter - and oh so<br />curly.<br />Tiara spent a couple of weeks in quarantine at<br />Cates farm before coming to our farm for a couple of more weeks of quarantine - poor girl.<br />But, she is now in with the main flock and seems to be doing quite well. She's fattened up a bit, and, although still a bit skittish, she knows her name, and is coming over for treats.<br /><br />We're hoping to not have to sell off the entire flock - but to only reduce it down so that I can manage a bit better once my son leaves for University next year. Until then - these 3 will remain here.<br /><br />Well - I'm hoping it's cooled a bit out there now - looks like a possible storm moving in.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-31895308116856532462010-07-03T18:28:00.001-07:002010-07-03T18:40:05.540-07:00Haircut Time........OrHow to Get your Sheep to Lose Weight Fast:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EY0H9IwWnxtqEjEVST5Q7jzjeW9Pp9pOuei1Y8jM1eRSKR3jqVB_jLluTRWujSRBhtSRSFUCaKL4yRPYjn2HOjkgjcc61dyNikxDWJnV6Y0NKtpTb6ZyGM3KKrIKBJR5EJ9BZ3X9XM_a/s1600/Carmel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EY0H9IwWnxtqEjEVST5Q7jzjeW9Pp9pOuei1Y8jM1eRSKR3jqVB_jLluTRWujSRBhtSRSFUCaKL4yRPYjn2HOjkgjcc61dyNikxDWJnV6Y0NKtpTb6ZyGM3KKrIKBJR5EJ9BZ3X9XM_a/s320/Carmel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489857839932384482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From This:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To This:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPjSB6Uglri3t9wGfaNMhxudMuhCaXkRRgiRH3O8exwqIicbhAlQyMQFb8gZ2kYxz65WJIStf3ih2AHXfyQimDTp6sQCj7Xfb3tMpL6wD4Ftpl-XhlvXjSOqPtLZpU6-bAhVeKn1pqlmC/s1600/Caramel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPjSB6Uglri3t9wGfaNMhxudMuhCaXkRRgiRH3O8exwqIicbhAlQyMQFb8gZ2kYxz65WJIStf3ih2AHXfyQimDTp6sQCj7Xfb3tMpL6wD4Ftpl-XhlvXjSOqPtLZpU6-bAhVeKn1pqlmC/s320/Caramel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489857248557895090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I sure bet that feels better.<br /><br />We sheared late this year for various reasons,<br />and I don't think my sheep really appreciated it.<br />But I'm not hearing too many complaints right<br />now - especially since it's been<br />31 - 32 degrees Celcius (88 - 90 degrees farenheit) this past few days.<br />At least it's dry right now - so it's not too muggy.<br /><br /><br />Tomorrow - an introduction to our new babies.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-49980274291707809252010-06-13T18:19:00.000-07:002010-06-13T18:31:13.570-07:00Flock Dispersal SaleWell - after more than 15 years raising shetland sheep - we have decided to sell off the flock.<br />Our lives are becoming more busy - and we are finding it more difficult to find the time to spend with the livestock.<br /><br />Kevin and I have decided to sell almost all of the sheep - and chickens and ducks - and we are going<br />to also look at selling the farm and moving to a smaller property that is more manageable.<br />We work in a family business - and with both of our children going to be away on the other side of the country within the next year, we just feel that we need to fix our priorities and downsize a little bit.<br /><br />It also hasn't helped that I have a shoulder/neck injury - and this last several months, I have been suffering terribly with migraines.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kKwV_kv1QIE6Q3OYmesHbTtLlzDwMzdlrZ-eO1lLoGAPNXqAF4liIxi8rPsZzCB9EVQywWEJnVomMrJH9oZfyUFOnZz31a5vHEbeGBWE0g9gn46EvRbp1dwoOvKDtVzHGMxeKBid84DA/s1600/Rosie+and+Lambs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kKwV_kv1QIE6Q3OYmesHbTtLlzDwMzdlrZ-eO1lLoGAPNXqAF4liIxi8rPsZzCB9EVQywWEJnVomMrJH9oZfyUFOnZz31a5vHEbeGBWE0g9gn46EvRbp1dwoOvKDtVzHGMxeKBid84DA/s320/Rosie+and+Lambs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482434625228577266" border="0" /></a>This picture is of Windwater Rosie - and two of her 3 lambs from this year.<br />She is for sale for $250, and each of her lambs is<br />for sale for $200 - but you can take all 4 for<br />$650.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To see the other sheep I have posted, go to my<br />sales blog at:<br /><br /><a href="http://kalwataureshetlandssalespage.blogspot.com/"><br />http://kalwataureshetlandssalespage.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br />There are only a few listed - but I will post more in the next few days as I get a chance to take pictures.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-35642691977579281712010-05-09T19:39:00.000-07:002010-05-09T20:10:04.071-07:00I Almost ForgotI feel so remiss. I have been so busy lately that I almost forgot to post this.<br /><br />A while ago - I implored upon a friend of mine to weave me a shawl. Not just any shawl mind you, but a special shawl - special to me.<br /><br />Nina took the challenge (even though she was moving). I sent her a quantity of rovings - and she went to work - spinning and weaving.<br /><br />Much sooner than I expected - she called to say that the shawl was done.<br /><br />Here are the results.<br /><br />A beautiful shawl - made from the wool of all my<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEPevHPWjDIQrLjREvPog7DN4YfBeFvWyGljESdwOZvtEi8cOkLXkyVM6HTCnoh0Qnzk9YlV_kZiwC0V04n9yrMis6-GXC0FjTmIWlm0NR9VqoIDHx9xLjE92e0b3YLjWonOEnSsCbGN9/s1600/shawl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEPevHPWjDIQrLjREvPog7DN4YfBeFvWyGljESdwOZvtEi8cOkLXkyVM6HTCnoh0Qnzk9YlV_kZiwC0V04n9yrMis6-GXC0FjTmIWlm0NR9VqoIDHx9xLjE92e0b3YLjWonOEnSsCbGN9/s320/shawl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469466718357818242" border="0" /></a><br />sheep.<br /><br />I call it my "baby blanket". I wear it every night when I am watching television. It is so soft and warm - and surprisingly - it isn't scratchy next to the skin.<br /><br />And the most important part - it has wool from almost all my sheep - past and present in it.<br />This means a lot to me - and it is so cherished.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I can't remember the weave that she used -<br />here it is up close.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUXjJDr-WWVMBogKYg2gAoUzbdJS5mc_DJPXZJv7vTqKRtC_U13L_CquvgToDbDnp1NMYK1iMrQqpUZM4klgUW_oeWchexJ-7QtXjqJKYh3wIehN_QfCnrAVG1eVCl8GXlU8QG7-iVVbO/s1600/Shawl+up+close.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUXjJDr-WWVMBogKYg2gAoUzbdJS5mc_DJPXZJv7vTqKRtC_U13L_CquvgToDbDnp1NMYK1iMrQqpUZM4klgUW_oeWchexJ-7QtXjqJKYh3wIehN_QfCnrAVG1eVCl8GXlU8QG7-iVVbO/s320/Shawl+up+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469466880030229042" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately - I find that the flash kind of washes out the colour.