I need a new roof

Ever have one of those bad days when everything seems to go wrong? I used to like butterflies but not anymore. I need a new roof too!!





Just kidding. I still like Butterflies and do not need a new roof.

Four Stand Tall

This is in memory of the four Officers who lost their lives today.


"Four Stand Tall" by Diane Pagel

Four Protectors in Blue,
Heads close in thoughts
Thinking of little details
While protecting the world.

Four parents of young children
They swore to serve and protect
Your children as well
They made the streets safe

Four honorable people
With hearts to love
And arms to circle
And make me free

Four people like you and me
Who sat down for coffee and a talk
To start the day for us
And to end the day for us

Four lives were lost
A senseless act of hate
Of four that gave their lives
To serve and protect

Four Angeles they are now
Their tears are rain upon my faces
As I also weep of the loss
Of Four I never knew

Four heroes,
Four lives,
And most importantly to me
Four people that I will honor


May you rest in peace.


My Father was a Deputy Sheriff and retired from the force.

Working new sheep

My neighbor got new sheep and I get to work them. As part of the deal, I do the shepherding of his flock. He got 12 Suffolks ewes, 25 lambs and one ram. The lambs are Scotties, Sufflolks crosses, white faces and a few unknowns. Well, the ram is actually mine but I put him with his flock to bred his ewes. The ram is Friesian  and Ile De France. I will use him next year to cross to my Clun Forest ewes.

Friday, Janet and I worked the new flock. Sue and George MacDonald came up and worked the Clun forest sheep. The new flock have been hardly worked by the dogs so they were super light and the ewes would turn on the dogs. We split the flock  out and took some lambs to work and put the rest in a pen. Gallo stayed with the lambs we worked. He is very protective of his flock.

Roo and I. He is waiting for me to tell him to Look Back and get the lambs behind me.

I did a shed and Roo came in nice and did great. We then worked this group.

Driving the lambs away. They did not want to be worked and fought the entire time.

But in the end Roo won and they drove very nicely. Roo is starting to team up well with me.

Janet worked Scott and they were getting the hang of it. Her blog

We all had a good time. Sue and George had a good work in the other field. After we were all done, we went for coffee and snackies at Pete's Bar and Grill. Sue and George are some of the coolest people and got me into this sport. I owe them tons!!

Gallo the Llama

Recently, we added a new member to our farm. Gallo, the llama. I got him from my friend Tammy. He took care of her sheep and has a proven track record with sheep. He was also a show llama and was handled extensively.

I need guardian animals for my sheep. At home, I have Kodi (Great Pyrenees) and Frankie (Maremma). At my far pasture, I have Emmy and Emma, the two Arabians. Now my friend Nayab just got a flock of almost 40 sheep and he needed some protection. I will be the shepherd for his flock so I loaned him Gallo.

Gallo quickly went to work, checking out the boundary and sniffing the sheep. He found the shelter and made himself at home. Each day, then the flock would graze, he would be with them and raise his head and stare if anyone approached him. He has the most regal stare and can and will look you down.

I really like Gallo and he will be a permanent fixture on the farm.

Photo by Tammy K.

Photo by Tammy K.

Photo by Janet T.

We worked the new sheep. As you can see, Gallo is checking out Roo. He took a good run at Roo but Roo evaded him.  Gallo is doing his job well.

Stress Free

Did I say Stress Free…?

Well, now I am stress free. Thanksgiving is over and I survived the huge platter of food that made its’ way to my stomach. Last year, I had gotten home from my major heart surgery and only ate a few bites of food, then had to take a pain pill and went to bed while everyone else had Thanksgivings. This year, I just got my first year check up and the Cardiologist said the new heart wall had sealed quite well and I was good to go. My energy is back and the only issue that I have is the sternum area…aka where the other surgeon just slapped me back together incorrectly.

We ate well at Thanksgiving. All of us!!

The sheep, the Guardian dogs, the poultry, horses, llama and of course, the Border Collies. We had an organic turkey that Getty stuffed with his homemade cornbread stuffing. He made green beans with onions and bacon. I made a homemade Upside Down Pineapple Cake that I got the recipe from top Chef. It was errr….an interesting cake, lots of flavor but very dense. Not a repeat recipe. My brother was gracious and took it home since it was his birthday cake.

My Mom made chili shrimp, a tasty green salad with lotus root, fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and persimmons. Nelson made this awesome mashed potatoes (rutabaga, garlic and buttermilk added) that was a out of this world!! He also made yams and sweet potatoes and roasted Fuji apples. We had other food but now I can’t remember!!

When my mom arrived, Tess and Nan went ballistic. They screamed and howled and where soon rewarded for their behavior but lots of treats from my mom. She gave them two large smoked bones and then double rations of dinner then lots of leftover from our plates. I could see their waistlines expanding but so was mine so I kept mum!!

