My Birthday Weekend

I celebrated the 30th anniversary of my 29th birthday on Friday the 13th and throughout the weekend. Rick & Pati took me to dinner at a fabulous Spanish restaurant in Riverside on Friday night. That was after opening my gifts from them (and my herd). I received a beautiful shawl (100% Alpaca, of course) and a photo collage of my Alpacas and memorable moments at the ranch. Thank you so much Pati and Rick!

Saturday I celebrated with my family. Sunday, my mom and dad visited the ranch for the first time. I was very anxious for them to see my passion and my future. They were amazed at the many different colors and the peacefullness of the ranch.

After my parents left, I stayed for awhile to hang out with my best friends. I went out into the main field to take some photos. While I was there, Rick walked over from the north field and told me he saw "nose & toes" from the back of Sambuca. I, quietly, walked over to the north field to witness the birth. By the time I got there (like all of 2 minutes), the cria was already on the ground! And, within 15 minutes, Sambuca passed the placenta. Wow, talk about a fast birth! Pretty incredible for an experienced mom, let alone a maiden. After leaving them alone for awhile, Rick carried the new boy up to the nursery with mom following close behind. This little guy weighs 12.7 pounds. When he didn't attempt to stand for awhile, Rick started a process of doses of Caro syrup, then bottle fed Colostrum. The cria was attempting to stand, but wasn't quite strong enough to stay up. As far as I know, mom and cria are still in the nursery and Rick is continuing to assist in providing nourishment. I did get an e-mail from Rick that the little boy is doing better.

For many posts, I have been saying Felix has not been his ol' self. WELL. When I took my mom and dad down to Boy's Town to meet Felix and ALPHA, they were both love bugs! Felix let me rub his neck and give him kisses, and ALPHA stood right next to Felix and let me rub his neck, as well. That was a first! I don't know if this made a difference, but Rick had moved Flash, Storm and Ares (older boys) into another field. That left Felix, ALPHA and Harrison in the field they've called home. Then, we moved Aerosmith and Luther to the field today, as it was time for them to be weaned. I think Felix likes being the oldest in the field. When we brought Aerosmith and Luther in the field, ALPHA took a stance with his tail up as if to say "I'm the ALPHA male in this field". It was cute. We didn't go for a walk today because it was hot. Plus, I wanted them to get used to their new roommates.

Another great day at the ranch....