It has been a VERY cold January in Iowa, but we are in the middle of a January thaw. I m thankful for the warm weather, with new lambs in the barn. Tulip my Blueface ewe surprised me with twin ewe lambs monday morning. Everyone is doing well and Tulip has turned out to be an outstanding mother. She dotes on them all day, and stomps with great conviction as the poor cats or dogs walk by. I am naming the two girls Tiger and Tomook.

Seed orders have all been sent out. The grow-lights are all ready for the first seeds to go into flats in February. I am planing more leeks and parsnips this year along with the usual peppers, tomatoes and other vegies.

I have two new fiber blends in the store. One is a green cloud I have named Enchanted Forest and the other is a roving called Northen Lights. I really love spinning both of these colorful blends.

I still have a few copies of" Respect the Spindle" on hand out at the store. I think this might be the best new book on drop spindling in years. The last batch of Grafton spindles that came in were especially beautiful, and I am expecting new "Green Sleeves" Bare Bones and Eathen Jacob's in any day now.

I had best sign off now. I need to go tend the fire and finish up a bobbin of Rubies and Rust I have been working on this afternoon.

shearing

We had a great time at the Bishop Hill fiber guild spin in last weekend. Robin won best of show with a scarf she drop spindled from my Enchanted forest blend.

I have been shearing sheep this week. I did 4 lambs on monday. Two white and two chocolote brown. Sheared the blueface ewes on tuesday. The processing room downstairs is filled with beautiful fleeces I am currently working up some new blends. I will post pictures soon

Worldwide Spin In Public Day

Summer is winding down. The tomato glut is ending. The canning shelf is full. World wide spinning day is right around the corner. I have set up a spin in public event at the east end of Sycamore Mall on September 19 th from 12:00 noon to 4:00 Pm. Bring your wheel and a folding chair . Join us for a celebration of spinning