October 18 & 19 2008

It is finally here, the weekend we wait for all year. The weekend of the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. The weather promises to be beautiful...
However, honoring prior commitments, I will not be able to attend this year. And, of all years.. The "Year of the Romney". Romney's are, a breed of sheep. And, they just happen to be the breed that I raise and adore. So, it seems very crazy that I will not be there for the biggest show in the country... boo hoo!
My commitment also takes me away from the farm this weekend. This is very unusual for me. However, anyone who would like to visit will be greeted by my partner, Nancy. Nancy, truth be told, does most of the barn chores. Our schedules just seem to work out that way somehow. She also takes great pride in the work that we do, the animals and fiber that we produce. So, if you are in the neighborhood, please stop by for a visit, and ask her to introduce you to Bonnie, our angora goat kid, she is really friendly.
It appears that our shares are sold out. It is amazing how fast they went. Our new yarn is on its way back from the mill in Canada.. and I still have more to send out. So, in just about 3 weeks the dying process begins. Anyone driving by the farm will see skeins upon skeins of freshly dyed yarn hanging on our line to dry.... just after the foliage is over with.. the colors will light up the landscape...
I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend. Keep those wheels spinning and needles clicking!
Sheila

The Generosity of Others

Today I feel so very blessed by the generosity of others. Last week I had the idea to create a CSA for the yarns that we produce on our farm. The concept of Community Supported Agriculture has always seemed like such a logical idea. Sort of a "win win" for the farmer and the consumer.
For those of you who have not heard of the CSA concept, I will try to explain. The idea is that the farmer needs the money , up front, at the start of a season, to invest in growing food. Money for seeds, plants fertilizer etc. So, the consumer purchases a share, or two, for a set dollar amount. In return, the consumer, or shareholder, gets vegetables, or meat, all season. The value of the product is usually much greater than the dollars invested.
So, with not much more than the idea in my head,(and the help of dear friends who shared their email lists) I put the idea out there... and the response has been amazing. I think it is a true testament to what you can do when you have an idea and you don't let all of the self doubts and "what if's" get in the way. I did spend the necessary time to figure out how many shares I could safely sell so that no one would be disappointed.
Sometimes we spend so much time on the farm with the animals that we become isolated. This has been an enlightening experience for me. There are people out there, who enjoy great yarns and fibers, and appreciate what we do. To all of them my most sincere gratitude.
Now we can get back to the business of farming and growing great yarns....