Moving On

Walter moved on to his new home last week.  He is just a few kilometers away and has a new harem of girls as well as a variety of other livestock to keep him company.  He is on Rock Farm along with the two male lambs we sent to be hand raised and bottle fed so he already has family there.  We shall miss him.  He was a good ram; not too aggressive and difficult to handle and always available for a good head scratch as you passed him by.

Meanwhile the lambs continue to grow and to thrive.  The weather has been fairly mild and so they have enjoyed the sunshine while learning the farm routines.  Dave goes out each day and gives them grain which is a real treat so they gather around him, affording an opportunity for him to inspect them and check for any injuries or problems.  They play hard and can often be seen limping along from some minor injury sustained while engaging in a game of king of the castle.

inspection time

Meanwhile, I have finished my first weaving samples and have been knitting.  I also went to Duncan to visit my women friends who Knit the Cowichan Sweaters.  I took a second indian head spinner with me that we mounted on an old treadle sewing machine base for Terry, one of the knitters to use.  The wool for the sweaters is all hand spun into a single ply, thick lopi weight yarn.  Terry makes spinning look so easy but I am having trouble getting the knack of it and can't keep the yarn even enough.  

Spinning looks easy

I am learning so much from these women and have knit a jacket for my granddaughter in the Cowichan style.  It is opening a whole new direction for my knitting and while I feel uncomfortable using the traditional Coat Salish patterns, I think it would be fun to design my own patterns reflective of our island life.  

So two things have moved on this week; first Walter and then the spinner.  Both have gone home.

Meanwhile, John just reminded me I have a  freezer full of strawberries and blackberries from last summer waiting to be made into jam.  So much to do; so little time.