Tag: sheep

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Blog Feature on Tango Diva!

JUNE 19TH, 2016
KPFA CRAFTS FAIR ARTISTS San Francisco and Beyond

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  • Jun 19, 2016

Other radio stations should have it so good. Twice a year, profits from the KPFA CRAFTS FAIR supplement operational costs for this popular Berkeley community radio station. So, we’re talking about 200 artists, working in all media, surrounded by entertainment, food vendors, and great people-watching.

The Tango Diva team was overwhelmed.
How do we pick out a couple of artists to highlight with all this talent? After many sleepless afternoons, we finally agreed on “Plan B”; stand in front of the artist directory with closed eyes and point.

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PLUM BLOSSOM FARM
We caught up with Carole, the farm’s founder and sole proprietor, who successfully re-invented her life after job burnout, combining her love of animals and creating art.

Q. What came first, the sheep or the art? (sorry, had to say it)
A: The art came first I suppose, but the sheep came along quickly after, and were always part of the plan, really my favorite part of the plan!

Q. What was your inspiration for the farm?
A. I have always felt a deep connection to animals and wanted to work closely with them in a way that was respectful, and a way that honored them.

Q. How do you do all this?
A. Every year is a little different because of hay prices, vet bills, etc., but I can say, if it came down to it, the animals would get to eat before I did!

Q. Who lives on the farm?
A. I have 27 sheep, 14 ducks, 20 chickens, 2 house dogs, a handsome cat, and one person, me 🙂

Q. Tell us about what you make.
A. Plum Blossom Farm’s website has all my felted soap, beauty products, scarves, home accessories and cat toys. The wall hangings are best seen in person, as they are handmade and custom designed. Sponsorships fund the sheep of your choice for one month to a year, or more. In return, I offer the sheep’s story and photo, along with some felted goodies. This is a popular gift item. It really brings someone closer to the animal and the daily life on the farm.

Q. How did you get started with felting?
A. It was really in preparation for the sheep that I started playing with fiber arts. I began with dyeing wool and mohair. I have dabbled in pinning, knitting and crocheting, but found my home with felting. Felting is so forgiving, and allows a lot of freedom. One’s creativity is the limit with felting, as almost anything is possible. I love it, especially because of the textures and warmth of the fibers. It’s all a tribute to the sheep that grew the wool, making it all the more special and meaningful.

Q. What kind of art did you make before felting?
A. I have played with oil painting and clay for years, but I feel connected to fiber arts, especially felting.

Q. Where are you from? How long in Sonoma?
A. I grew up in Benicia. Sonoma County has been home for 8 years, before that, 2 years in Healdsburg, 6 in Cloverdale.

Q. If money wasn’t an issue, what would be your dream outcome for the farm?
A. I would continue as I am, adopting sheep and giving them a safe and loving home for the rest of their days. In the meantime, I see myself using their fiber to create more functional and beautiful pieces. The buyer gets a lovingly crafted item and a feel-good buzz. It is an all-around beneficial process that way. A cycle of love.

Q. Any shout-outs?
A. Thanks to Jan Etre and the KPFA FAIR crew for being so supportive and organized, which makes for a lovely event, artisans and visitors alike!

 

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ALCHEMY PASTRY
Who created this palace of pastry perfection?

First there was Onie, born at home in Berkeley, California. Her love of travel brought her to Ecuador, France, and Spain, before graduating from Columbia University with a degree in Comparative Religion. After graduation, it was back to France and cooking school, interning with highly acclaimed chefs, confectioners, and vintners.
Circling back to the Bay Area, Onie spent two years working as a line cook before choosing to pursue a culinary degree in Baking and Pastry at The Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley. Back again to Germany, working in a specialty bakery. But wait, there’s more, two rigorous internships in France. Not too shabby, learning by the sides of renown chocolatier Bernachon in Lyon, and M.O.F. Pastry Chef Laurent Le Daniel in Rennes. Onie’s creations show her strong belief in the environmental, “farm to table” ideology.

Returning to San Francisco in 2001, Onie launched her artisan bakery, featuring fine chocolate, pastry, and high-end catering.
Voila! Alchemy!

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PILLOWISH DESIGNS
From her small studio in Monte Rio, CA, Kristin Thurman designs custom upholstery and cushions, making them from her collection of beautiful fabric remnants and upcycled materials.
She especially loves designing custom Zafus.

