Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Now We Are Three

Our small hand spinners flock just got a little smaller this morning. For the last three years, our black wether George, has bloated and been lethargic with the small amounts of grass that manage to survive long enough to be eaten. The other boys don't seem to be affected. Ian thought George was close to being back on his feet last night, but a cold front blew through yesterday, dropping temps this morning into the low 20s. I just don't think George had the stamina to weather the weather. When Ian checked on him this morning, he had just died. I had to help Ian load George into the truck. He took him up into the hills to a spot that he likes and gave him back to the earth. I know it means the coyotes will eat him, but somehow, it seems right.

I grew up on a farm and thought I was good with the whole thing. I mean, we knew it might happen. But within an hour I was physically sick. I have lots of sick leave and I decided that using a day of it today was prudent, since we're headed to San Francisco to see our kids in two days. I'm also hoping to be able to hook up with Sylvia. We've swapped cell phones numbers and just need to see what transpires.

I was feeling restless and blah so decided that the best medicine would be to go up and clean my studio. I blended some fiber to spin for bags, threw more stuff out, put stuff away and shelved magazines and books. Charlie was happy to keep me company and I was happy to have his company.


Charlie often will stay with me in the studio. Not so much Buster. He must have sensed my feelings because here is, not actually in with me, but still with me. I decided to wind a solid color warp and try to weave a couple of tea towels in a twill pattern. I've never done it and it's about time. There's nothing quite so zen as winding a warp. It was the prefect activity.

12 comments:

Purple Fuzzy Mittens said...

I'm so sorry to hear about George! It doesn't matter how much of a farm girl you are - when you lose an animal you've had for several years you lose a friend.

Leigh said...

Oh Sharon, that is so sad. I'm so sorry about George. Glad to see that Charlie is sticking close for comfort. Twill tea towels sound like wonderful therapy. You know that I love towels and so will be very interested in these.

Kathy said...

I am so very sorry you lost George, Sharon. May time replace the heartache you feel now with fond memories of your friend.

Marie said...

I was so sorry to read about George. My sympathies.
I'm happy you are getting ready to weave again!

Valerie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of George. Those critters certainly work their way into our hearts. Makes you feel sad for the people who don't allow the blessing of animals in their lives.....it helps keeps us "human".

Weaving is good therapy....from winding warp, to beating in the weft, to dunking it all in soapy water to wet finish. There's a reason Moses prayed, "Establish the work of our hands, O God."

Lee said...

Oh Sharon, I'm *so* sorry.

Tammy said...

Sharon,
So sorry to hear about George. It never gets easier, whether its unexpected or something we know is going to happen. Our four footed friends manage to plant themselves firmly in our hearts, it seems. It sounds like George had a wonderful home and a good life, and that is a blessing for him and you.
Take care,
Tammy

woolydaisy said...

good morning sharon-i'm so sorry to hear of charlie's passing. i'm glad you were able to take the day off and just be with yourself-so important and healing. take care-

Michelle said...

Oh Sharon, I'm sorry to hear about George. Do the other boys seem to miss him? If they need a new buddy, I should have some little boys who would be happy to live in a spinner's flock without the hassles of hormones...

Minya said...

Oh momma, I'm so sorry :(

~~Sittin.n.Spinnin said...

Glad you got a day, looks like Charley and Buster appreciated it. I am going to be in Reno tomorrow, Mom needs to see her eye doctor, sometimes I wish you and Mim lived closer to town :)

Tina T-P said...

Sorry to hear about George - it is always hard to lose one of our friends. T.