Snow and IAGARB certification
Mood:  cheeky
Now Playing: Frankie Valli
Topic: Rabbits
I've been home for a week now; one trip out on Sunday, but otherwise, housebound.

In that time, I've read *a lot* of books. I'm averaging one book every two days; thank goodness I save most of the paperback books I read; I have boxes of them. They are keeping my mind occupied, and I'm enjoying my down time immensely!

Yeterday was a medium sized snow storm. We got about 7 inches of snow. Here is a picture at the height of the storm.

And to get to the real part of this entry. Sunday was shearing day for certification for IAGARB. This means that we shear down the rabbits we want to try to register, and have it verified by another IAGARB member or a vet. Since I was really busy cleaning and shopping on Sunday, I did my shearing yesterday (allowable since I'm actually giving my rabbits *less* time to grow their wool). Samson's Twist 'N Shout was one of my choices for certification. Twist is a big baby when it comes to shearing; he's sweet and gentle, but wow, does he have gorgeous wool and a firm body! For the next 88 days, I'll feed him, try to keep him clean and on April 21st, he'll be evaulated by one of our IAGARB judges, then shorn by me and his wool will be weighed. If his wool weight makes 325 grams or more, and he passes the judges evaluation, then he'll be registered with IAGARB. Just think, 325 grams of wool in 89 days (because he wasn't shorn on Sunday, but Monday) is 11.44 ounces of wool!

An interesting article
Mood:  chillin'
Now Playing: Stevie Nicks "Stand Back"
Topic: Knitting

Illness seems to be plaguing our house this winter. My youngest son and I have both had the stomach flu this week (NOT fun!). I'm recovering, slowly.

Anyway, I wanted to share this with everyone. It is an article about men knitting. Share your thoughts with me on the subject!

Knitting Just Not For Ladies Anymore

IAGARB registration and Leslie Samson's Felting Classes
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: Elton John "Sacrifice"
Topic: Class information

Just a quick note here:

Our shearing party for January 15th had to be canceled. It seemed I picked Easter weekend for the classes, and that just wouldn't work.

So we are moving the classes to April 22-23, and plan to do a registration on the 21st.

So, if you'd still like to participate in registration for IAGARB, have your rabbits shorn by January 22nd, and either certified by a vet or another IAGARB member (remember, the rabbit MUST have a tattoo in it's ear!), and you'll be good to go! :)

The last 3 weeks and SPA
Mood:  chatty
Now Playing: Collective Soul "Shine"

I'm back!

About 10 days before Christmas I came down with a horrible cold. I was just about over it, when I picked up another cold at Mr. Ostendarp's funeral. Unfortunately, this cold has lasted a very long time. It is only now that I am starting to recover from it. But it has allowed me the time to relax, read a lot of books, and enjoy time with my family.

I spent Christmas with my family. My mom was sick over Christmas, so my brother Luke cooked the entire Christmas dinner. He's a fabulous cook, and holds regular dinner parties for his friends, making everything from scratch and even having the correct wines to go with the courses (yes, this impresses me a lot!). My job on Christmas was to make cocktails for everyone and keep my brother company as he cooked. I didn't have to do anything to help with the meal, which I will say was nice. ;-)

I spent New Year's Eve with my husband and kids at my husband's work. We had some incentive work to do, and got a lot done in a few hours. We were home by 8:30 p.m. with Chinese food and Sam Adams beer. The need to stay awake until midnight lost it's appeal and doability several years ago (basically once I became a mom), so I didn't ring in the New Year, but no big deal. I spent enough of my younger single year's partying the night away, so it's no big loss now. Besides, I always wonder just how many drunk drivers are out on the road on New Year's and prefer to stay in the comfort and safety of my home anyway.

And this past Saturday, my family and I drove out to the Boston area to Cath's to pick up an exquisite antique oak roll top desk and antique cedar chest. Pictures of the two pieces of furniture will follow later, as we are in the process of rearranging our downstairs spaces, and there is too much stuff by the desk right now to take a decent picture.

