I'm getting a jump on my post this week. Normally, I seem to get them done by Wednesday. Life is great today, as I can, once again, see the hills in front of my house. They were buried in smoke from the Santiago Canyon fire most of the week. Thanks to cooler temperatures and a slight drizzle yesterday, things have improved. My heart goes out to everyone that suffered any loss in the many fires burning throughout Southern California.
When I arrived at the ranch yesterday, my little girl, Pati Cake, was running all over the place, followed by Sonny, Cher and Christopher. Yep, the youngest, my Pati Cake, was leading the pack!
Well, she was the youngest until noon. At right around 12, Whitney blessed Pati and Rick with a gorgeous, rose grey with white face, little girl. Although this was Whitney's 5th birth, Rick and Pati had never seen her deliver before. She's pretty sneaky when she goes into labor. And, once in labor, she delivers pretty quickly. But, we all witnessed this precious arrival. I know Pati and Rick are THRILLED, not only that Whitney gave them a little girl, but her coloring is stunning.
Her legs are really long, and she was having some issues with keeping them going in the correct direction. She, also, had a little trouble finding mom's teats. I don't know why, as Whitney has teats like saddle bags. This mom is loaded with milk.
We didn't do any spit testing today because of the air quality from the fires, and breeding has ceased until December 12th (so no crias are born while we are on our Pacaribbean cruise next October). I spent time in the field with my new baby girl, getting lots of pictures of her and her friends. She, Christopher, Sonny and Cher seem to be best buddies. Although, I did catch her a few times hanging out with Merlin's Majik. I have high hopes for those two when they are older. :) I think she may be kinda sweet on him already. Pati Cake isn't real keen on anyone getting too close to her. Rick was able to pick her up so I could hold her and get pictures. She is so soft, and SO BLACK!
Rick and I took Felix and Harrison for a walk, once the drizzle started and the air was better.
Felix greeted me with a little air spit :( Oh well, I guess Alpacas have good and not so good days just like we do. Once he was haltered, he did very well as did Harrison. We, then, haltered ALPHA and Nicholas and walked them. Nicholas had been haltered once before, in April, for shearing. He walked so well with Rick you would think he'd been haltered all his life. ALPHA did very well, also. We walked all around the perimeter of the fields so all the boys got up close and personal with the girls (through the fence, of course). I wonder if they remember any of the little girls when they were all together with their moms?
Next Saturday, Pati has a lady coming to teach spinning. I am so excited, I can't wait. And, next Sunday is my little boy, ALPHA's 1st birthday. Princess has made me proud with both crias she has delivered in the past year. She's done so well with "Fred" (Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador) that I plan to breed her to him once again, in December. My little girl, Vanilla Sundae, will also have her first date in December, with "Mo" (Show Me The Money). I know she's ready (heck, she's been ready since she was 6 months old - little Miss Fence Sitter during breeding!). Still aren't sure if Star is pregnant, although Rick said she's been spitting pretty good. Meg, not sure about her either.
Crias are healthy, moms are healthy and full of milk, and the sky is blue again. What more could I want?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
PRINCESS DELIVERS A LITTLE GIRL!
I was really hoping to be around when Princess had her cria. Her actual due date was November 4th. I was in Washington from October 17-21. I figured since she went 339 days last year, she may deliver this week (and I got home yesterday). NOPE! Princess decided to honor Pati's birthday by delivering a gorgeous, healthy, true black, baby girl at 8:30AM on Saturday, October 20th. Am I disappointed? Are you kidding?? I have a GIRL!
Pati helped Princess deliver while Rick videoed the entire event for me. Princess had a pretty easy delivery, with Pati's help clearing the cria's shoulders to make it easier on mom. Wow, she is really black! Her dad is Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador, who is true black, as well. Immediately after the birth, Rick sent me a text message asking "what is black with no penis"?
After the text was a photo of my new baby girl. Thanks Princess. Once again, you have made me proud. Last year with ALPHA, and this year with "Princess Pati Cake". The name is in honor of Pati's birthday, and was what we called my sister when she was little. Photos were taken by Rick & Pati right after her birth. Thanks!
My plane landed at Ontario at 4:30 yesterday. I ran home, picked up a bottle of champagne, and headed for the ranch. I had to get there before dark or I wouldn't be able to see my little black girl :( I made it there by 6 and got to spend some time with Princess and Princess Pati Cake, along with Sonny (Aria's new cria). Cher, born to Penelope, was in the main field. She was born the same day as Sonny. I'll get to see her on Saturday.
It was a very bittersweet evening at the ranch. When I arrived, Rick & Pati were haltering Breeeze to bring her up to the show pen. She had been in labor all day, with no results. Dr. Thacher was called and got there about 8PM. Unfortunately, the cria was breech and didn't make it. It was a little girl. I had such mixed emotions. I was so happy about my new baby girl, yet so sad for Rick & Pati losing their little girl. If there is a happy ending to this, it's that Breeeze is O.K.
