October

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Most of October was pretty darn good :-).

Hug A Sheep Day Fun

The sheep started their day before dawn so I missed walking out in the back field with them and had to punt on the flock walk and ended up opening the arena to talk them into a second breakfast.  The arena is a big treat for them and they were happy to comply. 

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Hopefully you can just click the above picture to watch if you'd like.

There were plenty of cookies and crackers and everyone mostly took turns trying to trick everyone into sneaking them an extra or two ;-).

After 15 years of farm parties that were too warm to wear a wool sweater, I knit not one, but two vests over the summer and fall in hopes of being able to wear a farm sweater to our farm party...and it was too cold.  I wore my Lamb Camp poncho for awhile, but was glad to switch to my B. Willard sweater to warm back up.

All the party pictures were taken by my friend Amy (more to come about that) except this one of Naughty Bea having to be carried up the driveway in a car so she didn't get run over by a car...

...and this sweet picture of Bullseye sleeping on the swing with his favorite party guest.  I tried to get a video of him swinging, but that was when Naughty Bea drove up and he woke up and jumped away.

Even the chickens got some cookies.  Zelda is in the middle of her fall molt so she needed the extra calories to help stay warm.

In the afternoon several of us headed over to the Heavenly Hilltop Railroad and rode the trains.  

It was the perfect way to end a really fun day.

 

Real Quick

Hug A Sheep Day was chilly, but very fun and I have pictures and stories to share from that, but they are on my phone, so an extra step to share, but not to worry...I will get that done, hopefully tomorrow.  In the meantime, here is a quick post to update everyone on the swallowtail caterpillar in the garden.

Last week I found a swallowtail caterpillar still eating away on some leftover carrot tops out in my messy garden.  I'm glad the garden was messy because, by accident, there was still some food for a late to the party caterpillar.

We had two medium freezes and a hard freeze last week and I worried about what was going to happen, so I built a makeshift greenhouse using some picket fence pieces and clear plastic and on the coldest nights I draped a cotton sheet over the top, tucking it in the edges to hold as much heat in as I could. 

It worked!

Each morning I walk out and check on it and this morning he/she was in a good spot for a photo so I grabbed my big camera.  Cell phone cameras are nice, but no comparison to a good DSLR.  I not only prefer those pictures, but they are also easier to get inspired to post a quick blog.  

Monarch caterpillars can not make it through the winter, but swallowtail caterpillars can overwinter if they make it into a chrysalis.  I'm not sure if I would need to try to move it into the garage or something, but if we make it that far, I'll do a little more research. 

In the meantime, we'll all do our best and be grateful there to have made it this far.  Those carrots have got to be confused for sure!  

Speaking of messy gardens, it's best to leave them messy all winter!  The birds will eat all sorts of leftover seeds and any insects they find there and there are insect of all sorts living in the mess and eggs that would hatch next spring if they are given a chance.  Embrace the mess and leave your leaves, too!

But First, This...

Before I share the weekend's pictures, I need to share information about Hug a Sheep Day...which is this Saturday!  But before I share that, I want to share a super interesting thing that happened yesterday.  I'll add some farm party info at the bottom of this post.

* * * * *

Do you remember the night before Hank died, Maisie standing out behind the barn, up on the hill, watching out back...and watching over me and Hank as we sat together one last time?  And do you remember Big Moose standing out with her?  Here's a link to a blog post that shares several IG posts and tells more of the story. 

If you want to watch the post dates, it looks like you'll have to click on each IG post picture in that post.  It's really interesting to watch everything develop.  The posts range from 2020 to 2021.  To be honest, I'd forgotten about this.

Yesterday the barn cameras picked up a fox messing around in the barn lot in the early hours of the morning, around 4:00 a.m.  As I watched I saw a sheep walk into the frame and get between the fox and the barn.  

The fox would make a move and the sheep would move to stay with it.  This dance went on for several minutes and finally the fox left.  The sheep stayed out there for a few minutes more before it went back into the barn.

I could tell it was a big sheep...with all black legs...maybe a clean (not wooly) head... Was it Murphy?  Maybe Levi?  It wouldn't be Muffin.  Big Moose?  The face looked solid black though, which was throwing me off.

As I watched, the sheep finally moved into a position that the barn lot camera spotlight caught a better look and sure enough there was some color on the face.  It was Big Moose...and that triggered the memory above.

Big Moose!

