Winter has arrived...

Posted by Lewis White on Dec 10, 2017

Finally. We seemed to have an early fall but then the temps heated up again. At last we are seeing some cold weather with 2 nights down in the low 20's. Not much compared to some of you but pretty good for around here. Of course, the relay in the old 1940's floor furnace picked this moment to burn out so that's on the immediate agenda for service this week. Glad we have the fireplace as back up. Mrs LB is all about redundancy in anything life sustaining. I have her to thank for forcing a house design that heats without electricity so we are always warm, a stove that cooks without electricity so we always have food and backup credit card clearance because those things always break down when the lines are backed up out the door.

The show season is over and it was better than some and worse than others. We are coming up on 32 years in business and 27 years in sheep & wool. I can say unequivocally that the method of business in general and sales & marketing in particular are nothing now like they were years ago. So many of our suppliers have gone out of business as markets & trends have changed. Those long distance calls and occasional meals with global friends are truly missed. The interests and usage of our customers has changed as well. Having said all that, we are lucky that over the years we have built a foundation of loyal customers that keep us going and keep us trying even when we feel frustrated and disheartened. For you, we are always grateful.

Christmas is almost upon us (ready or not) and I would like to share with you some wonderful speculoos cookies , a beautiful wool staple from a fall clip of Romney x Border Leicester that's enough to make a shepherd's heart sing with joy! Elmer has turned 1 year and would like to share his latest selfie . He's such a big boy now.....where oh where did our little puppy go?

I would also like to share a beautiful poem by Dr. Baxter Black that was published in the Alabama Cooperative News this month.

How Do You Know It's Christmas?

So how do you know it's Christmas?

'Cause the sheep can always tell.

They follow a little tradition and have for quite a spell.

On Christmas Eve around midnight, the sheep, wherever they are

All rise in quiet unison and fixate on a star.

And from their stirring comes a sound, a chuckling tra, la, la

That weaves and builds itself into a soft melodious baaa

Which carries like a dove's lament when nights are very still

As if they're calling for someone beyond a yonder hill.

The legend herders passed on down attributes this tradition

To one late night in Bethlehem. A heavenly petition

Wherein a host of angels came and lured them with a song.

The herders left in haste, they say, and stayed gone all night long.

Well, sheep don't do too well alone. They've never comprehended

That on that night they waited up, the world was upended.

So, now when daylight shortens up and nights get long and cold

I make my check at midnight like we've done since days of old.

And if I find the flock intent and standing all around

I listen for the heavenly host above their throaty sound

And scan the dim horizon in an effort to discern

The sign the sheep are seeking, that their shepherds will return.

And I am but a watchman in this drama that replays

Around the earth this time if year, and so I stand and gaze

And though I see no special star or hear no sweet noel.

I know it must be Christmas, 'cause the sheep can always tell.

May all of you have a glorious and blessed Christmas full of love, family and friends. Please don't forget those in need, two legged or 4, and share all that you can. From Little Barn to you, Merry Christmas!

← Older Post Newer Post →