tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68445005852283046662024-02-20T01:59:20.077-08:00Wish in one hand....A diary of my life, trying to get by, with little money, hard work and perseveranceDancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.comBlogger1435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-26527758700455009282021-10-28T15:23:00.000-07:002021-10-28T15:23:23.254-07:00The Shine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p> There is a magic that happens in a sheepdog. The time when the pups go from inquisitive to sheep, to something else. There is a change in their demeanor, their fundamental energy. They no longer just look keenly at the sheep, they lock on, tail tightly down, leaning forward. You can see in their stance, that they now *know* that they are the boss. They tell the sheep what to do. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to see this happen. I happened to be lucky enough to see it. Brindi had been very interested in going to the sheep for a long time. She would run up to the gate and want to get in, but it was not in a controlled thought way. This day it was different. She went up to the gate, tightly tucked her tail, leaned forward and gave a hard eye to the sheep. And this day, instead of ignoring her, as they had done so many times before, the sheep all left. They headed out of the barn paddock to the hill field- out of sight of this pup. They felt her energy was different. Serious. A threat. She had the Shine. </p><p><br></p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-51751385546088452182021-09-22T15:34:00.001-07:002021-09-22T15:57:24.738-07:00"You still needed to learn something"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>I have been on a spiritual journey for the past five years. The person I am now is so very different than I was. It took a LOT of traveling, falling in love, learning to love myself, and standing up for myself to create who I am now- that is someone who is fundamentally peaceful. I have changed everything I do. I have changed how I deal with people, animals, how I treat myself. It took a long time, but I am there, and now I want to share what I have learned with whomever is looking for what I was. <div><br>What was I looking for? Peace and rest. Remove the anxiety, and have my smile be my default. Be more introspective as to why I feel certain ways, and just plain stop feeling negative- in all circles. After all these years, finally, here I am- I sleep well at night. I exercise every day. I work my dogs every day. I put *me* first. I honor the value of my life. As you age, you start to see how important that is.</div><div><br></div><div>I had a coach tell me that I "still needed to learn something" when I shared with her that I could not get past a certain issue. Boy was she right!</div><div><br></div><div>Everything in my life has turned me to the sheep, and the dogs. Everything. I spent the better part of two years traveling in New Zealand, and it was there that I learned to love, Latin dance, and it was there that I learned what brought me peace. The dancing. The sheep. The dogs. The dancing taught me how to follow- to feel my partner's moves, and move as one with them, and it taught me to work at getting better, to be a better team member. The sheep taught me patience- dealing with thousands of them on a daily basis will do that to a girl, and the dogs- the one dog especially, well, he reminded me about the astounding heart in these dogs. </div><div><br></div><div>When I finally settled back at home, I got back to working dogs, but I just did not really like it. I was not a big fan of trialing, really, ever... it was not so much nerves as basically, I felt my dog was good and why did I have to prove it? Well, that is what I thought my issue was.. but it wasn't. Not at all.</div><div><br></div><div>You see, I did not like my methods in training. Yes, I have trained many dogs successfully, but it did not feel good getting there. I was tense, I would get angry. I would always expect the dog to do the wrong thing, so that I could be ready to correct. I hated that. Since my early days I wondered why I didn't just teach the dog what the "rules of engagement were" so to speak. Why not teach the dog what the correct behavior toward sheep was? Why not encourage the dog to try something else, instead of stopping something? Why not allow the dog his head enough to learn how sheep work, and what his affect on the sheep is, rather than chase him off? Why not just be quiet and let the dog work. And most importantly, why not just be peaceful out there. And I mean it. No faking being calm, and peaceful, actually being that way. Walk out there like you are walking down the beach. I promise you, once you get to this place, you will see a dog who will no longer look the same to you. You will see a dog immeasurably grateful to you for removing that self imposed tension on him. You will see a dog no longer misbehave and split sheep because he is so tense, he feels he has to make a mess to clean it up, to give him something that he knows how to do. There is so much more I could add, but instead, I want to show you. </div><div><br></div><div>I am offering private coaching for all handlers, and working sheepdogs of any level. I will give you the skills to stop your tension, and anxiety, and to recognize it when it rears it's head. I will give you tools to walk the beach, as it were when you work your dog, or run your dog at a trial. I am willing to go out on a limb, having seen many teams of handlers and their dogs out there, that essentially, the only thing that lacks is the removal of your tension. Once you have that mastered.. you my friends are there. Your dog will look in your eyes in a peaceful, loving way on the way to the post, and as she works, she will not be gripped with tension for fear of making a mistake. She will not slice her flanks, ignore your stops, and refuse to come in on a shed. You will have a new person in yourself, a new dog, and you will be doing your part to make the world a better place. Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing when we are here? Oh, one thing I forgot- even the sheep will like you more, and well, I am here to tell you once you get a hold of this, people will wonder what happened to you? Peace, my friends. Peace.