<br /><br />I am so pleased - and grateful.<br /><br />Thank you Nina!Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-10171135606326196692010-05-05T18:57:00.000-07:002010-05-05T19:26:05.332-07:00Spring LambsWell - after raising shetland sheep for almost 15 years.<br /><br /><br />This past week, we had our first set of triplets.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J2Hk5cIAVeq-D6FZYzpjcdshzT51UwzuhiLAQ5aABIHIeJZ7AHahHLcPdVW_7XFzqpNIsy1QWLAosB6i8bGUAsuzGlfcVPV9lDUvZc7BJmjgjLBUOBBm72bZtZtAoS7XKOqxj2lXQtFy/s1600/Rosie's+Triplets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J2Hk5cIAVeq-D6FZYzpjcdshzT51UwzuhiLAQ5aABIHIeJZ7AHahHLcPdVW_7XFzqpNIsy1QWLAosB6i8bGUAsuzGlfcVPV9lDUvZc7BJmjgjLBUOBBm72bZtZtAoS7XKOqxj2lXQtFy/s320/Rosie's+Triplets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467972568612120914" border="0" /></a><br />These little darlings were born to Windwater Rosie (mioget, krunet, sokket markings) and were sired by Thistlecroft Thomas (solid white - no markings).<br /><br />The two little white ones are ewes, and the black one is a ram. Unfortunately, another ewe took the liberty of cleaning up the ram lamb while Rosie was busy with the other two lambs - so she won't accept him. I am supplementing him<br />twice a day with a bottle - and it seems to be doing the trick. He is smart enough to know to sneak in when the other lambs are feeding - and he is able to get a bit of nourishment.<br /><br />This by the way was an unplanned breeding. I hadn't planned on breeding any of the ewes last year, but Thomas had other plans. I came home from a meeting late one evening last fall - and found Thomas in with the ewes.<br /><br />Needless to say - he wasn't finished with just Rosie. Later the same evening last week - this little cutie was born to Kalwa Taure Trinity.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemm4KV-l8Tip6g-Q_DNFHol7bZU4kXuPoUVoi-4FbHKPFnAiAFYDxV5gyxqNiiaNQxWyQU_7XEMtFdT1QXSzp4D0tf8wRixm-V0sJtrvU_Ti7lLACMpdxwwKsNiu0gT90gQylIGSvtyL7/s1600/Trinny's+Boy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemm4KV-l8Tip6g-Q_DNFHol7bZU4kXuPoUVoi-4FbHKPFnAiAFYDxV5gyxqNiiaNQxWyQU_7XEMtFdT1QXSzp4D0tf8wRixm-V0sJtrvU_Ti7lLACMpdxwwKsNiu0gT90gQylIGSvtyL7/s320/Trinny's+Boy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467972784758125762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He's a pure white ram lamb. He is a little darling.<br /><br />Both Trinity and Rosie are excellent mothers.<br />They are both trusting enough that they will allow you to handle their lambs without freaking out on you - yet protective enough to keep a close eye on them. (Well - except for Rosie rejecting the little guy - but that really wasn't her fault).<br /><br />So - thankfully - these were the only lambs to come from this pairing. We do have more lambs coming in about 6 weeks from a "Planned" late<br />breeding to Dailley Pachino, the white ram that Cate DeSantis and I jointly own.<br /><br />Now - while we're waiting - there's shearing to be done, and deworming, and hoof trimming,<br />pastures to be fertilized, and stalls to clean.<br />(sigh) - It never ends.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-82554727340133424272010-02-17T15:49:00.001-08:002010-02-17T16:08:29.162-08:00What a Fabulous Surprise!I was just floored!<br /><br />I was at work today - and went to get my mail<br />at the front office. There was a nice puffy envelope waiting for me - when I opened it -<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I found this:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh6_goUT-5ivMDdM0k61RZ6vXSLU_pKR3A0uFvCH_qF-t8_K5QqiDLTxp_eIEHKJeiMNTKY5gAcOzyjcOKNLF-nngGQcGQJiMgJH48qgG7xe8zo9XKBv1RosCwDgKHP2nax_wraLfG7LY/s1600-h/scarf+%26+Mitts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh6_goUT-5ivMDdM0k61RZ6vXSLU_pKR3A0uFvCH_qF-t8_K5QqiDLTxp_eIEHKJeiMNTKY5gAcOzyjcOKNLF-nngGQcGQJiMgJH48qgG7xe8zo9XKBv1RosCwDgKHP2nax_wraLfG7LY/s320/scarf+%26+Mitts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439364091592176866" border="0" /></a>A Beautiful - handspun - hand-dyed and hand knit scarf and hat from my friend <a href="http://cornerstonefibres.blogspot.com/">Kim</a>.<br /><br />I had left a message on her blog a while back about a beautiful skein of shetland that she had spun up (her son Jared dyes the rovings - he is a wizard) - "subtly" telling her that it would be a beautiful scarf for my daughter.<br /><br />Kim - you are a darling! Only problem - now I want one for me!<br /><br />She also put a bar of handmade soap from<br /><a href="http://bundaflicka.blogspot.com/">Maggie</a> in the package - and oh - it smells so good.<br /><br />I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful friend as Kim. By the way - Kim has a fabulous<br />online fibre shop to feed all of your fibre addictions - check it out at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/cornerstonefibres/">Cornerstone Fibres</a>Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-83048435294483402492009-12-30T17:21:00.001-08:002009-12-30T19:28:50.154-08:00Getting Back into BloggingSometimes it's hard to get back into the habit once you've gotten out of it. Tonight, I found that I really had to force myself to sit down at the computer and start writing. There always seems to be so much to do. My studio beckons - it's an absolute disaster - and I have new students starting in the next few weeks. I have renovations to do in the barn , sheep to tend to, - my house is a disaster.....<br />and need I go on.<br /><br />So for an update.<br /><br />It has been crazy here - absolutely crazy.<br />Of course - with the regular 40 hour per week job - and the pottery (which is quickly turning into a 40 hour per week job).<br />Let's add Christmas to this (it was a lovely Christmas by the way) - and then there's Max.<br /><br />Max - I want you to meet Max:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOq3RP476m6O0KBCOwrdWpMyq4xkVbnWei0PIXktPeWbQDqWfpPepC5EWcAr0BMhq-W1Z4mvP6p5EiCTYs2T_hGpz7tkyKnP85bx8H5ssVyxrH9g4oHlUGSGCGEiYgB-Hx4xpychoh9wB/s1600-h/Max+Pirate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOq3RP476m6O0KBCOwrdWpMyq4xkVbnWei0PIXktPeWbQDqWfpPepC5EWcAr0BMhq-W1Z4mvP6p5EiCTYs2T_hGpz7tkyKnP85bx8H5ssVyxrH9g4oHlUGSGCGEiYgB-Hx4xpychoh9wB/s320/Max+Pirate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421208772793650066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Do you like the Dreadlocks?<br /><br />Sorry - I couldn't resist the pirate hat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPF8lrnIk1rqGHhqu0jdO9ye_8ENRYzVnTeKFdF2E4scDa5KuzOSQCUOlPBB8EcFNGzg-LNGTS5-CDsThehR_uZqpCgdPyRUzmj6q81RW8Q6k3hrjdHWtR0ni0oGjpvMGMgijvQydM9he/s1600-h/100_1301.