Button mad

So Daryl and his dad have been makine me sheep's horn buttons. They are incredible and I am in love.

Its so neat to see something that people once did as common practice made new once again. To me it completes the whole use fo the sheep and its amazing products.  I can't wait to finish my knitting project and pick out the "perfect buttons" to go with it!

Dreaming of spring

16 years ago when Daryl and I had out long awaited honeymoon we went to Holland to visit family and friends. I will never forget how GREEN everything was and the flowers! Tulips everywhere like big swatches of colour laid out like a quilt.  I can still see it all -its keeping me going during this grey and muddy spring that we are having here.
HUGS all

Happy Birthday to my one and Only Dad!!!

To the man who has been my measure of what a man should be and the kind of man I wanted to marry Happy Happy Birthday and many many more!!!!!  There are so many words to describe you but Incredible is the best one :) I love you always!!!!

The new girl to come to Rocky Meadow

This is Bonnwill's Sienna 90+ %German -she arriving next week to Rocky Meadow Rabbits -she's bred to Dark Starz's Healthcliff (chestnut) 90+% German. I'm hoping for another high producing fibre line from her in colours.

She's currently sucking up to my dear friend Julianna who is bringing her to the Port Hope fibre gathering next Saturday. Can't wait to see her and the rabbit too ;)

Oh spring where art thou???

Grass is brown, bulbs are trying to make their way up, skys are predominately grey. Its April can I please have spring now???  Please?? The darn squirrels dug up my bulbs so I see them peeking here and there in the grass.  I'm hoping Easter will show its beautiful spring colours of green, pinks, yellows and blues for me -but look there I found a little spring frog!! LOL
Upside we got back test results today from the latest skin biopsy on yours truly -no signs of the bad cells that were in the shoulder lump of two year ago. This one was removed from the left hip so its good its not everywhere.
HUGS all

My handsome new boyfriend

So we got the new puppy a week ago -long enough for him to decide who he wants to be with ME :) Or Java -he's a ladies man thats for sure. If he's not with me I can find him snuggled down with his girlfriend . Only thing is I cannot get a picture of them as Java runs everytime I break out the camera -I keep telling her she's not going to get stuffed into a costume LOL. Here's a picture of the new fellow though. He reminds me of Maggie's Izzy -loves to be with people and LOVES snuggling down at bedtime under the covers.  How they do not suffocate or get squished at night is beyond me.

Lovely ladies

.Here's RM's Juliett -white satin angora and RM's Moxie -broken chocolate french angora fresh off the show circuit and ready for their first haircuts :) I'm waiting axiously to get spinning this lovely fibre!

Common Sense

A dear friend of mine sent this to me after I complained about the number of phone calls I had gotten about "Easter rabbits" a very sore point with me as I know these people have put no thought into a rabbits needs before deciding they want a "cute fuzzy little baby" for Easter.  These are the same people who will buy baby chicks and ducks not realizing that hey after Easter they magically grow up into very large birds that require attention and a safe place to live. Sigh.... But I did enjoy this and it is so very very true.

An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;

- Why the early bird gets the worm;

- Life isn't always fair;

- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned, but overbearing, regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses;

and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights

I Want It Now

Someone Else Is To Blame

I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Education... has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.
G. M. Trevelyan (1876 - 1962), English Social History (1942)

Back from the show with the newest Parkinson addition

Okay I am bad - I admit it - I decided that Java was lonely and needed a friend for when I am busy. And Daryl decided we need a snuggle dog for at night to sleep with us like Maggie's Izzy does -sooooo meet Dutch the newest Parkinson. Dutch is a three month old chihuaua and is soo darn cute and snuggly. and not a barky little nightmare that I was worried about  only problem is I think we may need a bigger bed or I am sleeping on the couch :)  Java is so terrified of him it is hilarious -she keeps watching him walk around with a worried look as it to say "but what if I step on him?" No worried Java you are still #1 doggie here always!

Getting ready to show rabbits again :)

Spent the day grooming the girls for show on Saturday -here they are all pretty :) RM's Moxie -broken chocolate french angora and RM's Juliette - REW Satin Angora. They are both entered in the open show and the wool specialty. Moxie's length of coat is almost 7 inches!!! She is a just turned senior doe (6 months and one week)!!!

