ECCH WORKING ON CAMPAIGN PLATFORM

Dictated by Sullivan/ECCHM and Posted by Ovi/ECCHAM

ECCH staff has decided to draft a Campaign Platform which we knows is a bit out of order from what is normally done. Done? Well, a platform we have learned, is a statement of positions on issues, which a political party makes promises to achieve.  Hm. Sort of like a check off list of things they want and they will make happen. The Campaign is all about exactly what they say they will do to achieve the promises in their Platform. The Election is to vote the candidate of a party to a specific job where they do what the platform wanted and promised. The term of office an elected candidate spends seems to be nothing at all to do with the platform.

This brought up quite a debate at ECCH, why would a platform for Easter Creature 2012 be needed at all....We didn't do the 'party' step. We went directly to having a candidate and we knew our Noah and anyone who had met the Rude Rabbit would know all they needed to know. But Piper has started to speak lately, thanks to Herzig, and in the middle of the debate he started talking.

"The reason we should write a platform of all the things we believe is so we can remind ourselves of the reasons the position of Easter Creature shouldn't belong to any one creature. It is a very very important job. Its a job all about joy, spring, kindness and being nice. It is a job about a religious belief that helps children understand their faith. And it makes me think that there must be similar wonderful ways for children growing up in all faiths and maybe those who celebrate Easter could learn about those other children and their faiths. And our Noah's encounter last spring with that Rude Rabbit showed that the Rabbit has begun to care more about himself than being nice. We don't want children learning about Easter from the Rabbit."

I looked around the headquarters and saw that all the Ovines were listening very carefully to Piper. Piper had stopped talking but I knew that there was so much more he could share so I asked him to please go on.

"If you want me to Sullivan" Piper said. "The Platform will be to remind us that the position of Easter Creature shouldn't belong to Ovines either. It will tell us before we become rude and inconsiderate Easter Ovines, just why Noah decided to ask to be Easter Creature." Piper looked down for a moment and then said, "I believe there should be several issues we address in the Platform. 1. That Easter Creature is for any creature. 2. That kindness is important. But I think we also should teach what Ellis the Ram and Esme the Ewe teach each of us. To be OPEN AND ACCEPTING of everyone and every belief. 3. That life in the pasture or a rabbit hole or a nest in the tree is all about being careful how we live. Pastures aren't made of plastic and can't be purchased in a store, so why should Easter baskets. Easter should be all about being Green. After all, Green is the color in the Pasture. Green is one of the colors that tell us its Spring. Green is the color of growing. That is all I have to say, Thank You Sullivan for allowing me to speak."

One by one each of us agreed that those 3 ideas were the perfect beginning for the PLATFORM. As baa'ing broke out it was soon decided that 1.Easter doesn't belong to only 1 Creature and 2. Open and Accepting, would be easy to explain in our PLATFORM. But the real fun would be in 3. Green. Somewhere I just knew Noah was saying, TAKE THAT RUDE RABBIT!


ECCH~CM SULLIVAN

Technical Problems Creating Campaign Material !

posted from ECCH Staff

The ECCH crew has been working 'ears to tail' creating banners, signs and working on the party Platform. The Platform draft we are very pleased with, and will post about it and put it on our Campaign 2012 page~very soon.

The other tasks were going well but we were suddenly being plagued with technical issues due to our Campaign Materials Software. Callopie, our Office Manager, had done research and found a company offering a great deal. So we ordered it and got to work. All went off without a hitch, we thought. But when we later opened them up to finalize and print-things weren't as we had 'saved' them. We investigated the entire ECCH staff but no one had been on the computer so no ovine action seemed to be responsible for the problems. The first problem we noticed was a line which appeared on a sign we were planning. The two small photos here show what we saw when we opened the saved file.

BEFORE

AFTER
Also, don't misunderstand, we like purple very much. Purple is one of our favorite colors. But we didn't put the little purple line there! Plus the color purple from the 'before' was different from the color purple in the 'after'. Noah, The Grey One, is normally our 'figure it out via research' ovine. But he was in the Dennison Pasture with his Campaign Manager Mr Sparkles working on campaign strategies. Himhe and Ovi spent a few days at the computer trying everything they could to find the answers but finally had to admit, they had no answers.

So we asked our Callopie for the information on the software and where she had procured the product. After a bit of time on the computer she had all the information we needed. The software we purchased came from Campaign Design Software Co. owned by UBuyWeNoSupport Inc. They had a live chat line we could go to, which we had no doubt would explain and give solutions for our problems. At least that is what we hoped. Before we started our live chat and knowing our HC has often used such resources for many items she has purchased, it was decided we get some pointers on the best approach with this method.

That is when we first heard the word~~~the name~~~MUQBAR. Based on our HC's reaction...the flock realized.....we might be in big trouble.