What is a Zafu?
Glad you asked. It’s a small round cushion, traditionally used for centuries in zen meditation. Kristin explains that the modern zafu can moonlight for yoga and interior design. Nothing is stopping you from using your zafu for meditation, followed by TV watching, maybe even an impromptu table for snacks.
So call already. Keep in mind it’s Pacific Daylight Time in Monte Rio.

Video by Mark Day
KPFA Crafts Fair

Artists are standing by in virtual galleries 24/7.
Enjoy

get your own DIY felting kit

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Ferdinand and Flora

romney sheep breed

 
Ferdinand and Flora

One of my favorite things about having a flock of sheep is watching and learning about all the individual personalities and social dynamics of the group.  I have been fortunate enough to be able to provide a place for sheep who needed homes and that has brought different breeds and traits together.

One of my favorite pairings that has come from this combining of flocks, is the bond between Ferdinand and Flora.  Ferdinand came from the Mendocino coast as part of my Karakul flock even though he is a Romney cross. Flora, formerly known as Auntie, came from the interior of Mendocino county.   Flora is on the left in the photo below and Ferdi is on the right.  He has both horns and a tail.


It is funny because if I had to put two sheep together from my flock it would have been these two.  They are so similar!  They are some of my most timid sheep  I have and only want to be near me if I have a little treat.  They both stayed very close to sheep from their original flocks, until they found each other.  They are some of the most beautiful sheep I have, these photos just don’t do them justice.  Plus they provide my heaviest and finest fleeces in the flock.  What a combo!  They have found their other halves!

I first started noticing that these two were spending a lot of time together about a year ago.  It just seemed like whenever I would see one of them, the other was always nearby. So I started actually paying attention.  Now when I see one eating breakfast and the other is not with him or her I search for the missing friend as that is quite unusual!
They seem to take comfort in each other and I can see how they would be able to understand each other since they are so similar.

I feel very fortunate to have these darlings in my flock.  They will feel comfortable around me someday as I always win everyone over eventually!  It just takes time, patience and love.

Those are some of the most rewarding interactions I have, because it changes in just one day.  I have experienced it many times.  Someone will be nervous around me for a long time and then one day, they let me pet their face or scratch their back.  From then on it’s like the trust gate has been opened and they never have the fear of people they once did.

I know that I’ll get there someday with Ferdinand and Flora too.  Until then though, I’m so glad they have each others friendship to carry them through the days.

I love this photo because it reminds me of Lady and the Tramp eating spaghetti!  🙂 

 

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Spring Shearing

rabbit and friends

This years shearing day went perfectly!  Lovely weather and a smooth progression.  Every year is slightly different and exciting as it shows the wool from at least six months growth.  Twenty seven in all were sheared this time; seventeen Wensleydales, seven Karakuls and three Corriedales.

rabbit and friendswaiting for shearing

 

 

 

 

 

I often have some anxiety the morning of thinking that my little darlings are hungry and are going to be slightly uncomfortable even if only for a few minutes.  As soon as my shearer John arrives though he calms me down just with his presence.  That in turn calms down the sheep as well so everyone becomes more relaxed.

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Joy post shearingDSCF8111

 

 

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Old Ewe Friends: Dandelion and Chrysanthemum

One of the things I like best about my farm is getting to give a forever home to my animals. Usually when livestock is no longer profitable they are sold off to auction which eventually ends in slaughter. I love my animals dearly and could never do this to them. I am willing to care for them to the end and give them a peaceful retirement. It’s actually one of the most rewarding things I do.

I have two very old girls from my original flock who are both 14. Usually sheep are not kept around much longer than 8 years and those are usually breeding ewes. So my vet always has to get creative when he comes to the barn because he sees ailments he never sees in sheep. As he says, “Sheep are rarely allowed to grow old.”

I have to say my old girls are some of the sweetest souls I have ever known. Kind of like some dogs who are energetic and high strung when they are young, the older they get the mellower and sweeter they become.

Dandelion (gray) and Chrysanthemum (white) are my two oldest girls at the moment and I’m so glad they have each other right now. They both have their challenges- Chrysanthemum has arthritis and Dandy has some lung issues. However, on the whole they are doing great and loving life. Especially since I spoil them rotten!

They get the first pick of all the produce that gets donated to the farm. Usually picking out the softest fruits and veggies. Strawberries, melons and citrus being amongst their favorites.

