Baaa...

As part of my 2013 quest to learn something new every month, I am also expanding my options for new experiences...  or old experiences as luck would have it.  So when my spinning guru mentioned that there was a Sheep and Wool festival happening about 70 miles away...  how could i resist?  She needed a day away, I am open for almost anything, so we strapped into the car and headed off on our adventure.  Now I'll tell you, in my mind I was picturing an event with fibers galore, that i could jump into and fondle and purchase for spinning.  With indoor restrooms.   As we drove down the narrow country roads, it felt like we were being transported to a foreign place, laid back, peaceful and spring green.  Siri guided us to a quiet field where we paid $2 (total) and parked a mere 50 feet from the port-a-potties...  hmmmm.   There was a large covered shelter filled with sheep...  lots and lots of sheep.  In the center there was a section used for judging, and nearby a raised platform where they were shearing. This is NOT what I was expecting, but I can tell you I was not disappointed.

We wandered through the barn, admiring the different sheep and reveling in the county 4H feel of the event, I felt like I had been transported back in time to my country hometown where the summers were filled with animal events and county fairs.  

A couple of young girls asked us to come see their lambs, they were going to be showing them in the judging circle at noon...  they were very excited and proud, even showed us their new boots!

And my little curly headed friend was intrigued, and evidently spoke the language, he would baaa, they would baaa back at him.  He did not disclose what they were talking about, but I felt sure they were telling him how nervous they were, and asking if their hair looked as good as his :-)

There was a bit of fiber for sale, but nothing that had to go home with me.  There were bags of freshly sheered wool, alpaca, and other assorted animal hairs...  it was fun to touch but since I have no idea how to process it, I did not succumb...  maybe it's a new learning for another month.  

There was a shelter where the spinners set up their spinning wheels and the one lonely weaver set up her loom.  We unpacked our drop spindles and joined them.  Jody was even asked to be a guest judge for the children's shearing contest...  all in all a very fine day!

Prayers for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing...