SHEEPGATE SHEEP

Blandford, MA - As promised here are some photos of the sheep at Sheepgate.


An up close and personal.


I like the sheep on the left, the smirking sheep.


When the owner calls the sheep they come running looking for a handout of day old bread.


Food is gone and so are they.

SHEEPGATE

Blandford, MA - I've posted photos of Sheepgate before but I did not get any photos of the sheep because of the snow; I will show the sheep tomorrow. Today I want to show you a different cast of characters.



This is Bo, she is a 14 year old Golden Retriever who is nearly deaf and blind. They also think that it might have had a stroke because one side of her face sags. Her two great loves of life now are hanging around the store and going to the dump.



This is Slim (or at least that is what I call him) he looks a bit cold.

MEMORIAL DAY 2007

Blandford, MA - I took a drive today to see what I could find to photograph. I ended up driving through Blandford and noticed the Historical Society building was open and people were gathering for a parade and speeches. Unfortunately, I brought my dogs with me and it was too hot to sit in the truck so I didn't want to stay for those events.

I did get some photos from inside the Historical Society. The things inside consisted mostly of war artifacts, uniforms, discharge papers, and other war related items. I find it both interesting and sad at the same time that history is mostly related to war.

There was also things made by local craftsman spanning the last two centuries.

BLANDFORD FIREPERSONS

Blandford, MA - On my way back from "Chester on Track" I passed through Blandford and was flagged down and asked if I would like to donate to the Blandford Fire Department. I dropped a small donation in the boot and asked if I could take their photo which they obliged.

BEFORE AND AFTER - BLANDFORD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Blandford, MA - This is the First Congregational Church of Blandford. The church was organized in 1735 and this church was built in 1822. I don't believe it is in use any more since there is another First Congregational Church down the road.

This photo is the "after" the before is on the Library of Congress Website.

BLANDFORD SKI AREA

Blandford, MA - OK, it's not Aspen but it is an example of many small ski areas that dot the New England Countryside. It is an affordable place to spend a Saturday skiing with the family without going broke. The terrain might not be that difficult but when you break it down, skiing is basically sliding down a hill with boards on your feet(spoken like a non-skier)isn't that the fun of it?. Years ago I used to ski at night, in the woods, at break neck speed, on cross country skis, alone. Now that is a good way to kill yourself...and it doesn't cost anything to do it.

SHEEPGATE

Blandford, MA - From the center of Blandford I went east on Route 23 and stopped off at Sheepgate. Sheepgate is a cottage just full of handmade goods of excellent quality. In the winter they are open on weekends but in the summer they are open from Thursday - Sunday 11:00 - 6:00. If you would like to give them a call the number is 413-848-0990. In the summer or maybe if there is no snow, the sheep come right up to the back door of the store.

At their brochure says, "We would love to have Ewe visit!"




On my roadtrips I guess to meet some very nice people and owner Maureen Costello is no exception. I hung out for about an hour talking to Maureen. I found out that Maureen weaves many of the items you see in the store. The shearling slippers are from a farm in Vermont. There are many more items from various artisans. Oh yeah, her husband even teaches a Massachusetts Pistol Safety Course, if you are in to that.




Here is a view to the front of the store.



Buttons...buttons...and more buttons. If you need some unique buttons, this is the place.

BLANDFORD COUNTRY STORE

Blandford, MA - On one of my roadtrips I stopped at the Blandford Country Store. I was greeted by the friendly owners and we chatted for a while. One thing that struck me was that they knew everyone that came in and talked to them like they were old friends; as you would expect in a general store.




This is a photo of the inside of the store. In the back is a deli, I got it on good advice that they make a great sandwich. If you look in the lower left corner in the white boxes, those are Mrs. Murphy's Doughnuts from Southwick, MA, they put Dunkin Donuts to shame.




This is the cafe section of the store, it has a general store ambiance with old farm implements hanging on the wall as artwork from local artist. There is even a historical wall with photos loaned from the Blandford Historical Society.




And if you just want to hang out with a cup of coffee and a Mrs. Murphy's Doughnut, go sit in the "Hardware Corner" and watch the world go by. So if you ever wander through Blandford, stop in the the Blandford Country Store.