Due to forces beyond her control, a friend needed to find new homes for some of her Angora Goats. It was a rotten decision for her to have to make. I'm so sad for her. We will work hard to give them as nice and loving a home as she did.
It won't be hard- the goaties are absolutely adorable! We'll be adding them to the meet the sheep pages soon. AND they are ready for a good shave!
Over the years we've made many many friends. My friend Mary has a beautiful farm not far from ours. She and her family raise a neat variety of fiber animals that are well loved. Happily bouncing around on big grassy pastures!
They raise Angora Rabbits with fiber that is incredible. The fiber is usually 3 inches long and she spends lots of time combing them. If you haven't tried any of their Angora fiber, you can find it here.
French Angora bunny
She also has gorgeous sheep and they are a variety of breeds. Including Shetland, Cotswold, Baby Doll Southdown and some mix breeds. I'll write more about each bunch later on but here are a few photos!
Keep an eye out for the cool stories that come with her sheep, goats, bunnies and llamas. They are a hoot!
Smooches from the sheep everyone!
Our adorable flock started out with a bunch of Border Leicester sheep. They are such elegant, stoic and just wonderful to be around sheep. Baker arrived as one of our bottle lambs long ago. He had the most adorable 'rabbit' ears!
He and his brother Treasure romped around the house for a few weeks, then it was warm enough for them to go out and be 'big sheep'. I'm always sad to send them out but I hear that means I am doing a good job, raising good sheep? I still cry every time though! (Sissy Farmer that I am)
Baker was a Border Leicester sheep with long, curly, soft locks. I spun my first skeins of my lash yarn with his wool. read more about Border Leicester sheep.
Young Baker in partial fleece!
Before our Wisconsin weather became so unpredictable, we sheared our Border Leicesters twice a year. Every six months they gave us shiny curls that were 4 to 5 inches long. Once the weather went off kilter we sheared them once a year. Wowser the locks were long!!
Baker was a sweet sheep who loved his Fruit Loops (very much) and his friend Brady.
Taking a snooze!
What ARE you looking at?!
Keep an eye out, Memory Mondays are fun since we've had so many wonderful sheep over the years. I remember every one of them and miss them all. However, it is fun to write about them and share their stories!
Happy almost Spring! (Shearing day will be around the weekend of April 21- woohoo!)
Another year has flown by? Wow. The sheep had a giant Christmas Eve party. It left a giant mess for their cute selves to clean up too. I often wonder why we don't get invitations? I did find a few lampshades in the barn. That is not a great sign right? Ha!
Our Gilbert- a rare California Red sheep!
Many of our sheep arrived in groups so it's been a tough couple years as our friends have gotten old and headed to the great pasture in the sky. We now have 42 sheep, maybe 1/2 are over the age of 8? (I try not to keep track!)
However, we've also welcomed a few new sheep to our flock! Gilbert (above) is a rare California Red sheep! I really have not seen many in WI. You can read more about the breed here..
Our Romedale/CVM girls!
A family in Michigan contacted us last Spring to see if we had room for a few of their sheep. The ewes needed to retire and it was a very tough decision for them. Of course we said yes- twist our arms right? Ha!
The girls are also a rare sheep- a breed I've never seen before they arrived last fall. They are beauteous! Soft fleeces, a variety of colors and they are very sweet sheep. You can read more about the breed here...
After January 1, I will of course start fussing about shearing day. I am very predictable! I'm always amazed how quickly that sneaks up on us despite our best efforts to be prepared. Kind of that way with winter around here too.
A big thank you so much to all who donated items, bid on auctions and made donations for Zippy's surgery. I am truly overwhelmed and humbled by all the kindness this kitten has been shown. She is a very happy kitten, growing and sassy! Thank you!
All of us here wish you the best new year! If you are out celebrating, stay warm and drive safe ok? We have a long due newsletter in the works- keep an eye out!
