Dog Days

August is breezing by.

Whoever named them the "dog days"of summer were so accurate.

This chicka is keeping cool at her great aunts pool as often as possible.

She looks so sad don't you think?

I finally finished the first sock after using another patterns toe instructions.

The original pattern (Chili Pepper) made no sense no matter how many times I attempted it.

I also made the cuff inside out.

By the time I realized it I decided ,what the heck it will still be worn.

I immediately cast on the second sock.

I knit so slowly or infrequently I should say.

At least I always finish the second sock.

My Dad had a mini stroke, a TIA I believe they call them.

This was the wall outside his room.

He's back home as there is not much they can do for him.

They will keep happening until the big one that takes him.

He's ready and I agree it's no life to exist waiting for the end.

I will and already do miss him.

We had a sib supper at R and S2's home Sunday evening.

Me and my three, their spouses/significate others and Miss A as well as a close family couple

and S2's cousin and family.

We all brought things to share and a good time was had by all.

Too busy having fun to take photos.

No pictures other than this one of R and Miss A.

They were copying each other and watching TV as the night ended.

More mowing and weed pulling as fall approaches.

The excessive rains we have had has made a mess of my gardens and yard.

The livestock fences are covered and shorting out because of the weeds.

I am slow and steady working on it.

With only sheep and a horse left on the property no-one gets out unless a gate is left open.

I'll catch up in time for the snow (please, please, please).

Hardworking Man

Despite the torrent of rain that filled the cleared  parking area my Son Z just kept going.

    Once he starts he’s the energizer bunny.

He’s a beast at projects. 

He always keeps going. 

    Of course it helps that he gets to play with                      “Tonka Toys” through the projects.

Sup...

Still  catching up from State Fair.

Took 3x the gas and time to start to tame the grass.

Still have to spray weeds that are over my head in some places.
We had 14" in the first 5 days of our 10 day fair.
I forgot to ask about the total after.
I left home with crunchy brown and came home to a jungle.

Meet Mike.

He comes when called.

He's huge also.

He is a White Lincoln Longwool I purchased in Indiana from a man in a parking lot.

Sound fishy?

Nah, it was someone who knew someone who knew someone etc, etc.

He is from the same farm/ranch as the late spring lamb we purchased at a spring auction.

Not related but same place and flock.

His mama was black or natural colored so genetically he could throw some nice color.

Today he met "the ladies" Trix and Pebbles.

Here's hoping for quick service and healthy babies early on in 2019.

This happened on the way home from fair at 2:00 am.

S said he never felt or saw a thing.

With dual wheels and light weight on board he may not have.

Good thing fair is so close to home.

Some longer sheep shows are looming so hopefully this is only issue with the trailer.

Anyone wanna come weed or build fence???

Anyone???

Delaware State Fair

I’m home for the day from our fair so quick update.

LN showed her Lincoln Longwools, Border Leicesters and market lambs. 

R and S2 showed there breed barrows.

Z and R2 showed their boer goat.

All and all a good start to the fair which continues until Saturday night.

AAJS trip

Last Tuesday LN  and I and B (a friend) went to the

All American Junior Show with LN's sheep.

There were thousands of sheep entered.

It was in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We live in Delaware.

Hmmm thats about 11-12 hours.

GPS said 10 and a few min but never takes in to account bathroom breaks

 or stretching legs breaks or food stops.

All very important things.

Much prepping was done.

This white lamb was just purchased and didn't have much stand experience.

Lincolns were in full force.

Border Leicesters as well.

Pink was a guest on the trip.

LN tries to make her love LN but Pink picks and chooses her affection giving times.

Eventually she jumped on LN's lap to snooze.

Kids these days and their social media, Geeze !!!!

LOL after showing there's too much down time.

All and all the trip went well.

The sheep showed well also.

A 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th at a national show is not bad.

Always gaining and improving is our plan.

Now time to get ready for our state fair next weekend and following week.

Came home and was in LN's market lamb pen and the dog bit her ewe lamb on the nose causing a severe cut and a lot of blood.