</div>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-85640227161457293642021-04-03T08:48:00.001-07:002021-04-03T08:48:32.283-07:00All the puppies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-46363390067640039692021-03-28T10:44:00.000-07:002021-03-28T10:44:43.494-07:00Joy!Jill, and Joe created 9 beautiful pups. Though not quite in my plans at the time, i was certain I wanted pups by Joe, and Jill. At 9 years old, and having not bred previously, I guess he was very smiiten by Jill. Jill has been a super mom. I have to say, Jill has the best smarts, and temperament of any female dog I have ever had. On sheep she is naturally forward, with built in push, gather, and desire to please. She not only looks like Joe, she works like him. Joe's trial record speaks for itself. Many placements in the USBCHA open trials, and never ever beaten by sheep anywhere, anytime. Below are their pedigrees. Jill is heavy in the cattle working lines. These puppies will have excellent potential to be very good ranch/trial dogs. They will be ABCA registered. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-72904855218212733722021-03-24T04:58:00.002-07:002021-03-24T04:58:37.315-07:00Joe's a daddy!<p>Jill, and Joe decided to make a family. This was not a planned pregnancy, but both dogs are the best ones I have owned. They had 9 little junior mints. More updates soon!<br /></p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-32108911303050222252021-03-11T05:18:00.002-08:002021-03-11T05:18:58.362-08:002021!!!<p> Hi everyone! Long time no see! How are things in your nook of the world? What a year 2020 was! Things toodled along at Cheviot Hills. The sheep and the dogs have kept me centered, as usual. Let's see where we are at...</p><p><br /></p><p>Sheep. Well, I sold off a lot last year; only keeping the best. I got a new ram from my usual ram supplier. I trust him implicitly, and am always happy with the lambs his rams produce. He came to me in September, as a ram lamb, and immediately started to breed the ewes (as in the minute he walked into the field, he bred a ewe). I added three North Country Cheviot, Suffolk cross ewe lambs to the flock, as purebred NCC ewe lambs are not easy to come by, and I wanted to see what them crossed onto a NCC ram would give me. I still have two of the three Dorset ewes I bought as lambs two years ago, and they got bred to the NCC ram lamb as well. Lambing started the first week of February, and there is one more to go. Most of the lambs born in the two first weeks of February. He did a great job that ram lamb... My management was better this year, and we saw a lot more twins, and overall health of everyone is really good. They are growing very fast. I believe the two most important things for sheep are 1) Food that goes in and 2) Parasite control. My grass leaves a lot to be desired. Last year we had a drought, so I had to supplement everyone with some grain (not much at all, but enough so that they did not rip the grass out by the root). I would give hay, but they will not eat hay unless there is almost no grass. Sheep are sort of all or nothing, it seems... at least in my experience. So, they had some grain before the ram cam by a couple months, and had good body condition. I also brought them in for FAMACHA checks to see how they rated, and wormed whomever was not up to par- I also made a mental note of a big check against anyone who was repeatedly pale- they don't stay on the farm- it's a pretty big offense.. Anyway, I also wormed everyone when I vaccinated at three weeks before earliest due date. Normally, I would only do those who scored low, but I have learned that just because they score well on FAMACHA, that does not mean they are not overburdened with worms, and could likely falter when faced with carrying lambs, and trying to produce lots of good milk for them. FAMACHA is good, but it does not replace applied knowledge over time. So, the ewes clearly appreciated the better maintenance, given the lamb crop this year, and the good health of the ewes who had them. Lots of girls this year too. The last few years, when I was sort of checked out on the sheep thing, we had lots of boys, and well, they don't stay, so we were hurting for having anything to keep. I am proud of my sheep. I have spent my $, blood, sweat, and tears on them over the years. I buy the best rams, and I work very hard to cull out low performers. Any sheep bought from me as breeders will improve *any* flock.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dogs. Well, let's see. I have Joe, Robbie, and Jill. Joe is 9 now. He's still my best dog. I can't believe how lucky I was to get a dog like Joe. He fits my like a glove. I never have to worry about him injuring a sheep, or not getting a job done, or hurting a lamb. And he is as fit as ever. </p><p>Robbie, he is doing well, albeit bored. No work for him lately, because of the ice, and because Joe is just a really good lambing dog. We are going to get back out there soon though!</p><p>Jill. What can I say about Jill. She's the nicest female I have ever had. She has an excellent temperament- loves people, and is the smartest dog I have ever had. On sheep she is forward, and if a sheep challenges her by coming toward her she matches the tenacity. Never over does it, but will move things very well. She works a lot like Joe. (HOW awesome is that?!)</p><p><br /></p><p>Meow. I lost Meow last month. I still can't really talk about it, except to say I lost my best friend. I adored him, and he me.</p><p> </p><p>That's the update for now. Stay tuned for updates on sheep and dogs! <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-60596745923595947672020-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:002020-09-28T06:26:09.280-07:00Peaceful easy feeling.....<p> Finally! A few years back I knew I had to find my peace again. Some how I lost it. It just evaporated some how. I did a lot of running around, and "finding my happiness" and yes, at times I was very happy, but at no time was I really peaceful. I can honestly say that because now that I have peace, I can say I have never been here before. Ever. </p><p>Peace to me, is the ability to feel (not BE) content, without trying. Peace is the ability to accept whatever your reality is at the moment. Peace is knowing you have your own back and will defend yourself should anyone attempt to try and destroy your peace. Basically, peace is a supreme confidence, and knowledge that everything will be okay, even if it isn't at that moment. </p><p>The Eagles had it right when they described it that way........</p><p>I thank God for this. I hope you all get there too. It is the only way to be.