Highland Hollow farms

2011-09-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

I have a really nice ram for sale or trade. He is 3 yrs. old. He is very well mannered. I would keep him but he is related to all my ewes but 2 old girls. His name is Gowan He is registered . We are flock #229.

2011-09-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn's first day of school. 3Rd grade. How fast does the time go?

2011-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's been along time, alot has changed. The kids and Grandkids moved out in Jan. so it is now just John and I in the house, (along with 2 border collies and 2 cats.) We haven't lived alone for almost 7 years. It has taken alittle bit of ajusting. We still have the Highlanders and we still have our little Shetland sheep. My wonderful Petey the peacock has died this year he was 17 years old. I miss him alot. Topanga our favorite Highlander died last winter, we still have her mother Angela she is now 20 years old. We have the Grandkids every Friday and sometimes inbetween. They are growning so fast. We are starting to have alot of fun with them.

2010-04-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's been along time blogging. I couldn't remember the password or anything. Got a new one so now we are in business. I'm going to try and keep up. Alot has changed on the farm. We have a new Grandson. "Brewer." Well, I guess he's not so new he just had his first Birthday. I'm going to dust off the camera and start taking pictures again. I didn't breed any sheep or cattle last year, so no babies this spring.
The Emporium is pretty much done except for roasting coffee and soda pop.
Kinni lounge is gone!
Things have changed.

2009-01-18T19:22:00.001-08:00

Ok guys. I have lost my mind. I have to tell the story of the male peacock I lost last week.
Last spring a fox or coyote killed my older 2 peacock hens. I found 2 eggs and put them under a bantam hen ( silly bantams are always broody) she hatched out the eggs 2 weeks later. She mothered them like they were her own, but she must have thought they were the ugliest bantams chicks ever, but she raised them anyway. Well they grew older and realized they were different. Well one stayed put and one tended to wander, he had many problems and kept having trouble finding the shed. Many times we tried to herd him into the shed, many times no luck. Well last night we found him dead in the pasture, frozen to death in the 30 below weather didn't make it into the shed. It was so sad.

2009-01-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

I know it's been along time since I've blogged. John is now semi-retired. (HA-HA) He has purchased another coffee shop in River Falls. Kinnicoffee.com We are expecting another Grand child in April, plus lambs, I bred 2 ewes to a really nice ram. Can't wait to see what we get. Brooklyn is now 5 and Britta is 2 They keep up really happy. John is still town Chairman for Rock Elm Township. Today was Caucus. He got nominated again. We are busier now than we have ever been. I've been spinning alot of wool which is really fun. I'm starting a little yarn and craft shop in Kinni Lounge in River Falls.
I lost a Peacock in the cold weather. I'm really upset about it because of what I went through to save that egg that became that peacock. I'll tell the story later.

2008-07-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

Today is my 54th Birthday. I really have so much to say, but can't really say it now. I think I am going throught alot of stuff right now. I will fill you in later. I promise. Jane

2008-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

My brother Jay is doing much better today, we are very optimistic about his recovery, so today I am posting some pictures. I finally have some lambs. Yeah for baby lambs!!!

As you can see Britta has turned out to love the farm too.

2008-05-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

update on my brother Jay. Here is the current happenings from Emma his fantastic wife. I tell ya she is a trooper.
So… the last few days have been a little tough.

After the elation of moving out of ICU on Friday, Jay suffered a setback and by 4am on Saturday was back in Intensive Care.
A precautionary CT scan taken after he managed to somehow get himself out of bed in the early hours of Saturday morning revealed a small amount of bleeding inside his head and within ten minutes of returning from the CT scan we were back on our way to ICU – back into the same room we had left !!
Over the next day or so it became evident that he also had some fluid on his lungs and by Sunday morning he was having real difficulty breathing, even with an oxygen mask.