Jim, Sandy & the sheep
www.sanctuarywool.com
...where sheep may safely graze.
Hi All! You may already know we have an ongoing fundraiser right now. I was very reluctant to ask for help. I am not good at that. I would rather help someone else. Anonymously is even better!
And so are all of you! This year a small kitten got her paw caught in something. It smooshed her bones and she had to have her front leg amputated. Her bill was $685 for the surgery. Ouch. There was no second thought about whether to do the surgery. She was only 8 weeks old and animals adapt fine to missing a limb!
Vet bills are always high for us but Zippy's surgery put us over the top. (At least for me) Thus the auctions.
I am overwhelmed at your response to our Zippy's medical bills. And the fact that you've requested the auctions continue humbles me. The new auction item winning bids will go into Zippy's saving account. She needs to be spayed and have her vaccinations when she's old enough. The sheep always have a vet bill so if you all choose to continue with our auctions, you will provide the sheep a little help too!
Thank you for being members of our 'flock' and for your year round support. There just are not words. You are all so good for my soul.
Zippy loves you all and sends smooches!
Heeeeere's Zippy! Look out world!
Read MoreDon't laugh next time you see someone claim to live on a 'funny farm'! Most days it is very true- here is my day so far, it is only noon! read more...
Read Moreright? I am NOT good with change. Maybe that is why the sheep and I get along so well? They hate change too… (But definitely adapt quicker than I do!)
Thanks to our friends Ashley and Dayna , we are launching our new website! The sheep are having fun doing some writing and adding new photos. We are also working hard to make sure the site is full of fun things to shop, updated sheep biographies and much more. We are so excited about your visit!! Ashley did the hard work setting it up (and both gals did the awful task of putting up with ME). I've FINALLY gotten the hang of a new program. Giddyup!
We’ve been lucky to have the same web host, Beyond the Sidewalks , for our entire business career. Thank you for so many good years Sandy V. We will miss you but wish you well in your new adventures!
Here is a change that has been fun to try out! We recently got the chance to try out a new wool wash called Power Scour!
The photo above shows Moon Pie’s Wensleydale locks. Left: unwashed, right, washed and sparkly clean!
I really like how easily it washes a fleece, but with a very little bit of the product (PS). I also found I needed fewer rinses to get the fleece clean. The other bonus, for me, is the PS is amazing to use when washing Camelid fiber.
My llamas and alpaca are such naughties! They do everything they can to stay dusty and beyond dusty. I used lukewarm water and a little bit of PS and wowser! It cleaned the fiber right up. I only had to soak the fiber once in clear water, 1 soak in the PS and another clear water soak (maybe 2) and wa-la- clean, not dusty fiber! Ready to pop into a dye pot or dry/spin. Saves SO much time! And water since the fiber needs less rinsing. Tried it out on Suri & Huacaya alpaca and llama fiber. Awesome results each time.
SO, if you are up for a change in your wool washing supplies, I do recommend Power Scour!
If you don't see the wool or yarn you are looking for on the site, please email the sheep ok? We are stocked with beauteous wool & handspun year round- we'll get you set to go!
Hope all is well with you all and that you are enjoying some good weather-
Sandy & Jim Ryan
(& our happy sheeps)
Homestead Wool & Gift Farm
...where sheep may safely graze.
ryan3@tds.net
Oh please tell me you didn't think it was ME going to the boutique? bwaahahahahaha! Every year Jim and I shear our Puzzle sheep ourselves. He has a huge hole in his heart and has to stand up for his haircut. If we set him on his hinder like the other sheep for their haircuts, he can't breathe. Not good. Not good at all! SO, Saturday we got to work. Milo (left) and Fletcher (right) were the set up crew. The llamas were the supervisory committee to make sure the set up was properly carried out. Puzzle said this is a big 'no go.' Not again? Before. Oooh la la!!
