looking through a different light

The sun was out today, and sunshine always seems to bring out the best in all of us. I am no different. The funny thing is, I usually wait for the sun to come out before I make plans, however this morning I woke up determined to go out for breakfast, and had already decided I was going to take a drive through the countryside. It just so happened that as I was driving and making my way to my favorite breakfast spot, the sun began to shine. And shine it did.

It's still bitterly cold, don't get me wrong. The kind of cold where any exposed skin instantly begins to burn and not in the warm, beach kind of burn, but rather the lose your fingers, frostbite kind of burn. The weather had me rather confused actually. I wanted to get out and go skiing or get outdoors to take advantage of the sunny day, but then simply getting out of the car quickly leads to a deep rooted freeze that makes me appreciate the highest level "4" on the truck's heater.

When I drive it gives me time to think. I reflected on my excitement that its the last full week in January, I realized that much soon into the drive. With that however the sheep are going to start requiring more of my attention and time as we close in on the Ewe's final trimester of pregnancy.  The other day as I meandered up the driveway, passing the barn as I have a thousand times before, I followed my usual routine of honking the horn and stopping to have a look see at the sheep out chewing their cud. The wind may have been just right in that the sheep hadn't heard me drive up and when I honked the horn I startled quite a few of them who then quickly scattered, running in any random direction.  The flock quickly settled after realizing it was simply me that had startled them. Funny thing was, George was eating at the time and had decided to run straight ahead of him, as in going through the hay feeder. George ran himself halfway into the feeder and then began flailing trying to squeeze himself through the wood slats that hold the hay bales. This is only funny because its George, the young doopey ram lamb who is learning as he goes. If it were a pregant ewe I would have been jumping the fence to save her; double standard I suppose. George wiggled his way through, into the center of the feeder, only to then have to make it back out the other side. He isnt the tiny ram lamb he used to be, regardless of the fact his brain still thinks like one. A little shimmy and Im sure some sucking it in, George was back out in no time.  While sheep can have their annoying habits, I am thankful that their habits are just that, "annoying."  During my drive this morning, I came across a farm with these critters. One look at those horns and simply the size of these animals, and again, I'm glad I have sheep.

Grateful for the sunshine, grateful for the weekend, and I'd be happy to be grateful for a snow day if one happens to be in my near future.  Though I must say I'm quickly losing hope in getting one this season.

Winter.... you again.

Dang its cold.  Between lake effect, system snow and wind, I feel like Ive been shoveling every hour on the hour.  The driveway had to be blown out as many times in the last 48 hours as the rest of winter so far.  January is truckin along though, its nice to say we are past the halfway point now.  I have to say January gives me the hardest time mentally.  And now that its downhill from here, we roll into February which is the shortest month of the year, and on into March with lambing season! Before you know it, spring pastures bounce back, sheep are out of the barn, the kids go away to college and I'm 80 years old. ...

Maybe January isn't so bad.

Getting home is something though, the driveway takes its victims.  In the past, moats were built as security to keep away the rif raff, here at Windy Knob, we just have the driveway.  In the wintertime, the steep driveway claims most cars especially any front wheel drives, mini vans or others.  Even 4x4 only has windows of opportunity to make it up.  When it comes time to plow, its a 6 foot blower on the back of the tractor to chuck snow off the driveway.  Problem is the wind usually brings it right back at the driver, so you have to choose your angles and paths wisely.  Needless to say, its not one of my favorite farm chores.  When you finally finish about an hour later, your cold, numb and can't wait to ditch the cold wet clothes. 

Another side effect of winter is a crazy half cat, half capuchin monkey that decides to practice his parkour through out the house.  Of course dogs spend less time outdoors this time of year too, but they are older and pretty settled down at this point in their life.  However, Noah, the one and a half year old spawn of satan cat is anything but settled.  You can't help but laugh when he sparks into the arch back, fur standing up, ears split out to the side mode as he takes off after his next victim.  Usually its a toy of his, sometimes its up onto a chair or around a corner, but every now and again its a tail or a paw of a 160 pound Great Dane.  The energy that he used to spend chasing mice and farm animals is now erupting from within, so much in fact that if he catches himself too close to the doorwall when I'm letting dogs out, something (my foot) somehow accidentally (totally on purpose) coerces (pushes) him outside.  You see little cat paws around the deck, but within 5 minutes he is back in, for what appears to be yet another cat nap.

Best when unexpected.

 Yes. Somehow I have become that person that dresses their dog up.  It started when I visited my parents over Christmas.  They have a rough and tough winter dog, in addition to a thin skinned, short fur coat huntin dog.  My mom had purchased a jacket for the dog, and puts it on the poor dog every time she takes it outside.  "Because she comes in shivering from outside" Mom says, that and "she likes it."   Then there is my dog Milos, and the other day after having visited the rents, I could hear his teeth chattering after coming back inside, he had done this before too.  So I started with wrapping him up in my blanket, he didn't resist. Clearly it didn't stop there; and he didn't seem to mind.  God help me.  I'm THAT dog person now.

Lots of snow lately.  It just keeps coming and coming, it really makes Windy Knob a winter wonderland .  I love that I look out the back window and see the pastures and barn, and sure I long for the spring time green grass and warmer temperatures, but its nice to get out and snowshoe or ski on a sunny winter day.  The views are truly amazing and a blessing. 

