New-old boxes

Recently I've noticed a lot of traffic for the nesting boxes at the same time every day....Hens are funny- when the feel ready to lay, that becomes the main focus. The problem here is too many at once & hens going in 2 at a time resulting in some broken eggs. Since I am home to observe this, I provided the hens with alternate options but they don't seem to be falling for them. So, on Friday, hubby & I built some more boxes, using scrap wood from a job site. We are frugal as we must be and I'm sure the chickens don't mind how they look. It's all about functionality.

Hopefully, this will rectify the problem. I will be adding more hens to my flock after the auction on Apr. 28th in South Mountain. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Spencerville sale- not happy about it, but that's life.

Shearing day at Shirley Browsky's farm has been moved to next weekend and I do believe my farrier is coming next Sat....my plans are getting shot lately. I will be searching for a lift to guild on Monday because I really would like to hear about the rare sheep breeds.

My new pattern for a sock is ready to be test knitted. I had the awkward moments of changing things every other row and settled on something that is not complicated but interesting to knit. 4 round repeat-super easy to follow. It is after all the beginning!My plan is to create kits of my own yarn(giggle) as I only have 2 sheep and not enough wool to process...But next year, my flock will have doubled if nothing else.So, the designing has begun. I am looking forward to creating more!1 month from now, the sheep will be shorn and approaching lambing! I have been cleaning out the barn and mwntally taking note of how to expand space. I have decided on creating a few more pens using skids-palletts.Economical and sturdy. I have discovered that with sheep, if you see a space where you think they may be able to get out, they will.

Happy Easter All!

It is Easter Sunday and all is the same. Except for something I discovered that will change knitting for myself for ever.... In this journey called life, I seemed to have lost something.. and found it elsewhere. The discovery came about as I investigated my disatisfaction of 2 garments I had knitted for myself. My tension is good, the garments bigger than I would like: that meant only 1 thing....I am smaller than I thought.

Indeed- I started with bust measurements and lo & behold...I have lost my chest!! How the heck does that happen? I am not a thin person but holy hannah...it is only gone from there?? And guess where I found it? I suspected some time ago where I've added to my measurements. I was walking to the store- after child #2 I think, it's all a blurr-and my arms swinging kept hitting something. Yup, that something was where space was before.. ny hips/ass if you will. Once an hour glass shape to a pear. I don't know if that's a good thing but it certainly has repercussions for me as a knitter knitting for myself.

So if your knitting is off size  please take your measurements again...gravity sucks!

I am almost done with sleeves/back to Snowcloud... I am liking the simplicity. I am watching the Rosemary & Thyme series while knitting this. I have also finished a pair of socks for myself ( feet are wider after children)

I have also begun a pair of socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road...time to put some of this on Ravelry.....

New digs for chicks & reclaiming my space!

Well, I moved the little stinkers out and have reclaimed my knitting room, er..studio! I even cleaned it up and have books, a table & a couch, albeit a sagging one for my comfort and the cats too.

I seem to be working in a green phase lately and I don't mean eco-friendly green. The color green has always been 1 of my favorites. As I have been saying that this year is my knitting year and I am using up stash, I have started Snowcloud Cardigan by Littletheorem. So far I am enjoying the different construction of this piece. I am using wool-ease-egads. As I mentioned using up stash in all forms.

 I have started a pullover also but fell out of interest as 1 of my darling large dominant cats peed on the yarn. Yes, he's fixed but there are 2 large dominant males and it is not unusual for this behaviour to occur but must it be on my yarn?/ The yarn has been washed. I will continue on Snowcloud in green. Also on the needles is a lace scarf in Silk Twist by Handmaiden also green...

The scarf is not complete, so not blocked. I am looking forward to learning how to dye yarn like this!! Add that to using my own fleece, wow!

I have really enjoyed my time at home with my animals & letting my creative self be amused but I know it is coming to an end & I will have to return to the work mode once again: and not be broke!

Here are a few pics of happenings at the farm:

Forsythia in March



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Tessa in mud & sun



Spring it On!

The February Lady Sweater has been completed! -yes before St. Patty's Day.

 I wore it to the gathering in Kingston. Please forgive the quality of photos as either the cameras here are not working or a cat has chewed the usb cord. All photos are taken via Blackberry...

