Monday, January 4, 2010

Red Brick Road Farm

We had the pleasure of visiting Terri and Randy Carlson and their family Maddie, and Spencer last evening. Terri's mother was visiting and she is a retired RN, a sister of sorts. We had received an email with an invite to supper. We arrived after dark to a scrumptious dinner of beef stew with everything you could imagine and home baked bread. It was cold out with temps in the negatives. They were gracious hosts who made us feel right at home. On arrival Terri instinctively knew that we would want to meet Echo, Emily and Cierra first. Our exact thoughts. It was dark in the barn and I didn't want to take pictures and frighten everyone, so we waited to take pictures of them this morning. Their home is a beautiful Victorian built in 1860. They have painstakingly restored it to it's former elegance.

The sheep were already having their breakfast of hay. What a beautiful array of colors. Her sheep all are horned. It makes a handy apparatus for catching when necessary.

I think we were being watched.

Yep, we were definitely being watched. This leader ewe kept a close eye on our every movement. Leader sheep are a genetic line of sheep within the Icelandic breed that have shown leadership qualities instinctively. They check things out first, watch all newcomers, enter first
and have been known to move the flock to safety. It is a very desirous quality in sheep. Because of the flock nature of sheep they have been branded with the label of "stupid sheep". This very trait is what keeps sheep safe. Icelandic sheep are not weak nor frail. They are hardy and are able to survive and thrive harsh climates such as their homeland and namesake of Iceland.

Meet Echo. He was born on Hawkes Mountain Ranch in Gaston, OR. He has a mild personality and will be a welcome addition to our farm. I think Truffles and Baby will be curious but get along well with their new buddy. Just look at those horns. I think the girls will be impressed.

This morritt ewe is Emily. She is Spencer's ewe. Her fleece is incredible, soft and long. We hope to get a morritt ram from her to expand our flock.
Cierra is hiding behind Emily. She is the black mouflon on the left. She is tall and long, beautifully constructed. Cierra belonged to Maddie. Both ewes are hopefully bred to Finn, a ram that remains with Red Brick Farm. We tried, but they wouldn't let us take him too. Darn!

Sheep....

more sheep.....

With the addition of a bale of our hay, the back of the pickup should be comfortable for our new passengers. With a bale of their hay to our hay, hopefully no gastric upset will occur.

Halters made the move much easier. Echo was such a gentleman and made no fuss.

Halters on and ready to move...



One of the ewes came into the barn to see what was going on. She had better watch out, we would have loved to tuck her in the truck too. Better run while you can!

The sheep led very well. They are experienced with this due to having been to fairs and being handled by Spencer and Maddie.

They fit! With all that fleece it looked like it might be a tight fit for a few moments.

We are on the road again with the addition of rear passengers. We will stop every few hours to offer water. We brought a muck bucket to fill and remove so there won't be any spills. They look comfortable back there. They are standing, eating hay and watching the scenery go by. I guess for a sheep this is an adventure too. We will be stopping in New Stanton, PA for a rest. We had intended to drive straight through but the sheep will be cozy and we want to be safe. We will continue to update. Thank you for coming along. The more the merrier. Much Love and Prayers from your really Mobile Mainely Ewes Farm.
Kelly and Alex

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful home!
The supper sounds delicious.

I love the pictures of the sheep.
Echo is a handsome fellow.

Have a safe trip home with your back passengers.

Pam

Becky said...

What awesome looking sheep! Those horns are gorgeous! What a perfect breed of sheep for your farm. That victorian house of theirs is amazing!!
I hope you have a safe journey home!

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

I don't know anything about sheep but morritt? very pretty. Have a safe trip back. No excuses for getting cold, just crawl in back of the truck and get warm.

Lisa said...

You guys are so cool. I've been keeping my husband updated on your journey. He said next time you go, he's going to pack a bag and drop me off at the Dysarts so I can go with you. It's really all I've talked about for three days.

Oh and thanks for buying my pears! So cool, just so cool.

Smiles,
Lisa

Lili said...

Wow it's amazing what you can fit into the bed of a truck! And that cap comes in quite handy. Congrats on your new additions...very cool!

tonya said...

Glad that your trip is going safe and well. Your new additions are just beautiful! Love those horned ewes, and Echo, wow he's handsome fella. Enjoy your trip home and your new additions!

Terri said...

You two are such wonderful, stong, daring, amazing women and shepherds! We enjoyed your visit so much, just wish you lived closer. Springtime will be wonderful, with all of your new lambs. It's the best time of year. We pray for your safe return to your home and farm.

katiegirl said...

That home is gorgeous! And Echo's horns are amazing! Hope you have a safe journey home!!

Bee Haven Bev said...

Beautiful sheep....I can't wait to see them get settled in their new home. Best of luck with the rest of the trip! If I had realized what you were up to, you could have stopped and bunked with us on your way out to the midwest! We were right along your way!'

Safe travels!

Anonymous said...

No!

"Her sheep all are horned. It makes a handy apparatus for catching when necessary."

Horns are not to be used for catching. The can actually begin bleeding at the base. I've made this mistake myself.