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPF8lrnIk1rqGHhqu0jdO9ye_8ENRYzVnTeKFdF2E4scDa5KuzOSQCUOlPBB8EcFNGzg-LNGTS5-CDsThehR_uZqpCgdPyRUzmj6q81RW8Q6k3hrjdHWtR0ni0oGjpvMGMgijvQydM9he/s320/100_1301.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421225888332415522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />OK - so, here's a real picture of Max:<br /><br />And the story behind Max.<br /><br />He is a VERY energetic 10 month old pug puppy.<br />As you recall - in early November, I lost my beloved elderly companion Penny.<br />I decided that I would like to have another dog - and that possibly - I was ready to tackle having a smaller dog again.<br /><br />My sister had a pug when we were teenagers - I had a pekingese.<br /><br />I had forgotten how much work a puppy was/is.<br /><br />Max is only 10 months old - and we are his 3rd owners (other than the breeders and pet shop).<br />The last few owners didn't feel up to the task of an energetic pug puppy. So - Max is confused - and a bit insecure - but he is lovable - and energetic.<br />We are trying very hard to break some bad habits - but he is progressing a great deal.<br />The cats are NOT amused - but Max is.<br />The biggest problem so far, has been that he likes to chase the kitties. They turn tail - and he has a heyday. We're working on it. But - we all love him - and I'm sure this will be his forever home. <br /><br />My Daughter is also home for the holidays. She flew in from Newfoundland on December 20th.<br />She leaves again on January 5th. We are so happy to have her here. It was early August since we last saw her, and 2 weeks just isn't long enough to enjoy her company. But we are so happy she could make it home for Christmas - and we are enjoying our time together.<br /><br />Other than that - all is well. Knock on wood. The sheep are well - the chickens are well. The weather is cold (we need more snow). We all have jobs - and family to love, good friends to<br />spend our time with - what more could we want.<br /><br />I'll post again soon. I promise.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-33997030491672648452009-11-23T11:53:00.000-08:002009-11-24T07:09:32.959-08:00Presenting: Dailley "Pachino"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbURwXkXd0CYc-oyFyBVEqAHS4-6qEVigYaYQc65bLsrt1dSjWT7nzgQU246nozMQ8I9xPJEzjr7WVgKThDNvkJkEbj4JwuLZAnRliYNGsnWKWpY_xMX-WIy3bUcjAiVqyVt3cyNVO17T/s1600/Pachino.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407390878142303682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbURwXkXd0CYc-oyFyBVEqAHS4-6qEVigYaYQc65bLsrt1dSjWT7nzgQU246nozMQ8I9xPJEzjr7WVgKThDNvkJkEbj4JwuLZAnRliYNGsnWKWpY_xMX-WIy3bUcjAiVqyVt3cyNVO17T/s320/Pachino.jpg" /></a><br />"Kalwa Taure Shetlands and Earendel Shetlands, are pleased to introduce our new ram from the Dailley Flock.<br /><br />Pachino is just over a year old. He has the classic shetland conformation and fleece quality so consistent with his heritage.<br /><br />He will be a beautiful additional to our selective breeding program.<br /><br />Heartfelt thanks to Carol Precious for all her advise in helping us select him".<br /><br />When one door Closes - another opens.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-24790253399913009782009-11-05T20:25:00.000-08:002009-11-05T20:56:43.417-08:00A Sad - but HappyTaleI've been desperately looking for my picture box so that I could find a good picture of Penny - our dog. <br />Let me tell you about Penny:<br />We think she's about 16 - going on 17 ish. We adopted her from the local Humane Society 15 years ago. I was actually looking at another dog - a white collie cross - but when I got there it had already been adopted. As we were walking through and looking in all the pens - Penny was sitting quiety facing the corner like she had been a bad girl. I asked the attendant what was up with her.<br />"That's "Bonus" she said - she's due to be euthanized tomorrow. When I asked why - they said she had used up all her time. She was about 2 years old - had been brought in because she "kept having puppies". Well - you know dogs - "Bonus " looked at me with those big brown eyes - and I melted - not on my watch!<br />We dutifully filled out the applications, went through our interview and brought her home.<br />At the time - I had a 2 year old - and a 5 year old (Children that is). My parents freaked when they learned that I was bringing a Rottweiler/Lab dog home with the children - especially with all these children being attacked by dogs.<br /><br />My daughter called her "Penny" - and she soon settled in. But Penny - wasn't about to have an easy time of it.<br />Being the responsible dog owners that we were - we took her in to be spayed.<br />The vet opened her up - and out popped "Kidney Worms" - some as long as 3'. I just happened to be working out of town that day - and was tracked down. Did we want to save her - of course.<br />3 hours later ($700 poorer) - they had cleaned out all the kidney worms. She was actually the first known dog to have survived this horrible affliction. In the process - the worms had already eaten through one kidney. She was weak - but alive. We'll spay her another day.<br />The worms were sent to the University of Guelph - Vetrinary hospital for the students to study.<br /><br />4 months later, we dutifully brought her back to the vets to be spayed. While there - ahem, the vet decided to do her blood test for heartworm (do you see where this is going). Uh-oh.<br />Unfortunately - Penny had never been cared for - and she had heartworm. It was decided that she was not a good candidate for the standard arsenic treatment for heartworm - and now we had to get special government approval to bring in a new treatment from the States. In this treatment - they take 2 long needles - insert them down between the shoulder blades and into the heart and inject a medicine that kills the worms. She spent 2 days at the vets office - and then had to come home for 6 weeks (and be kept quiet). The heartworms die - form a blood clot and then are passed from the system. If she was to get too excited - the clots could kill her.<br />Keeping this bundle of love and energy quiet was a chore - but hurrah - we managed.<br /><br />Smooth sailing from here. Penny loved us with all her heart. She played frisbee with the kids.<br />She guarded all the animals. If an animal was on the property that wasn't supposed to be there - we knew about it. She loved to walk in the woods. We did go through a spell where she kept slipping her halter/collar and taking off into the woods for the night - but she always was right there the next morning. She was a truly amazing dog. She never ever harmed a chicken or sheep - even when they came and shared her food in her dish. We even had her go after a raccoon that had killed a chicken once - scare it off - and then bring the dead chicken back up and place it in front of the garage till we got home. She was a truly remarkable dog. She was afraid of thunderstorms (until she went deaf).