With Trouble's help, they were loaded out in the pitch dark at 6:45 - I had them in the barn that unfortunately doesn't have lights - so I was worried a little about how it was all going to go - but the stock trailer has running lights so there was a dim glow. The did not want to go out, especially with the scarey tall stranger standing next to the door - but she pushed them just right. The guy was impressed. I"m back in the house for coffee. Trouble wants to go help some more.... oh how I remember those days when it was me trying to drag lambs by their wool into the trailer...or having them run down the road away from the trailer...she's such a help, you can hardly imagine...

Looking out the kitchen window - wood stacked for the winter, the dog trailer ready for it's trip south, and grey skies promising rain.

Lemon meringue pie made from scratch - is there any other way?? Thick and tangy, the best!! The big trailer will arrive on Wednesday morning to take the lambs away - good to see them go this year when the prices are still high and the new ram is due to arrive later in the week. We're staying once again with a Dorper ram and the 'hair sheep' genetics that seem popular. Hopefully the winter WON'T be colder and snowier than normal!

The dogs are doing well, herding trial season is over and we're gearing up to take Solo to obedience trials again in preparation for the 2012 trial season. He's a great, fun dog to have as a partner!

We picked up a couple bags of daffodil bulbs, trying to figure out where to plant them that the moles won't discover too quickly - a futile task, I fear! The gardens are all tilled up for the winter, new clean straw has been put in the chicken coop and the new little Call ducks are all snuggling down in it. They are supposed to be great for herding training - we'll see!!

Have just finished watching the HBO series "John Adams" ~ it was wonderful and made quite the impression on me - the dedication of those men and women who felt the drive to mold the future of a restless and raw country! How lucky we were and are that they took upon themselves such a responsibility!

I know it's not polite to brag (my parents have told me) but I can't help myself! Trouble outdid herself this past weekend at the ABdFC National Specialty by going High in Trial on Saturday with a score of 95 (out of 100.) This trial was open to all breeds so she won over some very good border collies and other breeds as well. I am thankful to have as my friend and neighbor Phyllis Clark who loves to trial dogs -- she took Trouble to this prestigious win, saving my blood pressure meds for another day :) Trouble was entered in 6 trial runs - 3 on sheep, 3 on ducks - she not only qualified but went first place in all but 1 of the sheep runs where she 'pulled some wool' as they say. It was a good ride home!