Computers, Goats and Hurricanes

I got a laptop! I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but I find it hard to get some time to sneak into my back studio to write at my desktop, especially with Kat not napping as much as she has in the past. But now, I have no excuse! I can write where ever, when ever I'd like.

Now I have some catching up to do: I've had a nice little mini-vacation with Mike to the Fingerlakes for our 10th anniversary. I started my first learn to knit class; the ladies are doing very well with their hats. We've survived Sandy, Halloween and now Thanksgiving!

Over the next few days/weeks, I'll put up some of the more memorable moments from the past two months.

Hurricane Sandy made us scramble to get ready for Winter a little earlier than we had planned. At the top of the list was a more secure house for the goats so that they could get completely out of the wind.

Despite all the problems we've had with parasite infestations, emergency vet calls, and finding out that these guys are bucks and not wethers, we love the goats! They're are so friendly and fun which is ideal unless you're trying to work in their space.

 Poor Mike had way more help than he needed.

But look how cute they are!

KixDunnChecking out their new digs.

The final house

Sandy ended up bringing us some rain and a little wind, but we've had worse plain 'ol thunderstorms. But now we're all set for winter (which is good because today we had snow!).

Goats are Here!

Last night we had our two Angora goats delivered to the house! Angora's grow mohair, so they'll be great additions to the fiber farm. And they're wethers (castrated boys), so they'll stay nice and sweet (hopefully).

When they got here, they were due for a shearing (Angora's are sheared twice a year), so we decided to start fresh and get them clipped before putting them in their quarantine field.

By the time we were done, it was 10 pm and Mike and I were exhausted!

The boys did fine over-night and Kat and I went out for a visit this morning.

Starr was beside herself with curiosity . . .

Look at all those wrinkles!!

I don't know much about goats or mohair, but hey, I didn't know anything about llamas 18 months ago! Mike and I are fast learners.

The fleece off these guys is absolutely fabulous; soft and shiny--it's like touching a cloud. It was so soft over all their body, I couldn't tell how to skirt it. Finally, I just decided to keep it if it didn't have burrs or poop on it. I'm washing some up now to give it a test spin--can't wait! 

They came with the names Patriot and Roman, but we haven't decided if those will stick or get changed. I'll let you know!