<br /><br />This last year we noticed that she was starting to slow - her eyes were fogging over with cataracts, she walked slower - but she still went on walks with us. About 3 weeks ago - she decided she didn't want to eat anymore. I tried everything - she would nibble at the canned food. I called the vet - who came out and gave her a couple of shots of B12 - and some massage and herbs. She took blood and checked her all over. "She's old" - but not her time yet.<br />We soldiered on - special food - and lots of love. Lots and lots of love for a dear old friend.<br /><br />On Tuesday morning, I opened the barn door to find her lying silently curled up in the straw by the door - right where we had left her the night before. She had quietly slipped away in the night. The way it should be. We were happy that she didn't have to endure another long cold winter here. We were happy that we could give her 15 years of love - and she gave us nothing but love back. That rottwieler/lab never once growled or spoke back to us. We never once had to raise a hand to her. She was possibly the best dog anyone could ever have.<br /><br />We buried her up in the corner of the barnyard (My husband wanted to bury her in the woods).<br />But I knew that even after she was gone - she would want to be close to us. I can look out and see where she lies - and know that she was always there for me.<br />I have to go now (because I am crying so much it's hard to type). I'll find those pictures this weekend and put one up on the blog.<br /><br />Good-bye my dear friend - we will meet again.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-66668940533893292102009-11-01T19:24:00.000-08:002009-11-01T20:00:19.112-08:00A Walk in the WoodsAutumn is here - I love autumn. I love to walk in the woods - and smell the fallen leaves.<br />There is so much to see.<br /><br />I actually took these pictures last Sunday on my morning walk.<br />It was a glorious sunny day.<br /><br /><br />I took about 50 pictures - but I'll only show a few of my favourites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUY6Hx11m4aAVVIL8FBpfaDwyitsSYSesexpbeqxn58u1xhoYkx9akd47czq1EvUsSLXFntlKpaWSQn4oIzWFuE1ruvLIDLnFmKOKKu89MVTpZtdYqU-lphDIKhLsO91PU7ymMwMYRb48/s1600-h/ferns+and+leaves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUY6Hx11m4aAVVIL8FBpfaDwyitsSYSesexpbeqxn58u1xhoYkx9akd47czq1EvUsSLXFntlKpaWSQn4oIzWFuE1ruvLIDLnFmKOKKu89MVTpZtdYqU-lphDIKhLsO91PU7ymMwMYRb48/s320/ferns+and+leaves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399346263900305810" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is one of my favourites:<br /><br />I love the ferns sticking up through the leaves -<br />the contrast is so striking. And the stump in behind<br /> with fungus growing on it - well - I just think it's<br /> an interesting shot. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-vLKSWmg50TKW7_PULdPDd_KO3kfniMJmyGt0X2EQcfbaxYR5ZwDgYD96pWHZj1q2qXK4TiO7fwiEHwOOzI2_KLQWXwNtrbd3IJes2vlaXKsTqcfm1mvF1SBCnf8t4akPAPx2BrnGuuG/s1600-h/leaves+and+moss.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-vLKSWmg50TKW7_PULdPDd_KO3kfniMJmyGt0X2EQcfbaxYR5ZwDgYD96pWHZj1q2qXK4TiO7fwiEHwOOzI2_KLQWXwNtrbd3IJes2vlaXKsTqcfm1mvF1SBCnf8t4akPAPx2BrnGuuG/s320/leaves+and+moss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399346142961277954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is another shot of leaves.<br />Again - with the moss showing through.<br />I really like moss. And in this picture - you have the green moss - and the leaves all around - all the different types of leaves. It's just interesting<br />to look at.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrER0S7zsMYY2_OwbnjiTzqFISQJNhQC42orqeaONkAEZGIHZV8ZloJvtj5LU6wTlWol4FaakR1mvyea3euq5I0hZuCz712jttDGMwpMcokXyHitqU3Znu1leGq1_IycyAMXaNK8-F4aU/s1600-h/flooded+area.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrER0S7zsMYY2_OwbnjiTzqFISQJNhQC42orqeaONkAEZGIHZV8ZloJvtj5LU6wTlWol4FaakR1mvyea3euq5I0hZuCz712jttDGMwpMcokXyHitqU3Znu1leGq1_IycyAMXaNK8-F4aU/s320/flooded+area.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399346373507490050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This next shot - I took in the spring.<br />This is an area in our woods that floods most<br />years in the spring. I actually had this picture<br />done up into an 8x10. It almost looks like a lake<br />in the woods - but what I really love - is the reflection of the trees - and the sky in the water.<br /><br /><br />I showed this - so that you can see the contrast<br />in this next picture:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RaQNx-l8GQrceMMCxzP_oCK6lzrFONP1gneyMZxs6kKA_8UdmHgJ1J29NGVGMwQg-bRp2fzIm9oqy0Y2tcAB6XVYlnActViCWyKC0u482RdJyQg-356PDikP5gzSv5DsYxJYXznhKXCu/s1600-h/Flooded+area+dried+up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RaQNx-l8GQrceMMCxzP_oCK6lzrFONP1gneyMZxs6kKA_8UdmHgJ1J29NGVGMwQg-bRp2fzIm9oqy0Y2tcAB6XVYlnActViCWyKC0u482RdJyQg-356PDikP5gzSv5DsYxJYXznhKXCu/s320/Flooded+area+dried+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399346467128202802" border="0" /></a><br />This is exactly the same area - taken last week.<br /><br />The water has all dried up - and the area is covered with a thick carpet of leaves. You'd never know it was the same area.<br />What a difference. But still an interesting shot.<br />The long shadows of the trees - the open - but enclosed space. I find it to be a very serene<br />picture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And lastly - my backyard - framed by the trees<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoSnHzFj-VXBraJXOMJiamUrGf3QzFU4_6EtN0nn4gdyWaCwHDekO7ObSdnc3cFT6DeupjqgXsJjWWBsZ4Jo6Z0LGbRPQ-JP08dM7wQCE5oGFB2sYLB5rVQpbDjJo9kJg84ZULdoX7NZ2/s1600-h/flock+from+the+woods.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoSnHzFj-VXBraJXOMJiamUrGf3QzFU4_6EtN0nn4gdyWaCwHDekO7ObSdnc3cFT6DeupjqgXsJjWWBsZ4Jo6Z0LGbRPQ-JP08dM7wQCE5oGFB2sYLB5rVQpbDjJo9kJg84ZULdoX7NZ2/s320/flock+from+the+woods.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399346591461326242" border="0" /></a><br />as I come up from the woods.<br /><br />I love nothing more than to see my lovely little flock of shetlands grazing in the back. The sheep haven't noticed my presence yet - or else they'd all be standing at the gate trying to get into the woods.