It has been crazy busy around here. Ever since fall actually. I am still trying to work it all out, but I think I am going to have two more full lambing seasons, this and next year. Then I will only cross breed a few ewes every year for some freezer lambs until things slow down around here. I will keep a spinner's flock of my Shetlands, but many will be available for sale over the next two years. I have been working part time supervising student teachers for a local college, but the time may be upon me that I will need to return to a more permanent work schedule. In my field, teaching, there really aren't any jobs at this time and it doesn't look like there will be any for quite some time. However, if I hope to ever get back "in", I will have to begin substitute teaching and hope things get better. Things are really terrible in NY right now in terms of Education. Schools are facing large budget gaps and quickly dwindling reserves. One hundred school districts across the state become insolvent this year alone. All the other schools are not far behind. The State has reduced the funding to most upstate schools, as always the "City" will be getting the lion's share. The State also put a 2% property tax cap in effect. We pay huge property taxes in NY so I appreciate the tax cap to some extent, but to do both at the same time is putting the public schools, rural schools in particular, in crisis. They are all panicking, threatening huge cuts and drastic measures. Neither will be good for students. So it has forced my hand. I may even run for our local school board because of the situation, which would take considerable amount of my time if I do. If I don't and things go from bad to worse, I will need the additional time anyhow to home school or to bring in outside income to pay tuition. Yes I tipped my hand there a bit, something only a few of you know about me. As they mature the demands of the schedules we have faced in the past 6 months has changed dramatically. With a couple cases of mono thrown in, which has contributed to my long stretches of silence this winter, I see we are spreading ourselves a little thin. The time may be here that the sheep business will have to be put aside until a later date. We are VERY attached to the sheep that are still here, so the decisions will be difficult. Please inquire if you are interested in a starter flock in 2012 or 2013. All rams will be for sale this year. Some available at anytime and a few in the fall after the last Shetland breeding season here for a while. Adult, yearling, and ewe lambs will also be available. I would like to keep at least one of every color and pattern, but there will be some really beautiful sheep for sale so please let me know if you are interested in any in particular. I would really love to see some go together and to good homes. In terms of outside lines, Olympia, Hester, Quechee, and Marshmello are not a choice...they are pets. Choosing among the ones lambed here will be more difficult and something I am not looking forward to doing, although I know it has to be done.
I'm so sorry that you are faced with such a difficult decision Kate. We've had similar cut backs, lay offs and unemployment in our state this past couple years. Our teachers (our future) are being reduced by the hundreds.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you, I will pray that a solution presents itself for you and your family soon.
Kara, it looks like only two of the three ewes I bred are pregnant, and I'm thinking even lambs from two is going to be a concern in this economy. I think most of us are in the same boat, albeit a very large boat with many different levels. Still, if it hits an iceberg and sinks, we all are facing the same fate! My faith in God and the future He lays out in His word is all that keeps me from panicking....
ReplyDeleteOh, there is not even enough space to get me going on education, lets just say I lost $2,000 this year on my salary, mayor of Cleveland is looking to go to all charter schools, the district I work in is looking for the teachers to take an easy 7% pay cut to clear up "budget deficits", its a mess, but NO ONE blames the lack of parenting in the inner city...its just the teachers fault as always. Its ugly out there Kara. Didnt know NY was having issues too Kara. I wish you the best, I have been doing a lot of thinking & trying to have a back up plan because I do not want to give up what I love most, the animals. So when did teachers become public enemy #1?
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