On the fiber show front, I wanted to let everyone know that I won't be vending at the SPA weekend in Portland, ME in February. I was invited, and planned to go (even had our room booked), but due to my father's health, I have decided to stay closer to home for the next few months. I will still be doing three big shows this year: NHS&W, MAS&W and NYS&W, since they are closer and I can be home in less than 2 hours from each. I will have LOTS of inventory for each of those shows, including some new things, so stay tuned!

A Very Personal Post
Now Playing: Perry Como "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
Topic: Thoughtful

Many of you probably wonder where I have been lately. The past two weeks have been a time of reflection for me.

Wednesday, December 14th, was the first anniversary of the death of my friend Jimmie. He was the shepherd for True North Farm up in Worthington, MA. Many of my friends knew Jimmie because of Harry, his husband whom we met on the ST list many years ago. Jimmie's death came as a surprise to all who knew him, when he was killed in a farming accident. It shocked and saddened me that this wonderful person was taken from us too soon. And last Wednesday was a time for me to think about Jimmie, his wonderful spirit and friendship and how much I've missed him this last year.

And on Monday, I attended the funeral for Mr. Jim Ostendarp, the former football coach for Amherst College. I only knew Jim in the last year of his life, and although he had Alzheimer's disease, and we weren't sure that he knew who we were, we always made time to talk to him. Sometimes we were rewarded with a smile or even a "Hello". Many of you don't know that my father has Parkinson's disease. I try to visit him every weekday, and sometimes on the weekends. During this past year of visiting my father at his care facility, we became friends with the Ostendarp family. Shirley, Jim's wife, and his 7 children would come to visit him as often. And in that time, we became friendly with them. The bonds you make with residents and family at care centers continues to amaze me. I've made friends with several residents at the home, getting to know about their lives, and families. They appreciate that someone takes the time to talk to them (other than the wonderful staff that works at the home) and I appreciate the wisdom and friendship that they have imparted on me.

During this holiday season, I have taken the time to really think about what people want. During the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, many people spend hours shopping online or in the stores looking for presents for their friends and family. Some people even go over their budget and into debt to try to procure the perfect present for that someone special in their lives.

But when you think about it; what do people really want? Look deep inside, and seriously consider this. Do they really want a material possession, or do they really just want a bit of your time?

How many of us have taken the time to sit down with one of our older family members or friends, and ask them about some happy time in their childhood? Or what were the holiday traditions in their family were before you were born? How many of us wish that we could do that, but can't because those people are gone now? I know that I wish I had spent more time with my maternal grandmother, asking her about her childhood. All I really know is that she used to clean houses at the age of 8 for 5 cents a day and that she married my grandfather when she was 16. She was born in 1901, and lived to be 95. And in that time, I really didn't ask much about her life. Now I really wish I had talked less and listened more. And with my father having lost the ability to talk much, I wish I had taken the time to ask him more about his childhood, and the farms he lived upon with his family. Or on how he used to live at a parochial school in town, because it was too far to walk from the farm, so he was living away from home during the week at the age of 6. Or his time in Germany, where he was a soldier during the Korean war. These were all stories that he'd tell us when we were kids and many of them were repeated so often, that we'd roll our eyes when he'd start to retell the story. Now I wish I had asked to hear them again as an adult, but now it's too late.

After really considering things, this past week I have spent more time with my family than in recent months. My husband was home at the end of last week, and we went out and did things together, including taking our kids on a drive through the Quabbin where we saw some deer.
My brother, who lives in California is home for the holidays. I miss him terribly when he's away, and so I've been at my mom's house every day for the past week that he's been home. Today we are going Christmas shopping, something that we've planned to do for several years, but work has always interfered for us.
I've taken my mom to visit my dad, and last Sunday, I took my mom, brother and my two boys up to Ashfield to look for a Christmas tree for my mom's house. My brother Luke, my son Cal and I walked all over the tree farm, looking for the perfect tree. We had a lot of fun doing that, and I created memories for my boys that they will never forget. And with my boys, I've read them stories, we went shopping for their cousin's Christmas presents (the boys picked out what they wanted to buy for their cousins), and we decorated our own Christmas tree listening to Christmas carols on the CD player.
And I've spent a lot of time with my dad, telling him about what we've been doing. He enjoys listening to what is going on, hearing the kids tell him about their days at school.