Half way there... My guardian stayed with us the entire time. This was the first time he had seen a sheep sheared. He was a little worried. (Fletcher) Thanks to a brand new pair of scissors, a lot of giggling by me and Jim- two hours later wa-la- all done! The aftermath- Milo was not interested in clean up detail. All of our sheep are special but Puzzle is a little extra special. He was not supposed to live past a few months after he was born. He just turned 3 YEARS OLD!
You've beat the odds you sweet sheep! Every day we get to spend with you is a blessing my little peanut. (And I am glad you don't mind standing sort of still for a rather iffy haircut too.) You are my hero sheep Puzzle!
Hope all is well with you all! A huge update is on the way tomorrow so be sure to check the sheep's website out ok? www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com
Jim & Sandy Ryan & the Sheeps ...where sheep may safely graze.
Joy to the wooled!!!!This year we had the nicest weather on shearing day we've had for years. It was nice and WARM! Generally it is a cold, windy day. Hooray! This is our new guy- Ryan the Wonder Shearer! Our shearer of 15 years is retiring. Ryan worked with David at times over the years. We are so lucky to be on Ryan's shearing route now! He was very kind to our sheep, patient and did a great job. Thank you Ryan! (This is Patch having his haircut.) Miss Lily the Shetland sheep was not enthused. We locked the sheep in the barn the night before shearing. Tricked all of them in with grain except the Dirty Dozen. We spent over an hour just chasing those 12 sheep into the barn. They finally got tired thank goodness- we did too! Lily was not one of the Dirty Dozen but she is representing for the disgust of the other sheep. FOOLED! Curses! Foiled again!
Our day started out early. Thanks to all the help from our friends Mary, Heidi and Jon the day went quickly and a good day's work was done. The sheep were busy trying to find their friends again.
Everyone looks different with their haircuts so it takes a few hours for everyone to settle down. Then it was time to have a snack before bed time. This is Mario, showing us his 'good side' to be sure we knew he was not getting tricked again. Not sure if he was trying to crawl into the bale to hide til his fleece started growing again? The old I can't see you so you can't see me?
We always have the most beautiful shearing day sunsets. We were so tired the fleeces didn't make it inside until the next day. Mission accomplished though- thanks to my wonderful hubby Jim. Since last week I have some headway in my poor fiber palace. The fleeces have the sheep's name inside the bag; then the fleece/bag is rolled up and taped up with the sheep's name on the outside of the bag too. I have a special room full of shelves just for the fleeces.
I like to keep them arranged by breed so I can just go get them when I am ready. Takes too much time to search through them otherwise! Now I will keep working away, sponsor fleeces will be set aside to work through and there will be a LOT of wool hitting the website.
There are so many things I love about shearing day. Each sheep's fleece is like opening a present. Colors change over the course of the year on almost every sheep. The smell of a sheep and their wool is amazing to me. Almost like the smell of a horse's soft nose. Having such a nice fiber palace (aka basement) is a gift. When I am sorting through fleeces it feels like I have my sheep friends inside with me. We all know what a disaster that can be so fleeces for me right now! ha! One more sunset including happy, comfy sheep. I am so blessed to have all that I have here. Thank you hubby Jim for putting up with me!
Keep an eye out for all the new wool on the sheep's website. For now be sure to visit the 'batt page.' It is loaded up with Mary's Crazy Quilt batts that would be fabulous in your next project! Smooches from the sheep and hope all is well sheep peeps!
Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
If you follow the sheep and their cuteness, you also know how hard it is for me to keep them focused on work. They really only have three 'jobs.' Be cute, grow pretty wool and be healthy. Once in a while though, it IS nice to have some help. The sheep are very creative and love to card batts. They bicker and fuss waiting their turns and the girls throw sparkle around and it gets into the boy's creations-which the boys do NOT appreciate. Then there is bedlamb in the fiber palace. Sigh. Now that it is feeling like Spring, Arthur is showing you just how he looks at me- work? Yeah right.
Now the sheep have more help! My friend Mary is spending time with me in the fiber palace once a week. Keeping the sheep under control, monitoring turns AND carding up gorgeous beauteous batts! Mary and I have been friends for a very long time now. You've probably seen her llama, alpaca, Angora rabbit AND Angora goat fiber available on our website. I have always wanted to have a very big offering of batts available for sale- and Mary is making it happen. Mini-Crazy Quilt Batts! Ooh la la!! SO, welcome to the fiber palace Mary! I am so happy to be spending time with you AND keeping up with my fiber projects. You are a peach!
I have so many beautiful pictures of our sheep that have not been 'out in the public' yet. SO, here we go!
Baaxter - Romney sheep- 10 years old
Marshall - Corriedale sheep - 13 years old
Puzzle - Wensleydale sheep - 3 years old
Casey- North Country Cheviot sheep- 9 years old
Niles- Wensleydale sheep - 11 years old
Dalai Llama - 15 years old
Penny - Jacob sheep - 5 years old
SO, we have so many great sheep and great pictures- most of these taken by my friend Heidi Ellefson. She has such a talent catching the sheep's expressions!
Be sure to check out the sheep's website ok? Lots of new items for sale- the sheep said you might want to sit down with a big cup of coffee to browse!
Smooches all! Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
Even though it is cooooold outside! Each year I fuss about the weather. I need good sheep weather. Cold enough they don't get too warm, but not too cold either. Happens every year to my fussbudget self... Bundle up for chores, weather man says it is 30 below zero wind chill and outside I go.
The Pyrs are happy, playing ON the snow that has now become ice. First step out the door and I contemplate the idea of adding a pillow as padding to my hinder. Nope, already one foot outside. Gotta go through with it right now. Because my sheep desperately need me to keep them warm and comfy right?
And what do I see as I look out? Oh, funny funny sheep. This is NOT what I see. THIS is what I see. So they really don't need me? Looks like some fun sheep shenanigans going on to me. Guess if the sun is out life is good?! Maybe my idea of cold should be adjusted? Hmmm. ANYhoo, while they are out having fun I am working on adding some new items to their website. Hope you can stop in and see if there is anything you absolutely cannot live with out for your next project!! Lots and lots of fun for everyone- with some sheepie specialness included!
The sheep are sending hugs to keep you warm!
San & the sheep
Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
The sheep went on strike the other day. The only office type help I got was they threw the mail and boxes on the back porch. Then they were off again. Doing what sheep do. Arthur and Greta giving a perfect example of what sheep do... (photo from last summer- some things never change!) SO, the Pyrs decided to help me out instead. First Fletcher tried to talk me OUT of working in the office. DOH! I hear mail being thrown unceremoniously on the porch! How do you like me NOW? Aren't I just the best dog EVER? And then this happened: Thank you Milo for being such a good box opener. And then THIS happened: Is this a contest? Or a relay race? Well, whatever it was, it was a long, tiring day at the office for my assistants. Know what was in the box? Dog grooming supplies, which after all that work did not amuse them. Bwaaahahahaha!
Stay warm everyone and watch for our update on the sheep's website ok? Smooches from the crew!
Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
From all of us at The Homestead!
Jim, Sandy & the Sheeps www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
Out out out you crazy dogs- because I, Chico did NONE of this! SOMEbody OPEN the blasted DOOR! Hmmm, Milo? Don't know what you are talking about Mom? You Fletcher?? No Mom, but do you see Teagan anywhere? There's your sign....
(All this happened thanks to a macaw and 3 Pyrs while we were in IL having Christmas with our family today. Aren't they saucy? They have all really landed in the right house though. Walked into the kitchen, saw all the ripped up wrapping paper and just started laughing. However, I did not find any humor in Teagan stealing not one, but TWO of my favorite cookies Mom makes? Wait, WHAT?! )
We are all working together (?) this weekend to add a bunch of new items to the sheep's website. Keep an eye out and be sure you are on both our mailing lists ok?
