Fall chores and In Training

Fall is always a favorite time of year and time for lots of activities--some I look forward to and others not so much. Following fair weekend, it was shearing time for the ewes (not a favorite activity but needs to be done), then off to Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Fesitval with a small group of ewes-Cluns and Clun Mules. Thanks to Mark & Brenda Lelli enjoyed once again being able to hopefully learn something from the across the big pond Judge in the Mule Show. Enjoyed talking sheep and seeing old friends. Brought home (unplanned but a good plan) the new flock project, an 8 week old LGD (Livestock Guardian pup)from Connie and Kerri who came up for the weekend and camped. Hmmm, that makes 2 puppies from Davenitch in 2011! Gulliver is 1/2 Italian Maremma, 1/4 Great Pyrenees, and a 1/4 Anatolian Shepherd dog. He is now 4 months old and DOES live with the sheep not in Rachel's bed. He initially was an escape artist and also got a little too closely attached to his original runt lamb buddies and ended up playing a little rough with them but besides that he is a workable fellow and is doing better than expected!

Next favorite activity was the NACFA Annual Meeting in Iowa this year. Got to visit with the regular attendees plus some newer members. October was on the road a couple of weekends to dog shows. Hope had some success and will share once I get her blog up and running. Also, played match-maker with the sheep and we'll see how that turns out next mid-March to April. Most the market lambs are gone and good to touch base with the regular lamb customers, and do appreciate the repeat business. Garden is clean and have a few things we will enjoy from it yet. Buttoning up in preparation for the winter, and just finished a new dog yard to simplify dog pottying (plus a play-yard).