Jenny Jump Farm is planning our sheep shearing day for March 10, 2012 starting at 9 AM. Our shearer Tom Horton will be back again for another year. He is amazing to watch.
If you would like to watch or help please contact me at jennyjumpfarm@gmail.com
Christmas day is winding down giving us time to reflect on the past year. It was a good year for us and we have a lot to be thankful for. My sister and I have decided to forgo exchanging gifts for the past several years. In its place we donate to our favor charities. This year we chose Common Sense for Animals and K.I.N.D. (Kids In Need of Desks) .
On my way home tonight, I passed the gas station near my house. It was open and I stopped not to get gas but to give the attendant a small gift of fresh-baked cookies. He was so surprised and it made us both smile.
“Merry Christmas to all “.
Update: December 25th. No one has seen Nadia since deer season opened on December 2. There is always hope. If she is still alive it looks like she may always be the wild sheep of Kutztown, PA. She is a tough one to catch.
This is a sad tale. I received am email from a friend who had gotten a call from a woman, Sue, about a sheep that had been shot with an arrow near Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It appeared in her backyard a few days ago. She called animal control and numerous other agencies but no one would help. We posted a plea on the Garden State Sheep Breeders group for help. Reni Melvin and her vet, Dr Bergman came to the rescue. Dr Bergman and his father drove 3 hours only to find the sheep has been chased into the woods even after Sue pleaded them not to chase it.
The ewe is still on the run. It was very frustrating and the sheep’s time is running out.
I am grateful for people like Reni Melvin, Samantha Friedenberg, Sue Foster and Dr Bergman. Many thanks to all those who have offered advice and words of encouragement.
The story continues to evolve as I write this post. Let’s hope for a happy ending.
What I love about living in this part of the world is the changing seasons. Today was the first day that felt like fall. I worked in the yard raking leaves and even attended a local soccer game. The horses have grown thick winter coats which I hope is not an indication of the winter to come.
Enjoy the pictures from the 2011 White Township’s girls soccer team. They were awesome and fun to watch.
First day on the job guarding the sheep
Peace at last, Ginger and Arbee enjoying their hay.
Hello,
In less than two weeks I will be meeting with other Jacob Sheep Conservancy members to help set up our booth at the NY Sheep & Wool Festival. It’s our third year and we have amassed quite a following of loyal customers. Please stop by to say hello and see the wonderful Jacob fleeces, yarns and roving our members have for sale.
Check out the 10% off coupon on Ravelry. To learn more go to Rhinebeck 2011 Specials
Hope to see you there!
Waiting for Shepherd's Lead Class
Well, I finally did it! I made my first sweater using wool from my own Jacob flock. It only took me about 25 years since I first picked up a set of knitting needles. The idea I could knit something was frightening to me. I know it’s only two sticks and some yarn but it still was scary.
We held our 17th Garden State Sheep Breeders Sheep & Fiber Festival in Ringoes, NJ on September 10&11. Despite the rain and flooding attendance was good. Our festival is gaining in popularity with the fiber crowd as a nice alternative to the bigger festivals.
There is something for everyone, especially for the kids. We started a kids corner where they can have their faces painted, learn to knit and weave. They also have a hay maze and a puppet show which the kids actively participate .
Our competitions are growing each year. Last year we started our breeds displays featuring their animals, products made from their wool and general information on raising sheep. This year’s winner was Toni Keller’s with her Cheviot breeds display. The fleece, Shepherd’s Lead and Photo contests were also well attended.
We had over 250 sheep entered in the sheep shows. The Gotland Breed held their first National show in the US. The Jacob Sheep Breeders also held the Northeast show with over 65 Jacob sheep in attendance. My favorite is the Pew Wee classes for kids under 8 yrs old.
I was very impressed by the high quality vendors who attend our show. I bought some handmade cermaic buttons for my new sweater and I purchased another drop spindle to add to my collection.
Until next year see you at the 18th GSSB Sheep & Fiber Festival September 8&9, 2012.
Hello,
Where the the summer go? This summer I have been busy with my new passion and have been remiss in my fiber duties due to a slight diversion called a horse. His name is Buddy, the Elf which I adopted from Helping Hearts Equine Rescue last December.
I had been wanting to get back to riding again since I retired. I happened to find Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in Perrineville, NJ while causally searching on the internet for a horse. They just posted a video of a Buddy under saddle. I wanted something quiet and small for trail riding.
Buddy was a three-year old and very green but he was the right size and seemed like a good prospect. Helping Hearts was located about an hours drive away so I made an appointment to check him out. After I rode Buddy, we asked a little about his history. We were told Buddy was seized as a two-year old stud colt in an animal cruelty case in 2009 from a farm in Warren County. It turns out Buddy was born only a mile from my house.
The rest is history and it was the best decision to adopt him. Since he was very green under saddle I decided to invest in a good training foundation with Lara Delarenzo at 7 Springs Farm in Pittstown, NJ. I was only going to stay at 7 Springs for a few months but it looks like Buddy and I have found a home where we both can grow. Lara has done a fantastic job with his training and she is so patient with me in understanding how to get the best from Buddy. The atmosphere at the barn fits with my philosophy and the other folks who board there are some of the greatest people you will find anywhere.
We have completed several of the horsemanship clinics held at the farm with some of the best in the country such as Greg Eliel, Joe Wolters and Buster McClury. I also switched to riding western and am hoping to learn to rope.
So you can see why I have not had much time to post because I rather be riding!
Happy trails, Joanie
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We finally made the journey to the Southeast coast of Alaska in early June. It is an amazing place and made a huge impact on both Bob and me. It is an expansive area of forest, seas and mountains. The biggest epiphany for me … Continue reading