I recorded a short video clip of this and will go post it over to IG so I can then come back here to update this post.  I don't know how people keep up with how to use social media more efficiently, but there you have it.  Old people trying to use technology...  

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I just find this so interesting (the sheep/fox interaction, not the SM) and since most of you probably remember the history of Hank and Maisie and then Big Moose joining the security staff, I knew you would as well.  You know that fox was moving quietly.  Did Hank or Maisie wake Big Moose up to let him know or was he already watching, on duty.  Either scenario is comforting for sure.

* * * * *

Yes, there's a Hug a Sheep farm party this weekend.  I hope there are parties all over the world again like there have been the last few years.  I do love that part of social media - watching the #hugasheepday hashtag.  Here we are following the usual format with sheep hugging, cookie feeding, horse petting, picture taking, yarn fun, people treats, wool wearing...with one change.  

The hours this year are 12:00 to 3:00.  We've bumped everything up one hour so that anyone who would like to go over to the train run at The Heavenly Hilltop Railroad can caravan over and ride the amazing hand machined coal fired steam trains around 1 1/2 miles of track with an incredible tunnel and trestle and more good company.  There are also some sheep there, too ;-).

The Best Day Since Yesterday

There's a darling IG feed with a smol bunny and two golden retrievers and their tag line is "And it was the best day since yesterday."  If you need some kindness and joy, I encourage you to check it out.  

Hug a Sheep Day was the definitely the best day since yesterday and one of the nicest we've ever had.  So nice that it was actually hard to hug sheep because they were out enjoying the beautiful weather like we were and were not all huddled in the barn against the normal cold and rain eating cookies until they nearly popped.

I only took one picture all day...and it was of Betsy (insert face palm).  Even at 16, Betsy still loves a good party and I was so happy to see her out there...but it doesn't make a good feature photo for a sheep party...

The two flock walks were nice, however, and I've included them here.

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While every day is a great day to hug a sheep, it was really nice to have a really nice one for a change :-).

How did you celebrate?

2025 Hug A Sheep Day Farm Party

 Somehow it's already almost the end of October and it's time for Hug a Sheep Day!  

These parties were always so much easier when Jared was in charge.  Sigh...

The Official Day To Hug Sheep

The actual (rather than every day) Hug a Sheep Day here is always a blur.  I never think to stop and take pictures.  Heck, I forgot to post my own hugging picture until the next day...or was it two days later.  

The weather didn't do any favors either day, but a fun group of friends still braved the drizzling, but not cold enough to wear wool, day to come out and visit the sheep.  While the sheep had mostly stayed in the barn and were "dry", wool absorbs water (but still keeps you warm :-) even just from the air and there was more nose patting and cookie feeding than burying your face into toasty warm sheep necks.  Oh well, that's what every other day of the year is for.

I used to try to follow every Hug a Sheep Day hashtag (#hugasheepday) on IG, but I'm sure I missed some this year.  I was so delighted to see so many posts from all over the world.  I guess I'm proud of Hug a Sheep Day, but I think delighted is the best word to describe how I feel.  Sheep are wonderful and I'm so happy people have a fun way to celebrate that.  I hope it carries on forever.

Jared was our all-star hugger.  He came out and visited with every single person.  He met some of them in the parking area, some in the driveway, some in the barn.  He let little kids walk up and touch him, he stood next to folks for pictures, he hugged (leaned into) people back almost to the point of knocking them down.  

Maisie, on the other hand....well, she didn't send anyone to the hospital...so that was good.  Her plan for the afternoon was to come out, eat a bunch of cookies, shake her head at everyone, nip a few pants legs and then go back and take a nap to rest up for the next round. 

The best part of each day was maybe the IG Live flock walks.  Friday, Murphy led us all out and across the bridge, through the lower paddock and out to the back field where we stood for several minutes and enjoyed the grazing sheep, beautiful fall colors, bird songs and peace.

Saturday he headed out and decided to go to the right, up along the Frog Pond.  From there he moved to the dam of the big pond...and then through the gate to the back field.  As he reached each gate, everyone stopped grazing where they were and followed him to the next point.  I have just loved watching them  and to actually take the time to go out with the sheep and follow along was a real treat.

Both videos are posted below.  They are both long, but I'm glad to have them.  Luckily I don't talk the whole time.  It sometimes gets confusing because I'm answering a question that was posted while we were live. I wish I'd remember to repeat the questions out loud before I reply. 

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This was Friday's walk.

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This was Saturday's.

