I like to learn new skills. As well as long periods of regular employment for decent money - my portfolio career has included interludes of toilet cleaning in a psychiatric hospital, cauliflower picking and dental assisting in Western Australia, and occasional stints as a waitress, barmaid and checkout chick. I think I have mentioned previously that one of my mantras has always been 'You'll never be in the gutter if you're till trained.' I have a very dear friend in NYC who, as well as wishing all the usual 'health and happiness' stuff for her child, publicly states that she would like to equip her daughter with all the skills she might need to live under a bridge by the time she's nine. That's my kind of parenting!
Bearing all that in mind, I seized the opportunity to have a go at sheep shearing yesterday. My very patient colleague (who is a proper kick-ass farm girl), had the first bunch of ewes and yearlings in to shear, so I asked her to teach me.
Now I realise that at nearly six foot and pushing fifty I wouldn't be anybody's first choice as a shearing hand - but I was prepared to give it my best shot! I was brought up watching competitive shearing at the local A and P* shows in NZ (we knew what real entertainment was in those days!).
Bearing all that in mind, I seized the opportunity to have a go at sheep shearing yesterday. My very patient colleague (who is a proper kick-ass farm girl), had the first bunch of ewes and yearlings in to shear, so I asked her to teach me.
Now I realise that at nearly six foot and pushing fifty I wouldn't be anybody's first choice as a shearing hand - but I was prepared to give it my best shot! I was brought up watching competitive shearing at the local A and P* shows in NZ (we knew what real entertainment was in those days!).
HOW HARD COULD IT BE...?
...turns out REALLY HARD!
A bit like wielding a cut-throat razor and trying to hold a really difficult yoga position...
.. while somebody tries repeatedly to push you over.
.. while somebody tries repeatedly to push you over.
This was my first attempt...
The one in the middle is how they should look - the other two are mine.
I think the rest of the sheep are probably being mean to them about their hairdos now.
But I managed to get the fleeces off in one piece, without severing any ears (or other vital bits and bobs). Today, I feel slightly like I have been hit by a truck, but intend to have another go when the farmers bring the main flock in some time next week.
Don't know about you, but if the sheep need shearing after the Apocalypse - I'm gonna be ready....!!!
*Agricultural and Pastoral Shows
*Agricultural and Pastoral Shows
I'm impressed - yours have got character.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I keep writing replies to your comments on mine, but I forget you're a no-reply blogger, and only realise when I try to send them...
On the Museum of Modern History: there is a two headed kitten on display! I couldn't bring myself to take a photo but I think that rivals your conjoined twins cookie cutter don't you?
When you've got time I'd love to know more about 'your' museum.
Ooh - I didn't know I was a no reply person. Think I have fixed it now, so hopefully I will be less antisocial!
DeleteWe're an open air museum near Cardiff - I do gardens for th historic buildings that have been moved to the site. There's a whole lotta turnips going on!
Oh my! I think the one in the middle is sitting comfortably as it knows it doesn't have to go back in. Actually I am impressed that it came off in one piece I would expect that mine would have a lot more wool left behind
ReplyDeleteI think she's feeling smug that she got the senior stylist rather than the trainee!
DeleteI love your description of sheep shearing, and the punk 'do you inflicted! I would love to have a go at shearing, but whenever i bring it up with the sheep farming inlaws they just chuckle and pass me the dag brush!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteTerrible typing finger trouble!
DeleteWhat I was trying to say was - You should insist that they teach you! Then maybe we can enter an 'International Ladies Who Should Know Better' squad for next year's Golden Shears.