Sunday afternoon the decision was taken to sedate him and put him on a ventilator. It’s a pretty scary moment to see someone you love being hooked up to all those tubes and to accept that a machine is needed to simply help them breathe. I shed more than a few tears as I sat at the hospital on my own. Big thanks to the lady who delivers the meals in ICU for spotting that I needed a hug!

The long and the short of it is that he is now doing much better. The bleeding in his head has been monitored, has not increased and is not considered a concern. The fluid on his lungs is possibly a touch of pneumonia, possibly the result of aspirating some vomit (he was pretty sick on Friday night), possibly the side effect of being pumped full of fluids over the last week and possibly the result of another clot forming somewhere in his body. The jury is still out so they are treating him for all of the above. They have detected a hint of a clot forming in his right leg so they have inserted a filter in the main artery that leads to his heart. In case it were to break free the filter will prevent it going to his heart or brain, and he is on antibiotics for the possible pneumonia.

His lungs are now much clearer, and as of tonight when I left the hospital he is breathing on his own, even though he still has the ventilator tube inserted. He is still sedated and the positive side of this episode is that he has been able to get some much needed rest. He is being fed through a tube so he is also able to catch up on some much needed nutrition. For both of these reasons the doctor has decided to wait until tomorrow to take him off the ventilator.

After the shock and the trauma of the setback (they say to expect them you know ……… but it doesn’t make them any easier!) I too have also managed to get some much needed rest. I have spent the last two nights at home knowing that he is stable and sedated and it has really helped me to recharge my batteries. Dani, Laura and Gemma have been wonderful – so helpful and so supportive. They all remembered Mother’s Day yesterday and I even got breakfast cooked for me.

Even though Jay is sedated he is only ‘just under’. He responds to instructions from the nurses and flutters his eyes open now and again. I am pretty sure he can hear me so I have been chatting to him a lot over the last day or so. I have told him that everyone is thinking of him and wishing him better. I tell him about what’s going on in the world and at home and just prattle on and on about everyday stuff. When he wakes up he’ll either tell me it was a comfort to hear my voice or he’ll tell me that he wished I would have shut the hell up! Either way I won’t mind ……… it’ll just be nice to have him back

Emma

2008-05-09T13:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning my 36 year old brother Jason Schlotthauer had a stroke. It has been a rough week. It was only a year and a half since my Brother Steve was struck and killed by a car crossing the street in Blaine. My parents just retired and moved in with Jason and his family. Jason has been working hard to make a nice little Aptment for them. Please send prayers and positive energy. Here is an e-mail from his wife Emma.

I promised many of you some regular email updates on Jay’s progress.
Please feel free to forward this on to anyone else you know that would like an update

I think that most, if not all, on this distribution list know that Jay suffered a stroke in the early hours of this past Saturday morning.
Since that time he has been in intensive care at St Joseph’s hospital in St Paul.
The stroke was significant and was caused by a blood clot in a major artery in the left side of his brain. For much of Saturday he was in critical life threatening condition and completely paralyzed on his right side. Attempts to remove the blood clot were not successful and we were fearful of the worst.

I count all my blessings that he is still with us and has made remarkable progress in the last few days. The affected area of the brain, whilst still significant, has turned out to be not as massive as first thought. The right side of his body is indeed affected but little by little he is starting to get movement and feeling back in his right side. He has lost almost all his speech but again, day by day, he is starting to form more and more recognizable sounds and words, even a few phrases now and again.

As of today he has officially been taken off intensive care status and whilst still in the Intensive Care Unit he has significantly stabilized.
His blood pressure has returned to normal levels and he is no longer hooked up to multiple IVs. Each day is a roller coaster for him, both physically and emotionally, as he struggles to come to terms with what has happened. His comprehension and understanding is completely in tact. He knows exactly what I am saying to him and both of us experience high levels of frustration as we try and find ways for him to communicate.

