1/30/2009

January con\’t

Well, as it turned out, I brought four Bluefaced Leicester ewes home. Two are bred and ready to lamb any day in fact. There was a ram available, but I decided not to take him since I have five at the moment. The bred ewes were bred with a very suitable ram line and if I get a ram lamb out of this lambing, I will keep one for using on at least two of the BFL ewes. They are very well mannered sheep since they were shown on the fair circuit last year. They halter well and are easy to approach, though they are very strong and if they feel threatened put up a pretty good fight. I experienced that this morning when I put the two BFL yearling ewes in with the rest of the ewe flock. Somewhat to my surprise "Luna" has taken the lead ewe position, from her mother "Blossom". Afterall, Blossom will be retired after this lambing and perhaps we ALL know this fact and are giving way to the next head mistress. I think the transition will be swift though, because Glory and Liberty are large enough and eager enough to get into the hay feeder to find food. Next on the docket is to travel down to Pennsylvania to pick up three Leicester Longwool ewe lambs. They have been exposed to a ram and may be bred.  On a side, my customers are AWESOME ! I just love all the unique requests I get, from handspinning Leicester Longwool for a special tapestry for the International Year of Natural Fibers, to wool for a movie set, to washed wools for an art installation and wool for stuffing beautiful handmade stuffed animals. I’m happy to be keeping busy and working with such creative people.