Sheepish

It's been a busy couple of days. Yesterday I had to run get some hay from Brigget. She went up into the loft and found this rather odd sort of thing. It was hard, roundish and split in half. Looked like the inside of a honey comb. I'd seen it up there last week, but had left it behind as it was kinda...I dunno...creepy.

Anyway, there sat Brigget up there in the doorway showing me this thing, pointing out that she thought there were spider legs coming out of it. And if anything is creepy beyond all creepiness, it's spiders. Their legs coming out of some sort of unknown object just makes them all the more creepy. She asked if I'd like it, no doubt thinking I'd take pictures for the blog.

"No, thank you," was my reply. Somethings are just too creepy even for me, I told her. She gave me a puzzled look. "You brought home the head of a dead horse in your trunk, and you don't think that's just a little bit creepy?" Okay, she had me there.

Anyway, most of Brigget's ewes have lambed now. Take a look at these adorable Icelandic babies!

Three weeks old, and look at those horn buds!

These are Sunday's babies; remember the caption contest with the kissing ewe and lamb?

Astrid lambed last week; her boy has lovely silver flecks, and check out those horns already!

Lovely spotted ram lamb. His mamma has a name I can barely pronounce, let alone spell. It means Pancake, so that's what I call her.

This morning I got up and was amazed at how many people had already visited this blog. Blown away, really. I get all sucked up by the statistics and comments. It's like my little cyberspace living room, and you all are my visitors throughout the day. And it amazes me how many of you pop in to see my decorating!

So here I sat, utterly enthralled, when I ought to have looked out the window. Why? Licorice was giving birth! By the time I finally yawned, stretched, and dawned my rubber boots, she'd licked the boy clean and he'd had his first visit to the milk bar. Like last year's lamb, and the lambs before that, he's a curly little black baby. His papa was an icelandic, and I'm hoping someone who'd like a pet wether will come along. He's bound to have a beautiful fleece with his genetics.

Still wet, and with a dangly umbelical cord.

Of course, I can't let you go without an updated pic of Ohren and Baron!

Ohren's ears are still just a little tippy!

Don't forget, tomorrow is Winsday and there'll be a new contest!

Meanwhile...

Back on the Farm...

I like chickens. They're fun to watch. They hunt and peck for bugs in the dirt, and scratch about in my garden creating a nice growing environment. They get down right silly about taking dust baths. But mostly I like them because they make me feel smart. Feeling smarter than a chicken may not be enough for some folks, but I'm quite content with it. While I like baths, I prefer mine in water with bubbles. And while an occasional bug may tickle my fancy, I much prefer owl barf, don't you?

River Glen Chickens

Early on in my blog, I posted about my chickens. They're not an official breed, but come from a closed flock that a friend has. She started with a few bantams, an Aracauna (they type that lays the blue eggs) and a Phoenix (long tailed.) She now has an eclectic little flock of small chickens in various colors. The 'blue', which really range from a smoke to black, tend to lay blue eggs. I took on some of her chickens last fall in hopes of further developing the blue chickens who lay blue eggs.

I must admit to not being a very diligent breeder. If I were, I'd have three or four pens of chickens, and I'd be rotating my two blue roos among my blue hens and tracking what the offspring looked like and what they layed. Instead, I've got all my chickens together, blue and pied, hens and roosters. A week before leaving on vacation, I collected all the blue eggs and placed them in the incubator. Since I've not got an automatic turner, the hatch rate will likely be low. But who knows? They're due to hatch on the 28th of this month.

Styrofoam incubator (without an automatic turner, sniff, whine.)

I've had a couple of inquiries regarding shipping hatching eggs or chicks. I hesitate to ship eggs, as I've had poor luck with purchasing eggs from other people and would hate to have that happen to one of you. I am, however, looking into shipping chicks. So if you're interested in raising some River Glen Blues, just let me know!

Upon returning from vacation I had an email from Margery saying another one of her ewes had lambed. This time it was a ram and a ewe. Part of our breeding contract was that I'd get a ewe lamb from her, and now I've got three to choose from. She's got one more ewe that may lamb this summer, but Darling and I already know which lamb we'd like. She looks like a little cow! Isn't she just the most adorable thing?

Baa Moo Ewe?

As for Darling's new critter...well...

This weekend was the youth fair, an event put on here in Whatcom County each spring. It's a short, sweet, two day event with tons of classes that the kids can choose from. They pretty much get submerged with tons of information regarding a project; anything from livestock (Darling did sheep her first couple of years) to clowning to chess. This year Darling took photography and stole my camera for the weekend. I felt naked!

The youth fair also has a live auction, and at that auction are things like pies (which sell for $100 each) and pigs. Can you guess which one we came home with? I swear, this is the world's ugliest pig! And you know the term 'squeal like a pig'? I can assure you that unless you've picked up a squealing pig, you have no clue what it means. None what so ever. I had pigs growing up, and until I picked up this pig to carry it out to the truck, I had no clue what a squealing pig sounded like.

