I spent the weekend with Shannon of Kenleigh Acres and Joan of Mud Ranch at Shannon's place in Oregon. The original purpose of the visit was to pick up Clint, a ram lamb for this year's breeding line-up.

But Joan and Shannon and I turned it into a private retreat. I taught Joan to spin. Joan gave me photography pointers. Shannon helped both of us with sheepdog issues. I was trying to figure out what Shannon got out of this deal and I realized that it was Houseguests.

Here is Joan spinning away on the Ashford Travellor double treadle wheel, which worked really well for her.

Shannon is giving Joan's collie, Hank, his first lesson.

Joan's Dad is getting pointers from Shannon on how to train his Australian Shepard, Harley.

This is the English Sheepdog puppy, Tolo, at the end of a leash held by Joan's mom.

Rusty waited patiently for his turn.

Shannon put Rusty through his paces.

It could be said that Rusty is a little too enthusiastic. But more to the truth is that Rusty has been confused by his handler (that would be me). It was very helpful to work with Shannon because she saw things that I was doing that are counter-productive to the way I'd like Rusty to behave as a sheepdog.

I spent some time working on one of the many projects that I brought with me.

I'll post photos tomorrow of what this became.

Shannon felted a bowl and several soaps while I worked on my fiber project.

It rained all weekend. After all, this is Oregon-what did we expect? The rain cleared on Saturday afternoon, but on Sunday it seemed continuous. The rain has its advantages however.