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have to take a walk out into the woods again tomorrow - I love to document the changes<br />each week as autumn progresses. <br /><br />And - I want to see if there was any wind damage in the storm we had on the weekend.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-1591978382594122462009-10-31T19:38:00.000-07:002009-10-31T20:12:34.932-07:00As My Flock Ages<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrrR6ynr-Z8bvOcH5FOxshjIRKy18OkdLg3lkz7-3HDoi6I7Pd0NRb1l-lfBaB7Za4GeQ_iFvuEHfLRDi3naUcCvW-NoNSdzo9Wu-NaWk3kNmM_JeFcL5XawLuCiLA4zFlBPMTIT9UVJm/s1600-h/Liza.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrrR6ynr-Z8bvOcH5FOxshjIRKy18OkdLg3lkz7-3HDoi6I7Pd0NRb1l-lfBaB7Za4GeQ_iFvuEHfLRDi3naUcCvW-NoNSdzo9Wu-NaWk3kNmM_JeFcL5XawLuCiLA4zFlBPMTIT9UVJm/s320/Liza.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398960265591044514" border="0" /></a><br />It's not really unexpected that this will happen.<br />And it never, ever gets any easier.<br /><br />Earlier this week, we said good-bye to<br />Cherrington Elizabeth - born May 20, 1996.<br />She quietly passed away in her sleep. She had been slowly getting thinner, and this last few weeks - really didn't want to eat. We tried just about everything, but she just wasn't interested.<br /><br />As a consolation - the day before she died - she went outside and spent a glorious afternoon in the autumn sunshine - she was still quite agile - although very arthritic. I was a bit surprised to<br />find her dead the next morning - as I was hoping she was going to rebound for us.<br /><br />At right is a picture of her taken a few year ago (she was terrible for diving head first into the hay).<br /><br />Bess (as she was fondly called) was one of my first<br />three original sheep that I got when I started into shetlands way back in 1996. Her sire was Skerryvore Corby, and her Dam was Cherrington Queen Mary.<br /><br />She was one of those lovely Cherringtons - one of the earliest flocks of Shetlands in Ontario.<br />And true to the Cherrington Black sheep - even at 13 years old - she still didn't have a white hair on her body. Her fleece wasn't quite as soft as her mothers - but it was still quite soft and crimpy. We are certainly going to miss her in our flock.<br /><br />At this time, my next oldest sheep are now Kalwa Taure Beatrice and my last Cherrington - Little Dog- who was born in 2000.<br /><br />Although I've been raising shetlands now for 13 years - it never gets any easier when we have<br />to say good-bye to one of our beloved flock.<br /><br />Hopefully my next post will be a bit more cheerful.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-61226277449482118802009-10-24T19:08:00.000-07:002009-10-24T19:39:17.891-07:00New Babes in the Barn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LY9T2s4p_PNRLVCqCdKpcIl7_TTIi7_rpTt1P-dnQJ_lD5tZ3MoOTUVcWh6JOT_D9005tUoXRTtZUK2t8rTWIeYD_AtbXvxBTapQJvftMjtBreJgAzK_T-yUibFVIWdns0Rh5SIONNy3/s1600-h/Light+Brahmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LY9T2s4p_PNRLVCqCdKpcIl7_TTIi7_rpTt1P-dnQJ_lD5tZ3MoOTUVcWh6JOT_D9005tUoXRTtZUK2t8rTWIeYD_AtbXvxBTapQJvftMjtBreJgAzK_T-yUibFVIWdns0Rh5SIONNy3/s320/Light+Brahmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396354255473825586" border="0" /></a>Technically - they are in quarantine in my studio.<br />However - in a few weeks, they will be moving out to the barn.<br /><br />These babies are my latest Avian aquisitions.<br />For those not in the know - they are LIGHT<br />BRAHMAS.<br /><br />And if you've never had the chance to get up close and personal with one - they are BIG birds.<br /><br />This trio that I picked up today - were born in<br />May of 2009. They are huge! They make my standard size cochins look like bantams. The two hens weighed in around 5 pounds each, and the cockerel was around 9 pounds. Remember - they are only 5 months old - they don't fully mature until they are around 2 years old. Right now - the cockerel stands almost 18 -20" tall - the hens are probably around 16" tall.<br /><br />When I move them from quarantine to regular quarters, I will get some pictures of them with some of the other birds to compare the size.<br /><br />So - why the light brahmas? Well - I'm slowly building up a flock of the different birds that I'm interested in raising. While researching the different types of chickens - I kept coming back over and over to these birds as one of the types I'd like to see wandering my barnyard.<br /><br />I spent quite a bit of time searching for light brahmas, but because they are such a large bird - not a lot of people want to raise them. A few months ago, I posted an ad on Kijiji, and was contacted by - David Stuart- who just happens to specialize in Standard Light Brahmas - and surprise - he only lives about 30 miles away.<br /><br />What a treat it was to go to his farm today and learn about these wonderful birds. He was very patient and informative on how to choose a good quality show bird, what to look for in the feathers and colouring and structure.<br /><br />Then, after much deliberation, I came away with these 3 show quality birds. I haven't named them yet - but that will come.<br /><br />I also have some other new birds in the coop - I will have to get pictures and post them in the next few weeks.<br /><br />Until then - I'll leave you with this picture that I took last weekend out in our woods.<br />It looks like fall is here. I'm sure that winter isn't far behind.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY_Zy2Z1dldDoJn59v5bdgooyL_mAbFJY3_63m5kN8BkH9RlPvfThc2VT9H6k-2RiOK15mDwDKZariD_m_7rVGP77J4_mvBLP1LhNuXOMmYJPhXQVngw820nHlQAx0_eX6Mj-MDotSIlY/s1600-h/Autumn+Main+Trail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY_Zy2Z1dldDoJn59v5bdgooyL_mAbFJY3_63m5kN8BkH9RlPvfThc2VT9H6k-2RiOK15mDwDKZariD_m_7rVGP77J4_mvBLP1LhNuXOMmYJPhXQVngw820nHlQAx0_eX6Mj-MDotSIlY/s320/Autumn+Main+Trail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396354143513014818" border="0" /></a>Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-84451398892156121812009-10-12T16:06:00.000-07:002009-10-12T16:37:57.471-07:00What's New?I know it's been a while. I have been busier than usual - as a matter of fact - too busy.<br />Work has been crazy - and I have had had to work a lot of overtime to keep up.<br /><br />I also have 5 pottery sales coming up in November - so in the evenings, I have spent a great deal of time at the wheel and in the studio. This hasn't left much time for anything else - other than sleeping.<br /><br />The good news - we did have one of our silver laced cochin chicks survive. I moved the last two survivors up to the brooder box - and one of them died - but this little guy is a survivor.<br />I call him/her "Peepers" - just cause when you walk into the garage, he starts peeping at you.