The calendar may say autumn but we’ve yet to have a frost. It’s a good thing because even though I’m assured of autumn coming this year, I’m still not prepared. It’s been a hectic time and compounded by a nagging sinus infection and/or allergies. I’ve never had allergies and am still not quite sure if I’ve got them now. Folks who do have allergies, assure me I’ve got all the right symptoms but I rail against the idea. Being sick is *such* a waste of time and I suppose I bring it on myself by doing too much, not resting enough nor eating correctly. But, gosh, if I’d known I was going to get sick, I would have had more fun getting to this point!
Leslie Shelor – www.greenberry.blogspot.com
We stayed with my long time friend Mary Lois and had, almost, too much fun. Mary Lois and I have a wonderful shared history and I always, always enjoy sharing her company with like-minded friends. She’s also the new, proud owner of a small acreage farm in Charlotte County, VA. I’m hoping she joins the Virginias’ Women in Agriculture group at www.virginiaswomeninagriculture@yahoogroups.com
Diana Blackburn – www.roundthemountain.com
Some folks who are in the Lost Arts Guild: Charlie Butcher – luthier (musical instrument maker), Bud Thompson – ironworks (courtn’ candles, Celtic crosses, etc.), Brenda Hash – fillet crochet (Lord’s Prayer, etc.), Ica Smith – old timey dolls, Leslie Shelor – fiber arts and works, Lura Cormier – fiber arts and works, Richard Vogel – woodworks (wooden hay rakes, benches, etc.), Joey Thompson – leather roping saddles & tack and Sandra (me) fiber arts and works. All these artisans are represented, here, at The Blue Ewe, the farm store at Thistle Cove Farm.
We’ve had blessed rain here at Thistle Cove Farm and are most exceedingly grateful. The dust has been tamped down, the pastures are greening a last time before autumn sets in and I’m busy readying the farm for winter. Windows need to be sealed, barns need to be repaired, equipment needs to have a last oil change, etc. and shelter prepared for all the animals. Even though the Curly horses and sheep don’t need locking in a barn stall (and indeed will do poorly if kept sequestered there) they all need run-in shelter. They all need a bit of shelter from the wind for it’s the wind that causes the most damage. The wind will strip all warmth and do severe damage, especially when paired with rain, icy rain or sleet. Everyone needs to have a space they can seek protection from the wind and the elements. I try to have two separate spaces for the largest group so they can split up. If I don’t the more aggressive/assertive mares will push the lesser mares out into the weather. Even with curly coats and an extra layer of fat they may still get cold and that’s a bad thing. I’ve already begun setting out round hay bales to start them into winter with some flesh on their bones. In addition to being hypoallergic, Curly horses are also easy keepers and it’s walking a tight rope to see they get just enough, and not too much, food. Too much food is just as bad as too little.
Another friend, Dotsie B., is the brain behind the National Association of Baby Boomer Women – www.nabbw.com
The Queen of humor is found at www.queenjawjaw.com
This seems to be a day for information dispersal so I might as well admit, I’m now a “smurf”. I had some two-ply, worsted weight white wool yarn at the festival and, for my own and the crowd’s amusement, I dyed it Kool Aid Berry Blast Blue. Today, I decided it needed to be a deeper blue so I dumped in some more Berry Blast Blue. Folks, it pays to have one’s mind on the business at hand. I casually stirred the whole “mess” with my right hand as opposed to using my dedicated dyeing wooden spoon. Yep, my right hand now looks like either the paw of a “smurf” or someone who’s laid out in a pine box. Let’s face it, neither is appealing.
Ah, but laughter at oneself is a gift given by God and He allows me many, many opportunities to freely avail myself of His generosity. You have the same opportunity; here’s hoping you make frequent use of it.
Walter Jeffries says
The late first frosts have been wonderful these last three years. It has given us about two months extra growing season. I feel like I’m never ready for winter, for the end of my garden season, for the end of construction projects outdoors. Perhaps this is the upside, the silver lining of global warming. 🙂