"How long are you going to leave that thing up?"

Trooper, nagging me about the Christmas wreath. Since it snowed last night, I think I'll leave it up a little longer.

Trooper had a fun day yesterday, escaping 3 times before we figured out the fence had come loose in one spot. We let her explore the yard and the porch and generally hang out with us for a while.

Several times she climbed the turkey ramp and got on the roof of the goat/turkey house (here shown last summer):
. I didn't have my camera but it didn't matter; when she got on the highest peak of the turkey's section (there on the right, 20 feet off the ground) I had my hands over my eyes. You should have seen the look on the peahen's face when she flew up there and discovered a goat up in the trees.

But goats are good climbers, and she got down fine. They are also social. Trooper wandered over to the pig/cow barn, where my brother-in-law was mucking out the cows' pen.

Also, in case you didn't know: Goats are funny.

I have to show you how the batts from my last post spun up:

It's only 160 yards, but I love it! As for the quick shopper who bought the other batts, she isn't even a spinner yet. But from the sounds of it, this fiber might be the inspiration she's been waiting for to take some lessons. A convert. I am pleased.

I was in the shop yesterday, dyeing up some silk/merino DK and also doing a little spring cleaning. In response to some requests, I did finally create a new category at A Piece of Vermont called Jessie's Specials, dedicated to yarns that had some dyeing problems or that I just don't carry anymore. 20 percent off! I should mention also, since it's not very prominent on the site, that there is free shipping for orders over $60 (calculated automatically at checkout). If I ever get a decent amount of product up there, you can take advantage of it.

While poking around for my mistake yarns, I found some superwash merino top that I always meant to sell but never took pictures of. (I'm like that.)

Then I looked at a big pile of Border Leicester locks I had recently washed. (They're Sophie's and she wants them back.)

Look how lovely:

Border Leicester dyes beautifully, and it seemed to me these two could somehow become something very special together. Stay tuned for those batts...

Thanks for all the great feedback on our trip to the Spinnery. No  matter where you are, I would like to make a suggestion in only one word: PILGRIMAGE. And now I must get ready for a 4:00 closing at the bank. A Piece of Vermont is getting some funding today!

Comments

[stephanie]

For some reason it always amazes me that something with hooves for feet can climb that well.

[donna lee]

Those wool "curls" look so soft and fluffy I wanted to pet the screen. Good luck with the bank! Yay for funding!

[janna]

Hee! I love the picture of Trooper peering into the barn door, like she's saying, "Hey! Whatcha doin' in there? Need some help from a goat?"

And, yeah -- how DO goats hold on with those hooves?

[Lori]

That is such beautiful fiber...sigh...

[Carol]

Hee hee A day in the life of an adorable goat.

[lisa]

Funding... congratulations! I totally loved my spinning class today... and am about to go play w/ that wheel some more. I sense trouble, new addictions, more things to want (like fiber)... I am starting to think more and more about the dogs, save their combings and trimmings... It may suck as fiber but it'd be fun. I scratched some angora goat babies today, so cute!

[samantha]

you make me want to move to VT and raise goats and cows.

[Alotta]

Hope the bank business went well.

Went to the mailbox yesterday and found it STUFFED with a wonderful package!! I'll be posting about it later today. Can't wait to learn how to spin!!

[jackie]

Great goat pictures! And good luck at the bank! How exciting!

[sahara]

Best of luck with the funding! I bet your Jessie's Specials, develops a cult following.

Promote the Goat!

(a bumpersticker I recently saw upstate).

[heide]

What wonderful roving and fiber! I adore goats. You are quite the enabler/dealer.

[Jasmine]

Is it really snowless? I feel your pain on the bloglines. After finishing your post I have 402 left -- maybe I should stop trying to finish reading and put up a post or two myself. I even have some things to show (well, not interesting but nonetheless)

[JessaLu]

Gorgeous spinning! :o)

I just took down my Christmas wreath yesterday...now I'm working up the energy to take down the mistletoe. ;o)