Looking back

Today has been a day for looking back, in several ways. This is the one year anniversary of when I wrote my very first post and sheep dreams began. I was very timid about posting anything and had to virtually force myself to begin and then I didn't tell anyone about it (not even my husband or my best friend). I think I finally mentioned it to Susan Anderson and she was so encouraging and supportive, I gradually became confident enough to tell others. Now, I enjoy thinking of things to write about and having the blog has certainly changed how often I take pictures (the camera goes everywhere with me). I just want to say to anyone out there reading sheep dreams----thanks so much for spending time here. I am honored that you visit. I really appreciate getting comments and love the idea that I am somehow communing with people I may never actually meet, but never-the-less feel a connection to. I hope to become a better, more interesting blogger and photographer in the coming year.

Another way I have been looking back today is some time spent going through boxes up in the barn loft. After I fed all the animals this morning, I went looking for a box of wine glasses I bought to use for our wedding (50 really cheap ones!). That was over ten years ago and I haven't had the need to serve wine to that many people since! A friend of mine is having a party and wanted to borrow them. I did find the glasses, but also a lot of other stuff. Unfortunately, the birds that nest in the top of the barn have caused considerable damage to some things and a lot will need to be thrown away. I did find most of the parts to an antique walking wheel. I had replacement parts made for the wheel some years ago and will need to excavate further to unearth the miner's head and spindle (which is the part you actually spin with). I found baby books, picture albums, bank statements from 12 years ago (!) and also a Lopi sweater in progress, knitted up as far as the armholes, with no moth damage (which is unbelievable considering the shape of some other yarn I found), complete with knitting needles still in place, the pattern and the yarn needed to finish it. This thing has got to be at least 25 years old. I recently read on another blog that Icelandic sweaters are coming back into vogue, so I guess I'm set with this discovery!

It's a beautiful day here with temperatures in the upper 40's. It seems almost balmy compared to what we've been experiencing lately. It was great to take my time with feeding and barn chores this morning, instead of hustling around as fast as I could to get out of the cold. It's a nice little respite before the next storm system heads our way.