I realized that in my madness to get ready to go to Washington, I didn't write a blog last week. I had a really exciting day at the ranch. We halter trained 3 little girls to get them prepared for the show ring. We also microchipped them. I was amazed at how easy the microchipping is. Halter training wasn't too bad, except for Percy, who was a real pain. She can spit real good for a little girl! Indy and Zoe did pretty well for their first time. Although we expected to take the girls, and some boys (including ALPHA) to Alpacafest West in November, the plans have changed. There has been a nasty virus going around that has potential devastating consequences. I agree with Rick & Pati, a ribbon is not nearly as important as the health and well being of the Alpacas. So, we will miss this show. There will be more shows next year.
Rick, Pati & I walked Felix, ALPHA and Aerosmith and they all did very well. Oops, almost forgot! It was Rick's birthday and I brought lunch and a bottle of champagne to celebrate. None of the girls cooperated, so no birthday babies :(
I'm pretty excited about November 3rd. A lady that came to the ranch on Farm Days is a spinner. She is going to have a class at the ranch to teach us how to spin. How cool would it be to spin your own fiber?
As I'm writing this, I am watching the news about all the fires burning around Southern California. Thank God, All American Alpacas has not been effected. I worry so much about all the ranches in this area and hope everyone is safe. I was born and raised in California, and I believe these fires are the worst I've ever seen.
I'll be at the ranch on Saturday and promise to get lots of pictures of all the new crias.
Pati helped Princess deliver while Rick videoed the entire event for me. Princess had a pretty easy delivery, with Pati's help clearing the cria's shoulders to make it easier on mom. Wow, she is really black! Her dad is Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador, who is true black, as well. Immediately after the birth, Rick sent me a text message asking "what is black with no penis"?
After the text was a photo of my new baby girl. Thanks Princess. Once again, you have made me proud. Last year with ALPHA, and this year with "Princess Pati Cake". The name is in honor of Pati's birthday, and was what we called my sister when she was little. Photos were taken by Rick & Pati right after her birth. Thanks!
My plane landed at Ontario at 4:30 yesterday. I ran home, picked up a bottle of champagne, and headed for the ranch. I had to get there before dark or I wouldn't be able to see my little black girl :( I made it there by 6 and got to spend some time with Princess and Princess Pati Cake, along with Sonny (Aria's new cria). Cher, born to Penelope, was in the main field. She was born the same day as Sonny. I'll get to see her on Saturday.
It was a very bittersweet evening at the ranch. When I arrived, Rick & Pati were haltering Breeeze to bring her up to the show pen. She had been in labor all day, with no results. Dr. Thacher was called and got there about 8PM. Unfortunately, the cria was breech and didn't make it. It was a little girl. I had such mixed emotions. I was so happy about my new baby girl, yet so sad for Rick & Pati losing their little girl. If there is a happy ending to this, it's that Breeeze is O.K.
I realized that in my madness to get ready to go to Washington, I didn't write a blog last week. I had a really exciting day at the ranch. We halter trained 3 little girls to get them prepared for the show ring. We also microchipped them. I was amazed at how easy the microchipping is. Halter training wasn't too bad, except for Percy, who was a real pain. She can spit real good for a little girl! Indy and Zoe did pretty well for their first time. Although we expected to take the girls, and some boys (including ALPHA) to Alpacafest West in November, the plans have changed. There has been a nasty virus going around that has potential devastating consequences. I agree with Rick & Pati, a ribbon is not nearly as important as the health and well being of the Alpacas. So, we will miss this show. There will be more shows next year.
Rick, Pati & I walked Felix, ALPHA and Aerosmith and they all did very well. Oops, almost forgot! It was Rick's birthday and I brought lunch and a bottle of champagne to celebrate. None of the girls cooperated, so no birthday babies :(
I'm pretty excited about November 3rd. A lady that came to the ranch on Farm Days is a spinner. She is going to have a class at the ranch to teach us how to spin. How cool would it be to spin your own fiber?
As I'm writing this, I am watching the news about all the fires burning around Southern California. Thank God, All American Alpacas has not been effected. I worry so much about all the ranches in this area and hope everyone is safe. I was born and raised in California, and I believe these fires are the worst I've ever seen.
I'll be at the ranch on Saturday and promise to get lots of pictures of all the new crias.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Meg Sits, Star Spits
I guess you have figured, by now, that even though I go to the ranch every Saturday, I don't get around to writing about it until Wednesday. So, it's Wednesday, time to write....