So here I sit, asking that you give your family the gift of your time. It is the one thing that doesn't cost anything, but is more precious than any other gift you could give.

May you all find peace and happiness this holiday season.

How I spent my weekend, and a new knitting book on the front
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Toto "Ninety Nine"
Topic: A bit of everything

No knitting to speak of. Saturday was spent visiting my father, and then we went up to Ashfield to Cranstons Christmas Tree Farm. We picked out a lovely balsam fir and brought it home. We'll be decorating it tonight I believe.

Sunday was spent visiting my dad, and then I took my mom and kids out to lunch at Applebees. We finished up the day watching the Philadelphia Eagles football game (they lost unfortunately).

Like I said; no knitting or anything fibery happening. However, I will be getting this knitting book in the next few days, and I'll be reading it and reviewing it for Sandy. All proceeds go to her Warm the Children project and Relay for Life for Franklin County Massachusetts; both very worthy causes! I'm really looking forward to getting the book. There is even an angora headband pattern in it. :)

Frappr Me!
Mood:  chatty

I've joined the rest of the lemmings in the Frappr maps. When I first saw this on ST 2 months ago, it never occured to me to add it to a blog; and then it popped up on a blog one day about 3 weeks later.

I've been having fun adding my name to the various maps, and since I know I'm getting hits from all over, I thought it would be more fun to make it personal (and I'm seriously hoping that the Belchertown, Westfield and West Springfield people will give a shout out!). :)

Click here to sign in.

Snow Day!
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Frankie and the Knockouts "Sweetheart"
Topic: A bit of everything

There will be knitting content at the end of this, but I have to say how much I'm enjoying XM radio! AOL has something called Radio AOL; you turn it on while online, and they have 120 different types of stations to listen to. Then a month or so ago, they teamed up with XM radio. I had my doubts, and really didn't listen to the XM stations, except the Oldies Holiday station. I have my favorite AOL stations: Awesome 80's, 90's Pop, Super 70's, Motown Sounds and One Hit Wonders. These stations keep me entertained throughout my day on the computer. And then earlier this week, Awesome 80's and Super 70's were replaced by the equivalent XM radio stations. I wasn't pleased. But upon logging on this morning, I hear the above mentioned song playing. "Sweetheart" was a hit in 1980; the group was pretty much a one hit wonder, but I bought the ALBUM (yes, remember those???) at the age of 13. I loved the entire thing. I even found a CD for the group a few years ago, and listen to it on occasion. Imagine my surprise upon hearing it on XM this morning! I've heard a few other songs that were favorites of mine in the past few days; remember Saga "On the Loose"? Yep, heard that yesterday too. They were another favorite group of mine in 1981. So, I'm really beginning to enjoy XM radio. Would I buy it and listen to it in my car or home? I'm not sure. I LIKE not having to pay for listening to the radio; I mean, who needs another bill? But it is something I may consider in the future.

Now, for the fiber content. Christmas shopping for my husband is difficult at best. So, this year, I'm working on making him some items he can wear. The first thing I'm going to be working on is a pair of fingerless mitts. So, a trip to Webs yielded this:

Brown Sheep's Superwash in Shane's Red and a 12" #5 Addi Turbo. If I haven't said it before, I LOVE knitting with 12" Addi Turbos; these are my needles of choice, but because they are so expensive, I don't have a complete set (yet). I will be working on these mitts today; maybe even get one done.