Sullivan and staff at ECCH

NOW OPEN~East Coast Campaign Headquarters

posted by Callopie~Headquarter Chief Administrative Assistant{HCAA}

dictated by Sullivan~East Coast Campaign Headquarters Office Manager{ECCHOM}

With NOAH~THE GREY ONE and Mr Sparkles still working on the party platform and campaign itself on the West Coast, I decided we couldn't wait to get the GREEN FLAG. So I called together my 'team' to get things rolling here in the pasture. Himhe, always adept at recognizing problems, I brought in as my assistant. Marty Grau and Ovi both volunteered to assist where ever needed. To repay me for hiding all those days my little sister Callopie, volunteered as Administrative Assistant.

Now we realize all these decisions are subject to the candidates approval but we believe Noah concur with our choices.

Our first challenge would be to hang a sign so others would know where Campaign Headquarters WAS. We found one of Noah and the fleece balls which he used as a Blog Banner photo around Easter time. It was hanging on our HC's bulletin board upstairs. It took a lot of teamwork to climb up to the desk, pull the tacks out which held it onto the cork, then get it downstairs and outside. TEAMWORK, after which we gathered around and surveyed the sign.

Our first idea was to hang it over on the area behind where the HCs sit and read on the porch. So Marty Grau and Himhe stayed on the porch floor while Ovi, Callopie and I dragged the sign up to the handle of the press. It did look nice but it would need to be attached somehow and our HC had nailed a rubber mat on the boards for privacy and to assist to block the stinky cigar of the man next door. {Not much of a help we think but might help.} The mat is black so Ovi thought it would be a good background for our colorful sign. So I moved from the chair arm to a spot below where Ovi and Callopie stood holding the sign. With directions from Himhe and Marty Grau from the floor and my assistance just below Ovi and Callopie wrestled the sign up bit by bit. With a tack brought from downstairs Ovi climbed up and secured the sign on the black rubber wall. Stepping back I agreed with the 2 on the floor that it did look nice up there. But when we all got back down on the floor and thought about it, we all agreed that it would better lower, where creatures who would be voting could see it. So back up Ovi went, and all by himself this time, and detached the sign and sent it floating down to us. We got it attached to the front of the stand and stood back and surveyed it again. Yes! Looked great! EAST COAST CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS was OPEN! Campaign Staff East

DANIEL HITS THE ROAD!

posted by Ellis and Daniel

After a lengthy discussion with Esme, I went to speak with our Daniel. The photo of Duncan and Dennison, stared at so long by Daniel, had been closed. So I began our conversation with questions about any happenings in the pasture, while some of us attended Malice. He answered, but without much enthusiasm..... Esme was right, it was clear we didn't need to wait til Duncan and Dennison were reunited with their brother back in the flock. Daniel needed to take the test to his brothers.

And really that had been our hope all along. Yes, Duncan and Dennison needed to adjust their negative behaviors of bullying and belittling their brother. Because if that didn't happen the behavior would be part of every interaction with every creature they came in contact with, in or out of a pasture.

But the real measure of success for the Mache Triplets lay with Daniel. So the time had come for us to allow our precious Daniel to face the challenge of his brothers. Whether or not Duncan and Dennison would chose to alter their bullying ways, it was up to Daniel to handle whatever he encountered. How would the story turn out. Would it end with the Mache Triplets being the brothers we wished? Or would they go back to shunning our Daniel? And whatever way they behaved how would Daniel react?

So, with serious concerns..... I finally put the question to Daniel. "Daniel.....would you like to travel to California and join your brothers in the Dennison pasture?" Daniel was silent for a bit and then with more confidence then he has EVER displayed, he answered the question.

"Yes...I would very very VERY much enjoy traveling to California. I miss my brothers so much. Although, I'm not certain if they have even thought about or missed me in the last 2 years, that isn't important. I miss them. So, what is important is that I see them again. If they treat me as brothers should, that will be great. And if they chose to behave as they always have, well there is nothing I can do about that. EXCEPT, to finally say to them that I am 1/3rd of the Mache Triplets. I am equal to either of them, not 'more than ' or 'less than'. If they wish and chose to treat me as an equal and with the same respect and love I have for them, GREAT."

"And if they try to test me with their old ways they will NOT find the same brother of 2 years ago. Based on all the love everyone in the" flock has given me I can now stand up for myself. And Duncan or Dennison....or anyone else will never take that away from me".

And with that Daniel went to say See you later, to all his playmates in the flock. I watched him first go to the side of the pasture where he sleeps. To his friends Woodrow and MetalHead he explained where he was going but that he would be back. Even Fuzzie, who was in the corner admiring himself in the mirror turned his head to listen.

Next he spoke to his best friend, Bobble as they stood side by side. Bobble seemed very pleased to hear Daniel was ready to take a chance by traveling alone. Knowing what he would do in California made Bobble bounce his head up and down. I think Daniel actually seemed taller when he told Bobble "I'll be back soon, so save my sleeping spot, right next to you."

"What about your brothers, when you all return won't you want to sleep together?"

"You are my best friend Bobble. This is where I will be sleeping, next to you. Duncan and Dennison can sleep on my other side, if they wish. If all of you allow it."

