Garden State Livestock.

So, let's see . . . today we saw some cute little Angora goats.

And, what appears to be a racing sheep . . . (Okay, I know that they blanket a sheep  to keep the fleece relatively clean, which is great, but I've never seen them wearing hoods before.) Underneath the mask, this apparently was a California Red. Or maybe a Tunis. Really, it was hard to tell . . . I don't know what the "Canvas" breed is called.

Of course, we can't forget the Alpacas. They really are such sweet-looking animals. I love those limpid brown eyes, and that cute top-knot.

There was a sheepdog demonstration (don't tell Chappy there were dogs there, huh?), which I found pretty interesting . . . (Please note the Saturday Sky--it's not much, but it's there!)

The twins were more interested in looking at the chickens, ducks, pigs and the turkey that were also hanging out at the festival than in watching the dogs. (Check out the cool, Elvis, feather-do this duck's got. The others in the pen were following him around like groupies.

Here's a fascinating shot of a pair of monkeys climbing a fence . . .

We had a really nice time, although the festival itself didn't really take that much time. Risa saw a few friends she hadn't seen in a while, the kids had fun looking at the animals, and it was really pleasant . . . but still. We went through everything twice and still were done by 12:30. We climbed back into the car (eventually . . . there was definitely some monkey-wrangling involved) and thought we might stop at the outlets in Flemington . . . but by then, Kat was asleep, and waking her up would have been dangerous. We thought, well, maybe Bridgewater Common mall, since it's on the way, but Alex was still awake and Kat still completely zonked. We ended up driving all the way back here, stopping at a diner for lunch around 2:00. (This went reasonably well, but still, neither twin particularly listened to Mom and therefore, neither of them got any ice cream. These things happen, right? It's not like Mom didn't warn them!) But then after lunch, we headed back to my house, to see my favorite animal of the day.

Chappy was thrilled to see us, and gave such a nice, friendly, (thankfully) bark-free greeting to the twins. Then we all went out on the deck to sit outside--by far the most convenient place because I hadn't planned ahead and gotten baby gates put up. That was a good choice, though, because it gave the two of them a chance to run around for a while where there really wasn't anything they could get in trouble with or hurt themselves on. I brought out two of Chappy's balls (big enough that they wouldn't roll under the railing and off the deck) and a good time was had by all . . . even if Chappy spent most of the time in the corner, where it was safe. (Behavior that should sound familiar, huh, Liz and Shelley?)

Note the fresh, shiny curls in this picture, because he had a bath right after Risa and the twins left. He's been scratching a lot lately, and I know he's got a staph-spot on his back, which I've been putting Neosporin cream on lately. (I'd rather avoid another course of antibiotics, you know?) But it's been over a month since he had a bath anyway, and we DO have that medicated shampoo, so . . . Well, let me tell you, there's at least two reasons he's been scratching lately. One, the slight skin eruption, but two--wow--shedding. What a lot of fur came off of him during this bath! Just as I was lathering him up, my fingers were covered in loose fur. I had to clean the hair-catcher on the tub drain three times just so the water would drain. All that loose, shedding fur . . . no wonder he's been itchy!

Really, I should brush Chappy more often. Actually, I'd love to, except that brushing is a game for him--he tries to catch the brush, I try to make contact. It's not ideal behavior, of course, by a long shot . . . but I figure he sits relatively still while I do his nails (the body stays put, but the paw twitches and flinches and moves just enough to make the job difficult while not technically misbehaving). And he's wonderful about sitting still while I give him haircuts with sharp scissors around his ears and his paws and his (ahem) private area. So, the brushing thing? I guess I don't mind that much that he doesn't sit still for that. He doesn't object to the brushing, mind you, and it obviously feels good, but it's a high-energy grooming task for both of us and frankly, it wears me out. We get pretty much the same effect with bi-weekly baths and the occasional trim to get rid of felted matts under his ears (which are impossible to brush through anyway), so I figure, most of the time, the brushing issue is moot.

I'm sure you're wondering if I bought anything? Well, the answer is, other than a bottle of water to drink, no. But I meant to. See, Risa bought some beautiful roving, and the vendor (who she knew but whose name I can't remember at all) gave me a tiny bit to play with. I decided that I liked it too and was all set to buy some, but the seller was busy with another customer. Fine. I waited. And waited. And waited. Meanwhile, the twins were getting fidgety and after a while, Risa said they'd just walk up a ways so the twins wouldn't get cranky . . . but meanwhile, the seller--who had been friendly and chatty with Risa--was completely ignoring me. Sure, she was talking with this other customer, but I was standing there and . . . not even a glance in my direction.

I can't stand rude behavior like that. I mean, yes, she and Risa have known each other for years, so while Risa and she were chatting, I had no problem being on the sideline. That's normal and fine. And the other customer came along while I was still making up my mind, so of course she got taken care of next. But since by then Risa had stepped away from the booth . . . apparently I was still invisible. I hate that. So all I ended up with was one little twist of wool, which I fidgeted with for the rest of the afternoon, and here it is, twisted into a ring, which has actually felted pretty nicely. So, there--it's an FO already and, even better, it didn't cost me a thing except a little aggravation. But, thankfully, not enough to spoil the day. And, as Risa said, it made an excellent prelude to Rhinebeck!

Comments

[kathy b]

Oh maybe shedding is why Huck is so itchy. Thanks. Your farm animal photos are darling. Great fun post.

[Chris]

Sounds like it was a cool festival, even if you didn't come home with any fiber... actually, coming home without fiber might be a bonus! :)

[lorinda]

No fiber there means more money for Rhinebeck. Sounds like you flexed with the changes of the day and it ended up being a fun time. What sweet like monkeys! And how nice and clean Mr. Chappy looks. My doggie needs a bath too. Time to switch out coats for the winter one, right?

[JessaLu]

Sheep and ducks and alpacas - oh my!

I don't blame ya for not buying the fiber - I wouldn't have, either. ;o)