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-7888318301646093652020-09-24T06:27:00.001-07:002020-09-24T06:27:10.747-07:00Trauma vs Drama<p>I spent all of last year getting right with myself. By that, I mean with my head. Learning to distinguish between trauma, and drama. Trauma is the stuff you went through in the past, starting in your childhood, and drama is present day issues that hit you. Trauma can be things likes how you were raised- was it truly a loving environment, where you had an identity? Did you feel valued, and loved? Things like that. Drama is things like stress from bills, people treating you badly; just basic every day stresses. This every day drama can activate past trauma. An example of this would be: Someone you know yells at you, and for no real reason that you can see. How you react to that will most naturally be going back to your trauma. So, that could mean your response is to behave as you did as a child when your parent screamed at you. You may get very quiet, not respond, and bottle it up. As the day wears on, you begin to project those feelings on others, and you remember all the hurts you received as a kid, and the narrative in your head tells you that "yes, all people are bad". This is what I mean by drama kicking up trauma. How to get out of that? Well, when someone yells at you, tell them *not* to do that anymore/again, and say it calmly. You *must* deal with it then, and there; speak up. I promise you it gets easier every time you do it. And people respect you a WHOLE lot more than when you just accept their abuse, or scream and cry and hold things in, and become a bitter person. Being a bitter person is WHAT WE NEED TO AVOID.</p><p> </p><p>People are trying at times. But they do to us what we tolerate. People come "as is". There is no potential, not when it comes to interpersonal relationships. Do not tolerate bad behavior because your trauma taught you that in order to get love, or other resources, that you have to be ignored, or treated badly. Do NOT let your trauma dictate your adult life! I can't say that enough. NO ONE has the right to belittle you, or take you for granted- NO ONE. You must be willing to row your own boat in this world, in order to live the life you truly deserve. You deserve to be peaceful, and content. Good relationships are calm, loving, respectful. Drama in relationships equates you allowing your trauma to rule. Don't let that happen. Anyone can treat us badly *once*. After that, if it keeps happening, it is on us.</p><p><br /></p><p>We need to get to our peace. Peace trumps every single other thing in the world. If you have peace in your mind, you can handle anything.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-78904351110099222972020-09-09T05:36:00.000-07:002020-09-09T05:36:51.225-07:00Actually... Happier than I have ever been<p> Hi guys! So, now that I've done the housekeeping task of venting, I'd like to talk a little bit about some of the things that make life really good for me, and probably many many like me.</p><p>I spent the majority of last year getting right in my mind. I had spent a few years prior to that going through this hyper speed evolution of who I was. I made up for lost time in many ways. I ran a lot- from my life. I can't tell you why I did it, but I did. I suspect maybe some sort of mid life crisis, but I would prefer to frame it as a growth period :) I made so many friends, learned so many things, traveled so far, so much. I took many risks, and that in and of itself seems to be a rarity these days. At the end of it all, there I was. Back home, to the life I ran from. And me and that life got to know each other again. But this time I was the real me, the spiritually awoken me. I can tell you, it was massive upheaval, and a lot of angst, interspersed with a lot of joy, and in the end it was SO worth it, to see the outcome. I guess that's how life's challenges are, right? The thing about life, as they say is "timing is everything". Who knew, that in 2019, I would be mentally prepping myself for this year. 2020. The year that wasn't anything but one giant detour. I had my moments where things were really really tough. But I can literally count them on one hand, and they lasted so little time, that honestly, no sleep lost over them. That is huge. I used to be a big time obsessed worrier. Anxiety was my middle name. Now I know everything will be okay. Period. It will. And on my weak moments, I tell myself that, just as an affirmation. Things I cried about, I laugh about now. See? upheaval can be a very good thing. </p><p>A big part of my happier than ever life, is not tolerating bad behavior from others. It means choosing friends, etc., carefully. It means speaking up when I find something that does not mesh with how my life should be. It means walking away from those who choose to ignore my boundaries. It just means putting me first, at all times. And, at the same time, looking at ways I can be a better person myself. Every day I do that. I question myself as to my reactions to things, and if those reactions are actually in response to what is happening, or simply baggage from past hurts creeping up. It's usually he latter. You must, as I have learned keep only the people that make you smile, and proud of yourself, and those who want to see you grow, and be successful. </p><p><br /></p><p>That's it for now, hope you enjoyed reading!<br /></p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-16936596587723100162020-09-08T13:53:00.003-07:002020-09-08T13:53:33.801-07:00Pox on Social Media<p> This post is coming from my laptop. Future blog posts may come from my phone, so that I can share photos.</p><p>I am not sure when I got my first smart phone, but I think it may have been around 2014. I was a member of Facebook before then, but it was well contained in a box of my life, because it was not so portable. Starting about 2014, I think... Facebook, became integral in my day. I was checking it, sharing inane posts, reading updates from Facebook friends, and laughing at funny memes. It was fun. I think a lot of us probably remember those days. Those were the days that hooked us. All of us. Hook. Line. And Sinker. Then the degradation started. We saw less personal shares from people, more ads. Then came the inflammatory posts- those posts meant to upset us and polarize us. Then, came the fake profiles. Basically, Facebook became barely tolerable to, I suspect many of us. Yet we still go back, because we are addicted.</p><p>Instagram is basically soft porn for men with private accounts. </p><p><br /></p><p>I am over social media. Comment here if you are too. </p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-8514299171303014362020-09-08T12:14:00.001-07:002020-09-08T12:14:46.615-07:00Complete transformation<p> Hi everyone. The time has come. The slow evolution back to good, solid, fruitful life is back. Many more blogs to come.</p><p><br /></p><p>So much has happened, so many epiphanies. I'll share them here. </p>Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-71257080549555646472019-08-11T03:02:00.002-07:002019-08-11T03:02:31.718-07:00Farm life this summerThis summer, not unlike last summer has had its share of rain. Lots of rain actually. This is a good thing, always- for sheep farmers. Rain makes grass, grass feeds sheep. The only thing to watch for is to make sure that you have ground that has good drainage, so that their feet do not stay wet- as that can cause problems. Fortunately, there are lots of hills, and good drainage at this place.<br />
