The farm remains in a state of hibernation, no lambs no chicks no blossoms so what else is there to do other than pack the children and head to North Carolina for March break.  I will go ahead and tell you that the purpose of this trip was to pick up a new Border Collie joining the family here at Borders View for that is exactly what I did.  June is now a Canadian although at times her behavior indicates that she would rather be in her home state, she has escaped my hands several times already and when faced with the joy of an open field she just runs…she runs fast and develops young dog amnesia, forgetting me, forgetting her name and thankfully forgetting the few choice words I shout at her as she disappears. Of course I am persistent and do retrieve her each time, I am hopeful that as we work together a little more each week she will decide that this isn’t such a boring home after all and she will choose to stay.  Other than June lets see if I recall any of the adventures the Borders View gang had during our trip…

Oh on the way down the interstate we had lunch with Dean and a pretty good visit, its always nice to see him outside of Rural Hill duties, following lunch it took me ages to convince “Phil” our GPS that we need not keep driving in circles looking for Cindy, that it really was ok to just stop where we were and wait for her to come and find us. The evening of our arrival we spent eating bbq and fried chicken we sat late into the night catching up on so many days apart. That week I ate steamed oysters for the first time, they tasted so good that I can see myself eating them a second…third…at least once every time I am there forever after. Oh speaking of food, I tried a livermush biscuit. Yup you read right…I said livermush. I can’t explain it to you, do me a favor and google it and while you are reading I believe you will be thinking..either that girl has no taste buds or she is just very very brave. As it turns out the livermush I ate was apparently not the best you can get and I have promised that I will try it again next time..prepared by a livermush expert..of which I know at least 4. The children and I went to South Mountain State Park and hiked for a few hours, it was a beautiful day the scenery was breath taking and the children’s laughter echoing through the trails made my heart full to the brim with happy.  We took the short trip to Whites General Store and admired the Knobby stick and I quote ” you git from here”  as well as various Knobby accessories such as a Knobby Caller. Knobby is NC’s version of big foot, seriously…this was a highlight for Shona and Gavin…we are big foot junkies..oh and Teecee gave me my very own Knobby t-shirt that I wear with pride! (if curiosity is tapping you on the shoulder youtube Tim Peeler and you will understand)  We had a slumber party and went Knobby hunting after dark, suffice it to say that the giggling probably scared him off . Hailey got to play guitar till her hearts content with Cindy’s talented hubby David, Gavin got to spend endless amounts of time in the little river out behind the house fishing for anything that might swim by, Matthew got his dose of BoJangles chicken and I got to soak up basket fulls of love.

The remainder of March seems insignificant after such a pleasant beginning. I’m sure I did something worth writing about but at this moment I just can’t put my finger on what that might be.

I carried my camera along this morning to share some of my walk with you.

Winter is quiet on this farm. I no longer prowl the barn during the night seeking cold lambs or ewes in distress. The horses seldom raise their heads from the round bales, the hens and ducks don’t wish to wander out into the chill. The dogs remain my sole animal companions, they enjoy walking as much as I do. Their eager faces drive me to take on whatever mother nature throws at me as I trek around the fields.  I have discovered that my giant smile and my fuzzy scarf do not go well together. I have eaten my share of scarf fluff over the last couple of months.

There has been limited dog work…I have played around with Jet on occasion..who’s outrun has taken on a life of its own. It seems he has chosen to develop a real beauty and with no human intervention.  I love when that happens, it means essentially that I need not run across the field at him. I am not the most graceful creature on this farm and running around usually highlights that.

December passed very quickly with Christmas and a visit from Terry who didn’t bring gifts specifically for the holiday but after drop kicking my coffee maker across the kitchen…he was quick to play Santa and send one in the mail as soon as he arrived home in Alberta.

January flew, I can’t even recall anything interesting about Jan. I wish someone would tell me what happened during that month…or did we just skip it? Hopped straight into February?  It works, this month is only 7 days old and already I have some activity to report…….

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAVIN!   my little frog catching, lego building, bed hogging, freckle face  turned 9.