It was a very enjoyable dinner. It was very nice to be surrounded by loved ones and realize what is important in life. The dogs were in their dog beds, peering over the edges, waiting in anticipation for their extra meal. They were not disappointed either. Lucy and Rainey, the other two house dogs were not here. Lucy is with Monique for the Winter Trials and Rainey at Scott’s for training. I did talk to Scott and she is doing well, still has the Princess Crown on but working well for him.

We certainly hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's when you reflect on life, your family, your religious beliefs, what is important and what else you want to do in your life. I’ve come a long way in the last 18 months of life, from almost dying to being whole again. I found out who my real friends were and who my false friends were. I found out that my dogs were my healers. The love my family has for me and the true depth of some of my dear friends is a cherished thought!

It’s a wonderful feeling. Hope ya’ll had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence."
--Erma Bombeck


"I have strong doubts that the first Thanksgiving even remotely resembled the 'history' I was told in second grade. But considering that (when it comes to holidays) mainstream America's traditions tend to be over-eating, shopping, or getting drunk, I suppose it's a miracle that the concept of giving thanks even surfaces at all."
--Ellen Orleans


"Turkey: A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude."
--Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary


"It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. Christians in public institutions often see this odd thing happening on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone in the institution seems to be thankful 'in general.' It's very strange. It's a little like being married in general."
--Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
--John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"I love Thanksgiving turkey. It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts."
--Arnold Schwarzenegger


"Thanksgiving is so called because we are all so thankful that it only comes once a year."
--PJ O'Rourke


"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?"
--Erma Bombeck, No One Diets on Thanksgiving


"It was dramatic to watch my grandmother decapitate a turkey with an ax the day before Thanksgiving. Nowadays the expense of hiring grandmothers for the ax work would probably qualify all turkeys so honored with 'gourmet' status."
--Russell Baker

"I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land."
--Jon Stewart


"Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often."
--Johnny Carson

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you', that would suffice."
--Meister Eckhart

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May you be with your family and enjoy your time together.

Comic Relief

These were sent to me. I love them and I hope you do too.

Cow Caption Winner

The winner of the Cow Caption contest is JO. Please contact me for your homemade soap prize

"The first 3 are linebred, the 4th is inbred."

Thanks to all who entered. We will do another contest soon!!

The Handler's Post

Here is a board when the USBCHA members can find out what is going on with the USBCHA organization. You will have to be a member to read it.

This board will post upcoming items to be discussed by the Directors as well as other info. It's a good site!!

The Handler's Post

Nov 14 trial update

Recently we attended a trial at Sue and George MacDonalds. There were over 20 people in Open. Monique ran Lucy and to see how they did you will have to go to her blog. They did very well and I am proud of them both. I ran Roo and Nan.

Roo actually did quite well. His score doidn't reflect how well he listened to me. He was a bit flat at the top but took the down and did a nice controlled fetch. Took every down and partnered up well with me. See how nice he is at the turn at the post.

He had a very nice and pacey drive and I held him back and he really tried hard to work with me. I was very happy  with his drive. He just walked the sheep into the pen.

He is a lot of dog and powerful so sometimes the sheep are terrified of him. We had to work to settle the ewes in the ring and when we did, the time ran out. He lost 6 on his outwork, 10 on the drive, 0 on the pen and 10 on his shed.

I ran Nan but no one took any pixs. She had tremendous outwork, missed the panels on the drive, sweet pen and a screaming awesome shed. She tied with Roo on points. I was happy with both dogs as they can be on the muscle but at this trial, they ran very well.

Ron ran Tait in Open. Nice turn at the post.

Tait is a tri smooth coat male that I got a few years ago from Scott Glen. He is a very tough dog and works cattle also. But underneath all of that toughness, is a very gentle, good nature and kind dog. Ron also ran Kane. He just moved them up to Open this year.

Ah, one of the sweetest dogs ever born. DeltaBluez Jackie (Deltabluez Tess x AltaPete Pleat). Scott Glen ran her a couple of year ago at the USBCHA Sheepdog Finals and got 20th overall.

Jackie is now owned (and loved) by Sue MacDonald. Sue and George are some of the nicest people that I have ever met. They host many trials and help foster sheepherding in our area. They were the people who got me into the sport!! So it was only fair, when Sue was looking for a future Open dog, that Jackie landed in her lap. It is a perfect home for Jackie and I am glad I sold her to Sue!!

Jackie adores Sue. They will be a great team so be on the lookout for them.

It was a great trial and I will be going back in Dec for the next one.

A Fantastic Artist!!

Patrice is a fantastic artist. She does stunning drawings and so far has done one portrait of a Shiro for us and is doing Tess as we speak, ahhhh, I mean blog!!

And she did the Bluegrass artwork in 2008. That is where I first saw her work and was hooked. She does very realistic work. Her rates are very reasonable and her turnaround time is quick.

Here is the Shiro artwork. As you can see, the photo was a headshot of a mostly white Border Collie. Notice the very detailed and crisp drawing we got back. We love it.

