Back From My Ag Day Demo

I went to Liberty Ridge Farm this morning for their Ag Day, where they bring schools through for different agriculture related stations, along with visiting the farm and going through the corn maze. I have to say, it went pretty well. Cooperative Extension sponsors it, and along with my fiber station, they also had one on grain, one on pumpkins, and one with the Dairy Princess. The kids were really good. I talked about different fiber sources, spun on a spindle and wheel, talked about the history of fiber processing, and showed off some finished products. Not bad for 15 minutes with the kids.

I did get a surprise, though. When I checked in, I was told to set up in front of the llamas, so down into the barnyard I go, and don't I recognize those critters as Paul Wiley's; the same Paul Wiley that gave me the llama fiber from my last spinning demo. Turns out, he lent them to the farm for the fall, along with geese, ducks, goats, sheep, and water buffalo. My favorite llama came right over and gave me a kiss. Boy, I'd really like to buy him and put him out with the girls.

My next spinning demo is for another Ag Day at a different farm on Thursday, and the sheep may be going with us. I'll find out more as we get closer, but Bernadine, our 4-H agent, may swing by with the trailer and take them along, as well as one of their Tunis sheep.

Current Pics of our Girls

Athena, our Easter Eve baby, hiding behind Gracie, her mom. Both are Cotswolds.

Gracie herself. She's a bit more friendly than her daughter.

Our love bug, Isabella. Izzy is a Romney/Hampshire cross. This girl would rather be with people than other sheep. She also has wonderful springy soft fiber.

LLamas- And Spinning Them UP

Just this past week I stopped to visit some friends of mine who do promotional work for Heifer International, got a tour of the farm, committed to a spinning demo for a tour group, and left with three whole bags of raw llama.
It's beautiful stuff, very soft, but also full of guard hair. I've been sitting around de-hairing it so I can use it in my spinning demo, but, wow, slow going.
It was a great visit, and they have A LOT of critters: Chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, and water buffalo. I've included a few for your viewing pleasure.
I was told that this breed of goose, sorry, can't remember the name, was used for pate in France. The llama was one of several, but all were very friendly.