His days are numbered after this.

The lamb is healing and should be able to show at fair.

Much angst and blood but should recover.

Thats the 3rd or 4th severe issue this season and I'm sick of it.

Time for changes.

Came home to lil turkey.

No she isn't picking her nose.

She is scratching the skin under her nose.

She was recovering from a bad cold and her skin was raw.

She lost a lot of weigh during cold so she was catching up that morning with Grandma.

Better late than ever...

Mowed the field today about a month late but it is done till august.

The mature sheep will be able to graze this in the fall.

It will save on feed costs and my sunburned body.

I chugged water like it was nectar from the gods during mowing.

I also tucked a towel over my legs to prevent more of a sunburn to them.

My kiddos spoiled me for my birthday awhile back.

A certificate to take the grey away if ya know my meaning.

A double layer scarf/cowl from my favorite book/movie Pride and Prejudice and some socks with  both having quotes from the book.

The expected Gamma picture of Miss A taming the wild jungle cats.

It's a challenge to keep her from torturing them each minute of the day.

Maybe ...

Without any provocation this morning my daughter called to tell me a story that she thought I’d appreciate.

I did.

Preface this with : she’s NOT a morning person and I left her a text with instructions for morning chores (when I went to babysit granddaughter for morning) before she goes to the beach to relax on her day off with a friend.

I think maybe I did a good job with my kids.

They all randomly and regularly talk to me.

I smile each time.

It’s a great feeling each time. 

I like them and think just maybe they like Madre too.

It’s the small things like this that make life worthwhile.

Chicka update....

Really do not have motivation to blog or write in sentences, lol

This chicka comes home from camp today.

It's been a long week and I miss conversing with her.

This chicka slaves away for Gamma (as she pronounces Grandma) 

without complaining about chores.

Course the vacuum is top heavy so she never actually stays level with floors therefore she doesn't suck up dirt but who cares.

This chicka lost part of her upper nose and no idea how.

I could show more gruesome pics but won't gross ya out.

She's eating and drinking normally so I'm leaving her be to see what happens.

It's a science experiment and learning chance I guess.

This chicka can not be seen cause she tore her way out of the crate at my son's house.

She has severe separation anxiety which is a nice way to say...

She's a bitch!

Well thats all for today.

Weekend is almost here

Picked this cutie up for the weekend.

Her "Mama" is at her daughter's wedding.

She cried for first hour before flopping on sheet couch for shuteye.

I need to cover the furniture.

She is shedding like crazy.

Some stress, some time of year.

I sent this to my younguns a few days ago.

Absolute silence came back my way.

Hmmm...

Is that guilt or admission of....

Off to sheep tend.
Tomorrow working at accountants job.
Sunday going to fetch another lamb for LN.

Ghosts?

What is it?

A game of hide and seek?

Ghosts?

Nah, just R trying to put a duvet cover on.

She crawled inside the opening to tie the corners on.

Suits her generation and aesthetic but I prefer quilts.

Poor Pink, we dressed her in a halloween costume after moving her owners Mom in SC.

She was not pleased.

 

Finally me and my bestie at the bar!

Z's new house has carpet in living room so no more eating and drinking there.

Not a bad idea to only eat in kitchen area anyhow.

Miss A is learning the new rules and seems happy to comply as long as I sit with her.

Barstools are fun!

Tomorrow R, R2 and Miss A and I are off to IKEA.

With R and Z both moving to new houses within same month they want small things.

It's fun to see them try new things out.

I am along for my truck bed and moral support.

I may look at some things though...

Wednesday off to western PA to pick up another ewe lamb.

This time its a White Lincoln spring lamb.

Variety is good.

Long drives are becoming the norm.

In early July a 12 hour drive to Indianapolis, Indiana to All American Junior Sheep Show.

Then off to our state fair at end of month.

I need a vacation.

Hmmm... 

No garden yet because of nonstop rain.

I am still going to try to get one in if rain stops for 24 hrs.

I an waterlogged.