At that, all the Ovines in the pasture could be heard Baa'ha'haing with lots of Atta Boy Daniel and You Rock!

Finally over to the last of his playmates. Quilty and her boy were laying down but not sleeping, Gobbell and 1 Bag Full all listened as Daniel again explained where he would be.

As they all wished him a safe journey and quick return Daniel returned to where I sat. "Ready?" I asked.

Daniel quickly replied "I WAS BORN READY." {I must speak to Esme about what they are watching on TV. I couldn't recall where I heard I was born ready, but I was certain it was on the TV in some movie or other. Oh well, at least no foul language.....yet?}

Hm.....wonder if I should let Hannah, Emily, Mr Sparkles, Noah, Duncan and Dennison that Daniel is on his way? Maybe I'll just see if she reads it here before Daniel arrives. {Baa Ha Ha Ha Ha}

Still smiling, ELLIS THE RAM

DANIEL, A MACHE TRIPLET

posted by Ellis the Ram

My first task, per Esme, was comforting our Daniel, who it appears had been sitting in front of the computer looking at Malice Posts. But when he had come to the photo of Duncan and Dennison he went no further. And Esme said, there he had been for several hours. Not a Baa or a Bleat, just looking at the photo of his brothers. They had now been separated for over 2 years, which at first we had anticipated to be an absence of, at most, a few months......Perhaps the best way to explain the Mache Triplets was the letter I sent with the other 2 triplets, Duncan and Dennison. The letter which explained it all and accompanied them to our CBF, Elizabeth and Eleanor and our GFBFHD, Hannah and Emily~we post below...

Our Dear Human Friends Hannah and Elizabeth, Oh and of course, our Ovine Friends~ Emily and Eleanor,

We find ourselves dealing with a potentially disruptive force within our flock. Recently our HC Susan found, in an antique market at the very back and no doubt due to the issue we are now facing, 3 new young Ovines. She brought them home. They refer to themselves as the Mache Triplets, due to their resemblance in structure to paper mache. Well, 2 of them use the term Mache Triplets, the 3rd has become increasingly withdrawn.

We will explain...Yes, they are triplets. And one would think bonded together genetically. But this bond seems to have developed a 'crevice'. The 1st and 2nd of the triplets are extremely close, rather more like twins. But for some bizarre reason the 2 seem to shun the 3rd triplet. Why? We aren't privy to why. It is just blatantly obvious and the 'crevice' is getting wider every day.

A few examples. 1 and 2 do everything together. Eat~Sleep~Frolic. The 3rd is always left out, although he will stand quietly near. Painful to watch. When they move about the flock he always walks behind them and if they engage in chat with others in the flock they block him out,. Or interrupt when he attempts to speak or degrade what he is able to utter. {The flock has come to avoid 1 and 2 but feel badly and wish to include 3. But he simply follows his brothers about}. When we asked what their names were the very first day~the first piped up with 'DUNCAN' and the second quickly added 'I'M DENNISON'. {They hadn't had time to interact with the flock so how they chose the names of you, our friends, baffles us}. We waited for the third to tell us his name but instead the first and second bgan shouting

.......DUMMY.......DUMPSTER........DUFFUS.......DEADHEAD......DENSELY..... Well, I quickly stopped that nonsense. Then, I kindly asked the third directly what his name might be. Finally he stammered D.....D......D.....ah DUH. At which point the 2 broke out in a huge Baa'ha and Duncan yelled "Yea, that his name....DUH!". The poor thing hung his head and mumbled, "Yes, Duh will be fine".

We, Esme and I, do NOT THINK THAT IS FINE. We think it is not fine at all. What we have here is a full blown case of bullying. And we must put an end to it and very soon. Well~~IMMEDIATELY. Obviously, these 3 brothers belong together and we think D, 'D' is how we will refer to our precious 3rd triplet for now, really does need his brothers. But no doubt being introverted by nature and the bullying he is being subjected too by his brothers is crushing his spirit. And as the older and kinder ovines, we feel D doesn't have the requisite skill set to stand up for himself. Therefore to become all he is capable of being. So after much discussion and thought, Esme and I have decided to seek your help. Well frankly we aren't asking you at all. We are acting upon our decision.

Therefore we are sending this letter along with Duncan and Dennison, to explain the problem and what we wish you to do to assist with this sadly dysfunctional behavior.

We have decided that we need to separate the Mache Triplets for a short while, if they are to flourish and live in our flock, or in any flock. And this doesn't simply mean separating D from Duncan and Dennison. We feel Duncan and Dennison also need to be apart, in order to correct their inappropriate behaviors. So with that idea in mind and due to the strange incidence of what they 'claim' are their names......we are sending to each to their namesakes, Elizabeth DUNCAN and Hannah DENNISON.

