The Wool Gathering

 

A few weeks ago, our family took a trip to the Wool Gathering at Young's Dairy.  I was super-excited to visit and ask questions and learn from people with much more experience than myself. The festival offered many activities for the children. They got to use punch needles, drop spindles, felting boards, and more. I got to try a few drop spindles myself. There was fiber of all kinds to touch and demonstrations galore. Our family got a personal demonstration on how to use a spinning wheel, and instructions on how to use combs for wool. Eek...exciting!

 

Hannah and I have been eager to use our Angora rabbits' fur and Shetlands' wool. However, we've been busy with closing the garden and getting school underway.  I hope, once the season slows down, we'll be able to wash our wool and start combing and spinning it.

 

We brought a few treasures home with us from the festival. Besides enjoying ice cream, (one must eat ice cream while visiting Youngs), we brought home wool roving, to practice spinning on the drop spindles the children received, and a Tunisian drop spindle, made from a 3D printer.

 



Noah is using a punch needle to make the letter "E" for Eli.



Samuel and Eli are learning to use their cd drop spindles. You can find instructions for making and using these on YouTube.

 

We had a good experience, going and talking with people who raise sheep, goats, alpacas, and rabbits for fiber and pets. We learned much about processing our wool. I really enjoyed the vendors and talking with them. The beautiful yarn and roving was addicting to touch and look at. This was truly my grown-up version of a child in a candy store. I'm looking forward to going again next year.

 



 



Away to Play

A few weeks ago, our family took a trip to Navarre, Florida to hang out at the beach, explore and spend time with Grandparents. We had a great time relaxing and playing.

The coast offers great learning opportunities. The kids like searching for critters and inspecting new finds.

 

One of our favorite hang-outs is in Destin, Florida. We enjoy snorkeling and playing in the calm waters of Jetties East. The water is beautiful and crystal clear. The sun and tide cause the water to change from emerald blue to green-brown. It's fun to sit on the beach and watch the gradual change in the water. This quiet place is becoming popular,  but if  you go in the early evening, the beach becomes a private oasis.

 

 

Much of our time in Florida is spent at Navarre Beach/Gulf Islands National Seashore . We happened to be visiting during the off-season, so the beach was quiet and spacious, besides the day the sea slugs invaded. The link for Gulf Islands Seashore is filled with information about the area, as well as a link to homeschooling ideas and plans.

 

Hermit crabs are easy to catch at the Jetties.

 Papaw and Samuel had a good time waiting to be seated for dinner.

While on our trip, we took the opportunity to experience a history lesson. Fort Pickens was built in the 1800's to protect Pensacola Bay and the Navy Yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eli has been collecting Junior Ranger books. His aunt gathered books for him while she travelled out West. The Junior Ranger program gives children the opportunity to learn about the park they are visiting, while also learning to preserve and care for it.  

 

Fort Pickens was also used during WWII. We took time to explore the batteries around the park.

 

 

We relaxed, explored, visited and played. When we returned home, the weather was a bit cooler and the feel of Autumn was in the air. The familiar smells and sights welcomed us home. Or, shall I say, the goats and chickens welcomed us home. We are happy to be home and settled back into our routines. We've made beautiful memories and are looking forward to making more. Plus, I already miss my ma.

 

The last two pictures were from a fun competition Da and I were having. We wanted to see who took a better sunset shot.