I am so enjoying the incredibly sunny & warm weather. It certainly has lifted my spirits! Since I have been off work for some time, I have taken advantage of that situation and have baked more, hatched chicks earlier, knit more for myself and today, I have planted seeds indoors. Since the weather is cooeprating I though I may as well go with the flow. So far tomatoes, squash & zucchini have been planted. I may purchase another box & plant different tomatoes & pumpkins. Everything else I can buy from nurseries or stores.

This evening, I will be moving the chicks to a small coop, just for themselves. They are popping the tops off the brooders and they smell!! I want my studio back.I will be experimenting with diatomaceous earth as a insect repellent and natural dewormer. Can't hurt!

I also signed up for a retreat/workshop in Wakefield today. I deserve it and investing in oneself is never a loss. So, I believe by what I've been told that I may start working in April. Not fun but I do need the funds to move on with my plans. Now, off to put clothes out on the line!

Gearing up for St. Patrick'sDay

Yes I know..it's been some time. Many things have happened but not necessarily very happy or positive things, so I will refrain from spreading the negative vibe. On a positive note the weather has been awesome! Sure we had some snow Friday night but by today, it should be setting off my sump pump with a vengeance.

My February Lady Sweater should be completed before I meet up with a few folks who went on the Knitting tour of Ireland. We are gathering at Wool-Tyme in Kingston thanks to Anne Woodall owner & fearless leader of the trip. How fitting to discuss Ireland & remember highlights of the trip on St. Patty's Day!We will  also be discussing the itinerary of the next knitting trip: Italy! I am intrigued but I would prefer Iceland or Norway.. perhaps another year.

Meanwhile, one of my sheep, Clarice, is looking huge! She has long fleece which is awesome but she most definitely is getting round. Twins?? Triplets?? Only time will tell as she is very skittish and won't let me get too close. She will however take a carrot from my hand..but that's it. See the bump on her side? There's an equally large one on her other side also. She still has 2 months to go!

The chicks are thriving. They seem to be the biggest chicks I've ever hatched...and we have lots of eggs. If you are nearby, please stop in and have some! They are wonderful colors. Kids love them as they are Easter eggs to them and they taste good.

This week is March break, so I will have to boot the kids off the computer & continue with my job search. The saga continues but the bills can't wait. So, if you folks know of any openings, please let me know... I need to buy some fencing for the sheep and it don't come cheap!

The chicks have hatched...

Indeed I am now blessed with 17 little fuzzy chicks. As cute as they are, they can be vicious as I witnessed on Saturday. 1 chick has had it's eyes pecked so badly, I fear it may not see again. Why? Not sure but for now it's in a brooder by itself and I need to give it water and try to make it eat. This worries me. It chirps loudly after I water it but it doesn't seem able to see the water to do it itself.... If anyone of you are passing by, please pop in for some eggs! My hens are laying like crazy and the eggs are such wonderful colors!

On a yarny note, I have decided that 2012 will be pretty much the year of me using up my stash. Seriously, if I look hard & long enough, I have enough yarn for just about any project I would want to start- and eventually finish! My middle son turns 18 tomorrow. It was while I was on maternity leave for him that I learned to knit!!I will be finishing another 3 stitch waffle mitten for him as a gift: his request. Still plugging away at the February Lady Sweater. I'm just about at the section where you put the stitches on a holder for the arms..progress indeed. Sadly, I also learned of the passing of my aunt Kath, who was also my Godmother. Unfortunately, she lived in Regina. Since I am not working, I can't even consider a trip at this time, so a card to my uncle will have to be my wish of condolence & remembrance.

Loving the mild weather these days!My next project will be starting seeds indoors...I will wait until March for that, unlike the chicks. Apparently our bag of chick starter was the first one sold this year!! I will probably have the chicklet on my lap today as I peruse the internet for employment. Wish me luck!

Meet Ollie! The cat who thinks he's a chicken...

A few days before Christmas, we discovered a " guest" in our barn. Not sure where he came from but he enjoys being with the chickens. He sometimes sleeps in a nesting box & even drinks from the waterer. Since I can't even pick him up as he is still unsure of creatures without fur or feathers, he keeps to himself in the barn. I do feed him as I"m unsure of the mouse population in the coop...

As for myself.. what's one more critter! Between trips to the barn to bring running water to the animals, I've been trying to finish off the Christmas knitting. Since my Mother suffered a stroke 2 weeks before Christmas, my time & life were not my own. She is now at home, learning to live with  some impairment & not being able to drive until evaluated...so, knitting time was a luxury. Now I will concentrate on what I want to knit for myself..the list gets longer..so better get knitting. February Lady Sweater is on the needles now!