August Updates and my Etsy Shop!
Archives
- July 2015 (1)
- June 2015 (2)
- May 2015 (2)
- April 2015 (5)
- March 2015 (3)
- February 2015 (4)
- January 2015 (4)
- «
- ‹ previous
- 1
- 2
First off, my sincere apologies for taking the last 5+ weeks off! It seems that my brain went into hibernation mode during this incredibly miserable, hot summer we've been having here, and other than tending the sheep, the family, and doing loads of spinning on my wheels, I really haven't been terribly inspired to do much. In addition, the last few weeks have seen the worst air-quality I can remember in this area due to the wildfires that are engulfing my beloved state (as well as neighboring states, not to mention various other areas of the country).
A normal July and August here will see about 2 weeks of 90+ temps - enough that we put in a couple of window air conditioner units every year (one in the dining room that helps to keep our living area cool, and one in our master bedroom that keeps us comfortable at night). But this year has been something else - so hot and dry, with temps over 100 for several days on end, then up and down from 70s back up to upper 90s and 100+. In fact, it is so hot and dry that the local harvesting has been done about a month early! I'm still rather stunned when I drive past the fields and see them already harvested - they should be getting started about now, or even into next month and finishing up toward the end of September. I don't know enough about climate cycles and what-have-you - all I can say is that I hope this isn't going to be the "typical" summer for us in the future. I'm praying for the hard winter that we so desperately need.
I realized the other day that I never updated you about Panda Bear's cruel - the abscess on her jaw. We had an appointment for the vet to come out to our place and clean it out - I wanted to watch the first time so that I could learn how to do it properly. Well, the day before that appointment, my son came in and told me that it had burst on its own...sigh...so he and I got her corralled so that I could clean it out. She was NOT pleased by this treatment - although the cruel had opened up, there was still an awful lot of gunk to clean out. But I did it with Iain's help (Panda Bear actually pulled him over in an effort to escape, but he held on like a trooper), and I got it flushed out with Betadine. I let the vet know that it had opened up and was cleaned out, but I still wanted her to come check it out - she checked it over and said we did a great job. She also cleaned it out a second time, just to be sure, and since then it's totally healed up. I am continually amazed at how quickly sheep heal - the nicks they got during shearing were gone within a day, and this cruel healed up within a few days. So HOORAY! We survived our first abscess, and I discovered that our vet is AWESOME with sheep - she is very knowledgeable, friendly, and was a pleasure to meet!
I also remembered that I never told you about my etsy shop! I have been having a great time starting up this little business of mine - Blaine Fleece & Fiber - and I wanted to share with you how I make my drum-carded BFF Batts. When I contemplated starting a fiber business, I knew I didn't want to do any dyeing - to be honest, dyeing is too much like cooking, which I definitely do not enjoy! In addition, I hated the thought of dyeing my sheep's fleece - I know that sounds crazy, but I have fallen so totally in love with their beautiful, natural colors that I didn't want to change them. The beauty of art batts (or, as I like to call mine, BFF Batts) is that you get to play with and combine colors that enhance the natural colors of their fleece. Here is the first batt I made - I used Panda Bear's fleece as the base, then added in various other fibers, like silk and silk noils, Merino, Columbia, and Cashmere:
Here it is after spinning it up, then crocheting it into two granny squares:
When I make a BFF Batt, I start with a base - whatever the main fiber of the batt is. After that, I play with the add-ins - here is an example of one where I started with Icelandic fleece, then added bamboo, tencel, Merino, firestar, and angelina:
After that I added more Icelandic:
And more add-ins...layer after layer...then I pulled the batt off of the carder - and then I pulled it apart into chunks for re-carding:
I always run my batts through the carder a second time in order to more fully blend the fibers together - if I don't, then I have strips of different fibers within the batt that want to pull apart while spinning, rather than staying together in the beautiful blend of colors and textures that I wanted. Here is the final batt, ready for spinning, as well as 4 others with the same "ingredients"!
These batts are part of my Vikings Fiber Club series - if you would like more information about that, please visit our group on Ravelry - Blaine Fleece and Fiber - the Vikings series won't be in the shop, but you can find out more about it in our Rav group.
The shop currently has several Harry Potter-themed BFF Batts, and I'm working on a special group of batts to coincide with the premiere of Doctor Who in September! So be sure to check it out, favorite the shop, and keep an eye out for updates!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope everyone is having a good end to their summer (or winter if you're in the southern hemisphere!) - after weeks and weeks of smoke and heat, we are currently enjoying 65 degrees and a good hard rain! I'm sure it's all in my head, but I feel like my pores are opening up and embracing the moisture - I feel more alive than I have in weeks! And my sheepies are definitely happy as well - my next blog post will give you some updated pictures of them and their gorgeous wool - which will be sheared on October 10th! I can't wait to see it!
Comments
Anonymous
"Would You Rather" is one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking question games ever created. https://woulduratherquestions.org/
Anonymous
This message carried a wonderful balance of honesty and optimism. I enjoyed how you shared your thoughts with such gentleness while still inspiring positive action. Kayifi
EZPassVA login
EZPass VA is Virginia’s electronic toll collection system, streamlining payments for Virginia toll roads like I-66 and I-95 Express Lanes. Using a toll transponder, it offers commuter discounts and access to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. EZPassVA login
Mellow Mushroom
Totally understandable — extreme weather really does drain energy and motivation. It’s a lot to manage between the heat, smoke, and everything else. When routines are thrown off, even simple comforts like good food can offer a small reset. If you're easing back into things and want a light escape, take a peek at this relaxing option sometimes browsing a well-crafted menu is the kind of low-effort joy we need.