While we work on D's low self esteem and build his confidence, we wish you both to take your namesakes in hand. While we provide the positive and full support for D, we hope you can put your fertile and inventive brains toward breaking down the rather 'too high opinions' these 2 have of themselves. Teaching them the value of working together, proper flock etiquette and positive family interactions, all traits which are based on respect. Knowing you both are busy with jobs, writing and family, we know Eleanor and Emily can tackle the hands on day to day work, based of course, on your guidelines.

It may sound harsh, but we believe that 'tough love' is the only hope for these 2 bullying brothers and the only hope for our D is acceptance and love from all of us in the flock. We think a little over a month should do the trick for all 3. So as Malice Domestic is about a month from now, perhaps Duncan and Dennison can accompany Eleanor and Emily when they travel to Malice with you both.

After such rigorous personnel work on themselves the triplets will have earned a holiday at this elite and fun conference. The triplets being in the company of the 'E' quads of Au Gres at ~Ellis/Esme/Eleanor/Emily ~ while at Malice Domestic can also monitor their behavior to ensure they are all 'with the program'.

Our faith in the 4 of you is well founded and together we feel a wonderful and mature new Mache Triplets will enhance our flock and yours.

ELLIS, ESME AND OUR ENTIRE FLOCK

Well, unfortunately the month became a year. At which point we all agreed a year hadn't resolved the problem. So Duncan and Dennison returned to Canada and California. D had really progressed extremely well remained with us, although the test would be when the Mache Triplets found themselves together again. Hopeful again, this year Malice arrived. Duncan had made a complete change and was ready and anxious to return home. But Dennison seemed to have reverted the last month prior to Malice and had been giving our Hannah and Emily a great deal of difficulty. Sadly it was decided Dennison was still incapable of joining his brothers at home. D, who now has declared his name to be DANIEL, was heartbroken but resolute. He had worked very hard on himself. And after 2 years Duncan proved he had also worked very hard on himself. But not Dennison.

But an idea? We conferred with our HC, Daniel and Duncan, and Hannah and Emily.....and a new and final plan was developed. Duncan would accompany Dennison back to California with our confidence that Duncan would maintain his new Open and Accepting frame of mind. Perhaps this would be what Dennison needed at last. But now here was our Daniel. Sadly sitting in front of the computer looking at his brothers. Esme and I will need to discuss what is next for our Daniel and ultimately, the MACHE TRIPLETS.

In support and hope,

Ellis the Ram

NOAH AND MR SPARKLES

posted by Ovi at Campaign Headquarter {CH}

Malice was over and on Sunday afternoon we all Baa'd our farewells til next year, joined our HCs and went our separate ways........Well sort of.......

It appears that Dennison {l}, of the Mache Triplets, wasn't quite finished with being a bully and making difficulties. Duncan {r} seemed to have adjusted himself quite nicely in his 2 years at the Duncan flock. So Hannah suggested Duncan accompany them back to California, in hopes he would be a good influence. So we went home with neither Duncan or Dennison. But if Duncan could learn so could Dennison so worth a bit more time away from the pasture.

Apri Cot had been adopted by Danielle.

And during the weekend Noah and Mr Sparkles discussed whether Mr Sparkles would fill the position of Campaign Manager. The campaign would begin soon and Noah needed a manager who was both reliable and could 'think beyond the fleece'. By Sunday, Noah and Mr Sparkles, had agreed to become the Campaign Manager for Noah's run for Easter Creature. As they lived on 2 different coastlines much would be done via emails but a good start was best face to face. So Noah and Mr Sparkles would travel with Hannah to her next literary event and then on to the Dennison Pasture. When the plan for the campaign was underway Noah would return home. And that is where they were, as seen in the first photo of this post, in front of Hannah's name card halfway between the coasts.

All in all there was much work to do. Whew! Managing the front desk at the pasture was becoming a much more complex task. But its all about teamwork, RIGHT?

Reporting from the front desk at CH,

Ovi

Before speaking of Callopie...........Some ideas for my campaign!

posted by Noah, The Grey One

Having had a few days to think on my points 1-5, I feel the need to bring OPEN AND ACCEPTING back into our pasture. Specifically I want to assure all my supporters and potential supporters that the make~up of my campaign committee will NOT be limited to fellow Ovines. I simply stated 'ovines' in that step when in a state of high state of offense brought on by that RUDE RABBIT.

The role of leading Easter is not restricted to Ovines, any more than it is the property of that RUDE RABBIT. So I seek any creature.....OK, yes, even HCs.....to participate with me. And let there be no doubt, my goal is not to become the permanent Easter Lamb. Nor that the Easter Creature is only for Ovines. It is for all creatures. And as it would be such an honor to serve as the Easter Lamb....should I be elected....I will not run again for the honor. Unlike that RUDE SCREECHING RABBIT WITH THE FAKE EGGS AND FLOWERS, I don't believe it is a forever honor.

I have so many ideas, concerns and thoughts that many things may escape my attention or may be presented in a way that raises questions. But fear not~~~~OPEN AND ACCEPTING is the basis for life in our pasture. And after requesting the flock to join with me and receiving their promise of running as a team.....I'm feeling more empowered.