They also get their own room in the barn which is a luxury. I let them stay in the hay room where they get their own space and get to eat all night long if they want. Before I moved them in there they were losing weight because they just couldn’t eat fast enough to keep up with their younger flock mates. This way they get to eat as much alfalfa as they’d like at their leisure.
Each morning they join the flock for social time and fresh air and to go grazing on the pastures. They also get as much sheep feed or grain as they can eat to help supplement their diet.

They are getting used to this lifestyle and now tend to refuse any thing less than the best produce or hay! Which is fine by me because it tells me they’re getting enough to eat.

They still have their personalities in tact. Chrysanthemum loves to be scratched, petted, and hang closer to the barn, finding the best and softest bedding. Dandelion will proceed to ram me in the butt with her head if I’m too slow in getting the grain to her in the morning. It makes me laugh every time!

I feel blessed to be able to give these girls a good home until the end. I really have you and all my customers to thank for that as you are a part of what makes this possible. So thank you from me and two old ewe friends!
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Karakul Breed

Spotlight on a Sheep Breed – Karakul

Pasha needs sponsorship

Ever since I started learning about sheep breeds I have been fascinated with Karakuls
(pronounced care-a-kul). Karakuls are a relatively primitive breed compared to those developed in Europe. They hail from Central Asia and are thought to be one of the oldest breeds of domesticated sheep, raised since 1400 BC. They are very rare here in the US.

Karakuls have a high percentage dark gene so many are black. A medium sized sheep, they weigh between 100-225 lbs. Their ears often point down unlike most sheep.
They have a broad tail where they store extra fat.

They have a very rough wool which contains guard hairs. This makes it an excellent felting wool but would be most uncomfortable next to bare skin. The wool makes really strong bonds and is great for rope or sturdier items, like my cat caves.
They are considered a long wool sheep measuring between 6-12 inches with very little grease/lanolin.

Unfortunately, Karakuls are best know for their pelts. When the lambs are born they have a very tight, black curl to their fleece. It is terrible, but somehow this got to be a fashion ingredient and coats and hats were made. These babies lose this tight weave when they are three days old so they are harvested before that, sometimes even fetal Karakuls. It makes me sick to think of these darlings losing their lives for someones coat.

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My Karakuls came to me because their mom lost their land lease in the village of Mendocino. She had a lot of animals to place and I was able to give a home to 7 of them. I was a foster parent to 5 others, but the longer they stayed with me the more attached I grew until I could no longer part with them.

They are a unique sheep. Very bold, intelligent and independent. They do not herd well and never seem to relax around my dogs. All the other sheep learn my pups are friendly but the Karakuls continue to stomp at them, and me for that matter, when they get stressed. Luckily they call the shots around the barnyard so they aren’t stressed very often! They are big snugglers and put themselves in my way to get attention. They are the goatiest sheep I have ever met!

Rabbit needs sponsorship

Stay tuned next month for a giveaway of Harvest Fair tickets in next months newsletter!

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Sheep Smarts!

Sheep often get a bad wrap for being stupid. I think people forget that they don’t have a lot of defenses, unlike us. They have to be flighty or they could become someones dinner. This doesn’t make them dumb, it makes them smart.

And I don’t know about you but I don’t make my best decisions when I’m in a fearful, panicky place. When sheep are dealing with strangers or even people they know who are rough with them, they are being handled by predators. That would make anyone nervous and a bit jumpy!

Noche

When calm and feeling safe, sheep become friendly and can be quite clever. Here are a few examples of that:

 

 

Sheep foil cattle guard
Hungry sheep on the Yorkshire Moors (Great Britain) taught themselves to roll 8 feet (3 meters) across hoof-proof metal cattle grids to raid villagers’ valley gardens. According to a witness, “They lie down on their side or sometimes their back and just roll over and over the grids until they are clear. I’ve seen them doing it. It is quite clever, but they are a big nuisance to the villagers.” [Source: BBC News, July 2004]

Self-medicating sheep
New research is suggesting that sick sheep could actually be smart enough to cure themselves. Australian researchers believe that sick sheep may actually seek out plants that make them feel better. There has been previous evidence to suggest that animals can detect what nutrients they are deficient in and can develop knowledge about which foods are beneficial or toxic.

Facial Recognition
A study of sheep psychology has found man’s woolly friend can remember the faces of more than 50 sheep who they do not live with for up to two years. The hidden talents of sheep revealed by a study in the journal Nature suggest they may be nearly as good as people at distinguishing faces in a crowd.

