Sheep-Ville, 2009 & 2010

I've decided that I don't need to play Farmville on Facebook as many others do. "Sheep-Ville" keeps me so busy that I simply wouldn't have the time for it! And I'll bet that Farmville does not provide the "strength training" and "aerobics" that Sheep-Ville has in store with projects like putting up fencing, worming sheep, and working puppies!

Today's the day for reflections on the past year and glances forward into the new. 2009 holds many memories, many sweet and some incredibly sad. I will remember 2009 mainly for three things: the year I lost Bid, the year I ran Coal in Nursery, and the year that I learned I could decide to be happy every day. In addition 2009 will be remembered as the year that Rime came to stay, among many other sweet things, including reunions with several dear friends, and my first trip to the USBCHA National Finals. The saddest memory of course, is losing Bid, but the sweet memories of working and living with him remain. Being happy is just something I am working on.

Plans for 2010 include more dog work, prepping Coal and me as a team to move into Open at some point, and getting Rime trained to the best of his ability. Of course we hope to have many more entertaining walks down to the park with Chiefie and the wonderful dog group which has befriended us there. Beyond that, we'll just wait to see what is in store.

Here's a quote from an article that I just read about declaring wishes with powerful intention.

"Each day we all have the opportunity to create our reality. Sometimes we can change the circumstances, other times we change our perceptions. We can use our thoughts, our energy, and our words to create an abundant life...Living appreciatively is more than an attitude of gratitude; it is an opportunity to bring the best of your past to create your future." - Saundra Davis

Happy New Year to all!

Reward is Increased for Yumi

The reward for the safe return of Yumi has been increased. You can read more about it here. I hope the increased reward and also the continuing newspaper coverage will help Yumi's owner to find her.

Frosty Christmas Pictures

Some photos from our frosty "white" Christmas morning are posted here.

Merry Christmas!

We received these two photos today as Christmas greetings and they are of Bid's littermate brothers, Jess & Zack. These boys are just both handsome as ever at age ten years young! Enjoy.

Jess

Zack

Rainy Weekend, Not Long Enough!

We finally started to get the long-forecasted rain on Friday. Saturday it poured all day making any outdoor chores a fiasco. So Sunday was catch-up day as the rain let up. We desperately need the rain so I am not complaining...but perhaps it could time itself for overnights and week days in the future?

The RESDA Christmas party on Saturday evening was charming and fun, with a bountiful table as always. Thanks to all who helped make it happen.

On Sunday I got to work with Rime among other things, and apply some of our instructions from last Wednesday's lesson. I don't think I was dreaming that his sessions went much more smoothly than before. Our lamb count is up to 8 with 2 boys and 6 girls.

And now it's back to work and the countdown to Christmas really begins. The best news is that Santa Claus is bringing me a furnace!

Anyone for a Luau?

The TV news this morning reported that our overnight low was a balmy 34 degrees instead of only 22 degrees like the day before. Anyone for a luau? Ha!

On a better note we had a Ferris Bueller's Day Off type of day yesterday and both Rime and Coal had sheepdog lessons in Zamora. It was actually Rime's first real lesson out in the field. It all went really well.

Coal and I are getting coached on shedding. We're also working on his driving. He performed really nicely and I am just beginning to understand how little I know about setting up a shed, but I will get it!

Despite his nervous handler (me), Rime did well and showed us some nice things. He's just one year old and not ready for a lot of intense training but there are many things we can do to keep his sheepdog work under way.

I am also very thankful that all my dogs are healthy right now.

Cold Is....

....reaching for your parka instead of your bathrobe!

Rime is One Year Old!

Rime is one year old today. He got to celebrate by working sheep yesterday and today. He eats pretty well every day so no, he is not getting a special dinner.

Last weekend at the vet he weighed 41 pounds; I am guesstimating him to be at least 22 inches tall. He will be one big boy when he fills out. His sheep work is just fine for a year old puppy; he has plenty of want-to, gives nice flanks most of the time, and is biddable and interested in working with me.

What more could a person ask for ? ;-) A few more pictures are here.

Blast

This is Blast, a younger brother to my Bid (not littermates). After a stellar competitive obedience career, Blast is now a spokes-dog for Tractor Supply Company. Isn't he cute?