I already spoke about the groundhog and his early spring prediction on Feb 2nd …just proof positive that my death threats worked…

On Feb.6th I was granted a lovely surprise when I wandered into the barn.  I could hear that perfect soft murmuring that is only made when a ewe has a new lamb. I stopped in my tracks thinking that my ears were playing tricks on me and sure enough moments later the babe answers.  I am thrilled to find a healthy youngster with a full belly.  The moral of this story for someone that might wonder…yes I’m talking to you…   “where there’s a will   there’s a way” !  I have not bred the ewes for Feb lambing..someone just got lucky.

I guess with the conclusion of this somewhat random blog I am caught up. hmmm wonder whats going to happen next.

With unlimited amounts of anticipation I waited for Nov. to arrive, bringing with it the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trial and my trip to North Carolina. Everyone who knows me knows how I love  love love my time there. This past November was no exception.  A few details differed from previous years, one of which was I was making the journey with Toria rather than Ian. I also added an extra child, bringing Matthew who is very near one of my own anyway.  I recall informing Dean that Ian would not be available to help this year, taking this information in stride he promptly bolstered my confidence by telling me that I could handle the job on my own, that I was the boss, that he KNEW I could do it…I am sure he was on the phone to the ‘new guy” within seconds of saying goodbye to me. Upon finding out that he had invited a man to “back me up” I was more determined than ever to show Dean that Toria and I could handle the task without male intervention and also a little irritated at new guy (whom I had never even met of course, that would be too rational for me). Arriving at Rural Hill in the middle of the night, like a small band of over tired gypsies from the north, we snuck in the back way and found an empty camper…assumed it was ours and mercifully put the children to bed….aaahhhh silence! Sunshine in the morning and a huge hug from Dean (he’s a great hugger) a massive Bob Evan’s breakfast, the best waitress I have ever met, some minor shopping and back to Rural Hill where the boss was already riding.  The days of riding prior to the trial took my mind of the waiting for my girls to arrive. Christine…I am smiling as I type even just her name was set to arrive on Wednesday so lets fast forward to there  when the familiar truck and trailer pulled into the park and the next 5 minutes played out as follows.. Shona sprinting across the field in sock feet, Christine waving like a mad women , barely getting the truck in park before leaping out the door into an embrace that said a million things at once.  The hug that said, what took you so long, I missed you, you look great, we only have 4 days, tell me whats new, why do you live so far away and I love you. The children equally as happy were soon wrapped within the same hug, family….together again. Almost all the pieces in place for a wonderful holiday.  I had Millie, who arrived on Tuesday with a very large box of goodies and treats, her perfectly sweet ways and pet names make those of us from the cold north gravitate to her like the sun. Millie is like your favorite warm blanket that you could sit with all day.  This leaves me waiting  on the last piece of my happiness puzzle to arrive, she would get there on Saturday. My Duckie or Cindy to the rest of the world, simply wonderful, beautiful, funny and sweet, she keeps me laughing and singing even when the 10th hour in the saddle rolls around and there seems to be little to smile about. She is the giver of SunDrop at 8 am…the pokey beans to my rider girl, she is the teller of inappropriate jokes the maker of the best fried chicken and the one who had to answer all of Matthews ceaseless questions. All the pieces in place now to ensure a full and happy heart and yet another special birthday.

The trial went just according to plan. The dogs were great and the handlers as always very gracious and thankful for our work. The noon flag presentation was picture perfect and the low country boil on Friday night was beyond good. The gang that runs Rural Hill are wonderful and always embrace us with southern hospitality.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say that although he was met very early Sat. morning by a somewhat frosty Shona and a suspicious Toria, the new guy turned out to be someone who easily adapted to being the only grown man at the top of the field. Since he was outnumbered  this made him an easy  target for the three smart arse women also at the top of the field. He was the quiet one who rode along side us, who endured our girl talk and our teasing,  he shortened stirrups and fixed reins and surprisingly enough, returned the next day to put up with us all over again. He does have a name this new guy, to some he is “walky talky” to others he is”cowboy” to Cindy and Millie he is “quarter butt” in the real world however…well…he just wouldn’t want me to say.

As usual time passed far to quickly. The days of  Christine’s coffee with French Vanilla, eating way too much BoJangles, fishing for big catfish, moonshine, graveyards at dusk and corn mazes in the dark came to an end and the long trek north to Canada began. Yes I will drive safe, yes I will call when I get home, I will see you soon, and I love you too.