This pig, which shall remain nameless (because we haven't come up with a good one yet), could be heard three counties away. I know, because we got calls about a potential murder at the fair grounds. People were calling 911 in Canada. You'd have thought I was skinning her alive for all the noise she made. Twelve hours later, and I'm only just now getting my hearing back.

One ugly pig. No spider is going to help this girl out!

Once home, it was time to unload The Screamer. City Boy hadn't been there when Darling and I picked her up the first time. Darling was hiding, all huddled with fingers in her ears, on the other side of the pick up. She was still suffering from Squeal Shock, which is similar to shell shock, only worse. CB couldn't figure out what her problem was. He also didn't know why I was so reluctant to climb into the back of the truck after The Screamer. He soon found out. I nudged the pig to get her to move. She grunted and clung to the bed of the truck. I pushed, I prodded, and finally she moved enough for me to get my hand under her belly. And that 's when it began all over again...

The volunteer fire department showed up about five minutes later, wondering if everyone was okay. Evidently a kind neighbor had called in, saying they were certain there was something wrong. A few minutes after that, the sheriff was there, wondering about our child who was now crouched down, shaking and sucking her thumb. "Pig...pig...pig..." was all that would come out of Darling's mouth. I had ringing in my ears, as the screaming from inside the truck canopy had echoed back and forth. City Boy had a dazed look on his face. Never in all his years had he experienced anything like The Screamer. Thankfully, the sheriff's officer had raised pigs while in FFA and it didn't take him long to figure out what the neighbor had heard. He smiled and gave a wave. I think he said something as his lips were moving, but I still couldn't hear anything.

Honestly? Even if a spider does write Some Pig in a nearby web, I'm going to be happy to eat The Screamer!

All the animals gathered to see what the commotion was about, as The Screamer goes straight to work tilling up the garden.

The Counter's Ticking Towards a Party!

Have y'all been watching that counter? I have. I do recall saying something like "There'll be a prize the day we hit 5000"...and a party, too! So...will we hit it today? I'm thinking so. But of course, only if y'all come to visit.

City Boy bought me a couple of Photoshop magazines! I'm just having way too much fun (and it's completely consuming me...) Naturally, you recognize Ohren's picture above. It didn't start out that way. (Thankfully...as I'd be rather frightened to go outside and find one of my new lambs wearing a party hat.) The coolest thing I learned was how to cut and paste...the easy way!

Geek Boy had tried to teach me how to cut and paste before, but I'm a lousy student, especially where technology is concerned. So I just bagged the idea. Then in walks City Boy with the magazine...they're bloomin' expensive! I'd never spend that much on it myself, but I'm so excited he did. Of course, I'm now a total addict. I was only a partial addict before. He may be sorry he ever brought them home... Do you think there's a twelve step program? I hope not!

So, what other goofy things have I been up to with Photoshop?

Meet Pyscho Roo! He's one of the recent additions at the Cafe Press Store. This one here, however, has the Carpenter Creek name across the top, and he could be yours! Yes, I know...you're overwhelmed at the prospect of owning him...hee hee! Well, he'll come on a t-shirt, along with other goodies, if you're the winner of the 5000 Visits contest.

Okay, I'm going to go do something serious now. Maybe castrate a lamb. Oooooo...you guys are crossing those legs, aren't you? Well, maybe I will, and maybe I won't. All depends on Darling. She'd been considering keeping Ohren as a pet, and if she does, it'll need to happen. Don't worry, we'll document the whole thing for you! Then again, perhaps she'll decide she wants to get one of those little ewe lambs of Margery's. If that's the case, all of Ohren's body parts will be safe.

Y'all have a good day, and don't forget...you can't win if you don't leave a comment!

As promised, a surprise contest for today!

But first, check out the nominees for the 'coveted' Booger Blog Award! Either click, or scroll down to below the duckies and my whining about not getting breakfast. Clicking may be quicker.

Now...guess what happened out at Brigget's house last night? Lambs!

Brigget's ewe, Sunday, delivered healthy twins, a ewe and a ram. Both are black, and the ram lamb already has little horn buds! A bit too dark to get a good picture of them, but rest assured that by next week I'll have some good shots for you. You won't believe how quickly the horns on an icelandic ram can grow! The photo above is of Brigget and the little ewe lamb. Go ahead, everybody say "Aaaaahhhhh"! (Of course, they're not as cute as my lambs, right? But pretty darned close.)

Caption Contest!

Sunday is such a good mamma! This is her first time lambing, and twins were not expected as she was pretty tiny around the tummy, unlike the older, wiser girls pictured below.

Here are, from left to right, Fiola, Hulda, Cinnamon and Brekka. Can you believe how wide Brekka is? Last year she lost her twins and was so unhappy. Hopefully she'll have a successful delivery this year. Brigget is hoping all that weight is from the babies and not the taxes Brekka has been collecting.

Did you notice that Hulda has horns? Both ewes and rams can grow horns in the icelandic breed.