His frustration and restlessness have been at an all time high in the last 24 hours – the doctors think that nicotine withdrawals are playing a significant factor in this and are now treating him accordingly. Even though he cannot walk he is desperately (and inventively) trying to escape the confines of his bed. The strength and dexterity he has in his left side is remarkable and nurses have had to employ ever more sophisticated restraints to keep him confined and to prevent him from hurting himself. He is a fighter and doesn’t give up - all great signs for the road ahead.

He has started physical therapy and today moved a few steps supported by a walking frame and two therapists. Small steps but wonderful to watch.
He also works with a speech therapist daily and again, every new sound brings us a little closer to being able to understand each other better.

Not sure what the road ahead is yet. Still too early to tell. He may still have some surgery in the next couple of weeks to bypass the artery where the clot is located and provide improved blood supply to that area of the brain – an important factor in preventing a further stroke in the future. I anticipate that he will move out of the ICU soon and into a regular hospital ward but I’m still just taking each day at a time and I’ll let you all know when he’s ready for more visitors.

Thanks to all of you that have sent messages of love, prayers and support. They mean so much. Every day is a roller coaster for me too. I can go from intense joy to floods of tears in a matter of seconds. I am still not sure that the events of the last few days have really sunk in.
I am sure that it will hit me sooner or later but for now I am just intensely grateful that he is still here and is making the progress that he is.
He is not only my husband, he is my best friend, and I can’t tell you how hard it is not to be able to chat with him and how hard it is to watch his frustration and feel so helpless. But for now, I am just glad that he can squeeze my hand and tell me he loves me (one of the few phrases he can manage) and that I can look at his eyes, expressions and mannerisms and see the real Jay. I am full of hope for his recovery.

I’ll send out another update in a few days and let you know how he is doing
In the meantime…….take care…….and don’t sweat the small day to day stuff…….it really really doesn’t matter…...trust me!!
Emma

2008-05-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

We haven't had any lambs born yet. We have had two really cute little Highlander calves born (both girls) I did take pictures but forgot the camera at home.
I'm suppose to have my sheep sheared Saturday if the weather holds. This sure has been a very strange spring.
I'm spinning yarn from Connie's fleece (last years) I found a nice vest pattern I'm going to try. Lately my knitting really SUCKS!!!!! It's like I totally forgot how to do anything. I'm working on a sweater for myself right now. If it doesn't turn out I'm going back to crocheting doilies!!!! (not that doilies are bad but I went thru that phase in my life and have have millions of doilies.

2008-04-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog!!! I have been a bad blogger. Everything has gone crazy for me. My parents have FINALLY retired, Yes they are 75 and 78 years old and have finally decided it might be time to retire. They have been making me crazy. I love my parents, but they are workaholicis and they will not stop. John has been going through surgery for his varicose veins. They were so bad he had to under go radical experiment surgery. I only bred 5 ewes this year, due to lamb in the first week of May. I'm glad because the weather here has been very strange. I have pictures to post but don't have the energy to plug in the camera. I am going to be a better blogger from now on I promise.

2008-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast the time is going!!!!! I seem to not be able to keep up. I hate change, and alot has changed on the farm. Dylan my head ram of many years has died ( with alittle help from John) He got so he couldn't walk anymore or hold his head up very well. Everyday for 3 weeks I would feed him, water him, turn him over and cover him up at night. He was always glad to see me, he would eat and drink water, he just couldn't walk anymore. It's rough getting old. I took care of him this way until it dawned on me he wasn't going to get any better. (I hate giving up on an animal that won't give up on itself. These little Shetlands are so tough and such little fighters. ) I asked John to help Dylan and end it. It was starting to get cold and I didn't think I was beening fair to him. It was the hardest thing we have had to do, he was such a nice ram. I miss him alot.

2007-12-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I posted. Alot has been going on with the farm, shop, family and friends. A very dear friend of ours died in Sept. His wife Suzanne died two years ago. They were very good friends and are really missed. They left behind 3 beautiful children. Jaime, Brittany, Zach, and 2 wonderful Grand children.

