This past weekend Owen, Tracy, and I went to Ithaca, city of dreams, for shearing school. It took place at Cornell's sheep farm where there are plenty of sheep available for novice shearers. The shearing literature says, "Shearers are normal people who have trained their bodies to do extraordinary things." Indeed! It was the most physically challenging activity I have ever engaged in. The act of holding the sheep and moving the sheep while shearing it involves almost every muscle in the body. I feel it in my stomach, my inner thighs, and across my chest.

Our teacher was Doug Rathke, a competitive shearer who is amazing to watch. This July he and another seasoned shearer are attempting to set a world record for shearing sheep for more than 24 hours straight. I wonder if that will be on ESPN.

Here is Doug demonstrating on a ram.

From Doug

Here is little ol me giving it a whirl.

From album

Tracy is a natural.

From Shear

It was physically and emotionally challenging, but Owen and I kept our chins up.

From kcowenshear

Shearing seems to be becoming a lost art. Most people who raise sheep have others shear for them. Shearers drive long distances to shear people's sheep and many have trouble finding someone to shear, especially if you have a small flock. The idea of shearing our entire flock is daunting, but I hope that we will be able to do it. I love the idea of learning this skill and being good enough to get the job done. The professional shearers who were at the school to help out were the kindest, most patient teachers. They took their time helping me and reminding me of the next blow, how to hold the sheep, and offered many an encouraging word. I thank them and look forward to being a part of their group.

An added bonus of shearing school was getting to visit Ithaca and stay with Rachel, a friend of Owen's from their shared days at Wesleyan. Rachel, assisted by Chris and Zookie, definitely win 'Host of the Year' award. Rachel had lasagna waiting for us when we arrived on Friday night. She got up at 6 am to make us french toast for breakfast and greeted us after our long first day of school. She showed us around Ithaca, offered delightful conversation, and she and Chris even picked up this oil can for us at her favorite junk store. Thanks Rachel and Chris!

From shearing