Fire!

We've had a wildfire for the last week. 23,000+ acres burned with over 1,000 firefighters working on it and today it's over 50% contained. Yay. 48 homes lost plus outbuildings. Animals are displaced and fences are burned so lots of rebuilding going on to get critters back home. It's a tough deal for lots of folks but so much is being done to help as well. Great community effort to help those in need.

Thankful there were no lives lost and even very few animals were lost, from the reports I've read.

While I was listening to the scanner and staying abreast of where the fire was located, I sewed up a new coat for Socks, the Border Leicester ram. His fleece has grown out a lot and his old one got tight. I got this Sunbrella fabric on sale. It's a little over the top for a sheep coat but he's kinda pretty, isn't he?

I sewed this on my "new" Singer Rocketeer 500 Slant-o-Matic. What a machine! Wow!! Went through the straps and multiple layers like a champ.

I've put one for sale on Craigslist here that is a very similar model and works great. I don't need two! Pass the word. Pickup only, please.

This week I'm helping with the sheep producer's fair booth display and a float for the fair/rodeo parade over Labor Day weekend for the Friends of Animals local group. Should be fun!

Happy trails!

The reality of a farm in winter

The feeding path from the hay to the livestock.
Winter is hard on the farm, no way around it. It's do-able but it's still a challenge for both human and critter. Today we woke up to 30-40 mph winds and blowing snow. Yesterday the guard dog, Sterling, had softball sized snowballs stuck to his back feet and was having trouble walking. DH got them off but this morning Sterling is barking and hanging at the gate a lot...really wanted to get out of the pasture this morning. He has a house to get in out of the wind and he can go to the shelter too, but he's just had his fill today I guess. Thankfully the sun is coming out and even though it's not going to be high temps today the sun will help. He's a good boy. Might have to let him in the garage tonight if the weather doesn't improve for a break. He deserves it and the sheep aren't going out into the field far right now so I don't think the coyotes will come this close to the house where the sheep are sleeping at night.

The sheep are in the shelter today after their breakfast. They don't mind snow but with wind combination makes them take shelter. The horses have no reprieve. They are out on pasture and have to tough it out. We feed extra but I just fret and worry. DH says they're made for it with their winter coats. He takes a tougher stance than I do. I want a BARN! A real barn and not another stupid shed.

Here's the spot where DH and I sit and have our coffee in the morning before work...ha..not right now of course, but reminds me of warmer days! We can see the mountains and the sheep/pastures there including the horses...nice spot.
'Nuff said...I am thankful for the sun shining today and thankful we have a tractor being repaired to plow the driveway. Now I just need to practice patience. Easier said than done.