Meanwhile, back on the farm... The Baron and Orhen are a full week old today. Taffy has relaxed and they trot about without her becoming terribly anxious. Today they were practicing being rams. Head down, rock your weight back over your hindquarters and...

Charge!

Boys will be boys, eh?

Now, you've got two things to do. Vote for your favorite Booger Blog, and give me a caption!

I'm sick...sniff!

They've all had it; City Boy, Darling, and the Geek Boy. They've all been sick, coughing and sputtering all over me for a full week now. I've done my best to ward it off, but my body just couldn't fight it any longer. It's wet out, it's cold out, and I tend to spend too much time out in the wet cold. And my immune system finally said 'no more'.

But despite this, I know that you all are awaiting another days worth of lambie pie photos, and I can't bear to disappoint you! So without further ado...lambies!

Name me and WIN!

Despite several attempts, no one was able to guess the correct lambing date on Taffy. So, we'll just have to find another way to give the prize out! And that would be giving this dear sweet boy a name. His mother, of course, is Taffy. His father is Carrot. The breed is East Friesian, which is German (or Finnish or Dutch, but most often German.)

The prize includes, but is not limited to, the following: One hand felted lamb, perfect to stuff into some one's Easter basket or set upon a bed. A jar of sheep milk Manna, milk and silk Heavenly Body Butter, a bar of Ewe Stink sheep milk soap (the soap doesn't stink, silly!) and plenty of other goodies. All in all, a $50 value! So put on your thinking caps and offer up a name for our sweet little guy!

Yesterday Alice the Cat decided to accompany me out to the shed to watch the proceedings. Normally hanging out in the rain is not on her to do list, but she realized that everyone else was there, so something important must be happening. Sure enough, there were slimy things making noises!

Taffy is not so sure that a cat should be allowed in the birthing suite. She gives Alice the 'stare down' glare and stomps her foot. This technique works with most would be lambie assassins in the barn yard, but Alice pays no heed. She's wondering what lamb chops taste like.

Look, there's something hanging off the back end of this slime ball!

Kill it! Kill it!

Oops! A bit too close! Taffy charges and Alice jumps away from the target.

Aahhh...they just want to be friends! Alice doesn't appear to mind the blood and slime all over the little one. In fact, she appears to rather enjoy it!

This morning the lambs are bouncing about and a bit cleaner (thankfully! I know you all were rather disgusted yesterday!)

Here's Mr. Droopy Ears. No, that's not really his name. Darling has yet to give him a name. Well, she did try, but I vetoed Gollum. I mean, I didn't want my lamb wandering around saying 'My Precious' and talking to itself!

Did you know little lambies will try to nibble on solids so soon? Amazing, isn't it? Now, if the weather would just begin to cooperate, they'd be able to go outside and play. But for now, they've got enough space in their cozy little shed to bounce and drive mamma crazy.

Now, I do believe I'll go take some drugs and drift off into lala land for the night. Hope you've enjoyed the pics, and don't forget to leave a comment with your name suggestion! =)

And the winner is.... Stormin' It Up!

Being as Quiet Storm is Darling's horse, I felt it only fitting she should select this week's winner. And who would it be? Rachelle!

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Yesterday they held parent conferences at Darling's school. You may recall me telling you she was going back after a couple years of homeschooling. She was all excited, but after a day she decided she didn't really want to be there. So we cut back the on how many classes she's taking and that does appear to help somewhat. She's got just two teachers, and one of them wasn't there. So we spent something like, oh, a minute and a half with the teacher who was present. He said she has a good attitude and comes in with a smile, and that aside from a few holes, she's doing well.

After that taxing, exhausting and emotionally stressful event we came home to find three ewes staring into the sheep shed. Taffy was not among those staring. Being in my 'dress up and go to school' shoes, I couldn't walk through the gate(too muddy), but did go up alongside the fence beside the shed, and from there I heard Taffy's voice. Baaaa....baaaa...baaaa...in a tiny little whisper meant for mamma's and babies. I ran to get my boots, Darling ran for the camera...

....which means you get to see the whole, bloody event!

This is what greeted us as we walked into the pasture; one very new and very yellow lamb. With floppy bunny rabbit ears. Taffy was lovin' all over her new baby while he tried his best to get up and move. Newborn lambs can walk within minutes! And we complain when our children are walking before they turn one...

I had no idea how long ago she'd lambed; obviously not too long as he was still quite wet. I sent Darling off for some towels and walked in to inspect. Which is when I saw...

...oh...icky.

Before I could set the camera down and step in for a closer look, she gave a push...and out came lamb number two!

Another ram lamb; he was born breech, but so quickly that there were no ill effects. Taffy pulled the sack off from his face and I stepped in to pull a bit more away from his nose so he could breath. Darling was back out with the towels by now, so she took my camera while I wiped and inspected.

The bad news here is that no one guessed the correct lambing date! The good news is I'll have more photos up tomorrow, along with a new contest for you all, so be sure to come on baa-aack, y'hear!