If any question of my intention to hide or leave the pasture, either over the holiday or 'forever' due to the demands of that RUDE SCREECHING NON EGG PRODUCING NOR FRESHLY GROWN FLOWERS RABBIT****NO.

As to any of the flock hiding****NO.

As to the ridiculous statement that I or any of our flock is now BANNED from the pasture. Well, that is simply RABBIT RAISINS {and I'm sure we ALL know what those ARE!} We have only one reply to that......Baa'umbug!!!

Your hopeful candidate,

Noah, The Grey One

BUSTED

posted by 'those busted' Sullivan, Ovi and Noah

Wonder if we got the REA TEA POT off of Fla'Lamb? Well, we didn't, although Ellis the Ram, with our assistance, did push it off him AFTER we got busted. Busted by Esme, who came upon the scene just as Ovi reached the top of my head and right before he pushed the lid up to do as we reported. There we were, all prepared and then Esme bleated out Baa'd IDEA and go not one inch forward. Esme isn't one to normally yell at all let alone to us in the flock. Even when some are misbehaving. But not at that moment and just when we were about to achieve our goal, opening the lid of the RED TEA POT and pushing it off Fla'Lamb. BUMMER!

So we stopped. Ovi backed down off my head with Esme fretting and bleating about being careful, until he was all the way down. Soon Ellis arrived and Esme asked him to take charge of assisting Fla'Lamb. After he calmed Esme and told her all would be fixed, he then turned to Ovi, Noah and I and quietly asked us to gather next to him around the RED TEA POT, without stepping on Fla'Lamb. Then on his signal, together we pushed the RED TEA POT off the Fla'Lamb. It tumbled off and rolled over the edge of the area where we slept, it landed in a basket. It sounded a bit odd when it fell and I could have sworn I heard a whispered little sound, a bit like a bleat. I asked Ovi if he heard it and he said he thought he heard something but couldn't define what the sound was. Baaa'ffleing?

The rest of the day was spent in making sure Fla'Lamb was all right and then being given a lecture on safety. {Esme was definitely not pleased at the risks she felt we had taken....of course we didn't see it through the same eyes as Esme but....she loves us all and we know she only wants to protect us. Guess it's a good thing she hasn't been around when Piper and I were playing Spider Man last week. swinging off the railing around the downstairs pasture.}

Although it did interrupt my worry over where my sister Callopie has gotten to, I'm still worried. And won't stop worrying until she reappears. Ellis seems to believe she is fine and is hiding because she is miffed over not being given an answer to her question about going to Malice. Hope she appears soon as in 2 weekends the event will be upon us. If she doesn't turn up soon she won't get to be chosen at all. I also want to go and as we go everywhere together I can't go without her. And if she stays away then I won't have a chance of being chosen either. Boy, then she will really have something to hide from...ME. Until then...back to searching.

Written by Sullivan as dictated by Ovi and Noah.

THE BUSTED ONES

STILL NO CALLOPIE....BUT, A RED TEA POT

posted by Noah The Grey One for Sullivan

Sometime during the night I heard a noise but went right back to sleep. Mostly because it was just one sound and it didn't seem to wake up others in the flock. But in the morning as one by one we woke and greeted each other~there it was, a RED TEA POT? Sullivan was still asleep, due to his previous day being extremely tiring. Between his searching throughout the day for his sister, climbing up then down the stairs, into each room calling her name and poking about everywhere to check for her, he was exhausted. Plus he had started to sniffle a bit, probably due to the time he spent in the refrigerator searching and then having to wait til a HC reopened the door so he could exit.

But the rest of us immediately saw the RED TEA POT ! Slowly a few of us gathered about Sullivan and the RED TEA POT and nudged our friend Sullivan awake. Our first question was where did it come from and why was it in that spot, right next to Sullivan? After Sullivan chased the sleep out, he told us it was the same RED TEA POT he saw when he spoke with Polly to see if she knew where Callopie might be. And he told us it had been brought back from a Malice Domestic a few years before 'the flock'. Even before Ellis the Ram. Well, that meant the RED TEA POT was really really OLD.

We all discussed its strange appearance and most importantly why it was in THAT SPOT. Right next to Sullivan. Close to where Callopie normally slept? Odd, we all agreed. It was then we heard the muffled bleats and realized that this RED TEA POT was sitting on top of Fla'Lamb. Fortunately Fla'Lamb is already, well~FLAT, but it still couldn't be comfortable. Well, maybe for the RED TEA POT but certainly not for Fla'Lamb. We asked our flat friend if he wished us to fetch Ellis and Esme for help but after freeing his ear from under the RED TEA POT and to raising his head, he assured us that no, he was fine. Plus he said although the RED TEA POT was rather large it really wasn't heavy at all. Fla'Lamb explained he thought the RED TEA POT was empty, hollow. Which was a good thing as it was then we noticed 2 of the Magnet Gang had climbed to the upper part of the RED TEA POT.