2007-09-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun time at Jefferson, hanging with some really cool sheep people. Mary Ellen showed some of her little sheep. I showed some sheep wool, and Nancy and Jerome of Sheepy Hollow fame have the nicest shop on wheels. I bought a nice pattern book from Jerome (even though he likes to yell at me) and am working on a sweater for Britta. It is a really fun pattern. It's the Rambling rows jacket. Nancy had one knitted up that looked so cute. Had to have it.
Motor homing is always alot of fun with these guys. Nancy has the nicest Daughter-in-law and the best Grandkids. Her granddaughter really can handle sheep in the ring. Really nice family!
Next year should really be a Great Show MSSBA

will be hosting the NASSA AGM. It should be fun to see all the cool sheep and people.

2007-09-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for Jefferson, to go to the BIG Shetland show in Jefferson Wi. I Can't wait to see all the wild and crazy Shetland people and their wonderful sheep.
John and I have the motor home all loaded up and ready to go. We get to get away from it all and have a good time to boot. wohoo!!!!!!
I will bring my camera and have lots of pictures to share when I get back.
TA TA for now.

2007-09-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's already Sept. School started this week, something I didn't have to think about in many years. But, now Brooklyn has started 4 year old Kindergarten. can you believe they have 4 year old Kindergarten???? I still think 4 year olds still need to be home and with their Mom's. But what do you do?!? If they don't go then they are behind all the other real Kindergartners next year. So yesterday the bus came and took Brooklyn to school. John went to work late so he could drive her to the bus stop in our Cub cadet. I do have pictures but forgot my camera today (again). We have a Friday night tradition. We all pile in the Cub Cadet and go 4 wheeling in the woods, Brooklyn loves it, it is her favorite thing to do, So she asked if Grandpa would give her a ride to the but stop her first day, so he did, it was fun. But, it was sad to see a little girl get on the BIG bus. She said she likes school alot. I hope it stays that way.

2007-08-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

This was really fun. I took Rosy's yarn that I spun pretty fine and dyed it in the oven. I took a 9x13 cake pan and put the wet skeins of yarn in the cake pan, then sprinkled the dry Gaywool dye, 3 different colors, in lines on the wet yarn, then I baked it in the oven at 350 for about 30 min. this is what it looks like, now to wind it on the trusty ball winder than I think I am going to try and knit these
I really like the Gaywool dyes they come out really nice. This yarn is naturally Musket but the colors are really nice. I thought they might look muddy or get all mixed together. I happy with how it turned out and it was really easy.

2007-08-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

M.J. You better get up here fast. Last Friday night we were all sitting around a nice camp fire, see how well behaved Molly B. is sitting on Brooklyn's lap. She did start talking a little smart. (notice how appalled Leah looks?) She started telling stories. You know THOSE kind of stories!!! Then she wanted beer. Oh, MJ. you know how Molly B. gets when she's had a few beers!? It wasn't very pretty, she started wanting to take a car and go out to the bars in Eau Claire no less, something about unfinished business at a bar on Water St.
I kept giving her beer trying to distract her hoping she would pass out. After about 12 beers (man that doll can drink) she finally passed out. I was so relieved, she was telling really nasty stories about your Barbie and Ken doll (if you know what I mean) Anyway, I'm thinking when you come up to do your jewerly show you might have to take Molly B. back with you, I just think she's alittle to rough to have around the girls.

