Time warps at supersonic speed sometimes.
Witness the past week: Old Craig, my sheepherding partner of over a decade (he came to me as an adult trained dog), started going downhill very rapidly and, when he refused to eat, I realized my responsibility to help him beyond this physical world to where pastures are always lush, sheep always appreciate being moved hither and yon by a wise Border collie, and no pain, worries, or woes befall our four-footed friends. '
Saying goodbye to a "good dog" is a process I experience too often because dogs simply don't live long enough. No matter that many working partners preceeded Craig; his passing leaves a large empty spot not only in my heart but in everyday life on the farm. Younger Border collies live here; none is ready to fill his pawprints.
As life often does, it blesses us with miracles even as we dry our tears. Xylia, sister to my 2 1/2 year old nephew (and our side of the family's first niece/granddaughter), entered this world "sunny side up" just hours after Craig was helped to the "rainbow bridge". Seven pounds, three ounces (same as brother Phoenix at birth), 20+ inches long, she cooperated with her parents' wishes by a) coming sooner rather than later (anticipating her due date by a few days, unlike Phoenix who dallied weeks beyond his!) and b) waiting long enough to avoid a major snowstorm and Valentine's Day birthday. Her dad says she looks like her mom (at least when she cries), and vice versa. She's blessed with lots of hair and a perfect cupid's bow mouth. I'm strictly objective, of course, but think she's awful cute.
On Saturday, I ended up not at the Spinners' Flock guild sale, but in the hospital. Nothing serious, just inconvenient and uncomfortable "procedures" that meant I missed the fiber fun at the winter Fleece Fair. All the roving, etc. destined for the event now must be unpacked and reshelved in my little retail room inside the yarn store in town. I want nothing more than to curl up someplace warm and knit for a couple weeks straight (with some spinning thrown in for diversity), but there's too much work to do.
Today, Sunday, I ventured out to pick up some corn for the sheep from a farm that specializes in selling bird seed. I put a drop of gas in the tank to make it there and back. On the way home, my "service engine soon" light came on. Thinking I'd failed to tighten the gas cap, I pulled over, tried that trick, and experienced a gullet grab when the light stayed lit all the way home. It seems like I was just at the dealership for oil change and a new serpentine belt. Oh, how I hate that "go to your dealer and spend money" dashboard display! It means I can't drive into Dearborn to visit my parents tomorrow.
A friend who frequents the yarn shop promised to bring in her digital camera, so I'm hoping to post project and yarn photos soon. Maybe that will help break up this text-heavy format!
Until then.....
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