And since we have a snow day, the kids are home and I told them we could bake cookies. And I should clean up a bit too. But I'm feeling like a kid myself knowing that because of the snow, I probably won't get many calls regarding work, so in essence, I have a day off too. :)

I'll sign off now as I listen to Ambrosia "You're the Only Woman". Aaaah, great 80's tunes!

Shearing party and felting classes!
Mood:  bright
Now Playing: Toto "Africa"
Topic: Class information

I was out and about today and saw this at the end of my day. How is this for a sky picture?

Now, for those of you that have angora rabbits, have you ever wanted to learn shearing techniques, but were afraid to ask? Now is your chance!

District 7 within IAGARB is hosting a shearing party with potluck lunch on January 15th in Amherst. We'll be there shearing our rabbits, but anyone with an angora rabbit that is mite free and healthy is welcome to attend and learn how to clip the rabbit's wool. Shearing can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your angora, and we are willing to show anyone that wants to learn. You'll learn how to settle your rabbit so that you are both relaxed and we'll also share how to make bunny coats for the rabbits to wear until they have grown back enough wool to not need a coat.
Charlene and I will be able to certify any IAGARB members that want to put their rabbits up for registration on April 14th. We'll also have a bit of show and tell, so if you have any thing that you've made from your angora, please bring it along to show off! This is a party, so come join us! If you want more information, please e-mail me directly at Baycolonyfarm @ aol . com

Now, since we are having a registration on April 14th, Leslie Samson will be here to teach some classes. We'll be doing the Felted Mittens on Saturday, April 15. Leslie has new techniques to teach since she last taught this class here in November of 2003 and I can't wait to learn them! On Sunday, April 16th, we'll be doing a Felted Hat class. I don't have pictures of a felted hat yet, but I'm bugging Leslie for one. Leslie has over 20 years experience in felting, so come learn from one of the best! She'll have interesting stories from her recent Japan trip to share with us. Her trip included 2 gallery shows of her beautiful felted coats, and she also taught several felting classes too.

The classes are $85 per day, or $160 for both days and run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We break for an hour lunch around 1 p.m. and there are lots of area restaurants to choose from, or bring your lunch and relax. The final registration date is March 15th, so get your registrations in early! Again, e-mail me for more information or a registration form.

Yes, elementary school CAN be fun!
Mood:  chillin'
Now Playing: Hall & Oates "Private Eyes"
Topic: History

This past week, my oldest son's class took a field trip to Old Deerfield. This is a really fun field trip for both the kids and adults, and Cal's teacher, knowing I'm a fiber person, requested that one of the events would have to do with spinning or weaving.

Our first stop there was with Mr. Wells, who talked about how the Native Americans would have lived around the time that the Deerfield outpost was built.


Here is Mr. Wells telling the children about hunting practices for food and clothing. He is holding a deer skin.

Here is the dedication plaque in the Indian House Memorial.

Our next stop was in the Bloody Brook Tavern, which is now where they have the fiber arts.

Our demonstrator showed the children how to card wool, finger spin and weave.

Then on to the kitchen, were our next demonstrator showed the children how one would cook using similar tools such as a birch branch whisk.

The children made a cheese omelet and baked pumpkin with spices. Both items were delicious!

Our last stop was at Dame School, where our dame teacher talked to us about how a child would have gone to Dame School to learn how to read and recite. Unfortunately, the picture came out too dark, but we had fun in this area too.

I'm grateful to my son's teacher for introducing the children to Historic Deerfield. She has brought out an intense interest in my son for colonial history, something I have myself due to my father's influence during the Bicentennial in 1976. My dad took us on trips around Boston, Philadelphia and Valley Forge that year showing us historic sites. Since then, I have loved colonial history and now I see that happening in my own son.

I must share that during the cooking demo, my son told the demonstrator that he was part of the sheep and wool festival, and that his Mom raised rabbits. :) This lead to a quick discussion between the demonstrator and I about angora rabbits, and spinning, which was fun for me.

This next week at Deerfield, they will be hosting a tea for people to learn how a "tea" would have been done back in 1705. It sounds like fun, and I hope to get there!