Ode To Nan

   If you've visited the farm any in the past few years you would normally find our three border collies eagerly lined up, anticipating the words 1, 2, 3, Go! and race each other down the green pastures. It was one of their favorite things to do outside together, next to herding sheep. If you was to visit the farm now, you would notice the dogs don't quite line up like they once did.

   Last Thursday we all awoke to our little Nan gone. She had died in the early morning hours, lying in the floor at mom's bedside. It was heartbreaking news to hear.
   Nan came to the farm three years ago this month. Though she had only spent a short time with us here, she made a huge impact on our lives. She quickly became mom's dog after Shadow, our sheltie passed two years ago. We all loved her from the minute we saw her. She was definitely different and really quite funny.
   To be a smaller border collie and be the "sweet" girl, you never would have imagined Nan to be the instigator. From pulling pizzas off the counter top, digging through the garbage can, and stealing throw pillows and stuffed animals. Nan had her own way about things. She loved going down to the creek where she would chase her own splashes. She loved playing frisbee and playing with the tennis ball. One time we lost her to the neighbor kids throwing a football back and forth, they quickly included her. Nan had a fascination with anything and everything small, lambs, puppies, kittens, babies and anything that resembled a ball. There are so many pictures to prove to my nephew Leeland when he gets older, how Nan loved and looked after him.

   We will miss her dearly. We'll miss those crazy eyes she'd get when she was in full border collie mode. Miss hearing her snore when she passed out from a long day of work.  Miss her running the floor in the milking parlor (she was the sheep warden during milking season).

Miss her running to hide every time the fly swat was pulled out. Miss her raising her leg with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth every time we'd rub her belly. Miss her sitting on the gas pedal on the Kubota.  I'll even miss getting annoyed with her for jumping into the fence every time I went to lay a new one out for the sheep. Nothing compares though to the way I know that mom misses her. Our Sweet, Crazy Nan.
    As bad as I hurt for all of us, I know Jim and Eoghan miss her as well, she was their third amigo. The three musketeers. Nan was their friend, their playmate, a competitor, and their sister. Jim will miss her by his side running the fence line, barking everytime they thought the sheep were getting out of line. Eoghan will miss sharing the couch with her and her nipping at him as if telling him to quit biting the tires on the Kubota .

 

  A bond between a dog and their person can never be broken. Mom &Nan

 This is the picture we all received the day mom and dad got Nan. We were all excited to meet her. Dad & Nan 11/28/2010

   We could all tell that Nan was feeling bad on Wednesday, so we didn't push her to go outside but for her to rest and to hopefully feel better. With that being so, Nan still wanted to make one last trip to the pasture with her master that night. Little did we know, that would be our sweet little Nan's last run. Thurday morning, Nan was laid next to her brother Shadow under the oak tree. Some may disagree, but I know in my heart that God's got a special place for them in heaven and I know I'll see them again one day, tails waggin' and all.   Nan will always be remembered and we will cherish all the memories we have of her. As dad so sweetly wrote, "we just pray that if there are flocks of sheep in heaven, that you will be at the Good Shepherd's side keeping a watchful eye on all his Lambs. Good bye dear friend "

Shadow and Nan.

Nan 11/27/2002-11/07/2013

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" Matthew 5:4

Southern Artisan Cheese Festival

    Coming up this Saturday, September 28 will be the 3rd Annual Southern Artisan Cheese Festival in Nashville, TN from 2:30-6. Have you heard of it?
    Good Shepherd cheese has been invited along with Boone Creek Creamery and Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese from Kentucky. Tickets are sold $45 online and $55 at the door. This is a great opportunity to try some southern artisan cheeses along with other southern jams, crackers, bread, some tasty wines and more. Only 600 tickets will be sold this year so make sure to purchase early if you plan to be there. 
    While you're there, be sure to stop by and say hello and taste some creamy sheep milk cheeses from yours truly. We will also have packaged cheese available for purchase.