The coolest thing happened to me the other day.  I received a gift.  No, stay with me, I know it was just Christmas and all, and sure it was technically a Christmas gift, but there is so much more to the story.  Of course Windy Knob has been selling yarn and fleeces and what not, and some of the customers are co-workers of mine.  Well, sure enough a woman in my office had purchase a couple of skeins of wool, one Mary Jo and one of Ella's.  Several weeks had past since she recieved them, and on the day before we all left for Christmas vacation, this co-worker of mine came up to me and wrapped this scarf around my neck and told me it was my present.

I'll try my best to describe that instant and the thoughts that went through my head.  My momma raised me right, please and thank you- yes sir, no maam; to be kind to others and to return favors.  But I'll admit, I'm a lot more likely to return a favor than I am to start one- know what I mean?  I instantly felt awkward with the pure joy. Why? Why would this woman do this I thought?  It's expected to get gifts from parents and siblings, spouses of course, and even good friends.  But just a co-worker? Why would she do something as nice as this.  Its not like she merely held the door open, or brought it cookies or something.  She spent a lot of time to create something amazing, and then just to give it away.  I flat out asked her.  Why? Surely she could tell my social awkwardness was kicking in, "why would you do this for me?"  Her reply was because she knew, she knew I would appreciate having something made from my own wool.

I just about teared up.  All I could do was offer a hug. To just do something like that, for no reason, was amazing.    It struck a chord in me, and challenged me to think about others more.  Not just the ones Im supposed to think about and do stuff for, but all people.  The scarf you guys is amazing.  The quality, the style, the soft feel of the wool around your neck on a cold winter's day.  Because she thought of me. Thats all, just cause.

Soon after the last day, I went to a bookstore searching for last minute gifts for family, I came across a new release of a book about a particular historical painter.  Instantly, I had thought of an aquaintance whom had a poster of said artist on his wall.  While I had every intention to express my gratitude to Ms. Scarf Knitter, I saw this as my chance to learn from her as well, and to pay it forward  (enter cheesy movie title echo here).  But seriously, it felt good to know that someone else would be surprised and they too could pass it on.  I can't take credit for it, I merely sustained it. So for what its worth.  The holidays are over, but there are still warm stories, and golden opportunities all around us.  Cheers.

My new Mary Jo and Ella wool scarf.  More special then one would think.

Waking up in the new year.

I'm not that old, really.  But you'd never guess it sometimes- particularly when the last thing I remember about New Year's Eve last night, was watching the football game and seeing that it was still only 10:15.   I dont think I even finished the thought of how am I going to stay up till... zzzzz.

But you wake up just the same as everyone that partied hard.  And you know what? It's still the new year just the same.  So Happy New Year to everyone.  I even hope to finish this post by 1:11.  1-1-11 at 1:11.  That and lose 15 pounds.  Like everyone else I suppose.

I also realize that this means Christmas break is about over.  I am lucky enough to get 7 days off at the holiday.  A nice break from students, and people in general.  Its tough being social and interacting with people all day long.  Usually I come home from work and am greeted by the three who run the house.  Milos, Ronin and the cat Noah.  They all run through the house and stop at the stairs waiting to greet me and get petted and stuff. 

However, I just got back from working with Gunnar, my horse who boards at the neighbors farm. I got home, come to the top of the stairs- still not a peep at this point from the animals, and I call for them.  Nothing.  I'm getting worried at this point. A) where are they and B) what have they gotten into that they wont even come and greet me.  But I soon realized that this is what happens when I'm home all day on vacation.  They dont care, they hear the door open and its like eh, I just saw you like an hour ago.  I realized this of course, when I got through the rest of the house and saw Ronin conked out on the floor sleeping, Milos in his usual spot- on the couch, and even Noah was passed out on the bed.  Gee thanks guys, good to see you too.

The weather has been crazy lately, warm, fog, snow melt.  I walked over to see Gunnar, and I noticed evern the Cherry Trees have received their spring triming-albeit a little early.  Not a bad idea to get it done a little early and out of the way.  Anyway, I went over to work with him on lunging and on a lead line.  Spent some time cleaning stalls, brining down hay and what not. 

 I got the halter on Gunnar and he instantly becomes aware that a training session is about to occur, which we have only had one other one in the last two months because of the weather of course.  So he was a bit of a brat and definitely a little rusty.  He wants to run away and be free of course.  Until I let him off lead, done with the lesson and begin working on the stalls.  Then he wants to hang out and stand right in the spots I'm trying to work in.  Animals are funny.  A bit weird even.  But  still are alot easier than humans.

The sheep are still fat and happy. Good thing they are only half way through pregnancy.  The warm weather brings a familiarity that only March knows.  And if they were a little further along Id be watching for some early lambs.   Nope.  Instead its just a big muddy mess out there.  I talk about the girls a lot lately, females of course get priority, but George is coming along nicely.  George is our registered Corriedale out of Johnny and Vera Lyn.  George is the dream Corriedale with his black nose and toes, clean pointed ears that stand strong and a great body size.  He was the ram I wasn't in need of, but just so darn good I had to keep him.  He was bred to three ewes this year, and now that he is 9 months old, Im getting a better idea of his size.  He is a good ram I tell you, Im looking forward to seeing his lambs in March.



George on the left, with Johnny in the background