Spring View Acres

Koda's First 'Riding'

2011-10-29T19:19:00.003-05:00

Koda was a champ for his first experience with me on him. This is definitely easier with two people!!! We will be back at it in the morning :)

Koda's First Saddling

2011-10-23T18:19:00.002-05:00

Koda and I spent this Sunday introducing the saddle for the first time. I took my time because I want it to be a fun and comfortable experience for him. I am very proud of this little one.
He turned 3 on July 11, 2011. I plan on sitting on him for the first time next weekend.

Wonderful Horsey Weekend!!!

2011-08-28T18:16:00.004-05:00

Mac was brilliant these past four days. He is calming and leading the trails. He is becoming quite confident and sure footed! I am so proud of my big boy! I think he really enjoys solo rides so he can chase turkeys and deer and keep all the apples to himself :)
The bugs were virtually nonexistent at Lake Le-Aqua-Na this week and the weather was perfect! We could not believe the crowds Friday night through Sunday afternoon. Horse trailers and campers were practically parked on top of each other. Mac acted like a champ! He had this, "been there done that' attitude most of the time. And of course he had never; this was the most number of horses, kids on bikes, dogs running lose (so unsafe), and noise I think we have been riding around for fun thus far. HE WAS PERFECT!!!! BEST HORSE EVER!!! :) Just goes to show you what a lot of work and time result in :).

Summer coming to an end.

2011-08-23T08:54:00.002-05:00

Koda has been doing very well with his groundwork. Mac is still a bugger. He can be pushy and disrespectful, but of course, he will take more time as he is little bit older and more set in his ways. I think they are both making great progress.
Unfortunately, I return to University on Sept. 6th so, for the most part, I will only be able to work with them on the weekends. As long as I suck it up and work during the cold winter Koda will be ready to ride in the spring and Mac will be extremely safe for anybody to ride.
That is my ultimate goal!

Switching up the Horses. . .

2011-07-31T17:26:00.001-05:00

Mac is down with a swollen leg :( . The result of a search and rescue episode yesterday in the deep deep mud of the fields. So. . . Koda is next. I will be starting to prepare Koda for saddle by ground work this week. :) I'll keep you posted.

2 Day Round Pen

2011-07-25T08:12:00.006-05:00

It had to be done. . . I had acquired most of the wood, all of the posts and some of the boards, over the past years in anticipation of either building an arena or a round pen. I realized a round pen would be more benificial at this time due to what needs to be done with the horses we have. One is not trained at all and the other is a bit past green broke (but not much). My wonderful husband and brilliant son helped me build a 50ft round pen this weekend so I can get to the training of the horses. . . It was inevitable :) Now to go to work!

Shetland Roving Available!!!

2011-07-11T14:17:00.002-05:00

i've updated my Etsy store, check it out!
I will be adding my browns within the next few weeks.
Feel free to browse.

Knitting update, Happy 4th

2011-07-02T05:38:00.003-05:00

They are getting there. . just a bit more ribbing. . . and the sweater (still working on the arms)
Happy Knitting and Happy 4th Everybody!

SOCKS ON 1 NEEDLE

2011-06-16T21:57:00.004-05:00

Are you kidding me? This is brilliant. It doesn't surprise me that I had "one sock syndrome", Well NO MORE! With the guidance of my friends in Agryle (thank you Kathy), I have been witness to 'Toe Up 2 socks (same time) 1 circular needle'. I can adjust the size as I go by putting the darn things on and . . . who needs a pattern? . . . And I am LOVING IT!
Never again will I suffer from One Sock Syndrome, I will be a sock knitting. . . nut!

Sweater Update

2011-06-15T15:50:00.004-05:00

I seem to be making great progress. Time is definitely an issue, but they say idle hands. . . so I try to stay busy even while resting. I am excited to be starting the arms soon. I can't wait to see if all the pieces fit together.

