So the winter weather “pre-spring” is the usual fare here in Colorado.  In the past week there have been 350 sighted Avalanches in the high country; closing down highways and byways.  One was clocked at 108 mph.  Several were right up the road from my old office.  I guess we don’t have to worry too much about snowpack this year.  Out at our place we have been getting a snow fall every week.  The temps plummet to below zero (last week we awoke to -18 and  I am continually amazed at the resiliency that the farm critters show to such cold weather).  The temps drop, the snow falls, and two days later we are in the high 50’s and everything becomes a mud hole.  Our puppy loves it!  There is nothing better than chasing a ball through mud puddles!  She never tires out!

Today was a lazy day.  After breakfast and chores, we just went out to the barn and hung out with the animals.  Spring is coming so everyone is, um, happy.  If we get some respite from the weather, the boy and girl goats will get together.  We could have put Cumin in with one of the bucks last week, but we had one of the snow cycles I just described.  The turkeys are finally laying eggs, and we have been getting an education in heritage breed turkey mating rituals.

In between snow and ice storms, building the remaining parts to the additional garden beds, teaching gardening classes, my retreat from mostly everything and everyone (that will actually leave me alone), I was finally able to get the napkins I designed onto the loom.  It’s a huge project that goes along with my last set of placemats and table runners.  It’s a 14 yard long wind on (42 feet).  The pattern is a twill.  Each napkin will be approximately a 24×24 square before shrinkage.  The yarn is very thin so it had a seriously frustrating desire to snarl.  But!  After 3 popped threads, some farmer cussing, and a lot of patience, I got it all under tension and ready to go.

This is the first pattern I “made up” and designed on my new fancy weaving software.  Nothing too complicated, but I think it will turn out just peachy.  It feels good to be throwing the shuttle again.