2007-08-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Wildfire is losing her baby coat. I better get a halter on her soon. She is such a show off.
Last calf of the year is always Annabells. This poor little guy almost didn't make it, John found him upside down, in a ditch, feet in the air, on one of those 95 degree very humid days. He was so week and dehydrated when we found him, he had to have been there all day. We gave him a bottle of water right away. Then a couple bottles of milk re placer, he was just to weak to suck off mom. He came around fine but it took about 3 days. Then the poor little guy got fly-strike. We washed the maggots off with Hydrogen Peroxide, sprayed him with blue coat, and because he was still recovering from his ditch ordeal we gave him a shot of LA200. This morning when I took this picture he was kicking up his heals and having the best time playing with the other calves, so I would say he is fine. I have decided to name him Lucky.
Kallie is really starting to show her stuff as a Border Collie. She is starting to understand commands now, so I think It is time to start doing some herding.
These are some of my ewes coming in for sea kelp, they love the kelp. I think I need some spots, I have no spots. Geeee, I wonder where I can get some????? After, looking at all the other blogs with the wonderful spotted sheep mine sure look boring!!! But, I still love them

2007-08-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Big Al the barn cat, doesn't Big Al look comfy for a barn cat? Notice the doll behind Big Al, This is a doll my favorite cousin gave me when I was about 6 years old. Her name is "Molly B." (I didn't name her my cousin MJ. did.) Now Molly B. has led a very nice life so far. That is all about to change, MJ hasn't been up for a visit for almost 2 years. She lived in Texas for over 20 years, she now has moved to Missouri (Hi, Mary Ellen) She says she is coming up to Wisconsin for a visit (she has been saying that for 2 years) So your probably wondering what does that have to do with Molly B. Well, I'm giving MJ until the end of Sept. to get her butt up here or the doll GETS it, and MJ you know I mean it!

2007-08-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Little rams in the big boys pasture.
Bob in front and Kimberwoods William with Boaz in the back
Big Bob!! He is a nice ram
Big Bob with little ram
Williams butt!!

2007-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

This picture is a little old but still cute. last weekend we finally got the little boys put in with the Big rams. It went really well, no fuss no muss, they didn't even cry for their mom. The Big boys just checked them out and went back to the buisness of eating. I'll have to take a picture. Yesterday we went 12 hours with out power, we had some storms blow through this last week. It was alittle nerve wraking. Some places are still without power. I feel pretty lucky to only have been out for 12 hours.

2007-08-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Just got our rams back from the butcher. This weekend it will be rack of lamb on the grill. YUM! Nothing says I love you like a rack of meat.

2007-08-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Look, Look what I found!!!! Cupcake gift bags, are they not the cutest things? I found them at of all places the dollar tree in Menomonie, Wi. and they were 2 for( you guessed it) a $1.00. Inside you can fit a cupcakedishcloth and a bar of soap. FUN! I think I'm going to go back to the store and buy a whole bunch more. Someday soon I hope to get off this diet so I can stop obsessing over cupcakes.

2007-08-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Notice anything about my wonderful size 2 addi TURBO knitting needle? Kallie has chewed up her 2nd pair of addi TURBO knitting needles. Puppies are so wonderful, aren't they? Stupid me you think I would have learned after she chewed up the first addi TURBO at least this time she left the sock on the needle. Never leave your knitting where the puppy can get at it!!!!!

2007-08-02T09:02:00.001-07:00

I have given Seth sheepskins to sleep on since he hasn't been feeling well and I was wondering if any of the spotted shetland people have had any hides tanned. I would love to see some. My friend who raises Jacobs has sheepskins and they are really cool looking! I would love to see a spotted Shetland sheepskin. Is there a link somewhere that has a picture? Nancy, Mary Ellen, Nancy K.? Anyone?

2007-08-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

OK! where am I suppose to sleep? Too, much black and white, where is Stuart? My big dog Seth has been sick lately. We had to take him to the Vet. Tuesday morning. He seems to have eaten something that isn't sitting right on his guts. I sure hope he's going to be ok. He is no spring chicken. Can't eat junk like ya use to old buddy!

2007-08-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Publish Post

Brooklyn and I were playing dress up one day and she found my wedding dress, now people please don't laugh this is circa 1973, made by my Grandma Hannah Lowry for $15.00. I was 18 years old and madly in love. I can't believe that was 34 years ago, by the way I'm still madly in love and yes with John.We got married in my parents backyard. Leah likes to make fun of our wedding picture, she shows her friends and they all have a good laugh. Someday MAYBE I will try and scan it and post it. (NOT).

