Sunday 12 July 2009

Beware of Sheep and Sewing Machines

Hi folks.

A few years ago I got to know one of our local farmers. I needed an extra bed or two for guests and he had a B&B in our village. His wife sadly passed away and since then had not been able to provide the breakfast. (men and kitchens - what is it?) Anyway after negotiating we arranged to do the breakfast if he would provide the beds. Around here most of the farmers have arable land, but this chap has sheep. I have always wanted to get involved in Spring Lambing so asked if he ever needed help. At first he was doubtful whether I was serious, but after some persuading he said, "Let's 'ave a look at yer ands" and then "Aye they'll do, nice and small." That was the start of something amazing. Nature is a wondrous thing.

Last year, I got the phone call and rushed to help. He had a Gimmer (his term for a first time mum) who was in labour, but free in the barn. What usually happens is that on first signs of labour, he brings them into a nursery unit where they are confined to a small area with straw and food and water available. This way he is able to catch them if they are in trouble. Anyway this one had escaped 'Quality Control' and we had to catch her first. It took four of us to round her up and as luck had it she came my way. (She probably eyed us all and said to herself that I was the least experienced of the lot and therefore her best chance of escape.) How wrong could she be. I made a dive and grabbed her thick fleece. On my way down to the floor, I banged my shoulder on a hay rick, fastened to the post I was stood near. We both ended up in a heap. My shoulder was mighty painful, but the Gimmer's needs were more, so I brushed myself down and got down to the job in hand and safely delivered her lamb. Isn't if funny, I can't remember the sex of the baby. Mind you there were a few that year.

A couple of days later, I went to check on mother and baby, with a shoulder that was every shade of blue, purple and black. I had obviously really hurt myself. However I didn't feel much pain and brushed it aside. The bruising died down, going through a change in the colour spectrum as is usual and I thought I was back to normal. That was until just before Christmas last year. I had been to the Quilt Market in Houston Texas and had a wonderful time. I returned with a renewed energy and so many ideas, I was positively buzzing.

So excited to see the Girls on Tuesday morning I was helping to set them up with their machines, I grabbed a machine off the floor and lifted it onto a table. I had done it a hundred times before, but this time just felt something pop in my upper arm and thought I had pulled a muscle. Making a concious decision to be careful, I thought nothing more about it.

Over the next few months my arm, shoulder and back all started to hurt and after a while I went to the doctor, who referred me to a physio. I have now been going to him and also a chiropractor (a woman with healing hands, who can tell where you hurt just by feeling) for several months. I have been manipulated, tweeked, pulled, pushed and massaged, from my finger tips to my neck, and although I am getting better it is a long and painful process, which is by no means over. It is the opinion that the Sheep started it and the Sewing Machine finished it off. So girls be careful - remember you are handling a Lethal Weapon.

PS - Phil now does the carrying of machines for both myself and our ladies, whenever possible.

3 comments:

  1. I don't plan on tackling sheep any time soon, but I know how difficult it can be to lift a sewing machine, especially if my embroidery unit is inside the case too. You don't always think about these things until it's a little late though. It is always appreciated when Phil lifts my machine in and out of my car each week.

    C x

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  2. Just found your blog and hope it goes well, regards to Phil. I will put it on the Keswick Embroiderers's Guild blog I run. Pete says Phil should start one then he will put a link on petesworkshop blog.

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  3. Thanks Lyn, I'll tell him he has yet another job. He'll be delighted.

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