Puppies at 15 days

Blissful sleep.

So full I can't move.

Please don't wake me

These are some of Mopsy's puppies at 15 days.  Mopsy must be so relieved after feed time when the puppies all collapse into a sound sleep.  Today Mopsy is having a trim, shampoo and pedicure (or is that manicure and pedicure).  Hope she remembers to return to the puppies.

Mopsy plus 10

Well, let me introduce you to Mopsy's new family.  10 puppies were born last Thursday.  All are well and learning to fight for a feed.  There are 6 boys and 4 girls, a bigger litter than I expected.  Guess feeding time is chaotic for Mopsy who is a great mother.

My Favourite Blossom

Each year I wait for my favourite blossom. I have 3 quince trees which provide us with quinces some years and not others, depending on the winds in October. So far so good this year.

Mopsy our dog comes home from the breeder this week. These are two of the rascals. It was impossible to get all nine puppies together for a family group photo. Mopsy is so over her puppies and I'm sure will be glad to come back to the quieter farm life. Darwin is missing Mopsy but as Darwin has taken over Mopsy's kennel who knows what sort of welcome there will be. They certainly both won't fit in the one kennel.

This little chap was in a bucket hiding under another bucket. Rather difficult to get a photo of a frog in a bucket. Frogs are returning to this area and can be rather noisy.

I'm off to the felting studio to make some felt squares for upcoming markets. Have a few ideas so will take some photos of finished pieces. No shortage of materials here, just the time to get things done. Have washed fleece today and have spread it out to dry in the sun.

Puppies at 5 Weeks

Just how cute are these puppies. I think it will be impossible to get all 9 puppies together in the one photo. David, Brie and I are going to visit the puppies some time this week so there will be more photos.

I have not seen water in the fountain in the Ballarat Gardens for years. Such a graceful sight as the water catches the light.

And Wallace is in a prominent position to keep a watchful eye.

I now have to go and hang out washing and do some baking. Michele is quite ill now and we are all taking turns to visit her in Melbourne. We are being careful not to do the visitor overload. Michele is in hospital but may be able to go home for a while.

It is important for us to eat healthy food and when I'm tired I grab whatever. So with some planning I have been preparing meals today so there is always something ready to be heated. David and I seem to pass like ships in the night but on V Line trains , not ships.

Did the washing today thinking I'll get it dry - well blue clouds and breeze. Of course when I put the washing on the clothes line the grey clouds and rain arrived.

Dyeing lots of fleece so will take photos when I have time.

The Show and the Girls

Brie and I enjoyed a day at the Royal Melbourne Show during the week. The weather was OK and we had a great day. We like the farm, animal and craft sections of the show. This is some machinery from Lake Goldsmith near Ballarat.

What a fabulous pattern on this chook (chicken as some call them). The poultry shed was very noisy as you can imagine. I would like some more chooks but need a safer chook yard. We have one chook who lays us an egg each day and definitely has had 9 lives.

Been there and done the duck thing. Really like ducks but very messy (always at front door!) and getting them to bed was quite a chore. Foxes take a nightly stroll here.

The main reason to go to show was to watch the Garyowen. The rider and horse put so much time into preparing for this event. A delight to watch.

We took a picnic to the show, had our compulsory cup of tea at the CWA and then headed for the crafts pavilion. Love to look at the decorated cakes, knitting, bookbinding and other cooking preserves.

And these are Mopsy's five girls. Not ready for yesterdays blog as it took time to prepare to be photgraphed. Fine young pups full of energy.

The Boys

These are Mopsy's handsome boys. They are 4 weeks old now. I just went out to feed Darwin and he is all wet. And that is a lot of wetness! Brie is coming home and when she is here Darwin loves to come in and sit on his bed. Well thats not happening tonight. By the way Darwin has the choice of 4 kennels as Mopsy is away so there is no need for him to stand in the rain.

The Nine of Us

Well, I wouldn't be surprised if Mopsy decided to leave this lot! Mopsy now demands time off and has a play with the adult dogs. Eyes are open and I guess its nearly time to start exploring.

How cute are these puppies. These three look the most like Mopsy. Love the white paws and white tip on the tail. David and I will go to visit in a week or so.

Puppies and Fleece

We live just south of Ballarat and our bulbs bloom just a little later than in town . But every year they return with happy faces.

Have been washing fleece this week. Just as well I have it all dry as the rain is pelting down today. Some of the fleece will be at my stall at the Arts Centre market on Sunday. The remainder is for the next Ewe Beaut Fibre Sampler http://www.ewebeaut.blogspot.com/

And here are Mopsy's puppies one week old today. I have been informed that Mopsy is the perfect mother although she does tend to bury the pups in the straw. Can't wait to go and visit. We are certainly missing Mopsy. The big boy Darwin is enjoying special attention. Last night I wanted to bring him inside for some TLC. Darwin seemed to have other ideas and kept running off with the lead expecting to go for a walk in the dark. This morning he was perfect making up for last nights questionable behaviour.

Our next door neighbour must have sold her house although the "Sold" sign hasn't been put up. New people moving in today - well trying to move in. A truck with the biggest container arrived and took one look at the wet roadside. Lots of turning, churning mud and messed up gravel road and truck was bogged. Didn't think it was appropriate to go out with camera. Eventually the truck, container and furniture left. Guess if you purchased 10 acres you would think it would be easy to move in. The entrance to the block is quite narrow. Will keep a watch out for the next episode.

Going to have to make a mad dash to the studio - rain still heavy. Have felted hats to finish this afternoon.

Tea Cosies and Puppy News

Have been making Tea Cosies. These two I have made this week for the Arts Centre Market and I have several more nearly finished. If you are interested in tea cosies but are unable to get to the market let me know. The cosies have a knitted lining so will keep your tea warm.

Last weekend Mopsy gave birth to 9 healthy puppies, 4 more than expected. We haven't been to visit the puppies as yet. Mopsy has apparently been very protective of her new crew. If you are interested in Portuguese Water Dogs have a look at http://www.bluegrace.com/

Spinning is becoming so popular again. I have been washing fleece today, a very dark black brown, a gorgeous donkey brown and white. Took a photo and have left the camera in the studio so will post a photo tomorrow. Will take a mixture of colours to the market.

Its dark and I haven't fed the animals. They will be rather annoyed with me so had better be off and put together some meals for them. I'm sure they will understand I had an order to label and pack.