Morning Open Thread is a daily, copyrighted post from a host of editors and guest writers. We support our community, invite and share ideas, and encourage thoughtful,respectful dialogue in an open forum. I’ve come to think of this post as one where you come for the music and stay for the conversation—so feel free to drop a note. The diarist gets to sleep in if she so desires and can show up long after the post is published. So you know, it's a feature, not a bug.
Join us, please, and as always, should you or any of your IM Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape/disc will self-destruct in five/ten seconds.
Good Morning, All!
Well, this is a first for me hosting this day’s MOT get together, but first.. Let me introduce myself. I’m the guy in the picture:
Yes, that’s me in the photo taken a little over a week ago in my back yard, Mt. Mitchell State Park, the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet, give or take an inch or two. If you look over my left shoulder, that’s our “backyard” way off in the distance; the next set of mountains over. Our farm is somewhere out there on another mountain.
Well, now that the introductions are in order..
Oh wait… I forget: This is “Ms.LC”, too:
So where were we.. Oh yes…..
So, this is who we are, and for those of you wondering where we reside, our farm is located in the Pisgah National Forest, in the heart of The Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, about 19 miles northeast of Asheville. Many have asked how and why did we choose to make our move from the NYC metropolitan area where were both professionally employed “DINKS” (Dual Incomes, No Kids). Well neighbors, that’s long story, but briefly we both decided that we wanted more out of life when we were in our 40’s, and with long thought, research, the driving desire, along with the motivation, we embarked on our project to start that new life.. Wellspring Farm.
Yes neighbors, we bought the farm, and from our humble beginnings of 8 Llamas, and four rabbits, we now have 79 sheep, 9 Llamas, 2 goats, 3 ducks, 6 chickens and a Rooster, 5 cats, and 4 dogs. We are a major wool producer in Western North Carolina, and one of, if not, the largest Merino sheep breeding farms in the South. We “grow wool” on our farm (not cucumbers, and cabbage), conduct veterinary seminars and other livestock lectures on the farm, mentor other young people interested in following our footsteps, also serve financially as a small start-up business incubator for others, give tours, entertain visitors (families, school and church groups), and travel to vendor shows (that’s where we sell our retail finished woolen products). Ms LC also teaches the fiber arts to students here on the farm (Knitting, Spinning, Dying, Felting, etc.), and we also compete in sheep livestock shows…., and then relax, when we get the chance, usually the day after our Christmas orders are filled: That’s when we take our vacation. Almost every weekend starting in September, right on through Xmas day, is booked with something.
We were fortunate to have found “our place” in this world, and now when the long days are done, and the sheep and other four legged “kids” fed, watered and put to bed, we both sit together, and listen to the wind of our souls……
And now wise words from Brother Yusuf:
Be safe out there.
Peace be with you.