Babydoll rovings

I am feeling a bit sheepish about my challenges with writing more frequently.  In my defence, 2018 was a very difficult year in every domain, and whenever I attempted to write, it was just too gloomy.  Given the state of the planet, political chicanery and natural disasters, I think it is preferable to write about something that helps to dispel the gloom.

At the beginning of 2018, I decided to add a second Kuvasz as support for Tisza, and I drove to Trois-Rivières in early February to pick up Miksa from his breeder, Marie-Paule Pellerin.  It was the beginning of an amazing friendship and collaboration and not just for Miksa and Tisza!  Over the past year, we discovered that we share many of the same interests and passions.  Despite the distance, we are in touch almost daily, supporting and encouraging each other.

We are presently collaborating on two initiatives. One is the breeding of  Welsh Harlequin ducks, with breeding stock coming from three different sources.  We are excited about the opportunity to focus on breeding for egg production.

The other initiative has fibre as the focus.  Marie-Paule has a flock of Shetland sheep, Alpacas and Angora goats (mohair), and I have my little flock of Babydolls and Shetlands.  We are in the research and planning stages at present, with the goal of packaging and selling Shetland, Alpaca, Babydoll and mohair fleece (washed and carded), hand spun yarns, knitted and felted creations.

Needle Felted Sheep

I am excited about these two projects in particular.  I have often felt somewhat isolated and a bit nutty with my dreams for this six-acre diversified smallholding.  It is a blessing to be able to share some of the ups and downs with a kindred spirit.