Saturday, July 18, 2009

Dragonfly Wishes Shawl



So here's my latest creation :) It's six ounces of merino and silk in a lovely purply silver colourway. It has very long drapy sleves and a short back (I may do a longer version later on).
It's name comes from the beautiful dragonfly that landed on my shoulder as I was finishing plying the yarn. I decided to try to emulate its beauty. I'm going to give it to my sister in law for her birthday -she like me turns 40 this year. It's going to be put with a red knit hat with the poem "when I'm an old woman I shall wear purple".

LOL
She'll get the joke ;)

Friday, July 17, 2009

A quiet day of rmemories



Yesterday marked the 11th anniversary of my Beppe's passing. I know she waits on the other side for me -and watches out for me daily but I still miss her dearyl. She was my confidant and friend, my mentor and guidance councellor in this crazy thing called life.
In my garden blooms the stargazer lily that sat in the church at her funeral. We didn't leave them at the grave -we each brought one home and planted it as a living memorial. We leave no flowers on her grave -we gave them to her when she was alive. But here I'll post one in memory of her. I see her in so many things thorughout my life -so many happy memories to keep me remembering her and the wealth she left me :)

HUGS all
Kim

Monday, July 13, 2009

Back to the trenches -after a wonderful weekend away





Here's some pictures courtesy of Maggie of our amazing time at the farm. We wnet to the county fair, played in the barn, spun wool, had bonfires and swam in the pond (well the kids did its too cold for me). Good times :)
Kids are already making plans for next time.
I'm back to work in the rabbit shed and the spinning wheel here ;)
HUGS all
Kim

Friday, July 10, 2009

Off to visit a slice of Heaven on Earth




Yep thats right the crew and I sans Java are heading down South to visit Maggies Farm :) Java is staying here with a friend who will stay at the house and spoil her rotten LOL.
Cannot wait to head out!!! I mean look at this place is this not stunning and the people there are pretty darn special too ;)
HUGs all

Kim

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Bunnies growing up -more cute pictures ahead







So here's some of the up and coming bunnies ar Rocky Meaodw Rabbits :) Can you see the grim from here -I'm soo happy with these guys -body, fibre and colour all in one.

The first two are an Opal buck and Blue Tort doe from my French lines -full siblings and both are staying here at the moment. Next is Igloos's litter including some stunning blacks and chinchillas. Last pticture is our junior Americna Chinchilla Doe Sparkle who will also be hitting the show tables this fall.

On another happy note we found a 4-H home for Oreo and Soren that I had posted about earlier. Oreo is going to stay with a foster daughter of the 4-H leader -Poor girl is 7 and this is the first "real" home she's ever had. They had asked her if she wanted a rabbit and she said "yes a black and white one". When we brought Oreo out she sat with her in her lap and whispered "is she really mine" -her smile was worth everything to bring her that rabbit -talk about a happy ending and the right rabbit for the right home. Soren is going to stay with the 4-H leader as a showmanship and breed id rabbit -he has two faults (I'm not telling you which ones LOL -he has an off coloured toenail and a small pimple on the side of his penis) but the kids will have to really look to see them.
Great for them to see what to look for -the 4-H crew here has really worked hard to upgrade their program and it shows.

Happy Days here at Rocky Meadow Rabbits -my cup runneth over with happiness!!

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Cactus or Asparagus???


It's over 4 feet high and three inches wide. I've never seen asparagus grow this way but its soo cool :)

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

More Angora handspun



Busy trying to get a supply of handspun yarn done for the upcoming shows -we have the Picton Show on July 30th and then the three day Kingston sheep dog trials in August.
Be nice to go out for a day without the kids -love them to death but would like to be able to turn around with out one of them needing to be fed.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Happy Canada Day!

On this glorious day I feel the need to remind you all of the rules:

THE RULES OF RURAL ONTARIO ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.

2. Turn your cap straight, your head isn't crooked.

3. Let's get this straight; it's called a 'dirt road.' I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.

4. They are cattle. They're live steaks. That's why they smell funny to you. But they smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? Hwy 7 & 401 goes east and west, Hwy 15 & 416 goes north and south. Pick one.

5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $150,000 combines and hay balers that are driven only 3 weeks a year.

6. So every person in rural Ontario waves. It's called 'being friendly. Try to understand the concept.

7. If that cell phone rings while an 8-point buck and 3 does are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

8. Yeah, we eat meat and potatoes. You really want sushi & caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.

9. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer hunting season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.

