Today was shearing day. It has been raining and snowing for a week with well over 2 inches of rain and the sheep were quite wet through to the skin the day before yesterday. Wool, even when wet, provides warmth, so they didn't mind, but it is not really easy to shear a wet sheep. Fortunately the weather cooperated and the sun came out yesterday so it was dry enough to get the shearing done.
I ran to the grocery store this morning since the crew was going to be here for supper and the shearers were also staying overnight. I keep a slim pantry usually, but needed some things I do not normally buy, like bread and milk. As it turns out, the shearers do not eat white bread or drink store bought milk and my guests preferred coffee. I will freeze the bread and buns. The shearers are leaving at 6 am and I am not getting up to cook them breakfast. They will pop in to pick up some items stashed in my tiny fridge prior to leaving. Robbie will bard so I will get up to say good bye and go back to sleep.
The shearing took most of the day. There was only one shearer this year, but I was graced by the presence of 5 adult helpers, one grandbaby and two Mormon elders, who came by to continue assisting with the yard clean up. To top that off, the plumber, drywall team and electrician were working in the bed and breakfast house too. We had gone over their work the previous day, so my presence was not required there thank goodness.
The skirting tables were grid systems from a store closeout and they panels were set on what we had, feeders and barrels to elevate them enough to work on. My new friend and business partner, Vicki, was in charge of skirting the fleece along with her friend Janet. They took off the manure tags and any very dirty wool. The wool is loosely packed in grain totes and is in the barn for now until I can unwrap the bundles and ensure they are 100% dry prior to packing away. The two men in kilts were a father and son and Janet was the mom/wife and Vicki and her partner Gord were there helping too. I feel very honoured they would take a midweek day off, drive 2.5 hours each way from Edmonton and come out to help. I am grateful to say the least.
The shearing went fine, the skirting went well, the sheep were not happy though because they had to be off feed and water for 18 hours. The girls were given some alfalfa and lots of hay and fresh water and after finishing the rest of the necessary chores, I called it a night. I am tired, but content and it was indeed a very good day thanks to these wonderful people. Thank you to all who were present, for your presence was my present. (corny?) I really and truly appreciated each one of you. The job is done for this year and summer is on its way.
I ran to the grocery store this morning since the crew was going to be here for supper and the shearers were also staying overnight. I keep a slim pantry usually, but needed some things I do not normally buy, like bread and milk. As it turns out, the shearers do not eat white bread or drink store bought milk and my guests preferred coffee. I will freeze the bread and buns. The shearers are leaving at 6 am and I am not getting up to cook them breakfast. They will pop in to pick up some items stashed in my tiny fridge prior to leaving. Robbie will bard so I will get up to say good bye and go back to sleep.
The shearing took most of the day. There was only one shearer this year, but I was graced by the presence of 5 adult helpers, one grandbaby and two Mormon elders, who came by to continue assisting with the yard clean up. To top that off, the plumber, drywall team and electrician were working in the bed and breakfast house too. We had gone over their work the previous day, so my presence was not required there thank goodness.
The skirting tables were grid systems from a store closeout and they panels were set on what we had, feeders and barrels to elevate them enough to work on. My new friend and business partner, Vicki, was in charge of skirting the fleece along with her friend Janet. They took off the manure tags and any very dirty wool. The wool is loosely packed in grain totes and is in the barn for now until I can unwrap the bundles and ensure they are 100% dry prior to packing away. The two men in kilts were a father and son and Janet was the mom/wife and Vicki and her partner Gord were there helping too. I feel very honoured they would take a midweek day off, drive 2.5 hours each way from Edmonton and come out to help. I am grateful to say the least.
The shearing went fine, the skirting went well, the sheep were not happy though because they had to be off feed and water for 18 hours. The girls were given some alfalfa and lots of hay and fresh water and after finishing the rest of the necessary chores, I called it a night. I am tired, but content and it was indeed a very good day thanks to these wonderful people. Thank you to all who were present, for your presence was my present. (corny?) I really and truly appreciated each one of you. The job is done for this year and summer is on its way.
John, one of the men in kilts who came to help.
Patrick, the shearer.
Gord, Dan, John and Haley with Patrick busy working. Isn't it always that way where one person is slaving away and the others are watching hard.
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