Anonymous
Inat TV Pro appears to be a great upgrade for users seeking smoother streaming and expanded channel options. The app feels well-optimized, easy to use, and delivers a better overall viewing experience compared to basic versions. Worth trying for serious streaming fans.
Connect Master
yeah i totally get where you're coming from with needing something that actually respects your brain space instead of just flashing lights at you. honestly it reminds me a lot of Connect Master but way more focused on making you squint at the screen until things click. you aren't just matching random gems, you are looking for these tiny details like specific hair colors or little accessories such as headphones on these memoji-style faces. the vibe is way less about speed and more about staring at the board until you spot the subtle difference in shades or a tiny earring you missed before. specifically, i got stuck on a chapter called the deepest sacrifice where the clutter gets absolutely brutal and you really have to lean on your visual deduction rather than just swiping fast. it is surprisingly tough when the traits get double-layered and you start running out of coins for undos because you made a dead swap thinking two faces matched when they didn't. it feels pleasantly chewy like a logic puzzle rather than a reflex test.
Anonymous
Great update love seeing how your shop and creative process are evolving! It’s inspiring to watch your new products grow and connect with your audience. After browsing creative blogs like yours, sometimes I get hungry especially for quick meals so I often check out the Panda Express Menu for ideas on simple, tasty dishes when I’m on the go. Keep up the awesome work! https://pandaexpressmenuu.us/
Anonymous
Many marketers and business owners recommend the best ppc company delhi because of their ability to deliver stable, scalable, and result-oriented advertising campaigns that drive real business growth.
webharmonium
Nice post, thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed this post, you explained the topic clearly and it was easy to follow. webharmonium
TarotAI
This post is solid, learned a lot from it. By the way, Check out TarotAI if anyone's curious. Anyway, good read, keep it up.
cartomind
This was a solid read. I like how you got straight to the point but still left me with something to think about. Feels rare to come across a blog post that's simple and thoughtful at the same time. Thanks for putting this out there. cartomind
Anonymous
Easy to understand, reminds me a bit of what Oxivedapromotes.
Anonymous
The menu at Olive Garden is known for its Italian-inspired variety and comforting flavors. It includes pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Lasagna Classico, along with soups, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Guests can also enjoy chicken, seafood, and steak options. Unlimited breadsticks and customizable meals enhance the experience, making the menu popular for both casual dining and family gatherings across the United States.olive garden's menu
Anonymous
milkshake flavors cookout offering more than 40 delicious options for dessert lovers. Popular choices include Oreo, peanut butter, banana pudding, chocolate chip mint, strawberry cheesecake, and fresh watermelon during seasonal months. Customers can also mix flavors to create unique combinations. These thick and creamy milkshakes are made fresh and served with generous portions at affordable prices, making them one of the most popular menu items at Cook Out restaurants across the
Anonymous
cookout trays menu is one of the most popular and budget-friendly meal deals in the USA fast food scene. It allows customers to customize their order by choosing one main item, two sides, and a drink or milkshake. Options include burgers, chicken strips, BBQ sandwiches, quesadillas, fries, hushpuppies, and more. Known for its variety and value, the t
Anonymous
panera bread menu calories vary widely depending on item type, portion size, and ingredients. Light options like Chicken Noodle Soup or half salads can be under 300–400 calories, while sandwiches such as Bacon Turkey Bravo may exceed 600–1000 calories. Bakery items and pastries also add extra calories due to sugar and fat content. Choosing smaller portions, soups, or half sandwiches helps control calorie intake while still enjoying Panera’s fresh and flavorful meals.
Anonymous
latest panera bread soup menu in features a comforting mix of classic and seasonal flavors made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Popular options include Broccoli Cheddar, Homestyle Chicken Noodle, Creamy Tomato, Bistro French Onion, and Hearty Fireside Chili. Newer additions like Spicy Black Bean and Thai Coconut Curry bring bold taste updates. Seasonal soups such as Autumn Squash and Spring Minestrone also appear, giving customers warm, healthy, and flavorful choices year-round.
Anonymous
Olive Garden kids menu is designed for younger guests with smaller portions and simple Italian-American favorites. It includes options like pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce, chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and pizza. Each meal is served with a side and drink, making it a balanced choice for children. The menu focuses on familiar flavors, mild seasoning, and kid-friendly presentation, helping families enjoy a comfortable dining experience together at the restaurant.
Anonymous
olive garden prices menu includes a wide range of Italian-American dishes at different price points to suit various budgets. Popular entrées like Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna Classico, and Shrimp Scampi typically range from around $17 to $27 depending on location. Soups, salads, and breadsticks combos are more affordable, starting near $8–$12. Family-style meals and lunch specials also offer better value. Overall, Olive Garden is known for generous portions, quality ingredients, and mid-range pricing for casual dining customers.
Anonymous
Michigan Olive Garden locations are spread across many major cities, making it easy for customers to enjoy Italian-American dining across the state. You can find restaurants in places like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, Sterling Heights, Livonia, Kalamazoo, and Dearborn. Each location offers popular menu items such as pasta, soups, salads, and breadsticks in a family-friendly setting. These branches provide convenient dining options for both locals and visitors across Michigan.
Post new comment