The month started with a refresher course in CamelidDynamics llama handling with Marty McGee Bennett. I attended my first clinic in 2001 and found that I was backsliding in my behavoir with my llamas. Marty is inspiring and entertaining and I feel empowered once again to be the best that I can be with my llamas. My goal is to be better equipped to help those new to llamas or alpacas especially those that adopt or foster SELR llamas. SELR stands for SOUTHEAST LLAMA RESCUE and you can view our website at http://www.southeastllamarescue.org/. More about that some day when there isn't much else to write about.
This weekend was one of my all time favorite events of the fall-SAFF!(Southeastern Animal and Fiber Fair) Saff is heaven on earth for the fiber enthusiast. Not quite like Maryland Sheep and Wool but for the south this is a darn good fiber event. And what a dedicated group of men and women that work year round to come up with all the workshops and logistics of running an event like this. Not only can you take workshops and shop till you drop for 3 days but you can also TOUCH and FEEL and experience the world of fiber animals-sheep, angora goats, llamas, alpacas, angora rabbits! That is what I do. My sheep get to have a spend the night with other sheep at the ag center (I know, some cringe at this thought) and my daughter and I show them on saturday and sunday. This year it was only Sunday since I helped with the llama show on Saturday. Breeds represented this year were Border Leicester, Romney, Cotswold, Shetland, Jacob. Fine wool classes featured Merino, Tunis, Montadale and Corriedale and other cross bred sheep. Long wool classes featured cotswold/Wensleydale cross and other Cotswold crosses, Linclon and Leicester Longwool. I probably left something out but for the south, we have a darn good variety of sheep breeds. The hills and valleys are ideal for raising sheep particularly hardy breeds like Jacob and Cotswolds. Breeds that can thrive on forage and have good feet to withstand wet or dry conditions. We took our Cotswold ram lamb, Cotswold/BL crosses (see the picture of Daisy), BL, Moorit corrieadale cross and Jacob ewe. Daisy placed 2nd in the fleece class and it was a large class so I was pleased as she is one of my favorites. My Jacob ewe yearling was breed class champion. The fleece on my ram lamb is too stuck together-either fine or too much hot weather this year so I will hang on to him until next year and see how he develops size and fleece wise. Meanshile the lucky guy gets to hang out with a few girls. I also take as many fleeces as I can get skirted to the awesome fleece show and sale. Once again, Marly, my Cotswold/BL wether placed first in the natural colored long wool division and Stella, my Moorit Coriedale cross placed first in the natural colored fine wool division. That is in the fleece show not the sheep show. I love it that someone buys the fleece and turns it in to something yummy to wear. You just never know where they may end up. So, winding down on October and heading into the shorter days which means more time for spinning!!! The leaves have peaked but there are still beautiful fall colors to enjoy. Get out and take a walk and enjoy the beauty of the fall. We are so blessed to live here!