FOUND: Cute Kittens

2011-06-05T17:31:00.003-05:00

We knew momma kitty had her kittens, but assumed she had lost them a second year in a row (due to raccoons). She was smart this year! We finally found them in the sheep barn snuggled in a weed bag.

Horse Arena Begining

2011-06-05T17:28:00.002-05:00

Here is the first set of obstacle stuff I put together from things around the farm. I will be adding more as the summer goes on and the horses get bored.

Horse Arena

2011-06-04T20:22:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I've been trying to figure out a 'typical' place to work my horses. A place where I can set up a confidence course and work on my greenhorn horses. I finally came up with a plan. I found a nice 'mostly flat' rectangle area in the southwest pasture. It's all fenced in for safety and really nice terrain to play in (as well as a small stream). This is the initial mowed area. Tomorrow, I will begin placing trial obstacle course pieces (found around the farm).

Summer Break and Knitting

2011-05-31T15:13:00.003-05:00

Here we are again. The fall, winter, and spring semesters are gone. . . and summer semester begins next week. We have time this summer to enjoy the farm and share some experiences with our followers.
I have begun a new sweater, just in time for summer. I figure it will be perfect for this next fall. It has knitted up quite fast!

Poco, We love you.

2010-11-21T11:44:00.004-06:00

Poco will be missed and never forgotten.

Raw Fleece

2010-09-28T20:55:00.012-05:00

Pic 7: white, 1.85#, 5" staple, single coated, $17

Pic 6: white, 2.22#, 8.5" staple, dual coated, $20

Pic 5: red/grey, 1.85#, 6.5 staple, $12

Pic 4: red/brown, 3.26#, Primo soft, 7.5", $40

Pic 3: grey, 2.78#, 7.5"staple, $15

Pic 2: white, 3.65#, 5" single coated, $35

Pic 1: grey/white, 3#, 7"staple length; $25

Sold: (CLONE OF ISRAEL) WHITE RAM LAMB Jackfrost

2010-08-08T09:08:00.011-05:00

Congrats Gwendolyn!!!

This precious ram lamb will MAKE your breeding program!!!
White Ilget (small black spots on ears)

Single coated, soft , dense and wavy crimped, very fine fleece (just like dad)!
He has excellent confirmation, very correct! He as a wonderfully fluke shaped, short tail. His horns are well apart and are growing perfectly (just like dad)!

Jackfrost will truly be a replica of his father, Israel. Calm temperament and all!

Dam: Springview Gem NASSA #S25160
Sire: Gwendelynns Israel NASSA #S24276

Sold: SPRINGVIEW DAEDRA

2010-08-08T08:56:00.004-05:00

Daedra is a 2008 ewe. NASSA #S27963 Scrapie Tag# IL48434F016
She is a light Grey Sokket. She was born and raised a twin.

She is a wonderful mother, easy breeder and lamber.
Beautiful black face and legs, dense, long fleece.

Her confirmation is very correct: Well sprung ribs and hind; Dense, wavy, and slightly coarse fleece (excellent for outerwear, rugs, and felters).
She will make an excellent addition to any breeding program.

Her offspring have been productive and with beautiful wool.

Offspring Record:
2009: Ewe, Black
2010: Ewe, Silver (white/black)

Sold: Gwendelynns Felicity

2010-08-07T18:45:00.003-05:00

Felicity is a very sweet ewe. She is the first one to meet you at the gate to get a scratch!
She is a wonderful mother, easy breeder and easy lambing.

NASSA #S24277 Born 2007

Her fleece is dense and slightly coarse - very nice for rugs!
It has an interesting variegation of colors in the fleece.

Her offspring have been absolutely beautiful and diverse in colors!