2007-07-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

I found my camera. yipee! I thought I lost it for good.
This poor girl is going for meat. She is about 4yrs. old. Her name is Arwen. Last year she had
a still born calf. It was so sad. This year she aborted her calf, which was very sad. She is such a friendly cow but we decided that she would have to go. Cattle eat alot of hay and pasture. We haven't had enough rain and are so dry right now it isn't even funny it is getting down right scary. She is going to go for hamburger and steaks and other misc. cuts of meat. We also decided to have her skull boiled out as she has interesting horns. I know it sounds harsh but this is how we farm.

This little guy is a pretty lucky fellow. He was born late last summer. He is getting delivered to Morning Glory Farm to be a herd bull. Lucky guy.

And finally, these two rams are going to be butchered for meat for us and to sell. The front ram has a bad horn, and the back ram I just don't like. I think they will both be really good on a plate. I am saving the skull of the back ram, he has nice horns. I don't think I'm going to mess with the skins this year. It is to hot out right now to be salting hides. I hate this hot spell we are having here.

2007-07-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn is overseeing the whole shipping operation. She said next year she will be the sheep and cattle rangler. She thinks she can do a better job than her dad and Grandpa.

2007-07-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

This is the BIG trailer that came last night to pick up the 2 rams, and 2 highlanders.

Joel is the guy that hauls our animals for us. He is a really nice guy and does a good job, very reasonable in his price.
John and Jeramie (the son-in-law) getting ready to load the cattle.

2007-07-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Can't find my camera. I'm mad.
Poor Peeps is MIA. Pedator must have gotten him. He has been missing since yesterday morning. I think he is really gone this time. I think it is harder for a mom to protect only one chick instead of a whole batch. Safety in numbers and all that stuff. Over the years I have been making an observation about chickens and peafowl. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this , or maybe I'm the only wack job that counts eggs and break non hatching eggs. Anyway, my observation is that in every nest there is one egg that does not hatch. After the mom and chicks leave the nest I always look and notice that there is one egg that doesn't hatch, I break the egg and it is just an egg, no dead chick or forming chick, it isn't even rotten or smelly. Now I ask you how can that be? I have pondered this for years. My thinking is that it is natures way of having the mom stay on the nest an extra day to give the chicks a better chance. If anyone knows why this is can they let me know? Please.

2007-07-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here we are getting the motor home ready for the trial run to Iola for the MSSBA meeting that got cancelled. But, first before we got the motor home running we went fishing. This is our fishing boat, a 1958 Lone Star. We love her. We got her and the trailer at a pawn shop for $500.00 We have had so much fun with the little boat. The first time we took her out she started sinking fast John plugged all the holes and now she is water tight, and a great boat.

2007-07-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

I know I have this cupcake pattern on the Emporium blog but I still think it is so cute I hope you guys knit some and send a picture to Carissa . I ordered dark brown cotton yarn and am going to try and knit some chocolate ones. When it's hot I like to knit small stuff like cloths or socks.

Anyway, back to cupcakes have you seen the vegan yum yums cupcakes? They are amazing. I am so sick of dieting. I want cupcakes, lots and lots of cupcakes.

Maybe I should go eat lunch, oh my it is getting late, no wonder I'm so hungry.

2007-07-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Again, I forgot my camera, and I had some really fun pictures I took last weekend. Well as you know I like a blog with pictures. I hate pictures of myself but, Leah took a picture last week of me and lovey, so I will post that, because I do love sheep pictures.

I was so disappointed that the MSSBA meeting up at Iola got cancelled, John and I even took the motor home out for a trial run. Now we have to wait until Jefferson to see all the really cool Shetland Sheep people. I think Shetland sheep people are like the nicest, funniest, most interesting people on earth. Good times, Good times.