Saturday night Jared looked disappointed that there were no more hugs and treats...so I gave him more of both.  Possum was just happy things had settled back down to normal and it was once again safe to come down out of the loft.  Archie never made an appearance all day because it was raining and he had business in the house...on the couch.  

Betsy on the other hand always enjoys a party and she came out both days.  I remember her very first farm party, years ago.  She didn't hang around the people that much, but we watched her race back and forth across the barn aisle showing off all evening long, just as wound up as she could be.  She does more lap sitting at parties these days.

Happy Hug A Sheep Day....everyday!

2023 Hug A Sheep Day

Thirty-one years ago this month I rescued a tiny lamb born at the local stockyards and, looking back, the only thing I regret about that was that I didn't save his mom.  I wish I could have changed her life the way I was able to change her lamb's...and how he changed mine.

I can't even imagine a different life than I have today.  I cannot fathom not walking out to the barn to check on my sheep each morning.  Standing in the driveway with my oldies, wearing a wool hat I spun, dyed and knit from my own flock. The way it's feeling this afternoon I'll be wearing a wool sweater tomorrow as well, probably Jared's.  He and I will both be warm.

I'm proud I know how to trim feet and check eye scores and what different wools feel like and how they are best used.  And how to move sheep through a chute or work in a pen and how a herding dog is different from a guardian dog and how to prepare my sheep for shearing.

Would I have learned how to take pictures?  Paint folk art Christmas cards?  Needle felt wool ornaments?  I had zero interest in fiber arts and now I can shear (if I have to), skirt, wash, comb or card, spin yarn, knit a sweater or weave a blanket.  

I opened a calendar last night and found Hug a Sheep Day included as a national holiday.  I'd been told a paper "days" calendar had picked it for October 28th, but I wasn't sure I'd ordered the right one until I saw it for myself.

Hug a Sheep Day was based on Punkin's birthday.  He was actually born on a Friday, but when I decided to host the first farm party 15 years ago, his birthday fell on a Saturday so we've since stuck with it being always the last Saturday on October.  This year it's the 28th.

We are once again hosting an on farm Hug a Sheep Day party.  The traditional party will be on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 as usual and will include sheep hugging and cookie feeding and visiting with old friends and new.

On Friday, the 27th, we are adding in an extra day for anyone who'd like to come out to learn about sheep, sheep care, wool processing, spinning, knitting, felting...  I'm open to anything!  We could even take some pictures or do some sketching or painting...  I am no expert on any of this, but I'm happy to share what I've learned over the years.  

I'll post some more details as the next two weeks fly by, but wanted to give everyone a bit of a head's up.  Let's get together and have some fun and celebrate all the gifts of our wooly friends, near and far.  

What The What

Good grief.  It's October 10th. 

I still don't have my September month end compilation done.  I haven't posted a blog since something like the 26th.  I don't have the 2024 calendar finished...but I'm working on it.  

Looking back, there is always sadness somewhere.  But lots of good.  And so much I've forgotten. I'm glad I "have" to look back, whether for a month end compilation or the yearly calendar.

Here's something interesting I stumbled over a few minutes ago.

Where the heck is Murphy?!?

This was taken the first week of January.  I'm going to enjoy scrolling through the pictures even more now because I'm curious to see if I can figure out when Murphy took over being the boss.  And how or why.  I mean, did Archie try to lead them up a tree chasing squirrels and they decided they needed to vote in a better leader?  Stay tuned!

* * * * *

So yes, there will be a 2024 calendar.  I have some great pictures and stories to share this year - one of my all time favorite pictures of Maisie, an extra fun one of Pinto, a sweet picture of Baba that you won't be able to help smiling every time you look at...

I will have them ready no later than the Hug a Sheep Day farm party which will be on Saturday the 28th.  Actually, I have something fun planned for Friday the 27th as well, but the traditional farm party will be on Saturday, as usual.  

Maggie and I also have a fun Christmas kit almost ready to share. 

Okay, back to work!

Hug A Sheep Day Virtual Tour Info

If you are unable to make it out to the farm for the Hug A Sheep Day festivities Friday and Saturday, but would like to join us virtually and take a tour of the Punkin's Patch pop up farm shop or visit the sheep, horses, Bea or Archie (if he's awake), all you should need to do is follow this meeting invitation link.  

When you get into the meeting, make sure you turn on your microphone and video and then just say "Hello!" :-).  20 will be minding the Zoom room in case we have stepped away so you can chat with him for a minute and we'll be right back.

