Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Cove Eye Candy

Morris Knob as seen from my back porch. Morris Knob is the highest point in the county, standing at 4455 feet.
This view, from a different vantage point, is near what used to be called Half Mile Tree. The Half Mile Tree is no more as it's gone the way of all flesh but the view is still magnificent. I stopped while coming in from Wardell to take this photo.
Across the road from our house, someone is working Bill's field. I think they are planting corn in this field as crops vary from year to year.
This is one of my favorite views of the Cove, looking towards the head of the Cove proper, named Ward's Cove on maps. This is also the current header photo for Thistle Cove Farm blog and the view from our sun room.

Dry Run has a goodly amount of water this spring due to the many rainstorms we've had. Even though at one point, we had fourteen days of rain, our water table is still low. We didn't have much snow this winter so are dependent upon rain to raise the water table.
Moving cattle, horses and sheep from one pasture to another is common place in the Cove. Sometimes folks ride horses, here they are riding ATV's.

If there's anywhere more beautiful than the Cove, I've not been there. While Dave's people, the Bowen's, came here in the mid 1700's, I'm a new comer of fourteen years. My people have been in the Appalachia's for a bit longer but I'm still a new comer to the Cove.

It's spring in the Cove, Blackberry Winter actually, and days are perfect for working outside and nights are perfect for sleeping. Due to frost, the herb garden has taken a hard hit and my basil has died. The other herbs are still alive as are my flower gardens so, as always, hope springs eternal.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sheep Shearing Day at Thistle Cove Farm

Samuel is wearing a 100% virgin wool red scarf I designed and knitted.

Sheep Shearing Day at Thistle Cove Farm is an annual event and takes place, this year, on April 4th. Weather and shearer permitting, we get started around 9 a.m. and by 1 p.m. our small flock of rare, primitive Shetland sheep and Romney, Merino and crossbred sheep are nekkid. -smile-

Lost Arts Guild members demonstrate and sell traditional Appalachian crafts and you'll see spinners, weavers, basket makers, broom makers, gourds decorated, quilters, blacksmith and more. Each person will explain how they do what they do as well as why they make their items. Each has a story to tell and most, if not all, are rooted in these beloved Appalachian Mountains.
Family roots go deep, are often intertwined and always connected.

Mary will take photos of your children with my 'children', bottle fed lambs.

Cove Community folks sell hot food and drink with proceeds benefiting educational programs. If you want The Real Deal Ham Biscuit, better get here early as those are Quite Popular! Everything is home made and desserts are especially wonderful. Be sure to ask Cindy about future Cove Community events.

Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and plan on having the time of your life! It's the only time of year Thistle Cove Farm is open and free to the public.

For directions, visit Thistle Cove Farm; for more information, visit Thistle Cove Farm blog.

Service dogs only, please and thanks.