Busy day today! First I got to visit with the noxious weeds rep from the county. She dropped by to spray the (thankfully) teenie patch of sericea lespedeza. She gave the rest of the pasture a once-over and confirmed the growth was limited to one little area. It’s well away from the sheep and smack in the middle of the flattest part of the pasture, so I’m not concerned about contamination or runoff. And although it’s a weed that’s supposed to be a natural dewormer, it’s also pretty much the kudzu of the prairie from what I hear, so best to nip it in the bud!
Then I got to observe a Kansas Arts Commission panel for a grant I applied for–very interesting and useful. I got respectable marks, but with the limited funds and big cutbacks to KAC funding, I’m not overly optimistic, alas. It was also really cool to see what other people are working on–I wish I had been able to sit in on more of the reviews.
Then I rushed back to get ready for a visit from a troop of Earth Scouts. They’re a co-ed scouting organization with an emphasis on the environment, diversity, peace and community. I like that the groups mix boys and girls. I don’t know if it’s true for all Earth Scouts, but this group included a wide range of ages as well.
A group of nine kids–from toddlers to I’m guessing about 8 or 9?–and their parents came out to meet our sheep, learn about wool, dye yarn, and help me spin. First they met the sheep, then all of the children dyed their own mini skeins of yarn with a combination of Kool-aid and food coloring. While we microwaved the yarn to set the dye, they tried washing a little raw fleece, then everyone took a turn helping card a batt. When the batt was finished, I gave a little spinning demo on the wheel, then all the kids took turns treadling while I drafted behind them. It was fun and the kids did a great job and seemed genuinely engaged in all the activities. Some of the older kids even tried drop spindling. They’ll be using the yarn they created to weave their own belts, which will be used to hold all the badges they’ll earn.
I’m hoping to get some pictures from the parents–especially of the team spinning!