Offspring record:
2008: Ewe, Dark Brown, Krunet
2009: Twins; Ewe, White with brown spots ; Ewe, Black
2010: Ram, Black/White Blaget

Sold: SPRINGVIEW CORDELIA

2010-08-07T18:34:00.006-05:00

Cordelia is a white ewe with black specs on her ears.
She was born April 28, 2008

She is a great mother with beautiful offspring
Easy breeder, easy lambing

Her fleece is dense, very nicely crimped, and fine (very soft)

Dam: Springview Star NASSA #S25158
Sire: Gwendelynns Israel NASSA #S24276

Offspring record:
2009: Ewe
2010: Ram

Sold: WHITE EWE LAMB

2010-08-07T18:07:00.007-05:00

This beautiful ewe lamb is a White Ilget (brown) She is white with a few light brown spots on her ears and she has one light brown leg! She is the cutest little thing!

Her fleece is very dense and wonderfully fine (very soft).
Her confirmation is WONDERFUL!!! With the perfect fluke shaped short tail!
Dam: Springview Tar-Meena NASSA #S27967
SIRE: Gwendelynns Israel NASSA #S24276

She will make a beautiful addition to any breeding program!

Sold: MAPLEWOOD TOGEPI

2010-08-07T17:53:00.003-05:00

Togepi is a wonderful mother and has a fleece suited for the perfect rugs and natural colors!
NASSA register # S17715

Her fleece is long (over 4"), straight, dense, and slightly coarse (great for rugs)
Her tail is fluke shaped and under 5"

She produces some of the most beautiful lambs: ALL of her offspring has been Black and some Bersugget!
Offspring Record
2006: Twins; Ewe, Ewe
2008: Ram
2009: Ram
2010: Twins; Ram, Ewe

Sold: BLACK WETHER LAMB

2010-08-07T17:47:00.007-05:00

The cutest little fiber pet! And the softest fleece!

He has a very nice dense, wavy, soft black fleece.

(Farm tag 41)

Sold: SPRINGVIEW ARNORA

2010-08-07T17:36:00.004-05:00

NASSA Registration # S27966

She is a white ewe, birthdate May, 2008
She is a very protective and wonderful mother.
Easy breeder, easy lambing.

Her fleece is very dense and nicely crimped. When washed the fleece is like snow!

Offspring record:
2009: Ewe
2010: Ram

Sold: WETHER LAMB

2010-08-07T17:25:00.006-05:00

This fleece will make any flock owner proud!

This beautiful wether is, of course, a fiber pet only. He was born on June 1, 2010.
His markings are classified as Blaget in the NASSA registry.

His fleece is very dense, fine (very soft), and wavy. His tail is short a fluke shaped.

Dam: Gwendelynns Felicity NASSA # S24276
Sire: Springview Bandit NASSA # S27968
(Farm tag #36)

Sold: SPRINGVIEW MIDNIGHT

2010-08-07T17:21:00.003-05:00

Midnight is a 2006 ewe. She is strictly a fiber pet (Not to be bred) due to a c-section in the spring of 2010.
She is very quiet and has a beautiful black Iset fleece.

(keeping) SPRINGVIEW GEM

2010-08-07T17:09:00.004-05:00

Gem is a 2006 ewe. NASSA registration # S25160
She is a beautiful Grey, sokket
Her fleece is wavy and fine.

Offspring record:
2008: Twins: Ram, Ewe
2009: Triplets: Ram, Ram, Ewe
2010: Twins: Ram, Ewe

Mac's Progress

2010-07-08T07:51:00.004-05:00

This is at the Shenandoa/Galena Rodeo, parking cars and security.

This is the 4th of July parade in Galena, IL.
I think Mac is enjoying his new job!

I don't think I can be happier at this time with Mac's progress! He is cool and collected only after 2 months! I plan on taking him on the trail for the first time this weekend! I am very excited. And my son will be riding Medichi and for his first trail ride! I can't wait!

Mac

2010-07-02T06:44:00.000-05:00

Mac is doing so great! I am so happy :)

Nala

2010-06-06T08:58:00.003-05:00

Nala did not have quads this year. The anticipation was intense!
She had these beautiful twins, the b/w is a ewe and the black is a ram. Israel is the sire.

