Winter is here

I do believe that winter is here. The rain would not let up on the weekend, so inside we stayed. Time to drag out all those crafty projects. I felted a couple of flowers for Christmas presents, got to knit a couple more rows on my mobious (sp?) shawl and bake a Linzer tart. Mmm! This is what I love about winter here in the valley. It reminds me of all the fun things to do inside

Happy Birthday Tweed

Happy Birthday Tweed!!

I never realized how fast a year passes until I got a puppy.  I remember getting the call from Lora informing me of the joyous news. Nell has had her pups!  

I swear BC pups grow faster than Shelties, it's probably just their size. I would have like to had Tweed little for a bit longer. He was a great puppy, still is, but he is definitely MUCH bigger than at 12 weeks old. 

I can only post one picture at a time since we are still computer-less. Growl.   I will post more pictures once I get it back

Tweed at 5-6 weeks, I think. ;)

Not gonna fight

I had a to do a few chores while checking on my sheep, tweak the pen I had set up the week before, hang the mineral feeder and prop the door open on the barn so my sheep could find shelter at night or in bad weather.  Last but not least, I thought I would work Zeke on the sheep for a spell.  I can tell you today was NOT the day to work Zeke.  One or both us was off today.  He was not taking the commands I gave him.  In general, just being far too stubborn for my liking.  So it was a "time out" for Zekie.  I messed around in the barn getting my chores done then got him out again to see if he had a change of behavior.  Nope!  Mister stubborn it was.  His flanks were nice, I will say that, but lie down seemed to be missing today.  The sheep stayed in the same place as he flanked around them but again, lie down seemed to have been left at home.  Hmmmm, alright, I am not going to fight with him and I wasn't feelin' it so back to the truck he went.  Some days are for sheep herding and some aren't.....Today was one of "those" days.

I ended today with a nice long walk for all the pooches.  Time to think, reflect on the week and room to stretch the legs and let my mind wander......that seemed to be what everyone needed.

Nice red dog decoration, eh?

Phoebe, Simone, Wendy, Finnoula, Esme and "that darn little black wether" are present in this pic

Starting out and moving up

As promised, here are pictures of Tweed herding sheep.  I am thrilled with him on all levels.  He is the sweetest puppy and a joy to train, on and off sheep.  He will be turning 10 months very soon.  Hard to believe that time has flown by so fast.

Zeke and I will be moving to Pro-Novice for sheepdog trials here this winter.  I'm a little nervous but I know I'm not the first one to do this and most certainly not the last.   Pull up yer boot straps, it's time to make progress girlfriend!  I am a big fan of positive thinking (thanks mom & dad) I love looking forward to what the future holds.  You don't get anywhere by standing still. 

I read the Mental Management newsletter and really enjoyed the article on competition this month.  It's not about winning or losing, it's winning or learning.  How many times have each of us learned valuable life lessons from doing the task incorrectly.  I know I learned some VERY valuable lessons at the Lacamas Valley sheepdog trial.  Reward the the good, focus on the task at hand, and practice, practice, practice.  Their blog closed with a quote that I will keep close to my heart as step into the Pro-Novice class. 

"You never know who will be watching you as you compete for your dreams - so always act like a Champion, win or lose. Because at the end of the day, the people you meet and inspire will mean more than the trophies that gather dust on your mantle."   Posted to their blog by Lanny Basham

I couldn't agree more.

A little down time

Today I am relaxing and enjoying the day with my pups at home.  Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival is over for 2010, a huge amount of work for all volunteers involved but I believe that's what makes it a great festival.

I am starting a new knitting project.  I am very excited as I will be using my own handspun yarn.  I purchased the pattern from Michelle at Toots LeBlanc & Co.  http://www.tootsleblanc.com/   She was very helpful in picking out a pattern that would be complimentary for my handspun and for this sometimes easily confused knitter.  A Victorian Shoulderette by Sivia Harding Knit Design was what went home with me.  I am working on the 14th row and it's flying.  This is very exciting as my last knitting project could have been measured in years, not weeks.  The fiber I am using is our own mills creation.  Our lovely luxury batts.  Spun worsted and made of Merino, Alpaca, Mohair and Silk.  It was a dream to spin and it is fabulous to knit.

 Check out the cute knit markers I found at Salem's newest knit shop called Tangled Purls.  Aren't they the cutest!  The pattern called for a unique knit marker, I do believe this will do the trick.  I will also add the gals at Tangled Purls are very helpful with pattern reading.  Go check them out and support our local yarn shop!  tangledpurls.blogspot.com

New chapters started.....

Today marked an important day in Tweed's life.  Today he got his first taste of sheep herding.  He did great, from what I hear all the pups from this litter are doing great things!  Lora and Kathy should be very proud of the pups!.....I know I am and I had nothing to do with it!  :)

 I didn't know the herding bug could bite me twice, I am here to tell ya it can!  I am very much looking forward to Tweed's journey.  For now, here is a shot of what Tweed looks like after his go on sheep.  Sorry folks, I forgot to get out my camera while he was working!

Sleepy Tweedy

Zeke had a great day as well.  He and I are working on some foundational items.  I swear Zeke understands more than he lets on, don't all border collies? 

I am working on getting comfortable with Zeke driving further.  I don't know why, but I get a little nervous as he gets further from me.  I am sure it's just my lack of experience.  So practice, build on our successes and practice some more.  I'll get there, I can't let Zeke down.  I am also working on my corrections.  I have a nasty habit of going to the big harsh correction first off, I gotta get out of that habit fast!   I've also been working on my herding whistles so I can move Zeke's commands from verbal to whistle. I've gotten past blowing spit outta the whistle and at home I can knock out an OK version of happy birthday..... I hope that won't change when I get to the field, if it does... practice, practice and more practice!


Zeke's to do list is to make his inside flanks clean and last but certainly not least..... lie down means lie down....ALL THE TIME.  We ain't play'n horse shoes or hand grenades here, so Zeke, listen!  Close does not count!  Again, practice, practice, build on the good and practice some more....Are you seeing a pattern here?

Zeke is such a ham!

Throughout this weekend I've done what I enjoy and love dearly...It is a wonderful blessing. I am truly thankful for every minute I get to enjoy on this great earth and in the greatest nation.  

Jammin' and Smokin' Weekend

From Greensbridge Farm - Go there!!! They got great produce!!

The fruits of the season are ripe and bursting with flavor.  The cooking bug bite me hard yesterday.  Our dry storage is now filled with 3 flavors of over 25 jars jam.

• Blackberry Dark Chocolate 
• Peach Melba (White Peach and Red Raspberry)
• Wild Blackberry

flat of Blackberries I picked

Of course I can't do just one type of cooking, heavens that might get boring.  I smoked chicken and a picnic pork roast.  Mmm!  It was really hard to stay out of that!  In all of that I did find time and extra blackberries to make a blackberry cobbler.  Still got that bug biting me hard so I will make Smoked Chicken & Pork Enchiladas for bible study Wednesday night.  Let's hope that like 'em!

Smoked Picnic Pork Roast