<br />(I think it's a rooster - don't ask why - I just think it is).<br />He's looking really scraggly right now as his feathers are coming in.<br /><br />This picture was taken in his brooder box - which he really is getting too tall for - when we walk into the garage - he sticks his head over the top and looks out at us - like an ostrich peering at you over the fence.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIkheXa5PJLcoKsJ1XsW1NV__0y-LPwgyW2NGgIAm4Gebwtob_RswKML70V80pL5qFdg7Nv6zcY17O7iWQ8uZGTs2VwqROyLORHeURyCWFaFptFZ98WV-FLKuE84bYEe0zx5j3T3hTTHg/s1600-h/100_1136.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIkheXa5PJLcoKsJ1XsW1NV__0y-LPwgyW2NGgIAm4Gebwtob_RswKML70V80pL5qFdg7Nv6zcY17O7iWQ8uZGTs2VwqROyLORHeURyCWFaFptFZ98WV-FLKuE84bYEe0zx5j3T3hTTHg/s320/100_1136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391857137941405058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The other bit of good news is that my friend Alina, has managed to hatch out several silver laced cochin chicks in her incubator in July - and, next week, I am going to get 6 chicks from her.<br /><br />So Peepers won't be lonely too much longer.<br /><br /><br />We have some new arrivals in the coop as well.<br />I will have to get pictures soon. But for now -<br />at least this is a start.<br /><br />That's all for now.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-66552990715379980892009-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:002009-09-06T17:57:27.472-07:00And Now for the Sad NewsSo - it's not all exciting and fun in the farm world.<br />In my last post, I was so excited about my new silver laced cochins. 7 beautiful little chicks hatched after waiting so long.<br /><br />Sadly - this past week, we had and outbreak of CRD in our barn/coop - and 6 of my 7 chicks died.<br />Finally, on Thursday, I took the last two and moved them up to the brooder box, where, at this moment, the last chick appears to be recovering. I have been medicating, and it has a heat lamp - no one is allowed into the area for fear of contamination. Chucky is devastated to have lost her entire brood.<br /><br />For those of you who don't know a lot about CRD (chronic respiratory disease) - let me fill you in.<br /><br />It is an insidious "mycoplasma" bacterium that invades the air sacs of the lungs of chickens. In itself - it is not a really bad disease. It is much like the common cold is in humans. However - what it does, is weakens the bird - and secondary infection will often jump in - take over - and the weaker birds will die very quickly.<br /><br />It is Chronic. Meaning - the birds that survive will be carriers - and will continue to infect your flock forever.<br /><br />What can you do? Most vetrinarians recommend either destroying and burning your entire flock, then scouring the coop with disinfectant - wait a month - then you can start over with a new flock - which is reasonable if you have a meat or layer flock.<br />The other option is to live with it (as I am doing because I love my chickens). Try not to stress your birds - treat it when it rears it's ugly head - AND - quarantine any and all new birds arriving at your farm for not One, not TWO - but FOUR!!!!! weeks. <br /><br />I got it on my farm when a friend gave me some lovely little birds last year - which looked healthy - and I stupidly didn't quarantine them long enough. I introduced it to my flock - and it didn't rear it's head for 2-3 months.<br /><br />Why did I lose my chicks? Well -they have NO immunities at birth - and it typically takes 26 weeks for young birds to develop their immunities. I had brought in a new group of birds (which I am quarantining for a month) - and we had a little extreme heat wave here, which probably stressed my flock out and another outbreak occurred. This outbreak is currently running through my flock - and will take about 10 - 12 days to subside. Some birds are completely unaffected. Any new birds in my flock that have never had it before are currently ill. I have lost 2 of my cuckoo marans. Everyone that shows signs of illness goes into a "hospital" cage up in my studio and receives extra care.<br />I have been in contact with a vet and instructed to treat with "tetracycline" based medication.<br />It works. Most birds who show symptoms are clearing up within 2 days of treatment.<br />I am also giving the birds crushed garlic to help build their immunities - most of them love it.<br /><br />So - this isn't meant to scare anyone. It is just a cautionary message to say:<br />Be Aware! Ask questions when buying birds (is this in your flock? have your birds been sick?)<br />And don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get the answers you should, because although it is a nuisance - it can also cause a lot of heartbreak. Up until last year - I had never had a single sick bird in my flock - it just takes one lapse in judgment to change everything.<br /><br />So - now - Off my soapbox.<br />In the next week or so -I will post some pictures of some of the new birds we do have (that are in quarantine).Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-6094362606999599912009-08-17T16:06:00.000-07:002009-08-17T16:33:32.968-07:00New Chicks!!This is very exciting news!<br /><br />Well - if you're into chickens - it's very exciting news.<br /><br />Last night and this morning - Chucky, my standard silver laced cochin hen hatched out 7 of her 10 eggs.<br /><br />I am so excited!!!!!<br /><br />For those of you that have been following.<br />(I'll fill in the blanks here).<br /><br />Standard sized silver laced cochins are not all that plentiful around here yet.<br /><br />Last year, I bought 2 hens from a lady (I shall keep my sources anonymous for selfish reasons).<br />She had imported them from the United States.<br /><br />Unfortunately, and a long story - we had an illness hit our coop - and it killed off a great number of my prized hens - including one of the silver laced cochin hens. I was devastated, because these birds are so hard to find in Canada.<br /><br />So - the search was on for more cochins - no luck. Finally<br />- after several months, my source called to say she had<br /> found a rooster for me. I purchased him<br />(named him Romeo) - and<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i3OyXVcaa9pZBeEYhgivHYhy4pg5g2P7DCMQkjfqtOl8OERqcaAtwlPfZkYYvt8Ue9gLHRDlOTVtjikxQZQe3jm5ScZOjTHhctx0PCdIoIkv62NKW66cDtbWUeJc9qykf2AUuZyuEwVw/s1600-h/Romeo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i3OyXVcaa9pZBeEYhgivHYhy4pg5g2P7DCMQkjfqtOl8OERqcaAtwlPfZkYYvt8Ue9gLHRDlOTVtjikxQZQe3jm5ScZOjTHhctx0PCdIoIkv62NKW66cDtbWUeJc9qykf2AUuZyuEwVw/s320/Romeo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371073565325972514" border="0" /></a> immediately<br />proceeded to let him woo my little Chucky. That's Romeo in the picture.