 

 By the way, over the weekend Good Shepherd cheese was nominated and tied with Bleugrass Chevre in the artisan category at Sunday's Lexington Crave event. Good Shepherd Cheese was very honored to stand next to Susan Miller, who is not only a fellow cheese maker and mentor, but a special friend as well. Congratulations to all who was honored that evening.

Getting Back To It

    Ever since my husband and I moved, we've encountered computer problems which is why I've mostly been absent from blogging. Here I am though, only because I've finally accepted the idea that our computer is slowly dying and I'm going to enjoy every last second it has left.
   For all the soap lovers out there, I just got Half Pint's Sheep Milk Soap back up on the new website and is ready to be ordered.
    Also don't forget Good Shepherd Cheese will be on The Local Traveler tonight after the news at 11:35pm on WKYT and WVLT Volunteer TV and on Wednesday at 7PM on WYMT-TV!

Set your DVRs cause this is one... EWE don't want to miss!

Sweet Maggie

When I went out to check the girls' water today after the storms, this is what I found.

 

 

 Maggie decided that the rain just wasn't enough and needed to give Patience another bath.
Such a good girl!

Moving On But Not To Greener Pastures

  I've been absent for a while from blogging and I could tell you the thousands of excuses that I came up with in my head to put this off but it comes down to this simple truth, dread. I didn't want to have to explain how my husband and I have recently moved off the family farm to an apartment about 20 minutes away. Writing it down just made it a whole lot more realer.
  While it was an exciting time for my husband and I to be getting back on our own, it was still a very emotional time as well. I have so many emotional attachments to the farm that it broke my heart to leave.
At first I knew my trips to the farm were going to be pretty limited even though we only moved 20 minutes away, we were trying to watch our spending. Fortunately we were able to work things out so I can still help out on the farm throughout the week.
  It's funny how when your absent from a place for even a short while, you start to realize how much of it you really took for granted.

My heaven on earth...

 Locust trees in full bloom.

 Honeysuckle as long as the fence line.

And wild blackberry bushes scattered all over the farm.

Let The Milking Begin

Things got really, really busy around here really fast ...much to blame on the 90 some lambs we've had since the beginning of February, with nine momma's left to lamb still. Which also means we began milking in March. Our daily lives has pretty much been consumed by the milking parlor and the lambing barn. Not to mention Dad has started the great cheese making process again. For all you cheese lovers out there, Dad has made a test batch of blue cheese, so lets keep our fingers crossed and hope it turns out!!! He has Pyrenees, Wild Mountain Thyme, and some Old Smokey sheep milk cheese already aging in the cheese cave.

Our sweet Molly and her precious triplets taking a nap.

Nothing like snuggling up together.

Dottie and her baby boy.

"How about you be a kind lady and get us some more feed!?"

 These girls were our first five to lamb this year so they got to go first on the milking table this year.

Half Pint's Sheep Milk Soap

Starting to finally stock back up on my sheep milk supply now that we've started milking again, so be prepared for some more fresh spring and summer fragrance soaps to be coming soon. Lambing season put a hold on any soap making the last couple of months so I'm ready to get back in the swing of things and maybe even possibly start back on some candle making as well.

In stock right now I have Felted soap, Unscented, Huckleberry, Fresh & Clean, Pa's Pipe, Hard Candy Christmas, Sweet Pea, Pumpkin Spice, Men's soap and Men's Shaving soap.
Hopefully, I'll have more Sassafras, Magnolia, and Honeysuckle back in stock, along with Sunflower and some other great scents.

Meet Gideon

    We've added a new member to our farm crew. Meet Gideon!

    A bright and spunky Great Pyrenees pup. With our growing flock, there was a need for another guard dog to protect the sheep out in the pasture and I'm pretty sure Gideon is up for the challenge.

 

  Dad and mom named him Gideon from the bible. According to the internet the name Gideon means "Destroyer" and "Mighty Warrior". I'd say that's pretty fitting for a guard dog. 

 

Don't let these brown eyes fool ya!

Once he made it to his new home, he moped around for a day or two but now Gideon is in full puppy mode. He's tried bossing the sheep into playing with him, he's even tried running off with one of the lamb bottles. 