Photo’s taken by the one and only photographer to the stars….Christine Koval.

In a story that shocked even the most avid fair enthusiast a small flock of ducks (four to be exact) bolted from a herding demo making their way into the tent of what I determined to be an Italian gentleman at the fair selling Premier League Football Jersey’s.  These rogue ducks were pursued in a speedy manner by a very serious Border Collie and a blonde women seemingly overcome with fits of laughter. After a few quick laps of the tent the flock discovered there was nothing duck sized in stock and departed, leaving a shocked vendor and several onlookers in awe. After regaining composure and using some duck herding ingenuity the ducks were encouraged to make their way back into the washing machine from whence they came.                           No harm no….ummmm fowl. Ok..that was just too easy.

The following day we set out for the Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village where we were welcomed back with open arms literally, those people are fantastic to work for.  Both shows went smoothly with a nice crowd, lots of children which means the duck wash is popular…or at least it was until one feisty duck took a nip at a small human..after explaining that even though ducks don’t have teeth you really shouldn’t stuff fingers into their beaks the duck apologized and the child went away with a not so valuable lesson and a sore finger…am I smirking right now…yes…yes I am!

OCTOBER 2011….CHARMING KNIGHTS…LIMBS LOST AND HUGE FISH…..

Roseneath Fall Fair is a traditional agricultural fair, horse pulls, livestock shows and a beautifully restored antique carousel.  This year however the sounds of sword steel clashing and maidens cheering could be heard as the Blades Of Glory preformed. Not only is their show fun and entertaining, but they give out golden coins filled with chocolate to onlookers. One spectator in particular was seen cuddling up to a Teutonic Knight clearly in the hopes of filling her pockets with gold, what can I say…yes it was me and I just really like chocolate!!!

Later in the month while attending a fantastic Thanksgiving feast a giant tree was relieved of a limb that happened to be hanging over a farm house, as payment for this service the members of the Borders View Farm family were treated to an outstanding supper, delicious dessert and sinfully yummy Irish Coffee (the children helped to roast the beans but did not partake in the Irish part).

Earlier that day a small boy was seen racing the banks of the Ganaraska River in search of the last few spawning salmon visiting the area. On several occasions his mother was seen firmly holding the back of his jacket to keep the child from launching himself into the river and onto the backs of these giant fish. Giggling and splashing could be heard throughout the forest.

The sheep and lambs are happy and fat on pasture. The children are wishing for someone to un-invent school. Ian is working sun up to sun down and I am just wondering where the day’s go….

Wait something is missing….oh right the arrival of a whirl wind of beauty. laughter. witt. tears. hugs. lip gloss and joy. This human sunshower arrived at the farm near the end of July with plans for a short visit yet did not depart until the end of August. From the Victoria County Sheep Producers BBQ at which she took part in a quick herding demo with Ian and I to the tragic loss of her best four legged co pilot to searching for lost sheep in a soy been field and a wedding ceremony, the month was a roller coaster of every emotion.Toast and coffee every morning. Riding. Working Dogs. Tanning. Dress Shopping and Up do’s. Great dinner conversation. Walking in the dark.Tadpoles in the kitchen and trampoline at the front door. All taken in stride and enjoyed to the fullest and captured through the lens of her camera. A brush with a wild west family to cocktails with a certain tracking cowboy. Riding into the sunset with Victoria and helping David with his young dog the month passed far to quickly. When the time came at last for this feisty bundle of energy to move on from Borders View Farm it was with  a giant sigh of sadness that we said good bye.

So next in May we had a visit from a certain cowboy that enjoys a good rum and likes to dance. Who knew he is also one heck of a good cannon baller, thus proven by launching himself skyhigh in the hopes of drowning Hailey. There was a minor issue with cupcake consumption but I won’t say anymore.

And speaking of Hailey. My beauty . my girl . my pride and joy.  my mini- me.  my cowgirl . my farm hand. my tender heart. my baby girl. She turned 13 in May.  I would like to push the stop button and keep her in this perfect state for years. Love!

