Shearing this year was an explosive two and one half weeks, culminating in one marriage suffering extreme pressure and another falling apart completely. (I won't tell you whose marriage fell apart - it was someone who we have come to think of as family. But the marriage under pressure was mine.) Daniel has all sorts of issues with his employer (his mother) and doesn't hold back in telling her about them. I am proud of both of them, seeing them operate a shed. Daniel shore his largest number of sheep in a single run - 54. Altogether we shore 2500 sheep, 55 bales, average 4.5kg per adult sheep. Remember, we had not set foot on a farm (with serious intent) until 7 years ago.
THROWING THE FLEECE: THERE'S A KNACK TO ITMy wife and son have done an amazing job learning this business. We had the expert support of our regular shearers Col Doherty and Steve Minnett and as roustabout Len Cooney. Louisa's brother Breck baled up for a week, and his lovely girlfriend Robey was 'shearers' cook' (fantastic food). My friend and client Kevin James and the quite incredible Liesel, his wife, and two beautiful daughters visited. And my daughter Rachael and grandson Xavier were here for a week as well. And my best man's wife arrived to stay overnight, bringing the news that their marriage was collapsing. (Something in the stars?) All the while, the shearers kept clicking those shears. It was a glorious carnival of people, the place was buzzing. The most exciting time of the year. The crucible of human emotion.
LOUISA SKIRTING THE FLEECE: TRIMMING OFF THE POOR QUALITY WOOL
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