BSG- Day 3

The Black Sheep Gathering was wrapped up yesterday. It proved to be a nice day, no rain, just blue skys.

Jefferson, Champion Ram, Jr Show, with judge Mark Eidman

I spent the morning showing in the Jr show and did very well. Jefferson got first in his class (he was the only entry in yearling ram) and then got champion ram. Esther got second in her class and then recieved reserve champion ewe. Jane placed lower in her class but has lots of growth potential.

Jane Looking Cute

Esther, Reserve Champion Ewe, Jr Show, With Judge Mark Eidman

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and waiting for it to be time to pack up and leave. We had a wonderful time and are looking forward to next year!

BSG -Day 2

 We had another wonderful day at the Black Sheep Gathering. We showed our Natural Colored Dorsets as well as one yearling Romney ewe. Smokey, one of our Dorsets took 6th place in his class out of 8. I was very pleased with this considering he was being shown against long wools and fine wool sheep since there wasn't enough medium wool entries to have their own class. Bonnie took last in her class which I had expected since her fleece isn't the greatest, we are hoping it will improve with age like her mom.Ruth did pretty good in her class but her fault that caused her to be placed lower runs in her line. It's just not very lady like for a ewe to have a big chest. Here are some pictures of our day.

Smokey

Bonnie

I Feel Bad For The Outside Vendors Since The Weather Isn't Being Very Agreeable

Showing Ruth

Getting Ruth Ready

Jefferson Has Been Getting A Lot Of Attention, He Loves It



The Public Admiring Our Sheep

Black Sheep Day 1

Today was the first official day of The Black Sheep Gathering. It was a relaxed day, no shows for us so we watched other shows, looked around at the other vendors, and chatted with people who stopped to admire of farm booth. We have met lots of new people and even got to see some friendly faces from other fiber events.

A Blurry Picture Of Our Farm Booth

Tomorrow is when the showing starts. I will be showing Ruth in the natural colored Romney open show and Bonnie and Smokey will also be shown. Everyone who doesn't get shown tomorrow will be shown on Sunday in the Jr. show.


A Little Photo Display I Put Together

The sheep that have gone to shows before are adjusting into their show modes. This may sound silly but they really do act differently at shows. For example my two yearling ewes that I brought were not at all impressed with the pre-show clipping and getting caught. They would run around and around their pen trying to avoid being caught. Now that they are at the show the are calm and cool they come up to the fence, say hello to the passersby and are more then willing to be petted. Jefferson also enjoys the attention though he gets tired with the ordeal and retreats to the back of the pen.

Ruth & Esther Relaxing

For all the lambs, only one has been to a show before and a really low key one at that, they are learning the ropes. Bonnie knows a little of what to expect having gone to the Lamb and Wool Fair in May. Smokey doesn't have a clue but is more then content to snooze in his pen chewing his cud. Jane also has no clue in fact I had just pulled her off the field to sub in for another lamb. Jane was behind line of subs, the first original ewe lamb we felt wasn't in the best condition and needed some extra feed the next to lambs both were sick and couldn't go. So now little Jane has to learn to walk on a halter and show walk at this show.

I think I disturbed Jane & Bonnie's Nap

Smokey Boy

We very much appreciate all the support we get from everyone who turns out to these events as well as our online supporters. Thank You!

Jefferson Isn't Sure He Likes His Picture Being Taken

Preparations

So how many of you are ready to enjoy summer? Well ,we are!! I just got off school last Friday and  already am jumping into the swing of the show. 

The house and barn are currently a buzz of activity. Why? This weekend is our first big event; The Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene,Oregon. We will be taking 6 sheep up to be shown, and we will also have a farm booth selling our fiber products. I'm really excited to be able to have a farm booth right next to my sheep like we do a OFFF (Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival).

 So as is expected we are busy. I have redesigned our business cards and yarn labels for a fresh new look. 

New Yarn Labels in the Making

In the kitchen I have set up a table where I'm trying to figure out just how I want to display things. We have some new colors dyed and we are hoping to be able to prepare some of our little sheep Christmas ornaments too.

Practice Set Up

In the barn the sheep going to the show are being prepared for show getting special wool-cuts to show off their gorgeous fleeces. They are also getting practiced with so they we will be able to behave themselves in the show ring.

Freshly Dyed Yarn

I hope many of you will be able to come and visit with us and our sheep.