Pepe and A. Fro~2 of the Magnet Gang climb the RED TEA POT

It was then A. Fro told us that the top seemed to be attached to the RED TEA POT, but only for a short distance. And both she and Pepe felt the RED TEA POT jiggle so they thought it was hollow. Ovi, Sullivan and I gathered around the bottom, Fla'Lamb underneath and now with Pepe and A. Fro climbing the RED TEA POT and insisting it was hollow, perhaps we could open it. That might make it easier to push it off of Fla'Lamb. So at least he would be able to move about.

So when A. Fro made it to the top of the RED TEA POT, we outlined our plan. Sullivan would move to the side with Ovi bracing him from behind and I directing the action from the front. First, using his nose, Sullivan would push open the top with help from Pepe and A. Fro. Ovi would then come from behind and climb over Sullivan to position himself along the open top, placing himself where it might add weight, to help lean it away. Then all 5 of use would push it off Fla'Lamb. It would take teamwork and cooperation but together we could achieve the results, to get the RED TEA POT off our Fla'Lamb.

As long as nothing unexpected interfered, Fla'Lamb would soon be free......we thought?

Noah, The Grey One

Flock on the Trail Update #4- Serious Events

posted by Piper OOC

Finally my window of opportunity to relate our first real evidence of this 'flock with in the flock', photographic evidence. As seen above, we have identified the key items with captions for future reference.

The events were as follows. Knowing that Ovi is extremely fond of his bowl~bed and therefore when sleeping at night can always be located tucked warmly inside, we believe the Flock With In the Flock targeted Ovi. {From this point on the Flock With In the Flock will be known by~~~~FWIF.} They waited til the flock was tucked in for the night and took our Ovi/bowl~bed, left our pasture and placed him outdoors IN A SNOW BANK. Obviously this event had occurred soon after our return from the beach, when the snow was deep and temperatures were frigid.

FWIF placed strings of gaudy plastic balls on strings-2 in Gold and 1 in Green- over our darling Ovi and as can be seen in this photo then creeped away. No doubt back into the warmth of the pasture where they apparently went back into hiding as they weren't visible during the rest of the event.

We still have no idea how the green string, which was clearly in the opening photo, failed to appear in this photo above. But as can be seen in the following photo when we rescued Ovi/bowl~bed from the cold all 3 strings were accounted for.

Sullivan had awakened a bit later in the night and realizing Ovi/bowl~bed were MIA, sounded the alarm. {normally Nocturnal Ovine Wandering~NOW wouldn't be a concern-but with events recently we kept alert-this was not NOW} Well it was now but not an act of NOW. Get it~Got it~GOOD ! Sooooooooooo.......Calling for an All Ovine Alert~AOA we commenced our search. Callopie quickly noted bits of snow by the door and we knew none of us had been outside and the HC was reading in her bed upstairs. We managed to get the door opened and there he was, if Sullivan had not woke up, Ovi might have awakened covered in snow, confused, semi frozen and unable to bleat for assistance. Out we rushed into the cold dark night and dragging the bowl~bed we got Ovi and it, through the door. Ovi still had not baaa'd and we were in fear he was frozen-how would we UN THAW our Ovi. Fortunately once out of the cold and on the threshold the warm began to revive him.

We then flock-handled him over to the top of an old blanket chest and soon helped him to clear the snow which had blanketed him. As can be seen below, quite a bit of snow had fallen while he had been sleeping outside, PLUS snow had begun to fill his bowl~bed.

Now this was becoming dangerous and UNHEALTHY. Ovi was stoic which amazed the flock. Ovi stated that the plastic balls on string must have been left by whoever had ferried him to the outdoors. And after seeing the photo we all immediately saw that the 2 Miscreants of Dubious Intentions~MDIs fleeing the scene were of the same coloring as the hind ends in his bowl~bed as we traveled the hall toward the car for our journey back to Pennsylvania. Our suspicions were now FACTS. We have identified the culprits, we have possession of the plastic balls on string.

It was then, knowing that our HC was going to an appointment with our MTF the next day, Ovi announced he would be accompanying our HC. Why? we asked. Ovi explained that as our MTF and qualified in things of an internal nature in HCs, internal nature of hidden thoughts and such, surely he might provide some insight regarding the motives of this FWIF.

The following day Ovi/bowl~bed and our HC went to the appointment. Ovi told us of the visit upon their return. Ovi's report~~~~MTF Ellis explained he normally had to 'visit with' to gain insight, so without the FWIF his guess would be simply that, guessing what lies behind events. But after studying the green plastic balls on a string he said he recognized this type of string. He had been part of a group which went to the City of New Orleans following the destruction of a Katrina. {We later learned Katrina is a serious weather event, which we hope never to experience in our pasture.} And the string looked like something thrown off traveling platforms in this New Orleans. When Ovi told MTR Ellis there had also been Gold strings Ellis said OF COURSE Then a question Ovi said he never expected......MTR Ellis said "Were there any purple strings"!!!!!

