Sheep-keeping and Tea Parties

My poor sheep have lived the last two months on filthy,
worn down paths through frozen slush and snow.


There is no reason for them to venture an further than that,
unfortunately, with all of the snow on the ground.


They spend their days between the hay feeder and their little houses.


Ordinarily I clean out their houses each morning.
Sheep have a nasty habit of pooping where they sleep.
Quite often they urinate at the same time as well.
As you can imagine, this makes for quite a mess inside their houses.


Daily cleaning keeps things manageable,
but when the snow and freezing rains come clean-up becomes
next to impossible.


And so... for weeks during the wintertime, the mess just accumulates.

Once spring arrives, their yard will undergo a major clean-up.
I couldn't stand their messy houses any longer,
so yesterday I got the scraper and the pitchfork out and got busy cleaning.


I removed several muck buckets full of soiled bedding
and replaced it with clean dry straw.

Life will be so much easier when things dry out...
but that won't be for another month or more.

When I arrived at the barn yesterday, I realized that I had forgotten to don my ice cleats.
Although muck boots are very warm and water proof, they are not great on the ice.
I, of course, did what all farmers learn to do...
I improvised.


I tied baling twine around my feet for traction and finished my chores without a fall.
Ask any farmer... there's nothing that cannot be fixed with either baling twine
or duct tape!

And lastly...
The sewing room re-do continues...
A ladder hangs above my sewing machine.  It is decorated with branches and ivy.
A large paper wasp nest hangs on the right.
Gold glittery stars and tiny LED fairy lights add just a little touch of magic.


I made a trip to Home Goods and found a rug and chair for my sewing room.


Rummaging through our barn, I found an old ladder to use as a wall display.


While I was working in here, yesterday, I noticed a voyeur outside my window....


which is strange given that this room is on the second floor.


Yes, that's crazy Ivy cat... out for her daily constitutional and a little adventure.
Looks like she found a place for a birds-eye view of her world!

Even though this table is a work table,
I thought that perhaps it might be happy to have a little gussying-up...
when it's not in use.


I think I just might have a tea party in here today... me and the dogs.


Want to join me?

Comments

Louise Stopford said…
Poor sheep - I bet they can't wait for Spring to arrive ... and they are not the only ones. Your sewing room looks amazing - I'd love to join you for tea.
Colleen said…
I never tire of seeing Faith and Hope.
Nice cleats!
Maybe Ivy is thinking you are spending too much time in the sewing room and a little spying was in order.
Sewing room = cozy & beautiful.
daisy g said…
Such ingenuity! I'd expect nothing less from a homesteader. ;0D

Your sewing room looks so inviting. Love the way you used the ladders! Enjoy your tea and those beautiful cookies!
littlemancat said…
Love the baling twine solution! And your sewing room looks so peaceful and pretty! Love that it looks out on the trees - and any climbing kitties!
Mary
GeorgiaHoneyBee said…
YES I DOOOOOOOO! I LOVE tea parties!!
Dianne said…
I really, really like the wall-mounted ladder! I have an old one that is too long for an upright position...now I have a great alternative, thanks to you.

I'm on my way! I will bring some cucumber sandwiches and little cakes.
"Smile while you still have teeth" -- LOL!
This N That said…
Love your cleats ;) I'm sure Hope and Faith appreciated all your hard work..I know it was a labor of love. I've always wanted a ladder to decorate and now you have two...piggie..absolutely charming as is your tea party scene..Wonderful job..I can only imagine how satisfied you are feeling with the results..Your Dad would be so proud of you..
Junebug said…
Love the twine traction!I'm sure your sheep are enjoying fresh straw. But I think I need to grab a chair, enjoy a cup of tea, maybe pet a dog or two and just enjoy your sewing room. Mine will never ever look like this!!
Moggie said…
Ivy is certainly an adventuress! And the sewing room is beautiful, perfect for a doggie tea party...
An American in Tokyo said…
I would love to have tea with you in your newly redecorated sewing room! Especially if it includes your yummy, beautiful cookies! And I love the ladder as decoration idea!

You are so creative and energetic!
Where do you get all your energy from?!
I get tired just going to work in the morning, ha ha!
diane in northern wis said…
I sure would like to join you in your Tea Party Bev. Wish I lived a bit closer. Love those pics of the sheep, especially the one laying in the snow. So cute. It's hard to believe they fit through those doorways!!! Your sewing room is so lovely, I especially love the little touches with the Imagine sign and golden stars and lights. Everything you touch has a sparkle to it. Thanks for the great blog.