Daedra

2010-06-06T08:43:00.001-05:00

5/31/2010
Beautiful Ewe Lamb!

Felicity

2010-06-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

6/1/2010
Ram Lamb

Mac

2010-05-30T08:21:00.003-05:00

He is doing great! His 'refining and finishing' is coming along swiftly. He is willing and definitely able, and will be a great Mounted Patrol horse when we are done with him.

Desdemona's ewe lamb

2010-05-28T07:12:00.001-05:00

Desdemona had a beautiful ewe lamb this morning :)

Lamb Update

2010-05-26T07:06:00.003-05:00

Togepi's premi is gaining strength and is doing wonderfully!!! Arnora's little ram lamb is very strong and ready for playtime. Gem's twins are the largest twins I think we have had. They are jumping for joy and rearing to go!
No other lambs have come into the world yet - we still have 8 more ewes to go!

Star, update

2010-05-26T07:03:00.002-05:00

We lost Star last night. After over a week of hand feeding, watering, c-section. . and still feeding and watering by hand, she still refused to eat or drink on her own.
We did everything one could possibly do.

Star, update

2010-05-24T12:00:00.003-05:00

Star is not doing very well. She will not eat or drink anything. I am still having to feed and water her via a feeding syringe. I don't know what more I can do? I'm just hopeful what I am doing will be enough and she'll begin eating and drinking on her own.

Gem

2010-05-22T07:22:00.002-05:00

Gem had a beautiful set of twins this morning, Black ewe lamb, and a White ram lamb. Both are very healthy and very strong. (quite large as well). They are sired by 'Israel'

Arnora's Lamb

2010-05-21T19:21:00.001-05:00

This is Arnora's ram lamb :) isn't he cute :)
The sire is 'Springview Bandit'

Arnora

2010-05-21T08:47:00.003-05:00

Arnora had a beautiful Ram Lamb this morning - unfortunately the 'add photo' on blogspot is not functioning properly this morning - I will add photos as soon as it allows me.

Star

2010-05-20T12:28:00.001-05:00

We had to perform an emergency c-section. We lost the lamb, but mom is doing fine.

Pregnancy Toxemia - The miracle Mom: Togepi

2010-05-19T11:37:00.004-05:00

Togepi and Star came down with severe symptoms of Pregnancy Toxemia sometime before 6am last Sunday. I called the vet and we followed protocol hoping for the best. We induced labor in both at around 9am (results in approx. 36-48hours IF due) By sunday evening, the vet came out again and IV'd Togepi. I had to stay with her throughout the night preventing her from moving. The vet was straight forward telling me not to expect her to ever get up again. We just were working on keeping her alive long enough to have her lambs. We did not want to perform a c-section just yet. She was not due for another 7 days.

Star was responding slightly better than Togepi, but I think they were just taking turns (I am only one person).

On my 3rd evening, after feeding her manually with a syringe (alfalfa mash), and days of Sub-Q injections and oral polypropylene glycol, and calcium. . . around 11:39pm May 18th, she presented a lambs head and 2 tiny little hooves.

The vet was called because she was too weak to push and I was not sure how many lambs she was carrying. He pulled the lamb ram out and reached in a grabbed the ewe lamb. The ewe lamb was very strong and quick to get up to nurse. The ram lamb was weakened by presenting for some time before being extracted. After much rubbing and moving and momma licking, he finally began to respond positively. I left mom to do the job she is so good at doing. The lambs progressed throughout the night and by morning they were getting up to nurse regularly. I am still feeding mom and administering her meds, but she is so focused on her lambs it makes my job much easier!

Here's one positive result from a negative prognosis of Pregnancy Toxemia!

Star is still in our prayers and when she lambs, you will be the third to know (Star first, me second, you third :))

GREATEST HORSES IN THE WORLD. . . mine :)

2010-05-02T08:33:00.002-05:00

Mac, Koda, Medichi - such a perfect, happy family :)

Fiber stash and Spring weather

2010-04-29T11:45:00.004-05:00

Well, the weather is not exactly cooperating with riding lately. High winds, scattered rains. . . Welcome to the real spring.

I have been preparing the wool roving to be placed onto Etsy in order for you lovely people to fill your fiber stash. Keep an eye out - It will be available in no time. I am just weighing out the final available fleece totals!!! Keep checking back!

The Ewes are doing well - looking very chunky with their baby's kicking to come into the world. They are expected to lamb in two weeks! I will be posting pictures as the come. :)

It's going to be a beautiful summer and I look forward to all of your comments!

Riding Season is upon us!

2010-04-21T17:05:00.004-05:00

Medichi is doing great at Lake Le-Aqua-Na.

I'm excited to be starting Max (new horse) next month! But for now, Medichi gets all the riding :)

Bookcase is complete!

2010-04-05T09:54:00.003-05:00

We had a friend install a custom bookcase along the staircase. It was pine and very light in color. My husband and I conditioned the wood, stained with Golden Mahogany, and coated it with polyurethane. It's gorgeous!! I love it! Now all I have to do is load it with our books and enjoy!

Before After:

Newest Addition to the Family :)

2010-04-04T11:11:00.006-05:00

You remember Medichi: You remember MiKoda:(yes he's getting big)

Now, Please welcome Full Moon Over Texas to our Family :)

Thank you so Much Susan and John - He is Wonderful :) I can't wait to start playing with him!

Poco is Growing!

2010-04-04T06:50:00.004-05:00

I think he's as big as he's going to get, but his mind is still learning! He loves to help with the sheep and at times he thinks he has to help with the horses, but he learned the horses just ignore him now. - That's no fun, so onto playing with his cats!

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-04T06:45:00.006-05:00

Here we go with our first spring in our new home! My PussyWillow showed buds last week and now they have sprung! It's one of the most beautiful sights I've seen so far this year. I'm getting more and more excited for the fresh new spring and summer with every bud that is budding and every animal that is shedding!

Dishcloths!!!

2010-03-25T13:39:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I've been knitting again. I want to practice various stitches so I've recently discovered knitted dishcloths! Thank you Argyle knitting group :) I have made 2 already and have 2 in the works. I have discovered I'm not a fan of bobbles just yet, as you can see from my partially knit sheep dishcloth!I am getting to the point were I think I am ready to expand my challenge. I have found a beautiful pattern for a lattice and basket-weave throw! Yes, I'm that ambitious :) I am just hoping to find the perfect shade of light chocolate or dark beige to make it out of. I think that is half the battle, aside from the proper yarn weight, of course.

Making Roving!

2010-01-18T11:26:00.005-06:00

I start by picking out any vegetation from the washed fleece. From this stage, I put the fleece on my Drum Carder in 3oz batches.

I then remove the wool from the Carder using a Diz. This creates a wonderfully, smooth roving ready for the spinning wheel.

Step by Step Wool Process

2010-01-18T11:13:00.007-06:00

I skirt then pick to prepare for wash:

I then immerse small batches into HOT soapy water

I then rinse in HOT water multiple times (without agitation) in order to remove all soap and dirt. Between each step, I put the fleece through a spin cycle to remove excess water.

When the fleece is completely washed and rinsed, I pick open the fibers by hand and lay it out to dry.

This is the process I use to wash and dry my fleece.

Processing the Wool

2010-01-04T13:44:00.002-06:00

There is 2 more weeks of my winter holiday. I have washed 3 fleeces and have started the picking process. I pick the fleece by hand so this may take some time. I have approximately 16 more batches of wool to wash. It's going to be a very long, busy week, but in the end it will be worth it.

I will be posting wool batts and yarn in my etsy store as I complete them.