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Smarter than previously thought
Scientists at the University of Cambridge were studying neurodegeneration with a focus on Huntingdon’s disease, an inherited disorder that leads to nerve damage and dementia, when they stumbled on their findings quite by accident.

The scientists placed pairs of different colored buckets in front of sheep; with one containing food each time.

They them switched the food from bucket to bucket, while also alternating the colors and, eventually, changing the shapes of the buckets.

The sheep learned to recognize different patterns in colors and changed their behavior according to the pattern they were looking at. They also altered their behavior based on the various shapes placed in front of them.

Only humans and other primates find these kind of responses easy; most other large animals struggle with them, the scientists said.

Successfully completing the tasks relies on the pre-frontal cortex, a part of the brain larger in humans than other animals, New Scientist reported.

Animal behavioral specialists have for decades focused their attention on monkeys during testing.

Scientists believe this is because sheep, like many humans, behave differently when in a flock compared to when alone.

Dr Morton said: ‘Sheep live in a flock, and in a flock they’re rather silly. When you work with them as individuals, they behave very differently.’

I think this last statement just says it all. Do you think a crowd of panicked people makes the best decisions? No. We make calm, rational choices when we feel safe. So do sheep.

As for my own flock I have had several open up doors and gates that I never thought they could. Plus they excel at an aspect of intelligence that many people could stand to improve- emotional intelligence.

karakul friends

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Turnip’s Recovery

Profile sheep face plumblossomfarm.com

My boy Turnip has been having trouble walking for the past few months. He would get these sick spells, a fever, gut trouble and then become lame.  I tried rest and antibiotics.  These would work but a few weeks later the symptoms would return.  I had my wonderful vet out and he felt his front knees which were warm and inflamed.  He thought there could possibly be a bacterial infection so we tried a longer, stronger round of antibiotics. Dr. Brazil warned that there may not be much we could do after this so I crossed my fingers. It didn’t seem to help much.

Everyday I would see Turnip shifting on his front feet from left to right, back and forth.  Some days it would be clear that he was hurting even worse because he would hang out all day in the barn.  I was really worried about him and part of what was so troubling is that he is only 8 years old and is perfectly healthy otherwise.

Finally I had Dr. Brazil out again and he came up with the idea that this looked a little like rheumatoid arthritis.  He had never heard of a case in sheep but most sheep don’t get individual care or vet calls.  He thought we could try a steroid and see how Turnip responds.

Within a few days it was clear that Turnip was feeling better.  He would rush out of the barn in the morning with everyone else and I no longer saw him shifting off his front feet.  Now every other morning he lets me feed him a syringe full of molasses water and a few little pills and even looks forward to his dosage.

I am so grateful that we found a solution to his problem.  Turnip is one of my bolder, friendlier sheep and is just a love.  Sometimes resting his head on my shoulder while I squat down to say hello.  I am willing to take on the extra expense since that is what is required here, but it is an extra $15 a month.  If anyone would like to sponsor  Turnips medication please email carole@plumblossomfarm.com.  As it is now I’m just glad he is feeling happy and healthy once again.

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Shearing Day 2015

before shearing all sheep are a bit anxious

before shearing all sheep are a bit anxious

 

 

john sanchez shearing sheep

 

Every shearing day is both stressful and exciting.  The sheep get anxious so that makes me anxious.  I have to remind myself that they always feel much better with their fleeces off.  Once my shearer arrives I usually starts to relax since he’s so experienced and easy-going. Then one by one as the fleeces are tossed my way I can start to enjoy myself to see what the past year has grown.  All the feed, care and energy from the year is in those fibers.  It feels lovely to touch what I will have my hands in through several stages in the year to come.

 

 

 

after shearing plumblossomfarm.comgrazing sheared flockhappy shorn sheep

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The sweet sound of sheep grazing…

corriedale sheep persephone

I have to share one of my favorite sounds in the world.  The lovely noise a happy sheep makes grazing on lush, green pasture.  I hope the sound quality is good enough on these short clips so you can hear.  I suggest watching the first time then pressing play again and closing your eyes.  I hope it brings you the same feeling of peace and calm it brings me.  There is something so palpable about listening and observing someone who is joyful.  And these beauties certainly are.

Check out the different styles of grazing that these two sheep have.  The first video features Rabbit, a white Karakul wether.  The second is of Persephone, aka Percy, a chocolate Corriedale ewe.

 

To view, click on the links below:

 

rabbitgrazing

 

percygrazing

 

corriedale sheep persephone