It won't be long now before Purple, Green and Gold are understood!!

Or we capture the MDI!!

Piper, OOC

Flock on the Trail Update #3

by OOC Piper

Have several updates regarding our hunt, but flock has been watching CNN. I mean, none of us are from Egypt. But we are quite aware that we have Ovine brethren everywhere. And we stood watch 24/7, no ovines. Of course it was full of HCs in that square, which is nothing like a pasture! Sleeping in turn we kept an eye out for any Ovines among the HCs. But guess due to the fact of no MLGV growing between the stones in the square thus our Egyptian Ovine brethren would be quite hungry and the HCs had too much to manage without finding MLGV for Ovines.

It has been quite an education for the younger ovines as they did not know what an egypt was, and seemed to believe it was a vegetable of some sort. When they finally understood it was a country, like the USA where our pasture is located then geography lessons began. But between views of the square, during commercials of course, we all kept an eye peeled for our first priority-a flock with in the flock.

Tomorrow the flock will be preparing for Valentine's Day. For Ovi it is his first Valentine's Day. But I will post photos and information collected thus far. My reports seem to get delayed by EVERYTHING. From pie, to Egypt, to BFSS-and having discovered the 20 of February may be the date of something, we must find the answers!

So until tomorrow then I, PIPER~OOC will sign off for this post.

PIPER

Oh, one more thing. Knowing the big crush Mr Sparkles has been 'carrying' for Pink Lamb, in the frozen cold of Wisconsin, flock has been wondering if he will send her a BE MY VALENTINE. Last we heard he was miffed as his Christmas Holiday pics were being ignored by Hannah. We know Hannag is BEYOND busy with her new book THIEVES~~but really. Oh, we wonder if Vicki Hill heard about Christine Amanpour's daring do's in Egypt over the last few weeks.

IT WAS HERE YESTERDAY ??????????????

posted by Noah

Yes, last night we all enjoyed a wedge of our TERRIFIC blueberry pie. The pie we baked was TOP NOTCH~GOURMET QUALITY~A TASTE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. And after we all ummmm and yummed~ to sleep we went. Dreaming of our pie. And having saved half of it, we awoke knowing for breakfast............PIE.

So imagine our shock as we gathered to enjoy our well earned breakfast pie and, WELL THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL. At first it baffled us. Then we saw the fork, a clue! As Ovines we use no implements to eat our nourishment. Forks, well it is an implement used by HC's. After we realized that, we decided our HC had finished our pie. And although disappointed we all agreed that it was only fair. Our HC had collected the ingredients, provided the dish, she pays the utilities which make the appliances run, she opened the can of blueberries and then fetched our frozen fruit and put it in the bowl in the bowl. And had carefully lifted our hot bubbling delight from the oven and placed it in front of us.

It is as important to share as it is important to work together.

Noah The Grey Ovine

Yum ~ Yum !! BLUEBERRY PIE

posted by all of us, who made pie,

Ellis, Esme, Sullivan, Callopie, Himhe, Piper, Ovi and Noah

Esme here, we have decided that we each will write in this post. Only 1 of us is unknown to you but after today we will assign him to introduce himself on Meet the Ovines. His name is Noah and he will be in some of the photos so perhaps we will ask him to explain the story of photos he is in. And now to begin, go ahead Ellis !

Thank you Esme. As you may have read yesterday it has been a rather active few days. {Baa-haa} But thanks to our Ewe, Esme, things have settled down. And this adventure was her idea really, being a rather clever Ovine of the Ewe persuasion. Knowing how much the flock enjoys berries and having found a single can of blueberry pie filling in a cabinet....apparently she enlisted our HC to gather all the items needed to make a Blueberry Pie. What fun, so I took Callopie, and together, we prepared a dish for the pie. Knowing a bit about baking from past experience helped the more experienced teach the others. So together Callopie and I covered the bottom and sides of the dish with a slippery substance, we decided butter would do. Then I emptied a bit of flour into the dish and.....

Oh, my turn my turn. Ellis was about to tell you that I, Callopie, then covered all the butter on the dish with this flour. {Seemed a bit odd to me since I saw ready made pie crusts so why butter and flour?} But Ellis explained that preparing the pie dish with butter and flour keeps the pie from sticking too badly to the pan, making it easier to remove the pieces to eat. {Remove pieces? Why not just bend over the edge and eat? Why not JUST CRAWL INTO THE DISH AND EAT?}

Ah, thank you Callopie, as head of the flock, I'll finish telling of this part. After we had the pie dish ready, and being on top of the oven, Callopie turned the knob over to BAKE while I handled moving the knob to 425, per the recipe. Sullivan?

Thank you Ellis.~~~ It took many of us to wrestle the bottom dough into the dish. So with my pal Piper we gathered the others and together we put it in place. We let the smaller ones get into the dish and carefully and hoove the crust around the bottom. Once we had that done we needed to push the extra dough up to the edge. Esme was by the book reading the recipe but as you may see from the photo, above, we needed all of us. Below, you can see how perfect we fit.