<br /><br />I was concerned - as Romeo sounded a bit raspy last week. What a tragedy if I should lose him as<br />well - then what?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But Chucky didn't let me down!<br /><br /><br /><br />21 days ago (to the day) - Chucky proceeded to set her eggs. Romeo was sent out to the coop to bother the other hens - as I fretted and worried - until last night when I heard the first little peep.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbFclscwsJTSG0Eqa1lMP3nUfk5OS0q6iMLHi8iz8frGzk41uW3iTmmIwE20o74JvhRqTSHc0N4VvFW-pGnbFBcVs8EbPfuKvlSbnvq3OvYmOfROHEMz64n_UhjMH7G4sipp7prZ2msBf/s1600-h/Chuck+and+Chicks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbFclscwsJTSG0Eqa1lMP3nUfk5OS0q6iMLHi8iz8frGzk41uW3iTmmIwE20o74JvhRqTSHc0N4VvFW-pGnbFBcVs8EbPfuKvlSbnvq3OvYmOfROHEMz64n_UhjMH7G4sipp7prZ2msBf/s320/Chuck+and+Chicks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371073331751633474" border="0" /></a><br />And this morning when I did my chores -<br />here's what I found:<br /><br />They are so cute - and Chucky is the best mom.<br /><br />The chicks all seem quite relaxed - when you go<br />near - they pop their heads out to see what is<br />going on. And they aren't in the slightest concerned when you pick them up.<br /><br />This is going to be so much fun. <br /><br />Of course - I have several people wanting<br />chicks in this area (it's going to be very hard to part with any of these little darlings).<br /><br />But I am so happy - and excited - and much less worried now, as I have at least grown my little flock a bit - and hopefully will have some more silver laced cochin hens to keep the line going.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more chicken news in the next few weeks - as I am expecting some more new additions to flock (not chicks) - but some much sought after breeds that I am finally able to get.<br /><br />Until then - try to stay cool in this heat!Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-74129816430568421662009-07-12T06:04:00.000-07:002009-07-12T06:37:57.144-07:00Got the Frizzles?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluzQL8oYKc8g2olXjBRumCd22rhCm4x8tVC-6BbunrRaK017eSZObmulJnNeEh0aQvPBnO7rVab3lPGf9RHZpIcx-W_xT1mp684_EG0xeRFk1lFhMfK8tPakcClXDsKNU-O7xh_D4uWAP/s1600-h/Frizzles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluzQL8oYKc8g2olXjBRumCd22rhCm4x8tVC-6BbunrRaK017eSZObmulJnNeEh0aQvPBnO7rVab3lPGf9RHZpIcx-W_xT1mp684_EG0xeRFk1lFhMfK8tPakcClXDsKNU-O7xh_D4uWAP/s320/Frizzles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357560431382088290" border="0" /></a><br />I said Frizzles - not Frizzies.<br /><br />I have to say that these are possibly the cutest - and funniest looking chickens I have ever had.<br /><br />I brought home 4 bantam cochin Frizzles in May as day old chicks. Now - Frizzle is a gene that causes the feathers to curl.<br /><br />Two of the chicks are definitely displaying the<br />frizzles - two of the chicks are not - but will be carriers. I'm thinking that bot of these are hens - but I'm still not too sure about the white one - it might be a rooster - in any case - it's very shy.<br /><br />I can't wait to play with these chicks - and do some cross breeding onto my other birds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxJEbGqg48fIcvJA4H8hwaDYB1wEUX-w8sOMQEczs8AJF21sFPNiLQFP4VhdwkDe7qRBm7fUykrCyNO-Px9j5kfa7HySo97KQXHQV8N5cAvWvLX7gNqMyGFg5eDDQ-kDvj4yFVsFCdUBe/s1600-h/polish_frizzle_bantam_white.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxJEbGqg48fIcvJA4H8hwaDYB1wEUX-w8sOMQEczs8AJF21sFPNiLQFP4VhdwkDe7qRBm7fUykrCyNO-Px9j5kfa7HySo97KQXHQV8N5cAvWvLX7gNqMyGFg5eDDQ-kDvj4yFVsFCdUBe/s320/polish_frizzle_bantam_white.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357566454329892546" border="0" /></a><br />I might even try something like this guy:<br /><br />He's a polish X frizzle bantam.<br /><br />I'm still not sure whether to laugh or just feel sorry for him.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-81115202534527546162009-06-30T08:07:00.000-07:002009-06-30T08:11:21.809-07:00Last Lamb of 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVem749RwoNdG_H1E6QNYStDO4aDfx7qLqatTYOn10e-qBOQOkJ9NuJDfSQ-11k6P5QWyBk7hy-EDidBH1gXi98XQ5LXK57jfNFA8gCfswahx596AvD8kRFYL-xPZG1444I_jkqagg-B07/s1600-h/Trin's+Lamb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353137824735368562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVem749RwoNdG_H1E6QNYStDO4aDfx7qLqatTYOn10e-qBOQOkJ9NuJDfSQ-11k6P5QWyBk7hy-EDidBH1gXi98XQ5LXK57jfNFA8gCfswahx596AvD8kRFYL-xPZG1444I_jkqagg-B07/s320/Trin's+Lamb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>This morning - the last lamb of 2009 was born at Kalwa Taure Shetlands.</div><br /><div></div><br /><p>I arrived at the barn at 8 am to find this lovely little ewe lamb born to Kalwa Taure Trinity and sired by Cherrington Harry.</p><p>She was already up and feeding - all cleaned up and ready to go.</p><p>Trinity is a first time mom - and very attentive, especially since she was in the ewe pen with 5 other ewes and their lambs.</p><p>So - lambing is done for 2009. Lucky for us, it was a ewe year.</p><p>Totals: 6 lambs - 4 ewes, 2 rams.</p><p>Let the races begin!</p>Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-14972689140559213482009-06-23T08:41:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:12:07.959-07:00A Surprising Turn of EventsWell - we've had a little surprise in the turn of events surrounding Merlin.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Merlin was to have been euthanized late last week, or early this week given the nature of his spinal injury.<br /><br /><br /><br />However - due to circumstances - we held off for a few days.<br /><br /><br /><br />Yesterday - my good friend Cate - who works at OVC, contacted me to say that another option had been presented to medically manage Merlins symptoms, which we have decided to try.<br /><br /><br /><br />So - as of yesterday afternoon, Merlin went home to Earendal Farm with Cate and Al, where, she informs me he is resting comfortably this morning and is bright and alert.<br /><br /><br /><br />We know that of course - this is only management of his condition, and that we can't prolong the inevitable forever - however, we are hoping that in this non aggressive environment, he may be able to rest and regain enough strength to possibly enjoy his time here a little bit longer. And, we are hoping to possibly (this is a huge hope) have him sire some more lambs for us before the<br />inevitable happens. He is just such a beautiful ram to lose his genetics.