Fleece Show at Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival

I am so excited that one of my fleeces won a fourth place ribbon at the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival in Hemlock, NY. I was not even sure if I should enter the competition but upon the encouragement of my friends and family I tried and was successful. Even better than the ribbon was the helpful advice that I received in order to improve our shearing and skirting.

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and especially to my husband and my boys who brought the fleeces up Friday, went back Saturday so I could see the show, and then went up again on Sunday so we could pick up the fleeces. A lot of time in the car for three little boys!

I would also like to put in a special note about my father who made me a portable skirting table and went with my husband to drop off the fleeces. Thanks!

Kittens!

So, the kittens popped out of the hay stack! We thought for sure that Sitsie had moved her babies one too many times. Boy, were we wrong! There are still four kittens and they seem to be healthy but skittish.

Anyone need a kitten?

From Rain, Rain Go Away to Where's the Rain?

This has been quite the year. We went from rain seemingly every day in April and May to July; a month with hardly any rain (.6"). We do not let our poor sheep out for fear of over exertion. Therefore, we are keeping them barn-bound. They might not like it but it is in their best interest. We do have some additions though. Our barn cat just had kittens! The boys think that this is great and cannot wait for her to bring them out from under a grape bin where she is keeping them cool.

Hope everyone is staying cool!

Sheep are Grazing

The sheep are out and loving the spring breezes! Fresh green grass and babies frolicking what could be cuter?

No Rain!

As of yet, there has been no rain today! I have been on lamb watch and walked up to the barn twice today with the boys. Good exercise but no new lambs when "Monday Night Knitting" started.

Here is a little aside about "Monday Night Knitting:"
A coworker started working part-time at a local yarn store and during lunch we would discuss her projects. She thought that I should sign up for classes - I did. It has been love ever since. I weekly attend "Monday Night Knitting" and have taken many classes; everything from beaded scarves to hats to sweaters. I have also attended a spinning retreat and UFO Day (Unfinished Objects Day). The "world of wool" has grown tremendously by being able to discuss this great fiber with other people who are as crazy as I am about a good yarn.

These wonderful ladies and my husband's patience make this all possible! My boys (3, 1, and 3 months) are along for the ride - they like the animals!

New Baby

We had a new baby lamb yesterday afternoon. She is mostly cream with a black spot between her shoulder blades and two big black panda eyes! She is beautiful!
Her mother looks like she still has another one in the "oven," however, no signs of distress or lambing. She even feels like there is another lamb. We are wondering if she was breed twice. We have read that this is possible and then lambing can occur at two different times. If anyone has any experience with something like this let me know. We are always looking for information! Hope everyone is enjoying the rain. . . and more rain. . . will it ever stop?

Rainy Day

Another rainy day in New York! We need some sun to get the grass growing - it has started to green up but not tall enough to feed the flock without hurting the pasture. Guess the little sheep will have to wait longer to get out and frolick. Everyone practice your sun dance and think spring!

Welcome to Dragonwood Ranch

Hello All - Welcome to Boehmer's Dragonwood Ranch!  We are located in Lander, Wyoming.  Through much trial my husband and three children have moved our sheep from the Finger Lakes Region of New York to Wyoming.  We are specialize in Shetland Sheep and all of the wonderful products that can be produced from a small self-sufficient flock.  We are looking at being able to process wool from birth to yarn.  This is an eternal journey and we are always learning something new!  Aren't sheep great!  They always keep you moving!