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Last weekend I for a load of second cut, alfalfa/grass hay. These bales were actually mostly alfalfa, and they were HUGE. These bales were easily almost twice the normal size. I will need a wheel barrow to tote them to the sheep. As I cleaned up the chaff from the unload site, and gave it to the sheep, they were immediately diving into it.<br />
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My young dog is doing very well on the sheep. The penny has dropped, and he has proven to me, that he is indeed a real sheepdog. Joe is still my number one helper, but Robbie will be a great up and comer. He's got great biddability, feel for the sheep, and a natural gatherer - all qualities I require in a sheepdog. <br />
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Going into the fall, I feel ready for what is to come. Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-36692453585477098852019-05-07T02:35:00.003-07:002019-05-07T02:35:45.087-07:00Spring and LIFEHi everyone! I am back again! Shocking, I know! Life has been very busy but I thrive on busy. I have made another investment in the farming, and purchased a new Husqvarna lawn tractor for mowing the invasive, and toxic weeds in my fields. Plus, I will use it to seed and all sort of other things. After 9 years there I decided it was time to stop expecting the field maintenance fairies to show up.<br />
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My dogs are good. Soon time to get Robbie back on sheep. Planning to get some yearlings for this purpose. I am down three ewes this year, so it all comes out even. :) I have to work out getting them next.<br />
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I need to get some work done at my house too- I neglected the flora around the place, and also, I need some masonry done. That's what traveling so much does for you- something gets lost in the shuffle.<br />
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I turned the sheep out in the fields the other day. They were happy (that makes me happy).<br />
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Anyway, I want to share some pics, and I will do so once I can figure out how to do this on my phone.<br />
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I hope everyone is well.<br />
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<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-85701794335944682262019-04-15T08:12:00.000-07:002019-04-15T08:12:37.685-07:00Back to dancingHi all :)<br />
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So, the updates as they stand...<br />
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Got the sheep sheared- had a new shearer this year, as my usual guy is retiring from shearing. It is very hard on the body. I am just very glad I was able to find someone, and someone local at that. Gladly, everyone looks good- one always wonders how the sheep will look when they have all that fleece removed. I also realized that the one ewe I thought was not bred was, so this means that the new ram lamb bred *everyone*. This is a great thing. He also did well over the winter.<br />
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I have a ton of clean up to to at the farm, and I want to get some gates hung. I can actually do that myself. BUT I first need to remove a couple years of wool that has been sitting in the barn. <br />
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Dogs are good, time to get Robbie pup back into training. Meow, the kitty looks great. He loves me not traveling as much, so I won't tell him that I will be at some point..<br />
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Had a great dance lesson the other day, and I say great, because I have missed a couple weeks due to being sick and other things, and it was like I never took time off. I am up to seven spins on my own, as he turns me in a circle. <br />
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I am so happy lately. It is hard to really articulate. I feel productive, relaxed, and handle the stresses that come my way so much better. The last two years I think, existed to put me where I am right now. <br />
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I hope whomever is reading this is doing well!!Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-43912046336073510312019-04-08T02:26:00.000-07:002019-04-08T02:26:39.975-07:00Two years!!!!!Hi Everyone! I have no idea if anyone is still around.. I am here, finally.. present in my life. It has been a long time coming. Social media seemed to take up a lot of my keyboard time, but I found myself just a little less than satisfied with my ability to share honestly.<br />
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So much has happened. I thought I found true love and lost it. I almost sold off all my sheep. Sold some dogs. Basically, I went through the wars emotionally. Seriously, it was tough! I did not share this publicly, and I won't go into great detail, but I became a true cliche- the one that shows you who is important to you when you are down, who is there for you when you are down, and what is important to you no matter what.<br />
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So, what now? I have just two dogs. Joe, and Robbie, who turned a year last month. I lost Lucy a couple months ago. Lucy, the dog who started this sheepdog journey for me. I will be burying her in her field- the first sheep field I fenced, later this week. Fitting because it was April 2010 that we got that field set for the sheep. <br />
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I no longer sheepdog trial, the entire social part of the trialing is just not something I can handle. I don't blame the people, I just blame the game. So I don't play. I wish everyone who still does trial well. I am more a farm girl now, and a girl who likes her solitude. See, sheep farming for me is not work; it's my passion. I have always been an animal person- I feel right with them. <br />