Onward to June, already we have done one herding demo at the All About Horses event in Lindsay. It was kinda strange since my horse was in the ring with us, Kack is not a big Ian fan and there was one teensy moment when I thought it might get a little more western than Ian would like but like Ian always does, he got everything under control including my nerves and pushed on.  June will also see my Duckstravaganza on the road with the Bishops Wild West Show in Quebec. We will take the entire show to Sutton Highland Gathering as well as Cobourg Highland Games. Borders View Farm is busy.

Touch wood I have had very little issue this season. May have something to do with no first time mothers. I am also have a ewe lamb season while last year was 90% ram lambs. I am also shearing the girls when I bring them into the jugs with their babies. This is interesting and gives me even more appreciation for my shearer. The ewes sort of look like the foam stuffing of those old style pillows, only all splotched together. This is a good reason not to have a mirror in the barn. I tell them they look fabulous and then send them on their way. No matter how hard I try or how much I concentrate they always come out looking the same. I never said I wanted to be a shearer nor did I ever say I could be one!

On a brighter note at least I can maintain Dean’s friendship for another few months as I am certain once he spends some time with Meg he may choose to discontinue speaking to me. Meg is a handful of pup. She is also an accomplished break out artist. Her bag of tricks includes digging under and or climbing over. My puppy area is under the hay mow and at one time whomever built this barn built a ladder into the wall to reach the hay mow. I don’t use this ladder…Meg however has discovered it is the handiest exit on hand when the dull drums of litter life get to much to bear. The only issue with the ladder climbing thing is she cannot make it back down the ladder and for whatever reason has no idea what the stairs are for so she stays in the hay mow awaiting rescue or discovery. Not sure how she sees it.  It is not only her escaping skills that make her trouble, it is her speed her eagerness to pounce on and submit anything that moves and her stubborn streak that forbids her from coming when she is called. Now Dean may not like this but Shona as someone that competes against her spouse and loses thinks this is wonderful for you see Meg upon returning from Deans training is meant to be Ian’s dog! I would wish him good luck with her but wouldn’t mean it.

March finds me still able to work dogs despite the muck water and whatever snow has survived. I am making great strides with Jet my prospect and am quite pleased that has turned out to be mine.

April will see me back at Shepherd’s Crook in my true happy place…Kevan’s lambing barn. Odd I know but I am what I am.

Early February also saw us waiting for “snowmagedon” the largest snow fall we have seen in two years. We had enough snow to create a snow day for the kids but talk about a let down.  And now after many mild days, the snow is all but gone. That was not a complaint…you should read it like YAHOOOOOO the snow is all but gone! Feb. has also been a month of introductions, opportunity and (if you know Shona you won’t believe this) herding. One of these introductions resulted in my training pen being blown free of snow…which was no easy feat and for the first day really did resemble some sort of sit com involving snow,broken tractor parts and a lot of laughing. So herding in Feb. We have been working dogs steady since. I’m not sure if I expressed enough gratitude to the individual  for what he went through over the two days it took to get this job done but I certainly am very thankful.

This month saw Ian compete in an arena trial with Don. I won’t divulge any details further than the fact that he was winning….for awhile. This month has seen Victoria make some very nice headway with her year old pup Bunnie, I have been working with Jet with Jazz and even little Ruby has met sheep. Faye is in her prime and is working like a dream, it is so nice to see.  Mum has had her boys working, Caber and Cap. Maeve never stops working and Una well…she still knows how to grip! I am pushing Ian to work with me in preparation for our very first demo involving horses sheep and dogs set for the last weekend in May.  I can’t promise anything other than the show will be…lets say interesting.

So to sum up, I am looking toward March break in my favorite state of all North Carolina. I am sad to think about wee Meg leaving us at that time and console myself with the knowledge that she will be returning to live out her days with us. Dean has his hands full with Meg and her sister, they are both spark plugs and have the independence of their mother.   The trip will be a welcome break before the sleepless nights that go along with lambing which begins at the end of the month. Not to mention a wonderful reunion with our many friends that live there.

Below you will find pictures of Zip ( a May and Finn pup) being followed in very close proximity by Bunny who is obviously a stalking machine. You will see Dice looking ever so handsome near some cedar rails. Lad looking mucky. Ruby and Lacy being perfect subjects to photograph and then Kelt who is the sweetest of all.