<br /><br /><br /><br />So - fingers are crossed - and let's hope for the best. Good luck Cate, Al - and Merlin.Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-79314042636160956592009-06-19T20:51:00.000-07:002009-06-19T21:18:45.628-07:00New LifeI want to thank everyone who offered kind thoughts over the loss of our Merlin.<br /><br />He was such a grand gentleman, and we will miss him terribly.<br /><br />Although this week has been very sad for us with the loss of Merlin - we have also had some great happiness as well:<br /><br /><br />First on the list is this little cutie. A little ewe lamb was born to Kalwa Taure Jillian and Cherrington Harry. Both Jillian and Harry are gray - our little ewe lamb (as yet nameless - will<br />also be grey - like her mom). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUEKJQ4cQMDIsMPij0dPIHZbOBbF80uH-3BS8XGuLI4noLPDwMcV9CXLMx0YuMa3-i-md5YmLN-3TViQETrXxpzgxYSAX5sh4lrmUB-8q5cLNlRKOrTxc8j4vH4HrTav6ElmHJSRCtvov/s1600-h/Jills+lamb+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUEKJQ4cQMDIsMPij0dPIHZbOBbF80uH-3BS8XGuLI4noLPDwMcV9CXLMx0YuMa3-i-md5YmLN-3TViQETrXxpzgxYSAX5sh4lrmUB-8q5cLNlRKOrTxc8j4vH4HrTav6ElmHJSRCtvov/s320/Jills+lamb+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349252988912803522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We have one more sheep to lamb - at least we think she's pregnant (she may just be fat). We aren't so sure as she was put in with Merlin, and now, given his condition, we are quite understanding that she may not be pregnant.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Another source of great joy this week has been:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o3L1DCmyiTbJJbo4MmnB_gxwraHwC5Rr9MWsvdDUGrnQlnmChaTohuue0gec_GLHcTyZtmksLJKJB5SkCAH7xVaipKFl2_YXS69mqC98hTRKXjbNXN03_C6V2s8o9gDnWTgioN9FqQuR/s1600-h/Romeo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o3L1DCmyiTbJJbo4MmnB_gxwraHwC5Rr9MWsvdDUGrnQlnmChaTohuue0gec_GLHcTyZtmksLJKJB5SkCAH7xVaipKFl2_YXS69mqC98hTRKXjbNXN03_C6V2s8o9gDnWTgioN9FqQuR/s320/Romeo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349254665668176274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> ROMEO!<br /><br /><br />I think I'm in love :-)<br /><br /><br />I have spent many months searching for a<br />silver laced cochin rooster to go with Chucky -<br />and last week - an aquaintance of mine e-mailed to say she had found me a rooster - and only a half hour away.<br /><br /><br />Romeo weighs in somewhere around 10 - 12 pounds - he's a BIG boy! Currently, he's in quarantine - and we all stand around and ogle him in the evenings. The silver laced pattern in cochins is still fairly rare - around here at least. I am just over the moon with this guy.<br /><br /><br />And - then we had a little miracle here on Wednesday night - the same night I brought Romeo home. As I was bringing him into the barn - I noticed a lifeless baby (just born) chick laying on the concrete just inside the barn door.<br /><br />Obviously - a bantam Old English Game Hen of mine that had nested in the hay loft - had lost one of her eggs - and when the chick hatched - it fell down along the wall - and onto the concrete floor below - poor thing. Momma hen wanted nothing to do with this chick - she already had 10 others. So - my darling Chucky was sitting on an empty nest - I slipped the chick underneath her (figuring it would die).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ICaDP-3YrvLhzwq2re0JiMSxbd4BdWmTfmuHjdtFlgWfDhar1yCGj02WJW-z0ucA6lhmvQp_QtaTMQZdjnhUsDxcnBb_-a2c92o3NIVJUc42-ZTfc4uzUIOxCNjVtP8yPN7KhAkDbw_L/s1600-h/Chucky+%26+Chick.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ICaDP-3YrvLhzwq2re0JiMSxbd4BdWmTfmuHjdtFlgWfDhar1yCGj02WJW-z0ucA6lhmvQp_QtaTMQZdjnhUsDxcnBb_-a2c92o3NIVJUc42-ZTfc4uzUIOxCNjVtP8yPN7KhAkDbw_L/s320/Chucky+%26+Chick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349254752068454290" border="0" /></a><br />There is a higher power out there - a few hours<br />later the chick was peeping away underneath her new mommy.<br /><br />Chucky is Ecstatic with her new baby - just look at that size difference! (Click on the picture to make it larger). I was going to take it away from her and put it into the brooder - but I don't have<br />the heart. Romeo - you will have to wait until<br />Chucky is done raising her "brood"<br /><br />All together now: AWWWWW!!!!Tammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8091197546868544071.post-55779862635031338282009-06-16T16:41:00.000-07:002009-06-23T09:14:40.807-07:00A Grand Old GentlemanWell - this seems to be a year of losses - and sadness.<br /><br />Unfortunately - this Friday, we will be euthanizing one of the best rams that I have ever had - or seen.<br /><br />Cherrington Merlin: 2001 - ??? (see post dated June 23rd).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyHNrMm6j_SPOP7JtQh1iPz_BDiGjOtjTnulolnlXja09-ajZDBD43PoovThUQ0q47XptQtU5c8RLYtwY6mX4aXz3WxRvw8QMJv2A-JA0hBp-f01RmQIaI4RFb2XwkSbu5Mjum3dlr2Cv/s1600-h/Merlin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348075501429111154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyHNrMm6j_SPOP7JtQh1iPz_BDiGjOtjTnulolnlXja09-ajZDBD43PoovThUQ0q47XptQtU5c8RLYtwY6mX4aXz3WxRvw8QMJv2A-JA0hBp-f01RmQIaI4RFb2XwkSbu5Mjum3dlr2Cv/s320/Merlin.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sadly - Merlin has suffered a spinal cord injury that has left him very weak, and it has been decided that the most humane treatment will be to euthanize him.<br /><br />I suspected problems earlier this year, when I noticed that he was losing weight - and staying away from the other rams. After shearing in early May, we noticed that his condition had deteriorated - and he was holding up one leg and curling the toes (not a good sign).<br />This past weekend, we transferred Merlin to the Ontario Vetrinary Clinic at the University of Guelph, so that he could receive the very best care possible from the top veterinarians in<br />Ontario. My very Good Friend Cate works at OVC, and has been a super help - both with setting up the arrangements - and explaining all of the tests and results to me.<br /><br />Sadly - the diagnosis that came in today was that there was damage to the spinal cord (most likely from "Ram Play") - and that it would be most humane to euthanize him - as he was only going to lose complete mobility in his hind end.<br /><br />So - sadly, this Friday, we will be euthanizing Merlin.<br />To his credit - he had a most wonderful Blue Gray fleece - a gentle demeanor - and gorgeous horns. He also gave us some wonderful lambs - for which we will be forever grateful.<br /><br />Good-bye to a Grand old GentlemanTammy W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10931554158709322638noreply@blogger.com8