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I have also gotten into dancing, which I learned on my travels to New Zealand of all places. The dancing gives me a chance to express myself, and just focus on giving to me, instead of animals, or others. It's a good balance, this dancing and sheep stuff.<br />
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This year, lambing was super tough. I had mainly all first timers. I lost two ewes. One to ringwomb, and one who had twisted lambs I could not get out. I have never encountered this ever. Really took me down a lot of pegs. The lambs I do have are nice. A couple little guys, but on the whole very nice. I hope to sell at least one of the ram lambs as breeders.<br />
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Okay, now this part is hard. Over the last two years, I've lost some real friends, and acquaintances. Sometimes that happens in life, because we just lose touch, and sometimes it happens because one of us is just in no place to take *anything* that is not supportive and loving. That would be me. You all have no idea how bad it got for me. I hope I can get back in contact with those who I am meant to be in contact with, but it just has to happen organically. The healed me just doesn't go searching for rainbows anymore. Been there, done that.<br />
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Every day peace, and solace, is really all that matters to me. <br />
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I hope you are all well. I will be writing regularly again. <br />
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<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-77231997174271014492018-10-19T08:20:00.001-07:002018-10-19T08:20:35.763-07:00Long time no see!Hi everyone!!! What a journey I have been on!!! I literally went around the world, both figuratively, and in reality... several times! I thank goodness for my family and friends who saw me through all of it. It was a journey I needed, desperately. But, now, I am home. I am home in my heart, and soul. I am beyond grateful for everything I have, and any time I have left on this planet. Perspective is a very big thing....<br />
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The Sheep are well. Only have a handful now, and bought a very nice ram from High Road Sheep in Virginia. I hope he brings us some nice lambs.<br />
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I have three dogs, Lucy, my 12.5 year old Kelpie, Joe, a BC who will by eight next month, and Robbie, my BC pup from Alberta Canada- lots of hope on his future. Oh, and I have MEOW my kitty, the light of my life.<br />
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Still doing the same job, still same house, all of it. I hope everyone's lives are going well, and everyone is smiling every chance they get!Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-1933203308015258172017-11-22T03:26:00.002-08:002019-04-08T02:26:50.875-07:00Getting back into the grooveSo, I am going to "Make this Blog Great Again" ;) Well, I will at the very least try and post more than once every couple of years, maybe several times in two years...<br />
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<br />So, life is good for me. The Sheep are doing well. I brought out a bale of hay to them two days ago, since they had moved in to the close field, from the outer field... this is their way of saying that there is no more feed for them out there. So, anyway, I brought a bale out to them, and they seemed interested... Now, they are all fat, except the ram- he's a bit thin. <br />
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Yesterday, when I got there, there was not a scrap of hay left, nothing. I could not have vacuumed and seen it any cleaner. Oh well, that right there tells me they are hungry. So, I brought out a bale yesterday, this one was larger, and had more alfalfa in it. The ram was not dog broke, so Joe had to do this. Joe is such a sweet dog. He does not want to bite, but he will if he must. So I had to gee him on a bit-- and then the ram came at him, and that's when he nipped him. Now the ram realizes Joe is not to be ignored. Joe LOVES this. It is absolutely the most rewarding thing to him- to feel useful to me, and to get real work done. So, now for the next several months I will be feeding Sheep. Joy. Whatever, it is what you gotta do. I do love my Sheep. No, not in a lovey dovey way, but in a shepherd's way. I love to take care of animals. It is what I was born to do. And, Sheep really require very little in return- other than some feed and freedom to move around.<br />
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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-36461328391221198542017-11-21T05:25:00.001-08:002017-11-21T05:25:28.746-08:00Faceboob (spelling error on purpose)Facebook. The debil (my attempt at country slang), the ruination of society. I will preface this by saying that Faebook can in fact be a good platform to 1) Advertise what you are selling and 2) To keep in touch with far away contacts. Other than those two things, Faceboob is an absolute time waster, and keeps you from living your real life. Is real life boring to you? Then change what you are doing. Do you feel like you are living through others by reading their exciting posts? Then, get off the sofa, and start living your life, because before you know it, you won't be able to 1) Afford to live and 2) Actually enjoy it.<br />
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Here is a good way to discern if Facebook is the debil to you:<br />
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1) You post a photo of yourself and memorize the number of likes.<br />
<br />2) You post passive aggressive memes so that that special someone will see it.<br />
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3) The first and last thing you do in the day, the moment you can get on the internet, is to see what everyone ELSE is doing.<br />
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4) You take time away from real people to be on Facebook-- scroll through while at dinner, or family gatherings.<br />
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5) You believe that attention to your photographs is meaningful, that the like is for the whole you. It is not; that like is for your physical attributes only. This is all well and good, but it's a cheap attention, and cheap ain't what matters in life.<br />
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6) You have real life conversations on what was said on Facebook.<br />