Thank you for your patients.

Joey

Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-09T09:00:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Snow Days!

Newest Addition!

2009-10-12T07:49:00.002-05:00

Poco Pennington: Poco for short. His name seemed fitting, considering.

He is a 13 week old, Miniature Australian Shepherd. He already loves to run around the sheep.

Our new Home!

2009-09-22T22:03:00.002-05:00

This is our new home! You'll see the inside when the episode airs - near December or January :)

D-Day

2009-09-22T21:58:00.002-05:00

http://twitpic.com/h2xym

Meeting Ty Pennington was one of the greatest days of our family's lives.

Extreme Makeover, Home Edition

2009-09-22T21:52:00.002-05:00

Yes, it is true. We were whisked away by ABC and the Extreme Makeover team! I will be posting pictures shortly

House Fire: Farm on Temporary Hold

2009-05-21T15:55:00.003-05:00

We had a house fire back on April 26th, and we have been quite busy. Things will be settling down soon. At that time, I will be processing this years fleece and posting them on our etsy store. The available lambs, ewe and ram, will have updated photos posted with prices as soon as possible.
Thank you all for understanding.

A few Ram Lambs!

2009-04-23T20:02:00.005-05:00

Just a few of the boys.

Can you tell these two are twins: clones of their daddy, Israel! Their horns are looking great and their fleece is just as sweet!

These are a couple of ram lambs we are keeping our eyes on for potential breeding stock for this next fall - They will be available FOR SALE!

MiaKoda in all his splendor

2009-04-23T19:17:00.003-05:00

I'm just now weaning him, he's not that happy being out of sight of momma. I think she just walked behind the grain bin. She's all about the eating without him on her (she's on vacation)!

We have EGGS!

2009-03-29T12:39:00.003-05:00

We have added hens to our little farm. Since we brought them home, we've been getting 2-3 eggs every day! We get green, brown, and white eggs (of all sizes). I think we'll add more hens in the near future. They are so much fun to watch.

Welcome to Northwestern Illinois

2009-03-29T12:31:00.005-05:00

Overnight Winter Storm 3/28/09
BEFORE

AFTER

Tar-Meena's lambs

2009-03-29T12:30:00.003-05:00

born 3/27/09 around 9:30pm. Twin Ram Lambs!

NEW LAMBS!

2009-03-26T19:07:00.011-05:00

Lambs, Lambs, everywhere Lambs!!! We have brown ones, black ones, white ones, black and white ones, and whites with little brown splashes! What to do with them all ???

I've been quite busy lately so I must catch up with my lamb posts. Here they are.

Many lambs will be available this year as fiber pets - feel free to email me anytime for a listing. We will also be offering small starter flocks for those wanting to join the joy of raising Shetland Sheep.

springviewacres@yahoo.com

These are Felicity's twin ewe lambs, born 3/25/09.

Here we have Stary and her single ewe lamb, born 3/25/09.

This precious little one is Cordelia's ewe lamb, born 3/22/09.

This little one is Arnora's single ewe lamb, born 3/17/09.

GEM HAD TRIPLETS

2009-03-20T09:19:00.003-05:00

We had just the one black boy - a little while later the black and white girl. Then. . . about 20 min. later - She had a third - a little white boy!
What a morning!

Midnight, 2 ram lambs!

2009-03-11T19:16:00.001-05:00

Midnight had 2 Ram Lambs, March 11th, at 6:30pm.

QUADRUPLITS AGAIN! NALA DID IT AGAIN!

2009-03-08T14:32:00.001-05:00

Nala did it again! This is the second year in a row she had quadruplits!

Last year she had 3 boys and 1 girl, This year (1:00pm today) she had 3 girls and 1 boy!

FIRST SPRING LAMB!

2009-03-08T08:03:00.003-05:00

Togepi gave birth in the early hours of March 7 to a healthy ram lamb. His name is Dreani. We are just waiting on 10 more ewes! It's going to be an exciting spring!