2007-07-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am sooooo happy!!! Little PeePs did not end up being a predators snack. Last night we searched and searched for the little peacock chick. We couldn't find it anywhere. Poor mom and mom's daughter from last yr. were calling and calling, it was so sad. Anyway ,I don't know how or why but this is what I found this morning. Little PeePs alive and well. Petey is still alive but he looks like is wing is wounded pretty bad, poor old guy.

2007-06-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good day. 5 hours with John in the ER. He has really bad viens in his legs. He was having alot of pain. We thought it maybe a clot. It turned out it was a "bakers sist". What ever that is. Anyway he is out doing hay now. Have to make the donuts. (Mary Ellen will know). Anyway, have to make the hay. But, is FREE hay always FREE? We have a chance to hay 20 acres of free hay. Guess what people the field is covered in Crown Vetch. Crown Vetch can be very invasive. I reamember the day I planted Tansy in my garden. I ripped it out after I read about it 3 days later, that was 7 years ago and we are still trying to kill it. Free can be very costly. Anyway that is not the worst of the day. My little peacock chick "PeeP" got killed and eaten today. By I don't know what. I heard the Mahem, happened in the drive way, right behind my back. I'm mad!!! That is the only chick hatched out this yr. Thank you Mr. Racoon. Petey was wounded in the fight to save the chick. I don't think he will last much longer. I am very upset. But John is OK. That is a good thing, and we are getting some free hay that has NO Crown Vetch in it and that is a good thing. I have to look at the good in farming. It could always be worse. Hope you all are having a good start to the weekend. I need to go fishing.

2007-06-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures today. It was so nice this morning I almost called in sick, but than I thought I'd get caught.
This Plume poppy is taking over the yard. It is the one plant the sheep don't eat through the fence.

This plant is called "queen of the prairie". One of my favorite plants of all time. It smells so good.

2007-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is "Garnet" "Opals" twin and her ram lambs.

This little guy has some interesting markings. He has a big brown spot in his chest.

This guy was black when he was born. I was very excited because I thought he was a dark brown, but now I see he's Moorit. Still cute as a button.

2007-06-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is "Olivia"

This is "Lovey"
These are the twin ewe lambs out of "Dylan" and "Opal" that I am keeping this year. I think they are so cute, but than all Shetland lambs are cute.

2007-06-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is my hansom boy "Seth". He is such a good dog. He is the best, he is so good around the kids and other animals. I love this dog.

2007-06-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

And as you know I have to sneak in a picture or two of the Grand babies. I think Britta might be pooping!
Brooklyn loves the dress she wore for my brother Jay's wedding! She wears in almost everyday. She thinks it makes her look like a pincess. Which of course she is.

2007-06-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of my ewes named "Angel soft". That was my toilet paper year for names, we must have themes ya know. Anyway she is a nice old ewe. I like to see the sheep and than see what the yarn looks like.

I wish you could see her in full fleece. She is really pretty.

This is what her yarn looks like. I wish the picture was better. You would never know this yarn came from that sheep. I'm going to try and knit a gansey sweater for John. If I ever get it all spun up.

2007-06-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday and I forgot my camera again. So I'm posting a picture of some mittens I spun, kool-aid dyed, and knit last year.

I only work 3 days a week (Nice). Leah came home Friday and said she quit her JOB!!!! for those of you that don't know this, my wonderful daughter, her husband, thier daughter Brooklyn (4) and baby Britta (6 months) all live with John and I. They came to us and asked if they could live with us until her student loans were paid off. That was 3 years ago. Now, I know John and I can be alot of fun but I don't think these guys want to move out. We do charge them rent, don't think they are living with us for nothing and they help us and do chores so we can go on vacations. I think they are alittle worried about Brooklyn leaving the farm. She loves the sheep. She has started her own flock of Shetlands. Her sheep are Black Star, Gloria, and Lovey. Brooklyn can tell you all about sheep, she loves to give farm tours. Anyway, back to Leah quitting her job. I'm glad she did, she had the worst hours I've ever seen. There is no way she could have any kind of family life, and I believe is was really starting to affect Brooklyn. So we will see how it goes.

