Dorothy LeClerc Table Loom for Sale

4 harness -16 inch weaving diameter. An older loom but in great shape. Works well - I have no space to set it up all the time. I also have access to a full sized floom loom so don't need this :)
Asking $150 cash or trade :)

Life immitates art or is it the other way arround

Back from the bog -we will not go there :0 The cartoon says it all.
HUGS all
Kim

Snow Day and Summer memories

Today is another snow day from school -kids are thrilled of course -I am missing my solitude :) Normally on days like today when its just me and Java we go walking down in the woods by the house -enjoying the quiet and peace that comes from nature.
Instead I sorted through pictures and burned some CDs to store them on. Here's some happy summer memories -a nice way to make you feel warm and toasty :)

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Happy Year of the Ox!!!!
Hope it is a great year for everybody :)
The Year of the Ox

1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009



People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.

For more information -check out Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ox_(zodiac)

A boy and his dog and the clone

We wnet to McDonalds for lunch today. They have Hotel for Dog toys. Lindsay got a border collie which I thought was funny -of all the dogs she gets a Scamper one. Jared opened up his and proudly proclaimed it was a "mini-Java" LOL. And it is :)
Here he is showing off his pair of Javas. Is he growing or what?? He'll be 11 this year -holy cow where did my baby go?

Finally-Baby Bunny Pictures

I finally got the camera out to the barn to get pictures of the new arrivals here at Rocky Meadow Rabbits.

We have three from Wilbond's Graycie -registered Lilac satin angora x Prospect's Rabbitry Dimple -registered lynx satin angora -all boys of course LOL. 2 Lynx and 1 Lilac. The keeper is RM's Kaede -pictured here. If only he would pose to show how built he really is -he's just coming on three months old -check out that coat -Nationals here we come!!

Next up we have the all white litter of Spanish Oaks' Igloo -ruby-eyed white satin angora X HH's White Knight -regsitered ruby-eyed white satin angora
Have't figured out who is staying yet -they were born Boxing Day and are growing well.

Last but certainly not least we have Windwater's Crescent Moon -registered broken black french angora X RM's NoName -regsitered chocolate agouti french angora buck.
5 wildly different coloured kits -2 brokens -chocolate and black and three solids - sable, blue and chocolate -there may be a steel in there too -both parents could carry it.

We still have one litter of French angoras due on February 4th -an all white French litter planned with Fuzzie's Class Act - ruby-eyed white X Fuzzies Lucky Lucus -registered Ruby-eyed white.

Wish I could keep them all!!!!

She's sick -just go away and leave her alone

Well Jared had the flu Friday night -quickly sick and leave him alone. He goes and cuddles up and sleeps it off. Not so his sister "THE DIVA". She has to be in the middle of the room, loudly proclaiming her illness, making sure proper attention is given to her. But when she wants to be left alone DO NOT make eye contact!!!
Here she is resting in comfort LOL. Sorry couldn't help myself-these are the moments that makes it all worth being a mom.

Snow,snow and more snow!!

Woke up this morning to 6 inches on the ground and more coming in fast. Yep its winter.
Still haven't been able to get a good look at the 6 new Frnech angoras that arrived two weekends ago. Mommy still gets snarly when i reach in and the babies are staying covered in fluff. So far there is two brokens (see noses poking out) and four solids.
The satins agoras are easy -6 all whites -but oh the sheen to them. Lovely -am hoping to show some of them at the Nationals on May 9th in Canindaugua NY. Will see.
In the meantime spinnning up a storm -working my way through leftover bits to make loads of novelty yarn. As soon as the camera charges up I'll get osme pictures :)

Odds and Ends

So today is using up odds and ends day. I knit up the last of the Maggies fibre into a little purse for my niece Bri -her favorite colour is purple but Aunt Kim had to throw in a little green angora for hightlights :)
The its off to spin up the leftover dye mohhair -when Jared was done dyeing for the day he poured all the leftover dye onto the bag of mohair I had sitting around -iot it amazing or what :)
I went to get the camera and came back to Bri pretending to spin on the wheel while watching Finding Nemo -she was singing "just keep spinning, spinning, spinning".
Life is good -sun shining, angora rabbits are growing fantastic coats (might be the -25 degree Celcius weather) and spinning wheel is humming along. And best of all a pot of leftover soup is bubbling on the stove. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

LOL You have got to be kidding me......