Momma looks very proud!

Medichi and MiaKoda

2009-03-08T08:00:00.004-05:00

Momma and baby are doing great! MiaKoda will be 8 months old on March 11th.
They are both a 'bit' muddy at the moment - gota love the spring!

Momma and Crew

2009-01-10T16:49:00.003-06:00

I think Koda is getting use to all different types of farm animals. He seems to be quite content in this winterfest.

Koda is now 6 months old, and lookin' good!!!

2009-01-10T16:47:00.001-06:00

Medichi and Koda are hanging out with Bandit (one of our Ram Lambs)

New Farm Sign!!

2008-12-30T09:16:00.002-06:00

We have some pretty fabulous friends. My husband and I went away for the weekend and upon our return there was a sign outside our front door. When the ground unfreezes it will be placed out in a pasture near the highway. Thank you Bob and Nikita. It's beautiful!

New photos of Koda and Medichi

2008-11-19T08:04:00.003-06:00

I just took this real quick this morning - he is so adorable :)

I'll grab some close-ups this afternoon when they come up for feeding.

Shetland Ewes

2008-09-28T17:36:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the girls, they are looking good! I can't wait until I can get my hands on these fleeces :)

Available Ram Lambs, 2008

2008-08-15T21:16:00.002-05:00

Like Mother, Like Son :)

2008-08-12T10:08:00.002-05:00

Sunny Day in the Flowers :)

Miakoda, 16 Days old!!!

2008-07-28T09:09:00.006-05:00

I'm so cute!

Got a fly problem? Moms got me covered!

Love those Glass Blue Eyes!

Name adjustment

2008-07-23T07:29:00.001-05:00

You may have noticed, I've changed the foals name. When I came home from vacation I watched him for a while and thought, "he is not a Pocono, he's a true indian pony", so the search was on for the perfect name. His coloring is very unique and we had a full moon last week, so it seemed fitting to name him Miakoda, Koda for short. This is Native Indian for "Power of the Moon". And the name seems to fit him rather well.

2008-07-18T09:56:00.002-05:00

http://s303.photobucket.com/albums/nn139/springviewacres

To see many more photos of Pocono just click on this link - most of the photos are under the album name "Medichi and Pocono".

WE HAVE FOAL!!!! - Named MiaKoda -, Indian for "power of the moon"

2008-07-13T06:55:00.009-05:00

On the evening of July 11th, I was in Richmond, VA, on my way to Outerbanks North Carolina for a weeks vacation with my family and inlaws. We were woken up by the ringing of my husbands cell phone around midnight. MEDICHI HAD A Colt!!! I'm 950 miles from home!!!! And I won't be home until the 21st!!! My friends continue to send pics to me so I am posting some of them now. I can't wait to get home and play with him. His name is Pocono: named for the Pocono Mountains in PA, Poco for short; my grandmother and I use to camp up there. The name seems fitting for this little boy.

I am just now able to post a pic - there have been issues. I am still in Nags Head, North Carolina. - I can't wait to get home and work with this little colt. I'll post more pics when I receive them.

Updates

2008-07-07T09:43:00.004-05:00

No Foal Yet :(

Garden is looking Great!

The Dogs are enjoying the sun!

And the Sheep are happily grazing!

All is well on the farm front :)!!!

Guarding the Farm

2008-06-25T14:05:00.003-05:00

Sammie is very happy guarding the farm.

Garden is looking good!

2008-06-25T14:02:00.002-05:00

Our garden is looking good. I'm already looking forward to next year by planning out an early start.

Farm Update: Thunderstorms 08

2008-06-08T12:20:00.009-05:00

When will the storms end? Our crops for the farmers market are growing great, but too much rain is not a good thing!

The animals are huddled indoors just waiting for the chance to sneak out for a bite to eat. As you can see, the lambs are growing exponentially!!!
Our chickens are taking a liking to their coop and are growing rapidly!

