RAMSAY FARMS: Merrymoon Ebonwald I'm a Q.T.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Merrymoon Ebonwald I'm a Q.T.

Well after driving all the way to Port Huron, MI to pick her up, it was worth the wait and worth the drive! I left thursday AM around 10 and when I got about 2 hours from home I drove right into a snow storm! All the way to the WI border I drove in that wet heavy snow with white out conditions. It again found me from Madison WI to Rockford, IL. Ice until I got around Chicago and then rain all the way to Port Huron. When I got to PH around 3;30am local time, they informed me no hotel rooms were available in a 50 mile radius due to some Hockey Tournament! So I drove to the nearest rest stop and slept in the back seat of my sisters car. (she let me borrow her Pontiac Grand Am). WOW was that an experience. So with about 4 hours of on and off napping, I went to meet Ell's breeder and we had breakfast. Such a nice lady with TONS of knowledge of the breed! Ell immediately jumped into my arms with happy tail wagging, lots of licks on the face and whimpering. She was happy!

I was so exhausted I drove only to Grand Rapids, MI where I stayed with some Pygmy goat breeder friends. I could not get a hold of Stephen and was hoping I'd be able to see him but it didn't work out this time. BUMMER! I ended up staying the night and getting up early and went to breakfast with my friends. I drove all the way around the bottom part of Lake Michigan and met some friends in Milwaukee for lunch. A few hours later and I was on the road again and made it home for Ell to meet the other dogs and my family.

I must admit Ell's personality and temperament is to die for! She warmed up really quickly to the dogs at my friends house and all three very well fed house cats. She even barked when she heard someone come in the door.....as if she was saying "Who goes there!? This is my house now!" It was very cute.

My favorite photo is the last photo where she is laying in the coffee table. It is every dogs favorite place to be when they are so little. I thought Zoe's blue eyes were hard to say no to....Just look at those dark brown eyes!!

3 comments:

Nancy K. said...: She is a doll, Garrett! How many dogs do you have now??????

;-); January 19, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Michelle said...: She certainly is a Q.T.! Congratulations on your newest addition! (And it's nice to see some new posts. :-); January 20, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Kelly N said...: Thanks for the pix. You will have to let me meet the crew when I come for your SFCP inspection!!; January 21, 2008 at 12:50 PM

Who we are

Ramsay Farms is situated in the northeastern part of Ottertail County, near Perham, Minnesota. This family farm of 320 acres has been in the Ramsay family for five generations, dating back to 1892. Today our farm prides itself on our Simmental cattle, Shetland Sheep and BlueFaced Leicester sheep. We strive to breed animals that closest match the breed standards given to them, and mindful of production, health and longevity in our animals as well.

In spring of 2016, there was a purchase of 32 acres in Green County, Wisconsin to accommodate Garrett for his work in that region. The animals have for the most part been moved to that location. Both locations will work in tandem to continue educating and promoting these animals and this way of life.

From the Shetland Sheep Society

"Shetland sheep have for generations been noted for their very soft and well crimped fleece. The wool is the finest of all native breeds and shows an amazing variety of colours and patterns. There are 11 main whole colours and 30 recognised markings.

By selecting from coloured fleeces a range of naturally coloured yarn can be produced. This eliminates the need for dyeing and therefore retains the soft feel of the natural fibre and is favoured by those who prefer a totally natural approach.

Shetland wool fibres are of a simple construction witha central cortex covered by a thin scaly cuticle, and have an average diameter of about 23 microns. However there is a range from 10-20 microns for neck and shoulder wool to 25to 35 microns for britch wool. the average staple length is 3.5 inches. The amount of crimp varies, and is most important in providing the 'bounce' required for knitwear. There is a positive correlation between fineness and crimp, with wool of the finest quality being crimped at between 8 and 12 to the inch. Wool from shetland sheep is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous 'Fair Isle' knitwear, and fine tweeds. Pure bred Shetland sheep tend to shed their fleece in sprin. The growth of new fleece can cause a rise or weak point and where this is present the fleece can sometimes be plucked or 'rooed' by hand. The timing of this can be different in each sheep, however, it is worth taking the care to get it right as rooed fleece can be amongst the softest because the fibres have no harsh cut ends as occurs with a sheared fleece.

Shetland fleece can be handspun straight from the fleece or made into rolags and then woollen spun. It can also be sorsted spun by hand, used on a peg loom or handwoven. It also felts well using either dry or wet methods. When processed commercially the wool can be made into the finest lightweight worsted cloth or heavier weight, harder wearing fabrics and tweeds."

RAMSAY FARMS

Friday, January 18, 2008

Merrymoon Ebonwald I'm a Q.T.

3 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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