OK, I’m still alive. I know it’s been a couple of weeks, (or more). Life keeps getting in the way of blogging….
June 17, Eric and I left for Eugene, Oregon for the Black Sheep Gathering. It is a large sheep and fiber show that is held every year. This particular year though, the North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Association was having their annual general meeting and Shetland sheep show at the Black Sheep Gathering (nicknamed BSG). I was real excited to go and meet other Shetland sheep breeders, and see ones I am already acquainted with. The Northwest Shetland Sheep group has the nicest people, and I have learned a lot from them over the last year.
Eric was excited to go because, having his driver’s permit, he was my chauffeur. He did a great job. While I was at BSG, he stayed in the motel room and studied for a ham radio exam, and watched TV. He wasn’t interested in seeing BSG, only the driving! He liked having the place to himself, and being away from his sister!
I had a GREAT time watching the beautiful sheep, asking questions from experienced breeders, and sticking my hands in all KINDS of fleece. And, of course, SHOPPING. There were 3 barns FULL of sheep and fiber products! In the Shetland tent, there were classes on health, wool, lambing, processing wool etc. And, in another building, I watched the wool judging where the judge looks over the entered fleeces and critiques them. I learned A LOT, and had a GREAT time. I even tasted some Shetland lamb at the potluck. It was very good (I hate to say).
The night before we left for home (Saturday night), we went to watch the “Spinner’s Lead”. This is where people dress up, and dress their sheep up in costumes. They also, try to wear or carry things they have made from their sheep. There are judges and prizes. About half way through I started feeling really bad, achy, exhausted and a cough started. The next day, I had a fever and coughing and felt LOUSY. Thank goodness Eric was able to drive. I just kicked back and rested. We did do something I have wanted to do since the kids were little, and since we were homeschooling. We stopped in Oregon City and looked around at the End of the Oregon Trail monument. Unfortunately, it was closed, being Sunday and all. But we looked around the outside and through the windows.
When we got home (10 hours later), I was SICK. I ended up having 101.5 fever for about 3 days, and am still coughing 17 days later. It was a NASTY virus. I have been in survival mode, but now am getting back to normal. The Lord was gracious to us. The car ran fine, I had an excellent driver, and didn’t run out of money! But best of all, we returned safely. Check out the photos I took. Until next time…
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- Cute Shetland rumps
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- Sally and Joyce showing Joyce’s sheep
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- Joyce and Michelle showing their sheep
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- More Shetlands
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- Norma and sheep
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- The Winner
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- Michelle from Boulderneigh, has gorgeous sheep
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- Donna, Tina, Franna, have gorgeous sheep too. I’ve learned a lot from these ladies
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- Judith Mackenzie, well known fiber expert, judging Shetland fleeces
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- Beautiful roving and felt
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- Mini electric spinner. Sigh…. someday……
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- Colorful roving
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- Colorful yarn!
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- More colorful roving
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- Beautiful wool hooked rug
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- Beautiful purse
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- End of the Oregon Trail sign
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- Eric, end of the Oregon trail
Great photos and description. I am sorry you got so sick. I am glad you are recovering. I felt like I barely got to see you at the show. I wished you could have seen the Oregon Trail museum. It is pretty cool but I thought the best parts were outside.
EEEK! A photo of me!
It was wonderful to get to meet you in person, Jackie. I hope we can do it again! We didn’t have enough time to visit, and we have so much in common. Sure glad you had a driver; your illness sounds awful. Glad you are finally recovering — and that I didn’t get it!
It was great to meet you in person too, Michelle. We do have a lot in common, sheep, homeschooling, Jesus. My son was a blessing to have along that weekend. It was nice having my own personal chauffeur, especially when I was feverish. Hopefully I didn’t pass it on to anyone.
Thanks Donna. I AM better now, but still feel tired. The heat wave doesn’t help. I felt I barely got to talk to you too. So many things to do and see at BSG! I was bummed about the Oregan Trail museum . The sign on the door said it was closed due to lack of finances, and that someday they hope to open again.
It is always a busy time at BSG.
That is even sadder that it is closed for lack of funds.