Hope you are enjoying your Christmas Eve surrounded by friends and family! The sheep send extra smooches and hugs- and wishes for safe travels while you are out and about.)
PS- at least they didn't try to put the Christmas lights up for us too- or worse yet, push the lights out the kitchen window to the SHEEP right? OH my.
Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
We live in a rural area and I was so very sad to learn how many homeless people we have in the Monroe area. I am very disappointed to see our U.S. Veterans lost to the streets. It just makes me so sad. It can happen in a second. To anyone.
Many people do choose to remain homeless. But most would give a lot to have a safe place for themselves and their family to sleep at night. Some choose to sleep outside if the shelter will not accept their dogs. I've heard people write and talk about homeless people not deserving to have a dog or pet. That they cannot possibly be taking good care of them living on the streets.
Those are the people who do not see people feeding their dogs before they themselves eat. Wrapping up in any blanket they can find just to keep that living soul close and warm. Those dogs are often their last 'thing' on earth and when that happens, the dog becomes much more than family. Much much more. They are the only comfort that person has left.
I'm pretty sure you've met our Fletcher, the Great Pyrenees puppy by now. We've had him a few months now and this is his story.
My wonderful Mom volunteers to walk dogs at the county shelter near her home. We had already adopted our Pyr Teagan from the shelter. Then this little puppy came along.
I do not know much about Fletcher's prior person. I kept an eye on the puppy and offered to take him. Then his owner came to retrieve Fletcher. All the way from some place far away- on a bus. He loved his dog.
It turned out this man did not have a home. He was sleeping on the streets and his soul was this beautiful puppy. I think one of the shelter gals was dropping off dog food to him to try and help them out.
One day, that brave, sad man came back to the shelter to leave Fletcher there for good. He said he could not make Fletcher live on the streets during the winter, he could not afford to feed a big dog or have regular vet care.
The shelter gals told him they already had a good home for his puppy but we all know that doesn't help much when you are leaving your soul behind. To trust a stranger to love and keep your dog. I know nothing else about this man except for what I learned from Fletcher.
That puppy has the best manners- most of the time. He was only 13 weeks old when we adopted him. He already knew how to shake, high five, sit, down and of course the ever important 'no.' He also loves to be brushed. I can see the time he put into his puppy to raise such a good citizen. Things he does are hilarious and we stumble upon his tricks and such always by accident.
When we adopted him, his name was Jim. Since my hubby's name is Jim we re-named the puppy Fletcher. A special family name in the Ryan family. We figured Jim was young enough to learn a new name. Not. Just the other day I was getting frustrated because Fletcher would not respond to me. That is definitely a Pyr trait but he was taking it a little over the limit. Finally I said JIM no. That puppy sat his little hinder down, looked over his shoulder at me like, hey, gotcha', aren't I a good good boy? Wow.
His name is now officially Puppy Jim Fletcher Ryan. :0)
I don't know if Puppy Jim's person will ever read this, but we will never forget how hard it was for you to let him go to a new home. We love your puppy. You did an amazing job raising him. We will be forever grateful for him and love him all his life.
My wish for Christmas would be that if you see a homeless person with a pet, how about stopping to help out with a bag of dog/cat food. A warm meal. Or leave a bag of dog food off at a food pantry. There are also many veterinarians who have pet food pantries now.
Thank you all for everything you do for our sheep every day. We would not be where we are today with out you. We truly appreciate each and every one of you.
...There but before the grace of God go I.
Jim & Sandy Ryan and all our sheep, llama, horse and chicken family www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
16 inches of snow? Milo, Teagan and Fletcher love it! - this is our 'walk' today. (nobody was hurt during our walk- this is how Great Pyrenees dogs play. Teagan also took her opportunity to teach Fletcher some manners, even though he is not her puppy. It all looks and sounds rough but they really are just wrestling and having fun fun fun!) Three very tired Muskapyrs!
