Farm work has hit the winter low point and we are taking the opportunity to do off farm things. The week end before last we drove up to Bendigo to the sheep and wool show. Getting into the show grounds and parking was a bit disorganised but the show was great. There were lots of farm animals penned in the huge sheds waiting for the events they were to be judged in, so we could wander round looking at all the different breeds and talking to the breeders. I took a fancy to English Leicester sheep with their long, soft, lustrous, fleece.
The sun was out, and we could wander round the stalls and find out about various farm equipment we need and buy useful stuff like socks. For some unknown reason, good plain socks can be hard to come by in the Yarra Valley. Others must have the same problem as people were queuing up to pay for massive arm loads of socks. Edd brought a new felt hat, (he has been looking for one for ages), and a tough grey sweater.
I was severely tempted by all sorts of gear but managed to steer clear of temptation until I got into the craft wool buildings. Here I found a stall full of knitting books and after talking to the stall holder I ordered a book of knitting stitches that she thought was the one I lost. Neither of us could be quite sure because I lost the book nine years ago in the fires and could not remember the name or author. We were actually on the right track because the book has now arrived and it is the book that I have spent nine years looking for! It was a joyous moment getting back one of the basic tools that I have used over and over again.
I was also tempted by the knitting wool. There were beautiful yarns in amazing colours, but I have just taken my wool down to be spun so I resisted the lure. I now wish I had been less restrained, of course. We found a hall serving sit down veg and meat meals at great price so all in all we had a great day. Lyn came and did the animals too, so we were not pushed for time getting home.
This week end we have been off again, but into the city this time. Our friend, Peter, invited us to the opening of his art exhibition on Saturday and we went there after lunch. We met up with old friends we knew from working in the desert as well as Peter and all his family. It was great, and the art was interesting. A carpenter had used wood that was unsuitable for furniture to make a setting for Peter’s glass work. The most amazing thing was how two people could make a work of art that expressed their individuality but was completely integrated.
Al and Pip were meeting family at a restaurant a few doors down from the gallery, so we joined them for tapas before driving home. Little P was there too and Al’s second son as well as Pip’s parents. They have just had a first Granddaughter and an announcement that their eldest son had a baby on the way, so they were thrilled. It will be lovely to have a group of cousins who can grow up together.
Today I am doing an experiment trying to make feta from frozen milk. I no-longer get the 10 litres of fresh milk a day that I need for the recipe, but over the week we have more milk than we need, but not enough to feed a calf, so a new strategy is needed. I am trying hard to dry off the pregnant goats before the spring grass starts and the process gets harder.
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