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If all of these apply to you, at least at times, you need to step back and start living your life. I call it Faceboob, because it does reduce our intelligence, it really, really does. I am guilty of most of those things... I have taken steps to walk away... Here is what I do.<br />
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1) Remind myself daily that Facebook is NOT real. Messages through Facebook are simple, and cheap ways to maintain connection to people without working for it. If you want what's real, you gotta be willing to shut the phone off and get it.<br />
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2) Understand that most people are on there to advertise themselves in some way. Not all advertisement is bad; especially if it is quality. But, those who put up photos designed to get cheap attention, will in fact, get cheap attention, and then be sad when that is what they got. Demand respect, do not ask for attention. Girls, seriously, you can do far better than having someone "like" your scantily clad photo on line. Please, have some self respect. And guys, just be men. Share your lives, no need for more. I won't go further than that ;)<br />
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3) The biggest thing for me, was to delve so far down into Faceboob, that I lost all sense of who I was. And I had to go searching for help to identify who I truly was. Now, the people I admire more than anyone, are the ones who are rarely on Faceboob; for they have mastered life... Faceboob is simply a diversion from real life. Don't miss your life for a like on the fake Faceboob. Please don't.<br />
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Live your life like it's the only one you've got, don't miss a thing!!! <br />
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<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-66139203295080871852017-11-20T09:12:00.001-08:002017-11-20T09:12:17.652-08:00Losing myself..........Hi everyone... Yes, almost TWO years since my last blog post... The only reason I can come up with is I have spent the last two years basically "finding" myself. You see... most of my life has been spent trying to please others, not complain, or rock the boat. This has caused a lot of people to see me as weak, and rightly so, and it then caused me to accept being treated as "less than". Well, finally, after a very scary medical dodged bullet, losing people that mattered a lot to me suddenly without warning, and a new found desire to get healthy myself, I started to find myself needing clarity in that one piece that absolutely was swept under the rug--- my psyche. Who the heck is Julie?<br />
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I no longer enjoyed the sheepdog trials at all. I did not want to be with people that were not genuinely "nice" and friendly (for every one friendly person, there were 99 not), and I did not want to, CERTAINLY spend money on these people (in the form of trial fees etc.) Okay, so no more trialing, other than a few close by trials. <br />
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Then, I started to travel. That is when the dam broke. That is when I truly lost my keel, and had no navigation, other than to do more traveling. So I did. And I realized this life ain't about anything other than my happiness, and peace. Along with that comes the well being of my true friends, and family, but at this point, it was JUST about me, for once. It had NEVER been about me...<br />
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So, I went to Montana in 2016, and then later in 2016, I went to England. It was great, but it started the "I am absolutely not happy with my life" diatribe... So, in 2017, I cut back my sheep to almost nothing, moved dogs on, got rid of a bunch of stuff in my house. Just got rid of it all. I wanted nothing to keep me where I was.<br />
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And then, in 2017 I really started traveling- for real. I was either away, or just back, or getting ready to leave. I never put my suitcase away. I would check the sheep, and leave. I was fully checked out of my life at home. Done, gone. It is what I thought I wanted- to be rid of this prison of a defunct life.<br />
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And then, on my last trip... I started to long for home again. True home, where there is peace. All this traveling and not a lick of peace... <br />
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So, as I sat home, with my Meow by my side, and Joe lying at my feet. I had a very faint wave of "it will be okay now Julie, you are home" come over me. It was almost imperceptible.. but it was there. I was finally feeling at home with me. That is huge.<br />
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There is now a whole other bucket of emotions that have cropped up, but that is normal when you go through growth that I have. It is so much easier to shut emotions down, to never get happy, or sad, but that ain't living. It is existing. I won't exist anymore; in for a penny, in for a pound as they say.<br />
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So, going forward, seeing life through new spectacles, I can say this: The only things I will engage in will be those that feed my soul, and heart. I will no longer do all the giving, and not receive anything, because I am too busy giving. If someone treats me badly, I will call them on it. I will be a door mat no longer. I will own who I am.<br />
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I am still doing the Sheep (thank goodness), and will always have my Border Collie(s). But basically, the rest is simply up to the soulful Gods that I chose to follow. If it ain't bringing you up, it's bringing you down. I want to smile every single day, and that means choosing my friends, and how I spend my time wisely. <br />
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I think it is very true that sometimes, we truly need to get lost, in order to find our way home. <br />
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Blessings to you all.Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-89058010900716310902015-12-05T05:49:00.002-08:002015-12-05T05:49:37.277-08:00Well, here I lay on a Saturday morning. I am a bit sore necked, so trying to rest before my big day tomorrow. I have pulled all the carpet/padding etc., out of my bedroom and walk in closet. I will be installing vinyl plank flooring tomorrow. Looking forward to doing it, but it will be a lot of work. So, hence the chill for now. It will be good to get things done as Jenny is getting into everything that was once packed away and is now sitting out in the living room. I think I will leave some furniture permanently out of the bed room for now.<br />