2007-06-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm having to stay at the shop today, on a Saturday and not real happy about it. I like to be home on Saturday's. John is at an expo and I'm minding the store. I was on the world wide web and found this cool website, you have to check out this girls cupcakes they are the coolest things I have ever seen. (that sounded kinda dirty didn't it)

2007-06-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

John says I have way to many sheep. (I think he needs to talk to Mary Ellen.)

This is Opal. She is a very nice ewe that usually always has ewe lambs. She is quiet and well mannered. I am keeping 3 of her ewe lambs one from last year and two from this year, she always out does herself and has lambs that are good quality with wonderful wool.

I am keeping 5 ewe lambs this year so 5 adults have to go. I've sold 2 so I have to come up with 3 more. I have decided on Opal only because I'm keeping 3 of her daughters. I have to come up with 2 more. It's really hard to decide. Opal is for sale for $250.00.

2007-06-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is one of my 3 cats (Big AL) doing what all my cats do best. laying around the house.

2007-06-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Connie. Don't I have the cutest face. I'm a very friendly little ewe.

2007-06-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

It has been really nice outside these last few days. I had Britta outside and Seth kept trying to get her to throw his frisbe. Kallie is really growing fast. I'm not sure if I like the prick ears. I've heard that sheep are more afraid of the prick ears than the floppy ones. Maybe that's what My Shetlands need is to be alittle more afraid. They really have no respect for poor Seth. He can work the cattle really well, and the rams but my ewes just have no time for him.

2007-06-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Wildfire keeps trying to drink my coffee. Soon we will be working on halter breaking her. She's not going to like that. Her Grandma "Willow" was halter broke and very easy to handle so Wildfire should be alot of fun.

2007-06-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is Angela. I checked her registration papers and she was born in 1989.

This is the big little guy that gave poor Angela and me such a hard time getting born Wednesday.

2007-06-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Little bantam hen does it again. Little chicks, 5 of them ,they are so cute.

2007-06-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

Just posting some random farm pictures.

It has been really hot here. Yesterday I was late opening the Emporium. Angela had the biggest bull calf I've ever seen. I had to help pull the calf. I'll take pictures of her and the calf tonight when I get home. He is so cute. Poor Angela I'm surprised she even got bred. I'll have to check her registration papers but I think she was born in 1989 which would make her 18 years old. Kallie and Seth play alot now. It's really fun to watch the old man play with the little puppy.

2007-06-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

rose bush, little lamb, and Rosy the wonder ewe.

2007-06-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

You Are a Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything.
You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word.
Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world.

You get along well with: The Pinky

Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

2007-06-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is lovey's little butt! This is the lamb Brooklyn has made friendly this year. Brooklyn is starting to have a very nice little flock of Shetland Sheep.

Bandit the bull!!! Where's the beef. (Ha Ha)

2007-06-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

The Iris's are blooming. One of my favorite flowers.

2007-06-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Seth is finally starting to like Kallie. He hated her at first but he likes her now.

My Brother Jason got married May 26th. (Also the same day John and I got married 34 years ago.) It was a beautiful wedding. The rain stopped just in time for them to say thier vows.

My Brother Steve was suppose to be Jason's best man. (Steve was killed by a car Nov. 9th) Steves son Tanner filled in for his dad. We all miss Steve so much.

Emma's family came all the way from England to be part of the wedding. It was such fun. They are wonderful people.

We wish you guys the best.

2007-06-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

The Farm is now going to have it's own blog!!! I am getting away from the Emporium!!!! YIPEE!!!!! Now I, Jane can post my farm pictures and talk about my farm all I want without the Emporium yelling at me all the time. I will still have to post on the Emporiums blog from time to time but thats ok because on Highland Hollow I can be and say what I want and not be bossed around by the building. My first picture is of petey my pet peacock.