   

 

Work Hard, Sleep Hard!

   

A Virtuous Woman

<sup>Words to live by, something I strive for and hope to be!

Proverb 31:10-31  KJV

10</sup> Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
¹⁵ She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
¹⁶ She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
¹⁸ She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
²⁵ Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
³⁰ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Kool-Aid Wool

About a month ago I decided to try my hand at dying wool. I really wanted to start finding plants on the farm to use to naturally dye my wool but I figured I better start with something a little simpler to see how well I would adapt to the idea. I read and heard a lot of people talking about dying wool with Kool-Aid, so I thought "Why Not'?

I used our East Friesian sheep wool.  Washed and dried but not carded.

This is my first wool batch. 

In a large pot with strawberry kool-aid mix and enough water to cover the wool, I heated it to a boil for just a couple of minutes and then sat it off the heat to cool completely, the water starts to clear more as it cools.  Once it has cooled, soak wool in a soapy bath and rinse wool until bath water is clear. Note: The boiling wool mixed with the tasty kool-aid doesn't smell up the kitchen too nicely!! :)

On the drying rack. Completely excited about this one and the way it turned out that I had to try a few more colors.

 

 Blueberry wool.

By the end of the night I had 4 different colors of wool and 4 very strange smells clashing together. Over all, I have to call this a success!  I'll definitely be trying this again soon, hopefully with some different colors.

Our Little Piglet

 Our first born in our first set of quads was born weighing 3 lbs. Our tiniest lamb here on the farm. He has truly been a treat. He loves to eat and when he sees the bottle in your hands, you better bet he's going to come running and begging for it. He's now at 5 lbs and has completely stolen our hearts!

He may be little but he has a very big personality.

Down To The Creek

A couple of weeks ago we had such a beautiful day out on the farm, the weather was just wonderful. We took full advantage of it and took the dogs down to the creek.

We've had so much rain that the creek was pretty full.

Nothing like playing in the water.

Nan loves the water and it's really hard to get her out when it's time to leave.

The Greatest Valentine

    This Valentine's Day, I feel in my heart I need to talk about something a little different, something not really farm related but something every day life related. Something that can change your life if it hasn't already.
    I want to share this song and poem that I heard on the K-Love radio station. If you haven't already accepted Jesus in your heart or you feel like you've drifted a bit, listen to this song as you read down through these scriptures. God offers you the greatest love you will ever know, more than any valentine can ever offer. His love is everlasting. I pray that you will open your heart to God and allow him in as your Lord and Savior.  He is waiting for you, will you ask Him in?

Selected poem lyrics from "Father's Love Letter" used by permission Father Heart Communications
Copyright 1999-2011
www.FathersLoveLetter.com

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

True Love

Long Line of Love

Ma & Pa (Married in 1951)

Papaw & Mawmaw (Married in 1949)

 

Mom & Dad (Married in 1980)

Daniel & I (Married in 2010)

Good Shepherd Cheese On Tim Farmer's Country Kitchen

 
By Tim Farmer

Lambing Week 1

   So where to begin? Well for starters, we began lambing this week. As much as we tried to prepare for it, we still wasn't exactly as prepared as we would have hoped.  What do you do though? Well, you just jump right in!
 
 Charity started us out with 2 lambs Tuesday morning , and now it's Saturday and we have a running total of 14 lambs (9 ewes and 5 rams) with 61 pregnant mommas to go.

   Around here, as tired as you may be, you still enjoy stopping for a moment before heading back to the house and grabbing ahold of a little lamb and cradling it in your arms even if it's just for a minute because they are just so precious. Lambing is very tiring but also very rewarding.

Dottie and her very spunky little girl.

Thursday, we were graced with a gift of Quadruplets! We've only had one set of triplets on the farm and that was two years ago. This year we've had singles, twins, triplets, and now quadruplets. In this set of quadruplets the first one born was only 3 lbs, being the smallest lamb we've had yet on the farm. He's a charmer!!

Our quads!

 

Mom making sure they were finding the teat.

This gal decided she needed something to push against. So she threw her leg up on me and started pushing....and I let her. :)