This is what I sent her for the second drawing. It will be Getty's Christmas present so it is a secret so shhhhhh, don't tell him. 

I have posted about Patrice's work before but today, it is worth a repeat. If you want a high quality drawing done in a reasonable time for a good price, I suggest her.

Her website is AustinAnimalArt

p.s.. Nan will be the third drawing to be done!!

Many Stages of Red

DeltaBluez Roo turns seven this month. It's hard tobelieve that time has flown by so quickly. Roo was sold to Ron but came back to me via a trade a couple of years ago. I also had Roo as a Nursery dog and trained/ran/qualified him for the USBCHA Sheepdog Nursery Finals. We didn't go that year due to a death in the family (Father-In-Law).

Roo is one of my Open dog. He is a jovial dog but very strong. We really like him a lot and he will retire here. Besides, he is a Tess son...what more can you say?

Look how sweet he looks here!

Innocent.

In the office at the chow line, otherwise known as Tess.

Another chow line.

Pups all in a row.

Christmas Eve.

Wow, look at Roo now. All grown up.

A true working sheepdog.

As well as a top Cowdog.

Not afraid to do the work.

Roo and his mother, Tess.

Ultimate Frisbee Masters Team

Before I go into Border Collies, I used to play Ultimate Frisbee. In 1992, I was the Captain of the USA Women's Team for the Ultimate Frisbee World Championship. It was played in Japan.

Jeff "Getty" Freeman played on the Masters Team. We meet in the San Francisco Airport, hung out and the rest, as they say, is history. Can you find him in this photo?

Ultimate consumed a large portion of my life back then. I traveled all over and meet tons of people. I played in several World Championship and Nationals Championship. I got a Gold Medal and a Bronze Medal in Worlds on the Masters Team (I was the only women playing) and it was well worth it then.

I'll have to dig up some of me and post them later. I used to be 105 lbs and be able to run for hours on end. Now I weigh more and only run 400 yards up the field. I retired in 2000 when Tess and I discovered sheepdog trialing. I miss it sometimes but as the years go by, a lot less.

I don't miss the cracked ribs, concussions or swollen knees. Now, all I have is my pride wounded at the post and bruises on my feet from the sheep stepping on them.

What was your journey to get into trialing?

Key Dogs from the Border Collie Family

I am selling some of my books. I have quite a large collection and reducing it. I am selling at this point any extra copies that I have. Each week, I will put up a book to be sold. Most are rare, out of print and collectables. Insurance is required. It must be paid in full before I ship the book.

First book to sell is:

Key Dogs from the Border Collie Family by Sheila Grew

Heritage Farms Publishing Company. 1993. First Edition

Fine condition in a dustwrapper. Burgundy imitation leather cloth boards with gilt title to spine. Many photos throughout the book. This was originally published in 1981 and volume II in 1985. This volume is revised and published in 1993. The original text has not been altered and this book contains both volumes. A valuable reference as to type, bloodlines and working ability of those Key Dogs.

Price $175 USA and Canada only (Postage and insurance included in the price)

Cow Caption

OK, it's time for a creative caption from you folks. Put your captions in the comments section and I'll pick the best one and add it to this posting. Keep it somewhat clean please as some children read this blog.

Derek Fisher Clinic wrap-up

We had a successful two days of lessons and a two day Handlers Clinic with Derek Fisher. The weather was wet (raining sideways at times), sunny at times, windy and cold. Parts of the field was under 2 inches of water on Saturday and then on Sunday, it was dry. Typical for western Washington weather.

In case you don't know him. Derek Fisher.

Our Little Red Fire. Jeanne B. picked up the fire for me at Camping World. She also picked up the walkie-talkies and head set so we could hear Derek talk. Much thanks to Jeanne B for doing this. We really appreciate you a TON!!



The pop-up canopy. It was windy so we put up sidewalls. The fire was in the middle and kept us warm. We used up a tank of propane that weekend as we were cold!! Kathleen is under the tent.

Close up of Kathleen. Notice Nan in the foreground. She was a good girl all weekend.

Janet and Scott. They really love each other. They are a good team and running in PN.

Kathleen and her Emma. Janet and her Scott. They are standing on top a bog that was very spongy and it would flex under your feet. Derek poked a hole in it and water gushed out like "Old Faithful" Then it became a normal ground again. It was fun while it lasted.

Nan..oh Nan.....I kept calling her but she was too busy watching what was going on at the field.

Janet, Audrye and Kathleen. Scott kept walking too close to the fire and got his tail singed.

I am running Nan and I had a hard time seeing as the sun was setting and the reflection was in my eyes. Nan doing a drive. We are working on square flanks and pace. She got it as well as me.

Scott waiting his turn.

Emma waiting her turn.

Scott still waiting his turn.

Me trying to see if we made the panels. (We did)

Derek just as happy as when he started.

The End. Fire is out and time to go back to the house for BBQ Chicken made by Getty. He cooked for us and made BBQ chicken, Cajun potatoes and we all ate well!!