10. We open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age.

11. There's little for 'vegetarians' on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.

12. When we set a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup.

13. You bring 'coke' into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.

14. You bring 'Mary Jane' into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.

15. Ontario Hockey League and Minor Hockey is as important here as the Maple Leafs and Montreal Habs, and more fun to watch.

16. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards -- it spooks the fish.

17. Colleges? We have them all over. We have Universities and Community Colleges. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at everybody when they come for the holidays.

18. We have a whole ton of folks in the Armed Forces. So don't mess with us. If you do, you will get whipped by the best.

19. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump crap ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers. (Refer back to #1).

20. TWO inches of snow & ice isn't a blizzard - it's a vacation. Drive like you got some sense in it, and DON'T take all our bread, milk, and bleach from the grocery stores. This ain't Alaska, worst case you may have to live a whole day without croissants. The pickups with snow blades and tractors with snow blowers will have you out the next day.

Happy Canada Day EH ;) And for those of oyu way down south -yes I have seen a polar bear -what did I do when I saw it you ask -took a picture and kept walking -the zoo is a fabuilous place to visit LOL.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Baby bunny pictures -everybody saw AWWWWW :)



Okay I'm not sure what my friend Val puts in the water of her bunnies but oh my gosh. Went out yesterday afternoon to discover one of the two American Chinchilla rabbits she sent me had kindled. Can you count how many there are -if you guessed 15 you are correct :) 15 live babies in the box!! The sires name is Abundant Bob -guess I can see why. Other girl is yet to kindle. If she has a smaller litter I'll probably split some of the babies onto her. Am Chins are very good at fostering other babies.

Jared's Brun Doe PRTier kindled 6 beautiful babies on Fiday as well. Shes a first time mother so I'm not going to foster anybody on her. He's so proud of them.

HUGS
all
Kim

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Hurray its summertime




Last day of school for the kids. Excitement is running high, popsicles have been stocked up. Trips are being planned. Mom is stokced up on Asprin and earplugs LOL. Let the summer time begin.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Hurray Maggie won!!!

I had nominated my friend Maggie http://www.maggiesfarminc.com for a contest from Chicken Stitches http://chickenstitches.blogspot.com about nominating a person who contributes with crafting and Maggies name was drawn!!!! What makes this special is as the nominator I win a set of these beautiful stitch markers as well!!! They are so incredibly beautiful. Thank you so much Henya for having this contest :)
Way to go Maggie -you are so deserving of the title of Mensh!!!
I cannot get the link fuction to work but I invite you to check out both of these talented womens blogs -their work is incredible!!!!

HUGs
Kim

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

And we're off to the ball game -again :)



Is she not the cutest little batter you have ever seen?? All colour co-ordinated in her pink ensemble LOL.
We're playing ball 4 nights a week -kids love it -mom is not so much -the bleachers are heck on the back. Stitches are healing well -so far looking good -all results came back today as clear so they got all the bad cells out. Thank you all for the good thoughts and prayers that I can feel coming my way.
Daryl's dad is recovering well -he had his first liquid today -he said that it was the best tasting juice he ever had :)
On the bunny front Igloo delivered 6 fat and healhty kits -2 ruby eyed whites and 4 that look chinchilla YIPEEEEEEEE -I was so hoping for some more.

HUGS
Kim

Monday, June 22, 2009

The joys of kittenhood



With two older cats in the house I've forgotten how much fun a kitten can be. From zooming by, jumping way too high into windows and the performing "flying wallenda" acts to hidding in every plastic bag and attcking you on sight. LOL I love Neme -he's such a riot!!! I love my old boys too as they lounge on the couch looking at me with that "you brought that thing here you deal with it look".
How did I manage with out this much fun before??
HUGS
Kim

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's day to all my men


How to describe all the wonderful men in my life :) First there is Daryl -my love of my life, my rock and my best friend. He's been so wonderful for me all these years and is the greatest dad any kid could ever ask for. Ask mine they'll tell you ;)
Then there is my Daddy -Grandpa Rex himself, the man who I wanted my hubby to be just like. Love you Daddy!!
Of course there is also Daryls Dad -Poppa -a wonderful gruff old man who I adore.

HUGS to all of you and ot all the dads out there! You ROCK!!~~

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Baby bunny pictures -WARNING -too darn cute!!!