So as I was flipping thorugh Yahoo news today I came across another wackpot Animal rights theory. This is from the Amimal Lovers of America a group that has broken off from PETA as they feel PETA isn't active enough. Their newest one is we are cruel to our pets because we do not let them decide when and where they will breed. I mean people have free choice so shouldn't animals is their theory. This from the same people who are euthanizing animals and saying we should not have any as "pets", that they should all be allowed to revert back to their wild status???? WTH??
I orginally thought this was from PETA but when I went back to check the article they had posted a correction.

I can just imagine this in my barn NOT!!! My girls get to see a male no more than twice a year (preferably once), they are allowed to raise their litter safely and securely away from other distractions and threats, THEY decide which ones of the litter stay or go (nature must take its course) and are put down humanely should they have a genetic or other problem that will not allow then to live a helathy natural life.

They are working animals they are not people, the only animals that are accorded "human staus" in this household are Java -(though I really worry about her sometimes she's such a wimp) and of course the two cats who I'm sure are plotting to overthrow me and rule the household -oh wait they already do...... I mean how hard of a life is it sleep all day on the couch, curl up in the bed at night with two people who are careful to leave them space, fed on demand and toys as needed.

I love my animals but they are animals they are not people, I love them, care for them and protect them but do not allow them to run free, breed whenever they feel like it and do not give them a vote? Does this still make me a bad person??

Finished: One Bag of Fibre -Two Hats project

It is done :) And I love both of them. I took one bag of Maggie's Mother Fiber -Nuno Fiber grab bags and split the colours down into two piles. I then spun each pile leaving the colours seperate and made two very different style of hats.
Here they are -hope you like them -I sure do. Its suppose to go to -23 tonight! BRRRRRRRRR.

Rock God in training

Jared go the Wii and Daddy got Guitar Hero for Christmas so they have been busy playing the guitar. Jared is way better at it -here he is hard at practice. I mean the kid already has groupies LOL. Check out his adoring fans on the couch.

Ecospun and Cotton

Latest yarn done. One ply grey cotton, one ply ecospun (recycled pop bottles) -cannot say I am very fond of the ecospun -very funny feeling -sure can tell its plastic. Need to get back to my one bag of fibre -two hats project. Took one bag of Maggies amazing needle felting fibre grab bags and split the colours down to two piles. Am spinning and knitting two hats from it. One is done -one to go. Will post pics when they are both done.

More Knitting needles

BIG box arrived late last night - over 500 pairs of knitting needles and bamboo crochet hooks too. Was very excited to see that they have introduced a new length of circulars 40 inches -whioch have been requested for those who like to knit two socks on one needle -wayyyy beyond my capabilites.

Kids were happy to sort and price for me though followed by a reward trip to Chapters for new books. And McDonalds of course -I don't think there are too many kids who don't love the golden arches.

Weather here is still very very cold but I'm hoping to get up to Ottawa to skate on the canal -it must be the Dutch in me coming out ;) But I'm still Canadian enough to want my hot chocolate and beaver tail.

January Fibre of the month Sale -Cashmere

Lets kick off the years celebration of Year of Natual Fibre! I aske dmy web and blog listers to start me off on the fibre of the month and the votes so far are in.
We'll start off the Fibre of the Month Sale with Cashmere :) Unfortunately I haven't found a local supplier (YET) so this will come from Louet.
A 2 ounce package -your choice of natural brown or offwhite -normally $43-$48 for 2 ounces on sale now for $35.

For those of you who don't know here is some background information on Cashmere:

"Cashmere comes from a GOAT??!!!" Time and again breeders have heard this statement expressing such surprise. Yes, the exalted luxury fibre classed as cashmere comes from the modest, unassuming little goat. The fibre is so extraordinary, one expects that it should come from some wild, exotic creature, rarely seen by human eyes.

Most goats, other than Angoras, produce an underdown. If the fibre is long enough and fine enough it can be classed as cashmere. Cashmere goats are goats which have been specifically bred for the cashmere fibre. The amount and quality of the fibre is vastly superior than in goats not specifically bred for cashmere fibre production. Angora goats produce mohair, but will not produce cashmere.

