A Memorable Snow

Wednesday it started snowing...and it kept snowing...and snowing...and snowing...
We ended up with a beautiful winter landscape and lots of snow for the kids to play/work in.

I asked Matthew if he had put himself up on a pedestal. Katelyn told me not to worry...she'd knock him off. (She and Jon had a great time throwing snowballs at him)
Thursday Wayne was supposed to go back to Albany Med to have the temporary neuro-stimulator removed. We had to postpone until Friday, but there couldn't be any further delay. That wire had to come out! Thankfully, after traveling about 60 miles we got out of the worst of the bad roads. By the time we headed back home the sun was shining and the roads were clear. We're off to Albany again on Monday to see the neurosurgeon. Workers comp has to approve the procedure for the permanent implant. We're praying that the approval comes quickly. As soon as the temporary device was removed the pain and discomfort returned.

Last Monday we were in Albany to see another doctor for Wayne. When we got home Jonathan had a surprise to show us. He had pulled out his front tooth. He wasn't up to his normal activity level due to a cold, but today he was happily posing and being mischievous (to match the grin!).

Dreaming in February

A few of you know that Wayne and I have a dream of starting a mini-mill venture on our farm. We've been researching for several years, and due to his medical condition, see this as a potential answer to an income for our family. It will take a lot of work and $, but we believe that if this is what we're supposed to be doing, God will continue to open doors and provide the resources. Using solar power/heat/hot water, we hope to provide cleaning and carding services for the small flock owners (both alpaca and sheep) that seem to be cropping up everywhere. It's not uncommon for a farm to have only a few fiber animals. Often they are unable to find a mill that doesn't require a minimum weight of fiber to be processed. By focusing on the cleaning and carding, we'll be able to provide added value to their fiber animals and supply roving and batts for a growing niche of fiber artists.

When we were researching alpacas, we were frustrated that the 'industry' was more focused on breeding than on the wonderful yarns/products the fleece provides. We decided that we wanted to focus on the fleece aspect of alpacas and hoped that the alpaca breeder community would realize that the end product of the fiber provided by these special animals was crucial to the sustainability of the alpaca market.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Empire Alpaca Association's annual symposium in Albany, and I'm encouraged that the alpaca industry is finally waking up and realizing the importance of developing a fiber market. I spent the whole day in classes and workshops on analyzing fiber and seeing what people are doing with alpaca fleece. My brain was spinning by the time I got home last night, but I'm so thankful I was able to attend. I learned more yesterday about fiber and what makes a good yarn than I have in the five years we've been researching this business. I wish I had known all this before I started spinning. My early yarns are definitely inferior to the yarns I plan on producing now!

When I arrived home last night it looked like spring had sprung in my kitchen! Wayne and the kids had decorated the cupboards and hutch with pictures taken around the farm last summer. It was a welcome reminder that in a few weeks, the snow will be gone and green will return.
Stay tuned for future developments of our dreams!

A Field Trip

Today we had to take Nathanial back to college after a long weekend (due to President's day). We decided to take advantage of our membership to the zoo and Discovery Center and combine the trip to Binghamton with a trip to the Discovery Center. We dropped Nathanial off at the college and continued on to the DC.
The last time we visited this neat place was when Katelyn was a toddler. Many of the same exhibits remain, but there were some new activities to explore. Last time Matthew and Nathanial had a wonderful time at the News Desk/Weather Reporter exhibit. This time, it barely was acknowledged by the kids.

Jonathan was happiest at the Fire Station...Marc was happy in the cockpit of the jet plane...Ian loved shopping in the grocery store...The ambulance was a hit, too...They all enjoyed climbing the maze/tower. The bubble experiment area was also a favorite.

Somehow I neglected to get Rachael in the pictures, but she was a great help keeping the 2 little guys in sight. She enjoyed the music/light show exhibit.

We went out for lunch and then stopped at a couple of stores. Marc and Rachael got some new books to read on the way home. We all enjoyed our field trip and time together. Jonathan and Ian are already asking when we can go back. Hopefully, Dad can join us next time.

February Activities

Jonathan picked up a marker and started practicing his penmanship the other night so we had to make a big deal about it. He doesn't enjoy 'bookwork' so it was a nice surprise that he wanted to write his letters.

Brittany and Matthew had a bit of bonding time the other afternoon. She loves to have her belly rubbed by Wayne or Matthew. You can't tell in the picture, but she is wagging her tail fervently as he scratches.Here's the latest cut glass project...

February Projects

Wayne has been busy finishing up some more projects. He and our friend Bob enjoy working on cut glass and came up with this firetruck for Jonathan. The next project is a bass fish for our pastor.Wayne finished this punched rug a few weeks ago and asked if I'd help him make it into a pillow for another friend's birthday.
Do you recognize this guy?It's our Matthew in 'disguise' using fake beard hair and special glue.

My current project is knitting a pair of socks for a customer. They're a blend of alpaca and merino wool in brown. If they come out as nice as I think they will, I may have to make a pair for myself!

In closing, I'll share a smile...This a.m. a friend at church asked Ian if he was a 'Mexican jumping bean'. Ian quickly answered, "No. I'm a boy from Unadilla."