So I finally made it out to the barn to take pictures of the first two litters to arrive -we still have 4 to go. There are 4 satin angoras born to willabond's Truffles (chocolate) x PR's Prince Val (registered lynx) -2 lilac torts, a lilac and a lilac pearl!!! Very cool :)
The other litter is 5 french angoras born to RM's Hollyhocks (registered black) x Fuzzies BCB (registered blue pointed whites -there are two pointed whites, a blue tort, a blue and an opal. Again very cool and unexpected colours. Love it!!!

Next up due is Spanish Oak's Igloo (registered white satin angora) bred to PR's Goblin (registered chinchilla satin angora). She's due tomorrow and was happily nesting when I left. Can't wait to see what pops out next :) UPDATE!!! Igloo had 6 sassy and fat babies -2 Ruby eyed white and 4 chinchilla -2 are black chinchillas the other two are blue or lilac chins by the looks of them -VERY VERY EXCITED!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Back from the zoo



Oh yes I went -probably not the smartest thing I have ever done. 15 stitches in my back and a three hour return trip but two very happy kids.
We got to touch stingrays today at the zoo -they are sooo smooth and soft and warm. Saw lots of other cool animals too -especially turtles -I love turtles even the gianormous alligator snapping turtle at the zoo -but holy cow was she scary!!!! She's the size of 4 foot around boulder with lots of tude. Love it :)
Jared was thrilled the tigers were up and around today. Lindsay wanted to see bats and snakes -she is sooo not mine LOL.
I also loved seeing the gorilla troop. They are so incredible and majestic. The last time we were there there was a little girl born the same day as Lindsay and they were both so cute together interacting through the barrier. Her mother and I were in complete accord at that moment. They are led by the silverback Charles who is a wonderful artist -he paints!! He's so noble too.

Anyways off to bed -zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
HUGS all
Kim

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

GREAT GREAT NEWS!!!!!

Don's biopsy came back today as negative for cancer!!!!!!! Thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers please keep them coming. My surgery is tomorrow -they're planning 15 stitches -add to that a zoo trip on Thursday -yipppeeeee NOT.
Oh well life is still good.

HUGS all
Kim

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Kingston OHS Conference




This weekend Kingston hosted the Ontario Handspinners Conference -what fun!!! Fibre excellence right in my backyard. Jared was my helper all weekend long -garnering lots of comliments for his handdyed roving and yarns -he of course took it all in stride :) Biggest compliment for me was the brisk sales of the "Maggies Hug" shawl pattern and one of the kits all made with Maggies yummy fibre! so many really experienced knitters trying to figure out how it was made only to relaize it was WAY easier than they thought it was LOL.
So many gorgeous fleeces though -temptation city!!!! I did buy some and sent them off to the processor 10 miles down the road to be made into roving for Jared to work with -yummy!!!!!
Camera of course decided not to work down there -but here's some shots of the items we had for sale there :)

Today is gardening day -trying to get as much done before the stitches are back LOL.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Quick update


Don (Daryl's Dad) cam through the surgery last night -we sat for almost 7 hours at the hospital before they came out to tell us -everything went as well as they could hope for -tumour looked to be encased, no signs of spreading to anywhere, he needed less anestetic than they thought, they gave him anepidural to minimize pain. We'll see how he is today -last night he was too out of it to visit. Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming!!!! We sure can feel them.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Feeling Alive today :)


Don't know why but today is a GREAT day -cleaned up fibre bins, played with baby bunnies (we have 4 little popcorn satin angoras booting around now) with another 6 in the nest box, played with Java, and then came in the house to read a book. Fabulous day for doing whatever. Am anxioulsy awaiting another 6 litters of rabbits -two french angoras, one argent de'brun and three american chinchillas -can we say bunny overload (LOL)
I'm also eyeing my primitive rug jhooking kit I picke dup on the weekend -you use raw fleece or roving on burlap -I of course got the sheep pattern ;) No flowers for me LOL.

HUGS all -hope everybody is having a good monday!

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Remembering D-Day



65 years ago so many brave young men paid the ultimate price for freedom. We think of them today -the survivors standing still proudly as the last post is played for their fallen comrades, those that fell who never came home, the families who waited anxiously for word of their loved ones.

Thank you

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Oh to be a cat.....



To not have to deal with life and all its mystery and madness sometimes. To find a sunbeam and stretch out, how lovely that would be.
Daryl's dad is scheduled for surgery this coming Wednesday -the prognosis is good at this point -the tumors are contatined in one area and they are fairly confident they can get it all out in one shot.
In other news my biopsy on my back spot came back positive for early stage melanoma. Have to go back in and have a larger area removed to make sure they got it all. The original spot was only one millimeter from the clean skin so they are doing this as a precautionary measure. Darn it more stitches in the back -the last ones are just healed.

Oh well I think I'm going to find a sunbeam and stretch out and let the cares of the world drift for a while.

HUGS all
Kim

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I'm still crying (in a good way)

I was asked to come to the school today for an assembly as they were handing out awards to students. I didn't know that Jared was receiving one for " Student of the Year".

Here's the certificate that the principal read out. If you are not smiling and crying you are stronger than I was.

"Jared Parkinson is consistantly polite, positive and persevering, and his steady disposition is being recognized and celebrated at CBPS.

Every day when he greets the staff and fellow students with a cheery "Good morning _________, How are you? he waits for an answer and sensitively responds accordingly.

He initiates genuine welcome to visitors, new staff, students and parents to the school. He actively participates in all possible volunteer opportunities, especially when helping the less fortunate. If a clasmate seems to be sad or challenged, perceptive Jared is quick and discrete with a gentle word or deed.

Though he loves math and generates detailed explainations of science's mysteries, learning to read has been more challenging for Jared. With his characteristic poliete and possitive approach he'd request assistiance and recieve direction with an eager willingness.

When asked to explain why he has such an agreeable attitdue his response was fast and humble: Easy! Because when I get home from school my family is interested in each other and we play or work together. All that happiness is still in me when I get to school so I just share it That's why!"

Jared generously shares his love of life and learning, helping make wherever he goes a better place to be."

End of speech

Somebody please pass the tissues. I'm so proud and humbled.

HUGS all
Kim

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

German Angora Delivery run coming soon

A friend of mine is overrun with purebred German angoras so I'm going to be a Canadian delivery service for her for anybody looking for some new stock.

"This year's breedings were very successful and I was blessed with over 40 pure German kits! Three of the does gave birth to 10 kits each and 3 other's had normal sized litter's of 4. The pairings are from the 2006 import lines and the 2002 import lines bred with the 2006 import lines. Unfortunately, I can't keep all of the kits and most will be available to go to new homes by the end of the Summer."

Asking $200 for does
$175 for bucks
discounts for trios.

Anybody wanting a bunny contact me and I'll add you to the growing list :) Good thing the van holds lots!

BFN
Kim

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day 2009


Thank you to all who have had to sacrifice so we can be free. You are not forgotten we will remember you always.

Updating the rabbit for sale list :)

It's time before the fall litters start hitting the ground:

Satin Angoras:

Senior Lynx buck - lower sheen than I would like for show but parents are both registered

French Angoras:

Ruby Eyed White doe -has one ear that droops -SOLD
Ruby Eyed White buck
Broken Chestnut Buck
Chocolate Agouti Buck

Mixed:
Ruby eyed white 1/2 French Angora 1/2 Jersey Wooly doe -a mini french angora in looks and coat structure -was given to me by somebody so I'm not sure exactly how old she is -no more than 2 though -SOLD

Also my sister in law has some English angoras if anybody is looking:
English Angora
All bucks all seniors
Black
Tort.Choc. vm
Tort.Lilac vm
Lilac vm

VM means they have a white mark on them caused by the Blue Eyed white genetic so they can carry it! She is asking $50 each for these guys!

Pictures and pedigree information coming soon -need to find the camera LOL

Friday, May 22, 2009

Why I think my kids are geniuses ;)






Okay I know as moms we all think our kids are special and they are. But here is why I love my children -give them some Kool-aid, leftover easter egg dye and some fibre and VIOLA! Wearable art.
We use vinegar and and old crock pot as our equipment and look at what comes out!

HUGS

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Thinking outside the box ...or is that inside



Today a HUGE shipment arrived from the mill-I had purchased a large quanity of roving from another sheep breeder this one in Northern Ontario near the Quebec border -she has romney/corriedale and BFL crosses -very very nice! (gasp I know what was I thinking do i not have enough fibre yet) and today it arrived -all soft and fluffy and white except for the skiens of yarn ordered for Jared to dye into multicoloured sock yarn. Of course there was a fight over the big box! And the winner was... Shenaningans who at 14 is still top cat. Nemesis went to sulk and look out the window as if to say "I don't care, have the silly box." Grimjack went to sleep on the bed -he doesn't need a box he has the BED. LOL its his till the little girl sees it and makes off with it. Jared will be too busy dyeing wool frantically for the upcoming Ontario handspinners Conference -I've booked a table so his fans can "Meet the artist".