If you are new to Zoom or are having trouble signing on, we'll do our best to help.  None of us is super tech savvy, but we are cheerful help/not help if nothing else :-).  We'll be available on Friday (10:00 - 4:00 ET) and Saturday morning (10:00 to 12:00 ET).

On the subject of virtual tours, don't forget the early morning flock walk both mornings live on Instagram.  Grab a cup of coffee and join me!

Amazing

When I was putting together the Hug A Sheep Day post last week I googled "hug a sheep day" to see what would be the best link to share...and couldn't get over how many links were posted to not only the daily calendar sites, but also from farms from all over the world!

I watched several and then found a video The Fiber Pusher posted from our farm party in 2019.  Grab a cup of coffee and some tissues and give it a watch.  It's so nice to see so many familiar faces and old friends.  

  

Oh those good old dogs and sheep.

On Farm Party!

We are once again opening the farm for a Hug A Sheep Day farm party!  While the virtual parties turned out better than we thought they would these last two years, being able to come out and actually hug a sheep (unless it's Maisie, maybe ;-) is always much more fun.  

(Inter)National Hug A Sheep Day is October 29th this year.  This is our twelfth year!  Punkin, my first sheep, who inadvertently started this all, would have been 30 this year.  The original date was picked because it would have been his birthday.  Now the date floats and is always the last Saturday of October.

This year we are not only hosting the traditional Hug A Sheep Party from 1:00 to 4:30, but we are also going to be open on Friday as well in case anyone would like to come out and do some shopping and sheep visiting ahead of time.  Friday's events will be offered virtually (via zoom) as well as in person. 

Both mornings I will be doing a virtual flock walk live on Instagram.  If you'd like to join me, Friday's walk will be at 8:00 and Saturday's at 8:30.  The walks were very popular the last two years.  Being forced to learn to use technology a bit was one upside to the pandemic.  I now love turning the phone on and talking sheep with people all over the world.

Here is the complete schedule:

We hope you can join us!

Knitting My Fingers To The Bone

"Did someone say bone?"

I have actually been knitting.  You may have seen occasional glimpses of this on Instagram over the summer and fall.  It should have been finished months ago.  I realized it would be the perfect thing to wear tomorrow for Hug a Sheep Day and have made a big push over the last few days to get it finished.  Nothing works like a deadline!

Regarding tomorrow, if you'd like to follow along on Instagram Live (look for the small round picture of 20 at the top of your home IG screen), we'll do a similar schedule to last year.  I should be able to then post the recorded videos over to Facebook.

Morning flock walk 8:30ish.  Remember the beautiful sunrise and weather of last year?  Yeah, that ain't happening tomorrow (she says, trying to jinx it into proving her wrong and being nice ;-).  

Cookie Party 1:00

Knitting Project Reveal?  Maybe? (I hate to be on screen :-o)  3:00

Late afternoon flock walk 5:00

Night check  10:00

These are all tentative/hopeful times, but being ornery sheep, they may run on a different schedule (unless there are cookies involved), especially since it's going to be cold and rainy that day.  Go ahead and prove me wrong.  I dare you! ;-)

Hug A Sheep Day Is Extra Special This Year

The first year we celebrated National Hug A Sheep Day was October 30, 2010.  Punkin would have been 18 that day.  This year the "last Saturday in October" has once again come back around to the 30th, Punkin's birthday.  He would have been 29.  Twenty...nine...

Punkin...what a funny life story.  Who'd have thought one little "throwaway" lamb could change a person's life so completely and inspire an official holiday. 

Days of the Year has posted a great update, adding in more information about sheep and wool products.  Happy Days 365  has as well.  It's fun to follow #hugasheepday on various platforms to see sheep from all over.  Don't forget to add the hashtag to your photos!

This year our farm party will once again be virtual.  That actually ended up being pretty fun last year because everyone could watch.  We'll do another virtual flock walk, cookie party and of course, the now annual embarrassing of Maisie.  That too sounds like something that could become a new national holiday, but we all know that at some point she's going to take us all out and that will be the end of that ;-).

This was the original Hug a Sheep Day logo, with my good buddy Ewen McTeagle, the best hugging sheep ever.  Punkin would let me hug him, but pretty much tried to punch anyone else.  Still, as it's his birthday this year, I updated the logo to match his cute fuzzy gray face.  Feel free to use it for anything non-commercial.  If you would like to use it for something commercial, please just email me for permission.