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I have to go to the grocery store and dog food store today. Thought about working the dogs, but my heart's not in it, so will hold off. I need to get this bedroom done, then I can breathe for a minute, until my next project. There are many of them.<br />
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<br />Always busy, but it's living life and moving forward, and that's how I roll.<br />
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I am missing Kylie a lot right now. If you read back in this blog, you will see I used to write a lot about her. She was a bit left of center, not totally normal, but she really only had eyes for me. Miss you Kylie.<br />
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<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-13476188710070812962015-11-19T04:01:00.001-08:002015-11-19T04:01:04.993-08:00Brief noteSeems it is hard for me to post. It's not that I don't like sharing, it's that I have been very busy, and every time I do stop, I have other things on my mind.<br />
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Things are going well, busy, but well. Have been doing some work on my home lately, in the form of the decks (front and back). And, I am bound and determined to rip out my bedroom carpeting this month. I have a lot of debris/garbage to get rid of and I can get that removed as well. I still have to finish leaves too.<br />
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Then I have to go on to the barn at the farm and also some fencing. I will be busy a lot.. such is the life. I would not have it any other way.<br />
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Dogs are good. Jenny the pup is doing well, she's a wee little thing, compared to the boys, but she's mighty. Joe working well, and Johnny has moved into an un-fenced field and doing well. Danny is still ball crazy, and Lucy is still Frisbee crazy. Meow my kitty is great as always, and has finally lost a bit of weight, so he looks good.<br />
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It appears all my ewes have been bred by the new ram, so we are good there. For me fall is a busy time, and a good time. I don't mind winter at all, as long as I have the right clothes to wear!<br />
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Hope everyone is well. Ta!Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-33774740900309390422015-10-01T13:52:00.002-07:002015-10-01T13:52:56.280-07:00Best Steak Dinner EverI want to share with you all, the recipe I use to make the best steak dinner you will ever have. I don't say this lightly. I have been making steak for many years. I never had a grill, so I tried many methods before what I use now.<br />
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Okay, first thing first. The meat. I prefer Sirloin. Only Sirloin. Not eye round, or anything with the word "round" on it. These are sub par cuts for steaks (good for stew, but not steak). Also, pass on the T-bone and the Rib eye. I have yet to find a T-bone that is not rife with grizzle in it and the Rib eye is simply too fatty to be cooked in a kitchen (ask me how I know this). Porterhouse is great, but super expensive.<br />
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Anyway, look for Sirloin. Then, before you purchase it, make sure it is not brown. The brown is more than likely caused by air hitting the meat, and the brown is the meat starting to literally rot. Trust me, this I know (I have sadly learned this more than once).<br />
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For one person I generally get a steak that is big enough for two meals, and cook the whole thing in one shot. The more you cut meat up into smaller pieces, the drier it will become as you cook it. Also, do not get a super thick one. A bit over one inch thick is great. Also, don't get a piece with lots of white through it, that is grizzle and will ruin your steak experience.<br />
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Okay, so, what else do you need for this dinner? Potatoes and a veggie. My favorite for this is a Russet potato and super sweet corn. Look for the super sweet name, it makes a difference. Frozen only, no canned!!<br />
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Get two potatoes, (as you will have two meals from this), and a bag of corn.<br />
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Now, for cooking. The potato can be done either in the oven, or in the microwave. Traditionalists call for the oven, and I do love a real baked potato, but I have found the microwave works very well. I wash the potato off, then wet three paper towels thoroughly and then wrap the potato in the paper towels. I then put these in the microwave for about 10 mins. If you are doing two potatoes, it will take longer. You can tell they are done by squeezing the potato (careful, they are hot!) If you decide to use the oven, 350 degrees, wrap the washed off potatoes in tin foil and bake for about an hour.<br />
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Then, get your frozen corn. Put water 3/4 full in a medium sauce pan and turn on the heat. When it's boiling, THAT is when you add the corn and it only needs to cook for one minute.<br />
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So, your potato is going (in the microwave), your water for your corn is on, and now your steak.<br />
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Get a medium size frying pan, put a small amount of virgin olive oil in the pan and set it on medium. Get your steak and salt it with a bit of sea salt on both sides. Place it in the pan once the pan is hot. It will sizzle, and this is important as you want to seal in all the juices. Let it sit on one side for one minute and then one minute on the other. In between moving, it from side to side, use the tongs and tip the steak on it's side so you sear the sides too. Never use a fork on this, or you will allow all the juices to escape. After no more than a total of 4 minutes (two on each side), take the steak off the heat, and let it rest.<br />
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By now your corn water is boiling and pour the corn into the boiling water and let it go back to boiling and stay there no more than one minute. Remove your potato from the microwave and remove the peal by placing the potato on a plate and using a knife to slip under the peal and then use your hands to pull off the peal. This takes some practice to not burn your hands.. Do not forget your corn. Use a pan lid to drain the corn and then put a little bit of butter in the corn. I also use butter on my potato, so I put it on at this time, by mashing the butter into the potatoes. <br />
