Shearing at Other Farms

A few weeks ago two of my friends did their fall shearing. Since I didn't have to do any work I just visited and took photos.

I don't know which is which but this is one of Jackie's Herdwick sheep, either Heddy or Hazel.

I do know this ewe because she lived here for many years. This is Diamond who is now almost 17 years old.

Lucy is Diamond's granddaughter. She is almost 10. 

Camelids are not my favorite animals but they can be photogenic. Jackie's llama is named Peridot...

...and her alpaca is Evangeline.

Jackie's flock after shearing. Jackie shears twice a year because many of her sheep are long-wools and benefit from twice/year shearing. The Jacob sheep will be shorn in the spring.

The next shearing location was Colleen's place. 

This is Colleen's older ram, Razor,...

...and her younger ram, Thor.

When doing anything with the rams at Colleen's farm you have to deal with the Goose. (Thanks, Dona for this photo.) The Goose is bonded with and protective of Razor (as if he needs protecting) but has a sincere dislike of Thor. Thor usually has to live separately to keep the goose from continually harassing him.

Razor is about as big as John, the shearer, and probably weighs more.

Velvet, the cat, enjoying the sun and the smell of lanolin.

Colleen raises Romeldale and CVM sheep that have very fine wool...

...and the unique "badger" face pattern.

After shearing we enjoyed surprise birthday cupcakes (mine--yes, I chose to spend my birthday watching sheep shearing) at Colleen's outdoor table. Velvet joined us.