BTW Maggie he's already counting down the days till summer as he is wanting to go see the really nice farm with Hannah and all the fun things to do :) Lindsay just wanted to know if Luke and the kitties will be there.

HUGS
all
Kim

Saturday, May 16, 2009

It's baseball season again


It's phone calls and tryouts, uniforms and publicity. Jared is playing for his third year, Lindsay her second. Daryl and I are convening the Mosquito division (meaning we co-ordinate 8 teams and coaches) as well as helping with diamond improvements and publicity. If you can't find me head over to the ball diamonds chances are I'll be there :)
On a person front I had two small lumps removed from my back on Friday -8 stitches later I am very sore. Spinning is out for the time as is any lifting. Odds are they are not malignant but all I can say is check yourself carefully - if marks appear, change colour or spread GET to the doctors!!!!

Happy holidays all -we ar ehaving our first long weekend of summer -complete with torential downpour and thunder and lightning! Perfect for the Kingston Thuders newest mascot STORM!!! Here's our new logo and mascot costume design.

HUGS all

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Hard at work in the Garden


Today was so nice and sunny -the perfect day to continue the garden by the "Scamper Tree". We planted strawberry plants there last year that were dug up by a naughty puppy. Well I replanted them today and put doggie be gone repellant around it. Since there is so much space there I also planted some butteryfly attracting plants. Hope it works :)
On a personal front we could use some major good thoughts for Daryl's Dad. They discovered two large tumours in his bowel yesterday. Odds are it is cancer. Please send a good thought or prayer up for him. We need our Poppa here with us!!! Its hard on all of us not knowing any more until the surgery to come.

HUGS all

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Back from the Nationals





What a trip -I swear everytime I go to the US lately there is wild weather LOL. First it was the torential rain of Maryland, yesterday is was the wild and black skies of Canidagiua -we heard a rumour that there was even a small tornado touchdown near us!!! YIKES!

Anyway did very well with the two juniors I took down to show. They are full littermates RM's B.O.B. a junior chocolate buck and RM's Look at Me a surprise as she is a BLUE Cream (pearl). Both placed 3rd in their classes. I heard some awesome comments on both especially the doe -one judge told me her type and body were "awesome" denisty was "very promising" and that she was a keeper or if she was for sale she got first dibs on her :) I even got a picture of the elusive Peggy LOL.

Anyways Happy Mother's Day all -off to brunch with my crew and my mommy too!


HUGS
Kim

Friday, May 08, 2009

Its truly spring!!!!



The sun is shining -the grass needs to be cut and best of all the asparagus is poppin. Yes it is SPRING!!!!! Nothing is better than fresh picked asapargus for supper. MMMMMMMMM.
And to make sure no maurading squirrels attack me as I work in the yard -its Java the super guard dog. Does she not look tough in this picture. She's a big softie though at least we think she is ;)

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Back from Maryland


Oh what a wonderful trip. Drove down Wednesday to Maggie's Farm and got to help with the chores (grin) I loved seeing all the sheep and goats and of course Chris the llama. Doggies too - bribed (I mean made friends) with everybody including Java's sister Tanner. Thursday morning we rolled out Maggie, her friend Carol ( asuper talented knitter) and myself. We also met some many other people along the way including Libby a long distance endurance rider who's cell phone Screams "MOOOOOMMM" when her sons call. Sales were fantastic even though the weather wasn't. I even got to drive the truck and trailer on the way home WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Maggie won Best in Show with her amazing picture -you have to check out her blog to see it!! She also makes the most amazing tote bags, wonderful soap, and of course stunning roving. Maryland is lucky to have her attend.

After a long drive to Maggies with a short pit stop I headed back to Canada and sunshine. Here's a picture of the Strawberry Inn B&B -is this not stunning!!!! I'm so willing to go again :) Can I Maggie huh huh -I'll drive the truck (smiles) and do chores.

HUGS all

off to get ready for Canidaigua on Saturday for the Angora Nationals - my kids don't need me do they?