Back to dyeing -silk caps

Put the kids to work again -such a mean mommy LOL But look at the results drying outside -can't wait till they dry and the colours are able to shine :)  Best of all these are Peace silk caps meaning the moths were allowed to hatch out before the silk was harvested. There are sight colouring differences and the edges are a little more ragged but you can't tell as they are dyed :)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful little girl

Lindsay turned 9 yesterday -where did the time go?  She was such a tiny little baby when she arrived and now -she is a stunning young lady :)  She brings so much to my life I cannot imagine it without her. She came screaming into the world at 4:04 am and announced here I am!  She is named for her daddy and my Beppe -the two greatest influences on my life -I hope she can be half the person they both were to me.  Life is so very precious -Lindsay's arrival just heralded that even more as the person in the room to me did not get to take her baby home safe and sound.  Her son was born completely brainfunctionless after a difficult delivery that in so many ways echoed Jared's 4 years before. By what measure does one baby turn out so beautiful and clever and smart and another one never even get to see their parents faces?

Life is so short and so precious - I cannot be thankful enough for my precious daughter~!  She is stubborn and strong, opinionated and loving, a real unique and freethinking person and I wouldn't trade her for anything!!!
HUGS baby girl!!!!

Can I live here when I retire??

Here's my new job site :) Part time receptionist at the Waterford Retirement home. These folks have a wonderful place here -lots to do and see. They are a lively bunch too - love it!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

MAYA ANGELOU'S'
BEST POEM EVER


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .......

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a feeling of control over her destiny.....
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more.....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Buttons wonderful buttons!

My father in law made these for me by slicing sheeps horns into buttons :) He's also working on deer antler ones :)

Are they not incredible -they feel wonderful to the touch!

Looking after Maggies Farm

So Daryl, kids and I headed down last Wednesday to farm sit for Maggie so she could attend her daughters wedding. Mia has to be one of the most beautiful brdies I have ever seen -picture are posted at : http://bundaflicka.blogspot.com/ .
Kids quickly learned farming is not for the weak of heart or stomach - they learned the joy of seeing healthy little lambs and goats bopping around and the heartbreak of finding a dead critter.
They also learned that Daddy is amazing and can deal with mean roosters! LOL Mean rooster 0 -Daryl 1
They hauled wood, water, grain and hay to various parts of the barn -stopping to talk to kitties, chickens, ducks and of course Lindsay's beloved white boys.

Mommy feel head over heels in love with one of the bottle lambs Prince Harry aka Doodle. He followed me arround and called for me as if I was his mother. And of course no visit to Maggies is complete with out sheepie kisses from Lily who would proudly bring over her little girl for all to admire!
We were even greeted by Maggies resident ghost Lydia who stopped by to say Hello in a happy voice. We hope she knows we love the farm and are thrilled to be able to help out whenever possible.
All too soon Maggie came back and we made the ride home to Canada.  Farming is definetely hard work but the joys are so apparent.
someday maybe  I feel so blessed to be able even in a small role to be be part of Maggies Farm
HUGS all

Happy Valentine's Day !!!

Found this when opening a bag of potatoes :) Nice to know somebody in the universe wanted to send me some love!

Having fun in the snow :)

Been to busy to post -having playtime in the snow with the kids LOL Here they are having fun in the snow and a quick shot of me with my adorable nephew Jeffrey who just got his snowmobile license! He took me for a ride on Grandpa Rex's super fast ski-doo.
Happy Valentine's Day to all!!

Crochet or Knit?

Any guesses????  2 ply Shetland - short dress scarf handspun :)

From ho-hum to WOW!~

so I in my foolishness attempted to dye some roving without the Dyewizard's help. Wrong idea -my roving was dull and uninspired.Lucky for me,  Jared stepped in and overdyed the roving for me :)
Can you see the difference LOL

Good thing I can spin .......

 and it doesn't need to be dyed as the colours are stunning :) Although leftover white does look very nice with some colour added to it.  Leftover unexhausted dye  from the dyepot provided some lovely pastel colours for blending into wool later on.

HUGS all
Kim and crew!

A new project in the works???

Maybe. we'll see when the pattern arrives but is it not stunning??  I'm thinking all natural handspun wool from various breeds.  We'll see......

Knitting and Spinning cause thats what I do

Too cold to go outside now -we actually have snow!  So I'm doing what I love to do spinning wool and knitting it into various items :)  It keeps my mind busy as we await the results of the next level of speech competiton that Jared is participating in. He's representing his class at the next level and results should be given today!

Exciting!

No excuses for not posting

Really there isn't. We aren't battling snow and the elements like others. There are no emergencies other than the demands from two bottomless pits to be fed on demand. On the other hand there has been nothing exciting here to report. Bunnies are bred and awaiting spring litters, kids are on holidays and besides eating, sleeping and making craft stuff have been the big time occupiers. We had hoped to go skiing or sledding over the holidays but nope.
HUGS to all
Kim

in pretty much boring suburbia Ontario not even the great white north! Heres the view from my front porch to prove it all - I was wearing a sweater and my crocs no need for coat or boots up here.

4 years old -a big girl now :)

Today is Java's birthday -she is now 4 and for over 3 and half years she has been my "baby". From the very first picture Maggies posted on her blog I have been in love with this goofy personality. She is stubborn and loving, brave and such a wimp, big as life but still small enough to be my lap dog (or so she thinks).

Of all the gifts we are given in our lifetime none is more powerful and lasting than love.Thank you for giving me yours Java. I treasure it and you always.

Our own version of mother and child

Lindsay was playing Manger today. Complete with her own baby wrapped in swaddling clothing.  \

Does Nemesis not look THRILLED to be a part of it all. Sad thing is he will NOT run away and he lets her catch him everytime she comes looking for him. Silly cat!

Baby bunny pictures

Heres the first pic of the three brun babies we had here. Champangne, brun and BLUE!!!  Can see them all tucked in?  I sure couldn't.

Very cute!

Happy Solstice one and all!

This night is the longest night of the year. It's the night
that we celebrate the return of the Sun and the coming of Spring. It's the
time to allow all old hurts and cold to flow behind us and to concentrate on
the coming blessings.

This year it promises to be especially potent, because we're due for a lunar eclipse at the same time. How wonderful and mysterious is the changes nature brings and all of us are in awe of its glory.

I'd like to take a moment to hold up all my friends here at the
turning of the seasons and to ask for blessings for them. May they have only good time befall them, may they walk strongly into a future that is filled with love and joy and may the coming return of the Sun bring along all forms of abundance to them all.

Blessings to you all!

Whoo is this?

Its Lindsay back from the Midas Christmas party. Build a bears crafts  and face painting for the kids. Is she not adorable??
They're off for two weeks so pray for me LOL
HUGS all
Kim

To the baby bunnies in the shed

Sorry for thinking December would be a good time for little bunnies to arrive. Its sooo darn cold out there! Thank goodness for smart little mommy who made the monster of all nests and tucked the three little arrivals safe and warm down the end of a fibre filled tunnel of sweet smelling hay.
No pictures as its too darn cold to peel back the fluff to snap them but take it from me they are safe and warm tucked in down there.
HUGS all
off to tuck in my little ones safe and warm in their own beds

Favorite Christmas Carol

Today is the 60th anniversary of the First Reformed Church here in Kingston. At the closing the favorite and familiar is sung.

This is my favorite hymn of all time and one of the few I know in Dutch. It always starts in two languages but by the end only the Dutch still resounds. I can still see my grandparents singing it with me as a tiny girl. Today my little girl joins in. Life is so good and memories like this live on for ever.

Here's a link to the song being sung:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uqKcVEp5Pc

Here are the lyrics:

Glory To God (Ere Zij God)

Glory to God! (2X) In the highest! (3X)
Peace on the earth, peace on the earth to the people who have God's favor.
Glory to God in the highest! (2X) Peace on the earth. (4X)
To the people, to the people who have God's favor.
To the people who have God's favor, who have God's favor!
Glory to God! Glory to God! In the highest! In the highest! In the highest!
Peace on the earth, peace on the earth to the people who have God's favor.
Amen, amen.

Dutch (use the repeats shown in English):

Ere zij God! In den hoge!
Vrede op aarde, vrede op aarde, in de mensen een welbehagen.
Amen, amen.

Happy Holidays all!!

Winter is here .....

Had a WONDERFUL weekend with Maggie at the Plowshare show in Syracuse. We had so much fun seeing all the other wonderful vendors, eating some fantastic food (expecially baklava) and shopping at Barnes and Noble (bookstores are like the best places on earth).  Drove home through some wild winter weather just to remind me of the season -slippery and slidey - best route is to get behind a snowplow and follow it all the way back to Watertown LOL  I am so grateful for friends like Maggie who let me be a part of all these adventures. I'm so gratified when people purchase my handspun and knit hats, scarves and even a shawl!  It makes me feel special that people enjoy and appreciate what I create.

Just found out that another dear friend of mine Henya and her chicks will be making the pilgramage to settle in Israel -how exciting for them and I hope to see LOTS of pictures etc as it all comes to pass.   I will miss seeing her at the fibre events though.
Of course since it is cold its time for the baby bunnies to start popping again. Due this weekend is two litters of Argent De"Bruns and two litters of American Chinchillas -good thing their moms know how to build monumental nests!
Kids are busy writing speeches for school before the 2 weeks of Holidays that await them. Better start stocking up on food now ;)

HUGS all
Life is so wonderful -thank you for being a part of the adventure on this road!

Happy Birthday to the love of my life

Thats right its Daryl's big day today :) i'm not saying how old he is -only that I am still older LOL.
Love you today and always baby! You are the best thing that ever came along in my life and I'm so happy I have you to walk the long  road with hand in hand. 

HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!