There's No Place Like Home

We're home. For now.

Apparently the sheep have forgotten who we are and what we do for a living since they looked quite happy to see us when they greeted us at the gate.

Poe the Destroyer decorated for our homecoming. He was so small when we left and I didn't think about the fact that as he grew, so would his ability to tear things up. He and Salem must have been working on it for days because they were quite exhausted when they were finished.

The bad news is that I have to leave again in a couple of days. The good news is that I'm going to California to visit family and friends. Scott will stay behind and hold down the fort until I get back and clean it up again. However, I will not be alone for my adventure. Hemp and Skid will be making their debut in So. Cal and Laddie will be paying a return visit.

Oh, boy! Wait until Mom and Dad get a load of Skid!

And The Thunder Rolls

So you haven't met my Bob dog yet have you? Bob, Bob. (sigh) How do I explain him? Well, (whispering) he's a little crazy. Sure he looks normal but he's not. He was my first Border Collie and at age 9 he's now retired. He had some sholder problems that caused him to limp occasionally when he worked, and a stroke last year that left his face a little lopsided but really it's his mind that is his big disability. He has an absolute and uncontrollable fear of thunder and gunfire. However, unlike most dogs, Bob doesn't hide in the back of his crate or under the bed, wishing the noise would go away. No, he takes matters into his own hands or teeth, to stop the noise himself. If Bob is contained during a storm, he will rip his way out of whatever crate he is in no matter the damage to his teeth, and bark at the offending noise. Out of fear that he will hurt himself or our new dog box (the crates that the dogs travel in on the truck) or teach the other dogs to be afraid, I drop everything at the sound of a loud noise and run to get Bob out of his crate and on a leash where I can talk him down from his proverbial ledge.

See Bob's teeth...

See Bob's damage...

This was done to our camper last week in Michigan. We were camping at a trial and I had him tied out to the side of our camper so he could enjoy the sunshine. In the distance I heard gunfire and left the trial area to go back to the camper and rescue Bob but Scott had just come from there and HE SAID Bob was fine. However, when we later discovered that Bob was not fine, it was my fault. (another sigh) Husbands. Dogs.

We are now staying at a nice house in Michigan while Scott teaches several sheepherding clinics. It's nice to not have to sleep in the camper. However, we are expecting more thunderstorms in the evenings this week. (more sighs) I guess I'll be sleeping in the camper with Bob while Scott enjoys his sleep in the big bed.

Love Sick

Lad and Skid are the best of friends. Usually. However, the age old division between boys has now affected this friendship. Love, love has done it.

Who is this sexy seductress? Miss Tilly-also known as Miss Weaslie. They met her at the Kentucky Bluegrass trial in the Punkin' Patch vendor tent and although she lives in Kentucky, far away from the Canadian north, each boy thought it was true blue and tried to win her heart. Lad had a polished and elaborate soft shoe dance that he performed and Skid had only his childish pouncing.In the end, she chose Lad as her champion and he posed with his lady prize with all the class and grace he could muster.

Who done it?

We've had a fatality here on the Michigan farm.A lamb has been mauled beyond repair and no one is taking credit for it. The ewe had two lambs and now she's down to one. Poor girl. There was only one dog loose with the porcelain flock. Jess. It couldn't have been her. Could it?

A Port in the Storm

We have arrived in Michigan, via a soggy stop in Missouri. It rained there. Alot. The animals that lived there didn't seem to mind it and I noticed their guardian dog going about his buisness as if he wasn't loaded down with an extra couple of pounds of mud.

Fortunately, the amazing hospitality extended to the assistance of a tractor to pull us out.

Michigan, right now is warm and the dogs are happy to have the use of kennels to relax in. Bob got the delux kennel as he feels is his due.Skid isn't happy tho. During the day he has been recruited to baby sit the new addition, Sweep Junior. Happily, at night, our host has extended the house privlages to the little dog and he can sleep in the king like manner to which he is accustomed.

On The Road Again

We took a working vacation this weekend and visited a friend's ranch for a change of training scenery. While Laddie and I discussed our trialing strategy, Skid kept a vigilant eye out for dangerous gophers. We had thought of introducing Skid to our host's 15 pound 4 legged nanny, the demure Zoey. However, we were afraid of Skid's "wrong side of the track" attitude rubbing off on her. So now we are home for a day but only a day. Tomorrow we head off to the lower 48 for a two month tour. Our house sitters may think they are going to be in charge of the place but really, it will be Kit. Watch out. She's just saving her energy.
And of course, the inside of the house will be under the protection of of POE THE DESTROYER. Am I going to miss my home while I'm gone? Here's a shot out my front door this morning. What do you think?

NOTE: I should be able to change my blog periodically from the road. Check back in a week for early tales (tails?) from our trip.

That Time Of The Year

The snow geese have returned on their semi annual visit to our nearby lake, Tyrell. We are only at the start but as you can see, they come by the thousands. For the next couple of weeks we will see and hear the travelers night and day as they pass over our farm.

Obviously, we won't be washing our trucks anytime soon.