Have a great week everyone! Smooches from the flock!
Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
And a good one at that! Here is a post that is mainly pictures of our pack of Great Pyrenese dogs and one deaf Border Collie. Let the photos commence! Whaaat? A new puppy? Heidi Grace is not too sure this is fun but Fletcher is winning her over- slowly. She is our full time watcher of sheep. She likes to come inside for a nap during the day and some brushing of her beautiful self!
This is puppy Fletcher- he has lots to do, lots to do!
Fletcher is 14 weeks old -and wonderful of course. He came to us as a deaf dog, who turned out NOT to be deaf! He was just being a Pyr. They are notorious 'I can't hear you' dogs. His previous owner taught Fletcher to sit, stay, lay down, shake hands, high five and the ever important word- no. All the hard puppy work was already done for us.
Our Noodle the deaf Border Collie. She can hear loud noises but like the Pyrs, she has very selective hearing- ha! She is 10 years old and a silly girl. She's not too sure about a new puppy..... This is how Noodle behaves when she doesn't want to be seen. If she can't see us, we certainly can't see her right? Looked like fun so Fletcher gave it a try too.
Teagan is a wonderful girl, a Pyr who we think is around 6 years old. We absolutely adore her too. She is such a good dog. She love toys and napping on the couch. She does like to work watching over the sheep-during the day. She barks and barks in the favorite Pyr look out spot. However, this is her bed. I don't have the heart to tell her she doesn't quite fit.
Teagan has become good friends with puppy but it took him a while to convince her to share that awesome bed. This is what happened at first, then Fletcher just started hopping into bed by flopping down right on top of Teagan. Doh! There is always a mad dash for the bed and/or couch when the dogs come inside. This 'win' went to puppy! This one to Teagan!
Here we have Milo. He has a misshapen mouth so his tongue doesn't stay in his mouth all the time. He is adorable and slowly learning to be a good sheep guard. He is a very sweet, kind dog and he's one of our 'Pack of Three.' Teagan has taken over as Fletcher's mom. They play and run like TWO puppies. Milo gallops around with them but hasn't joined in the play time yet. He loves to run. Noodle is definitely not part of the Pack of Three. The third party was unwilling to give up his place in THE bed when I took this. Fletcher is behind Milo.
Where did papa go? When the day is over Heidi Grace goes outside for night duty. Milo sleeps upstairs in our bed- ugh. Noodle sleeps on the floor next to the bed. I've been sleeping on the couch to keep an eye on Fletcher. (I don't sleep much any way!) He sleeps as close as he can to Teagan. This is one tired puppy at the end of the day! I would love to just scoop him up but he says he's too grown up and doesn't want hugs like that. How embarrassing!
They definitely keep me on my toes. I'm the 'bad parent' as soon as Jim gets home from work- that's gratitude for you.
I think the dogs who lived here before them would be proud. At least I hope so. Maybe they'll guide me as I work with them? Or send down be good dog vibes? :0)
Hope you are all having a wonderful week- slobbery smooches (did you know Pyrs are slobbery?) from the pack!
ps- sorry for the alignment issues in this post. I gave up-wordpress beat me. ugh
Jim and Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
From Appletons’ School ReaderIntroductory Fourth Reader (page 205) As published in 1884
The Shepherd’s Dog
***I loved this as soon as I read it in an old primer/reader. What fun to share stories from so long ago!** Hope you enjoyed this little snippet! We love our dogs so much and without our crew of Great Pyrenees dogs, I would never sleep. The bad guys (coyotes) come too close to our farm, but no worries when the Pyrs are on guard... Smooches from the sheep- have a great weekend! Jim & Sandy Ryan www.homesteadwoolandgiftfarm.com ...where sheep may safely graze.