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By now your steak should be done resting. You will know it's perfectly done by seeing juices coming out from under the meat on the plate.<br />
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So, cut yourself a piece of steak, place it on the plate that has the potato, and then spoon yourself some corn. Season as you like and enjoy.<br />
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This is my absolute favorite meal. Great for one or two people and absolutely natural, no processed food whatsoever.<br />
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Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-45575295203378304882015-09-30T03:39:00.001-07:002015-09-30T03:39:36.162-07:00The Big EI had a great time at the Big E on Monday. I went to run Joe and Dan in two trials over the course of the day. These were time/point trials in an arena. I got there early enough to unload my car at the building, which was great, because at the end of the day, you have to schlep your stuff (crates, etc) and dogs back to the far away parking lot through throngs of people. <br />
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Anyway, Dan ran first and had a decent go, not bad for only being back with me about two months, and only having worked twice for very short periods with me... He was happy and so was I. Joe had a very good run, but I muffed up the pen, so it added time (shortest time with total allowable points gets you the win), but at the end of the trial, Dan got 14 place and Joe got 3rd. <br />
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The second trial, not so good. Joe was off the rails a bit, so we lost some points. Dan had a sheep that kept escaping. Joe did not place, but Dan eked out a 15th place.<br />
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It was a great little event, and I can't think of a better way to spend a Monday, than dog trialing! I was interviewed while I was there, and I have attached the link for you all.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IStJ0QNF5BY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IStJ0QNF5BY</a><br />
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Dan is in there toward the end, catching the rogue ewe I mentioned earlier. Joe is with me while I am being interviewed at the end.<br />
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On the sheep front, I have had some sort of creeping respiratory crud, the ram has it and one brown ewe. They both got their second dose of LA200 yesterday. They looked better than they did on Sat, so here's hoping. I spoke with the vet, she said this flip flopping weather is hard on these guys. She said not to panic, just do what I am doing. If things continue to spread I will get her out. She's a great young vet.<br />
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The ram has seven more to mark. They have been on a field with some red clover in it, I sure hope the phyto-estrogens in the red clover are not messing things up. I guess I will know by them either being bred very late (after the clover is gone) or on time (while clover still around). <br />
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Dogs are good, although no training lately. When sheep are not feeling up to par, I don't train dogs on them, and I also don't train in very early pregnancy. So, a bit of a lay off. It's okay though... it has been a bit too hot. Though as of later this week, it is supposed to cool off, finally!!<br />
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Well, that's all there is now! I hope everyone is having a great week! <br />
<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-44742961648571023172015-09-27T11:08:00.001-07:002015-09-27T11:08:48.118-07:00Late September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6844500585228304666.post-81964680218295790502015-09-25T04:18:00.001-07:002015-09-25T04:18:47.370-07:00Thank goodness it is Friday. This has been a long week. Finally will have that bill paid today. Of course, that means Raman noodles for the remainder of the month, but heck, as long as the animals are fed, it's all good.<br />
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Two more ewes marked yesterday. I had to put more marker on the boy because he's making sure to mark very clearly ;) I did not even need a dog, he's pretty tame. I just brought the feed scoop and made noises with it and he came to sniff it whilst I applied the marker.<br />
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Today I have to do a cemetery tour with school kids in my home town, which makes for a broken up day, but I guess absolute routine cannot be had for me every single day!!!!<br />
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I need to move the e-net, but decided I did not have enough time to do that before the tour, so I will move it tomorrow. My hands/wrists are annoyed at me today, so we have an agreement, if you get annoyed, I will let you chill a bit. So, I guess it's good I can't get to it.<br />
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Dogs are good, for the first time I had Joe, Johnny and Jenny outside all together playing happily. Jenny is the boss, so instead of defending her honor from Joe, Johnny plays with Joe and hopes that Jenny is not so tough on him ;) Jenny is going through quite a growth spurt now. She's going to be a good sized dog. Probably weighs more than Johnny at this point. Don't think she will pass 40 lbs, but it will be close. <br />
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In other news, I have been watching the results from the National Sheepdog Finals in Alturas, California. Johnny's mother "Lexi"made it into the semi-finals. Fingers crossed for her!! Some really good dogs running and some upsets, but that is exactly how it should be for a trial of this magnitude. Some day.. I will get there.. to one of these. It's all timing and if the dogs are on their apogee... we may... won't do it unless I think we are really ready. I am slow cooker in this sport! <br />
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Well, that's all there is for now. Thought I would share this neat photo.<br />
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<br />Dancing shepherdesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864498014986609858noreply@blogger.com0