A Close Encounter

For months I’ve been hearing a creaking noise coming from the gigantic tree on the south side of the house, but couldn’t figure out what was causing it. Then the other day, in preparation of showing the house, I decided to wash the windows upstairs. I stood there looking out and thought to myself, “Huh, I don’t remember that tree being so close to the house.” Of course, trees just don’t get up and move so I didn’t think much of it and moved on to scrubbing toilets.

Then, yesterday, we had another 40 mile-an-hour wind day here on the prairie. It blew the bark right off the old tree in the back that was hit by lightning last summer.

I was wanting some bark to use for dying yarn, but this is a bit excessive.

As I stood there inspecting the bark, I heard the creaking noise again. Remembering my thoughts while washing the window I decided to investigate. Sure enough, I was right, the tree IS closer to the house than it used to be. A huge branch is dangling precariously. Rather close to the house too, I might add.

The large branch is suffering from some sort of stress fracture.

Needless to say, I cancelled all my plans for this morning and we are all sitting around waiting for a tree guy to show up.

“I hope he gets here soon,” said Thelma. “I was supposed to get a pedicure today.”

A Peculiar But Very Cool Thing

Last year, Conner Prairie opened a new experience area called Civil War Journey. The experience is based on confederate officer, John Morgan’s, raid on Indiana during the Civil War. Guests arrive to find what is left of 1863 DuPont, Indiana, the day after Morgan’s raiders pass through and need to decide if they will sign up to join the Union in pursuit of Morgan and his men or stay home and protect their families and property.

Also last year, my son and I started participating in Civil War reenactment events; particularly, events in Southern Indiana, which represent this same historical raid. Knowing we had ancestors who served during the Civil War, we decided to do a little more research. We discovered that my 3rd great grandfather, Theodore F. Hinton, lived near DuPont, Indiana, and was one of the men who joined the 7th Indiana Cavalry immediately after Morgan’s raid to pursue John Morgan. But what is even more interesting is that his first cousin, Benjamin T. Butler, was a member of the confederate 5th Kentucky Cavalry and was one of the men doing the raiding.

Interesting!

So…I just happen across a  job at Conner Prairie. And then…I find out they need a volunteer to help this summer in the Civil War Journey area. My son just worked his first day at it today and will be spending his summer at “The Raid” which represents his 4th great grandfather. I think that is pretty cool.

And if that didn’t raise the hair on your neck…I met Milah online because my blog is called Front Porch Indiana. Hers is called From My Back Porch. We made an instant connection and ended up taking a road trip through Kentucky where I met up with another blogging pal, Sara at Punkin’s Patch. We passed a sign that read “Hinton” on the way to her house. Come to find out, my ancestors settled that area of the country and, in fact, a Hinton descendant is Sara’s next door neighbor.

Coincidence? I think not.

I’m just following the plan. I don’t know what He has in store for me, but I don’t doubt that I’m going the right direction.

I’ve Been Busy

Warping looms…

Skirting fleeces…

and a million other things.  My calendar looks like someone sneezed on it while eating berries. Ink spattered everywhere in an effort to keep track of my schedule. I rarely know what day it is anymore. I have a dozen things to tell you, but right now I just need some sleep!  I may need to start writing that on the calendar, too.

Another Day at the Office

I’m home after a long day at work and covered in goat slobber. I thought I would introduce you to a few of my coworkers.

We call this little Alpine goat Booger. As in, “you little booger, get back here.” Or, you little booger, get out of there.” Or, “you little booger, stop eating my hair, coat, pants, badge, shoe, etc.”  He’s three weeks old and the star of the show.

Also three weeks old are these little Horned Dorset lambs. Mom and babies are sweet as can be and rival my Popcorn in friendliness. We’ve had three ewes lamb out of this breed so far.

The world’s sweetest Shorthorn heifer doesn’t even bat an eye when children ask if she’s a cow. I have no idea what else they think she might be?

Miss V, an Alpine doe still has 6 weeks to go in her pregnancy. I’m not sure if she’ll give birth or explode. There has to be at least three babies in there. She is smart as a whip and will wait until none of the human staff are watching and make a run for it out the front of the barn and down the path where all the good weeds are.

And finally, the newest member of the staff, a teeny tiny Tunis two days old.

We have thousands of people through the barn every day and all these guys work amazingly hard to please. I’m not sure which is more precious, the animal babies or the reactions the human babies have to them.

My Kind of Therapy

I’m not sure what to name her? She’s lovely isn’t she? She is an 18 inch, 8 shaft table loom from the Mountain Loom Company. They are no longer made. This girl came from a fellow Ravelry member who was generous enough to entrust her to my care.

She also comes with a pique double beam warp frame. You know, in case we want to get all fancy. I doubt we’ll do much of that right away.

She just arrived today. I’m letting her catch her breath, but I already have Cottolin warp measured and ready to make towels.

Bad Boy Frank

“Frankie, I understand you have an image to protect, but did you really need to try to kill Peter,” I asked?

“I didn’t do anything,” he said.

“Really? I watched you try to suffocate him by pinning him down and sitting on his head.”

“Oh, that.”

“Yeah, that! I think you need to see a therapist.”

“I don’t need no stinkin’ therapist.”

“Then I’m going to have to insist on a visit from the veterinarian.”

“Sure, why not? A little shot in the behind ain’t nothing.”

“You’re not just getting a shot. You’re getting parts removed.”

(gulp)   “Which parts? Is she going to trim my toe nails again?”

“Nope.”

Has the World Shifted on its Axis?

Something is certainly amiss. Aside from the obvious fact that we’ve had summer before spring, my home and work worlds have also swapped places. You see, I’m busy doing things at home that feel an awful lot like work: taxes, landscaping, cleaning. 

Yet, at work I’m doing fun things like spinning my first yarn on a great wheel, holding newborn lambs in my lap and learning to weave overshot. It’s all so very strange, I’m starting to think maybe I shouldn’t have eaten those mushrooms I found in the backyard.

Or maybe I should go look for more?

It’s That Time of Year Again…

 

If you are reading this, autism affects someone you know. Please take a moment to educate yourself to help make the world a little more tolerant. Thank you.

Click this link to learn about Asperger Syndrome.