I'm not sure how much more rain we can take - we'll just have to hang on!!!

It's been a long week!

2008-05-30T18:32:00.007-05:00

Smoke found a good home - He is on his way to Bellevue, IA. He will be missed.

Medichi is getting bigger, I don't know how much bigger she can get!!!

Here are some of the lambs - they are also getting pretty big! Time flies when your having fun!

Playing the Waiting Game

2008-05-22T09:55:00.002-05:00

Medichi sure is getting WIDE!!! I don't think we can deny the inevitable!

Chickens have arrived!

2008-05-21T08:07:00.001-05:00

We finally have some chickens. The coop should be ready for them by Thursday. We are very excited to be filling up our farm.
Next stop: Egg Cartons :)

Lazy Days of Spring

2008-05-20T10:31:00.003-05:00

What a belly!!! Soakin' up some sun :)

Medichi: Pregnant or No - That is the Question!

2008-05-19T07:41:00.005-05:00

I went for a ride yesterday in Lake Le-Aqua-Na, and Medichi was acting very peculiar. Some folks riding behind me said "She's acting that way because she's pregnant." I have been thinking ,on and off, that she may be. As I was riding down the trails she was waddling - it felt very strange under saddle. If she is preggers - she should foal anytime between July and late August. That is a pretty large window, but I'm going on the fact that she was in with a black and white paint stud all last summer. I picked her up late last September, from the same field the stud was in. Her abdomen is extended quite a bit. I'll be keeping a very close eye on her, and I'll keep everyone updated on her progress.

Ceasar

2008-05-19T07:27:00.004-05:00

I almost forgot!!! This is Ceasar, our little steer. Isn't he cute :)

He was born on the Ides of March: March 15th. The name Ceasar seemed appropriate.

Spring 2008

2008-05-12T07:16:00.002-05:00

Lambing is through, now we just watch the little ones grow and grow.
How the time flew by. . .
Now we focus on their safety through the summer.

All TEN lambs are doing great!!!
(only one had to be bottle fed - ewe lamb from the quadruplets - understandably so)

We ended up with 5 rams and 5 ewes.
4 of the rams will be up for sale around August - October.
Keep and eye on our blog for those updates.

I am preparing to process the fleeces from this spring - they are gorgeous!!!
I will be selling much of the roving right here on the blog - you can always e-mail me to see what we have available: springviewacres@yahoo.com

It's been a great spring - I'll be processing fleece for a while now. . .
Until next time!!!!! I will be posting our progress throughout the summer!!!

Proud Papa!!!

2008-05-06T08:54:00.002-05:00

Isreal - Proud Papa!!!!

Last baby of the season!!!

2008-05-06T08:48:00.004-05:00

Felicity and her ewe lamb, born Tuesday, May 6th!!!

Very Chocolate Brown!!!! sooooo cute!!!!

It's SUNNY!!!

2008-05-01T09:53:00.002-05:00

Here we are, enjoying the sunlight!!

Another Ewe Lamb!!!

2008-05-01T09:51:00.003-05:00

Single Ewe Lamb born May 1st - around 8am

It's been a WILD week!!!

2008-04-29T14:36:00.006-05:00

Shhhhhh - I'm naping

I'm just too cute!

I'm FREE!!!!

You Talkin to Me?

Just call me Bandit!!!

Do I count FOUR???!!!!!!

Togepi and her Black and White

2008-04-29T14:06:00.002-05:00

Here's another Black and White Splash Ram Lamb!!! Born April 29th, 1:30pm!!!

We have a pretty single

2008-04-28T08:37:00.003-05:00

Spring and her little one!!! Single ewe born April 28th, 6am.

We Have Quadruplits!!!!!!

2008-04-28T08:33:00.002-05:00

Nala and her Babies!!!!! Born April 28th, 6:00am

3 Ram Lambs, 1 Ewe Lamb.