After the sheep are shorn, if the wool is to be preserved and used or sold, we skirt the sheep, that is we trim and clean the outer mats of the wool mat and then sent the wool of to a knitting mill in Vermont. Maria sells the wool as yarn and roving, it takes about four to six months on average to get the wool back. She should have it for Christmas.

This is perhaps our favorite farm chore, it ties us to ancient customs, to the sheep, and also to the dogs, who love to be near anything associated with sheep. We sit in opposite chairs and go through the wool, bag by bag. We pick out dirt, debris, trim the caked outer layers.

We label the bags and stuff them into plastic bags. There are lot this year, and we are getting wiser about keeping the fleece clean.

We usually have tea and apples or snacks while we work, and then we will drive together up to the knitting mill. This chore also connects to the farm, to sheepherding and to the way we live. As I write this, we are halfway through, we’ll get it done before dusk. We’re going to the Gulley’s for clams around one, then will finish.