I was very pleased to fill the hole Sullivan, thank you for calling me over the from the book. So, now I, Esme, can show you our pie dish with crust, ready to fill.

Left to right we admire our work. Esme, Sullivan and below Himhe, Ovi behind and Callopie in front, Ellis, Piper and our Noah. And Noah was invaluable in the next steps.

Thank you Esme. Allow me to introduce myself quickly here. I am Noah. I am grey. Next I took charge of filling the pie dish. You have already noticed from the title of our post that we all love blueberries and that is what would go into our pie. Our HC opened the can and set it on the table with a plastic implement. I pushed the can over then used the plastic implement to scoop the contents into the dish. BUT. We all agreed that it was rather shy of berries. Lots of gloppy blue sweet stuff but few berries. So after a bit of silence Piper offered a suggestion. Piper?

Thank you Noah. None of us thought there was even enough berries for one wedge of pie let alone the entire pie. So knowing we had brought back berries from our summer adventures I asked "why don't we use the frozen blueberries, the ones we picked?" Everyone quickly agreed and Esme went to speak to our HC, who quickly pulled them from the freezer. At first she placed them in a bowl full of holes which she then set in another bowl. Esme explained she did this because they were hard, frozen. And although we would put them in our pie that way, any thawing of the berries would include berry juice which would make stains wherever it dripped. Soon the bowl with the holes and the other bowl were placed by our dish again. We gathered around to admire what all our hard work over the summer was about to become, part of our Blueberry Pie. Around the bowl Ovi, Ellis, my bottom half{Baa~haa}, Callopie and Noah.

I'll finish up the filling part Piper. We decided the best way to put berries into the dish with the gloppy stuff would be to kick them in. Callopie immediately tried to jump in the bowl AGAIN, but Esme and Ellis stopped her, instead telling her an important job would be to guide me where to kick the berries, as each area got its fill.

So Sullivan put the bowl + bowl atop himself with Ovi helping him, and I climbed into the bowl. Slowly I began kicking frozen berries into the dish. By the time I was done my hooves were almost as cold as the berries had been in the freezer. I sure was glad to climb out of that bowl and back onto the cloth, I can tell YOU. Luckily when my part was done Himhe helped Callopie to spread the frozen berries around with the plastic implement.

My turn now....I had to make certain that my Yarmulke {my cap} didn't fall off into the pie. Even though it has a beautiful blueberry color in with the white I didn't think it would feel good on my head if it had fallen in gloppy sweet stuff, Baa~haa. So I stood back a bit and directed Callopie in the spreading of the berries. Then my work complete the flock gathered to put the other piece of dough on top of the dish.

Putting the top on wasn't the hard part But we all decided that to push the top around the edge like we had done to the bottom dough might create quite a mess. So Esme had a fine idea.

I had seen something which seemed perfectly suited for pie making. So my HC took it off the wall and gave it to me. Noah immediately understood, even before anything was said, and I gave it to him.

I carefully and slowly pushed the implement around the edge of the dish. It made a nice edge and the dough hanging over the dish fell to the tablecloth.

Our HC gathered it up and took it away, saying something about a John E. Cake? Although it took a while to understand what she said as she ran it all together~~~johnnycake. {Humans} After that we used the implement and put some holes atop the dough, but Ovi wasn't happy.

No, it just didn't look, well, like a proper berry pie. What it needed was..........WELL~~BERRIES. So I put a few of the frozen berries over the top, not in any order or design. Just wild....FOR OUR WILD BLUEBERRIES. NOW IT LOOKED A PROPER BERRY PIE !!

Back to me now so I sent word via Esme to our HC who put our pie into the oven Now started the difficult part of the 'fun'. We waited. And we all gathered about to see how it would turn out. Callopie insisted on watching the pie as it cooked inside the oven, but soon decided it was far to hot to sit near the stove, especially not on the door of the oven, Baa~haa.

So as the Ewe of the flock I announced our pie was finished baking. We all gathered around enjoying the glorious smell of our berries as gloppy blue berry juice bubbled out of the holes. What a good adventure. What a fun afternoon. And most of all what a wonderful life we live in our Pasture.

Yes I know sometimes there is fussing and hurt feelings. Egos and those who 'need'. It is a big task I have taken on with Ellis the Ram, the care of our Flock. But together we can do what one of us couldn't accomplish. And now, baa-hoo, how to find out just what BFSS knows and in the process teaching her to live harmoniously, or at least without chaos, in the pasture.

So now our pie is cool and it is soon bedtime. We will all enjoy our pieces of our pie and then dream wonderful dreams. Of pastures filled with berries~blackberries, blueberries, red raspberries and strawberries. All cushioned in lovely MLGV!!!

ELLIS THE RAM, ESME THE EWE,

SULLIVAN, CALLOPIE, HIMHE, PIPER, OVI AND NOAH