Dye days results :)

Whew what fun it was to watch the dyewizard in action. Colours were selected, considered and chosen with such care. Her's some of the results 15 lots were dyed yesterday!!! He was very very busy and my house now smells like wet wool LOL.

Support your local fibre producer ~~

Got a call yesterday that the first batch of fleeces I had sent to the local fibre mill was done :)
I had purchased some fleeces from a local shetland producer and send them to be made into roving for the dyewizard Jared and his lovely assistant Lindsay to work with. Her's a picture of the 20lbs of white all bagged up and ready to go. And the first two dyepots in the works. Perfect timing as the kids have a snow day (*freezing rain mixed with snow) today so they are happily planning out the colours :) Good thing as we were running short!
We're still waiting for the brown/grey fleeces to be done -they got dropped off later. Its more money to buy the raw fleeces but so worth it in my opinion -this way everything is locally produced and the person who raised the sheep gets a proper salary for their fleece. The local wool co-op only pays $1 -$1.50 a pound or so I have been told. That is so not fair!
I know there are some fibres and spinning items I have to buy overseas but whenever possible try to BUY LOCAL -support your fibre producers!
Wool can be purchased homegrown as can alpaca., llama, yak, angora, mohair and more so think about it!
HUGS all

Something to make you laugh

A friend of mine sent this today and I thought it was so very funny -hope you enjoy it too...





A Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!



Excerpts from a Cat's Diary…



Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.........

A Bad scare but all is okay now

Last night scared the hell out of me. Daryl had a severe allergic reaction to the IVIG treatment last night and was covered in red rash and hives. Called telehealth and got put on hold so took him down to emerg. Good thing we did -we were going to give him Benadryl but found out from the specialist who came down to see Daryl that could have caused him to go into cardiac arrest!!!! I woke every hour last night and kept touching him to make sure he was still breathing. He was amused by it. He told me he was okay several times but I just had to make sure. Thank you lord for letting me keep him! Iasked him this morning if my hair was grey. He said no but then sassed me by say but you are going to be 40 this year so it'll happen soon enough. BRAT~!!
HUGs
Kim

Back to school and back to work

Well the kids headed back to school today. Grudgingly I might add. Threats of freezing rain last night but good this morning. Thank goodness slipping and slidding out to the barn to feed rabbits is not my idea of a good time. 6 new French angoras arrived safe and sound last night. Qucik nose count and then back to mommy before she panics. I'm not one who seperates mom from babies unless necessary. They need to be with their mommy. I am always amazed how mother rabbits willingly bare their entire body to ensure their little ones have enough warmth. I'm aslo amazed at how they quickly decide who is and isn't good in their litter. Sad reality of rabbit raising is if momma doesn't want them and pulls them from the others there is normally something wrong with them and its best to let them go. So far the Christmas litter of 6 satin angoras are doing great -little guys have some awesome coats growing in!! Have to bring the camera out there and get pictures.
Back to the house and work load. Sorting fibre, writing out knitting patterns, sorting drop spindles for upcoming class in February -its so much fun though. Also need to get the dyepots fired up -Jared's creations are almost sold out again.
Time to get spinning again now that I can put on the music and spin to my hearts content!
HUGS all

Visitors from Holland

It seems the whole world is finding out about Jared and his dyeing talent. Today we had a visitor who had bought fibre from Jared at the sheep dog trials in August and now brought her sister from Holland to stock up on the fibery goodness. Best of all they even came complete with some of their work to show us what they had done with it. Nuno felting -awesome!!! I'd love to try this sometime myself.

Stunning isn't it!

AUT VIAM INVENTIUM AUT FACIUM

Its my new motto for 2009. Translated it means I will either find a way or make one :)
Life is to short to have somebody else tell you what to do. Live, dance, sing (even if you're like me and can't carry a tune in a bucket) and above all laugh. We know not how many days we have on this earth so don't waste one. Somehow someway what is mean to happen will happen.
I cannot tell what 2009 will hold for us, it is not for me to see the pages ahead of today. But today I laughed with my children, we danced around the house singing badly and we lived life the way it was meant to be lived. We played out in the snow and threw snowballs for a dog to chase. It doesn't get any better than this.
Tomorrow I'll sit down and make January's budget and pay bills, worry about the world out there and think about things of major importance. Or not who knows :)
HUGS all Kim