Now that Pati has retired, I get to spend the day with both of them, which is cool. It was a beautiful day, so Blade and Fred got to come up and see some girls. Blade got spit at, but Fred had fun! Meg Ryan needed a little pacavalium to calm her down for her date. Within 30 minutes, she was lovingly looking at Fred :) Yep, he got the job done. After he had some time to recharge his batteries, Rick brought Star in the show pen with him. She spit like she meant it. I'm hoping that is a good sign and she is pregnant. We've been trying since the end of May. Star is so unpredictable. She'll spit one week and a few weeks later, she'll sit again. Silly maidens. Rick & Pati are stopping their breeding program from October 15 until December. We are all going on the First Annual PACAribbean cruise to the Western Caribbean October 18-26, 2008 and want to avoid any crias being born while we're gone. We've already got 80 people going. Why not join us? Call me at 1-888-997-8726 if you would like more details. Or, visit www. pacaribbean.com
Little Oliver is doing very well, even though his mom rejected him. How can you reject this darling little boy? I've posted his photo so you can fall in love, too. Rick & Pati have been bottle feeding him for the first month of his little life. He's gotten pretty good at stealing milk from the other moms, but still needed bottles a few times a day. WELL, on his one month birthday, he refused the bottles all day! Guinevere (Lancelot's mom) has adopted Oliver as her own, so he now has a mom to nurse from and cuddle with. Lancelot is a few months old and has gotten pretty independent, so all is great with the world.
There was an Alpaca auction televised on the internet Saturday, so we spent most of the day watching it. It's very educational to see which Alpacas are most popular and sell for the most money. Gender, genetics, color, age, and type (Huacaya or Suri) play a major part is their selling price. Wow, some herdsires went for BIG BUCKS.
Because we spent most of the day watching the auction, I didn't walk Felix, ALPHA, Aerosmith or Harrison today. I did spend some time with them in their field. Felix was his lovable self. I swear he knows my voice (or maybe he just knows his name). I got a big treat today because ALPHA actually let me rub his neck. Well, for a minute, anyway :( BIG NEWS! I filled out the registration paperwork to show ALPHA at AlpacaFest West in City of Industry the weekend of November 10-11. My baby's very first show. I'm so excited. I think he is spectacular and I hope the judge feels the same. I'm hoping, next Saturday, I can help Rick & Pati halter train the little girls that will be going to the show, as well. I promise to post lots of pictures from the show.
Princess is getting huge, grumpy and vocal. For a little while on Saturday, the baby was lopsided, so she was all pooched out on one side. If she goes 339 days, like she did last year, she should deliver on October 22nd. I think that is wishful thinking, as I'll be in Washington from the 17th to the 21st. Last year she waited until I was at the ranch to go into labor. What I wouldn't give to see her deliver again, but I think that's pretty unlikely. Her "actual" due date is November 3rd.
I helped with treats and got to be in the midst of about 40 Alpacas, big and small, making me think I was their best friend. I love it! Heaven on earth.
Now that Pati has retired, I get to spend the day with both of them, which is cool. It was a beautiful day, so Blade and Fred got to come up and see some girls. Blade got spit at, but Fred had fun! Meg Ryan needed a little pacavalium to calm her down for her date. Within 30 minutes, she was lovingly looking at Fred :) Yep, he got the job done. After he had some time to recharge his batteries, Rick brought Star in the show pen with him. She spit like she meant it. I'm hoping that is a good sign and she is pregnant. We've been trying since the end of May. Star is so unpredictable. She'll spit one week and a few weeks later, she'll sit again. Silly maidens. Rick & Pati are stopping their breeding program from October 15 until December. We are all going on the First Annual PACAribbean cruise to the Western Caribbean October 18-26, 2008 and want to avoid any crias being born while we're gone. We've already got 80 people going. Why not join us? Call me at 1-888-997-8726 if you would like more details. Or, visit www. pacaribbean.com
Little Oliver is doing very well, even though his mom rejected him. How can you reject this darling little boy? I've posted his photo so you can fall in love, too. Rick & Pati have been bottle feeding him for the first month of his little life. He's gotten pretty good at stealing milk from the other moms, but still needed bottles a few times a day. WELL, on his one month birthday, he refused the bottles all day! Guinevere (Lancelot's mom) has adopted Oliver as her own, so he now has a mom to nurse from and cuddle with. Lancelot is a few months old and has gotten pretty independent, so all is great with the world.
There was an Alpaca auction televised on the internet Saturday, so we spent most of the day watching it. It's very educational to see which Alpacas are most popular and sell for the most money. Gender, genetics, color, age, and type (Huacaya or Suri) play a major part is their selling price. Wow, some herdsires went for BIG BUCKS.
Because we spent most of the day watching the auction, I didn't walk Felix, ALPHA, Aerosmith or Harrison today. I did spend some time with them in their field. Felix was his lovable self. I swear he knows my voice (or maybe he just knows his name). I got a big treat today because ALPHA actually let me rub his neck. Well, for a minute, anyway :( BIG NEWS! I filled out the registration paperwork to show ALPHA at AlpacaFest West in City of Industry the weekend of November 10-11. My baby's very first show. I'm so excited. I think he is spectacular and I hope the judge feels the same. I'm hoping, next Saturday, I can help Rick & Pati halter train the little girls that will be going to the show, as well. I promise to post lots of pictures from the show.
Princess is getting huge, grumpy and vocal. For a little while on Saturday, the baby was lopsided, so she was all pooched out on one side. If she goes 339 days, like she did last year, she should deliver on October 22nd. I think that is wishful thinking, as I'll be in Washington from the 17th to the 21st. Last year she waited until I was at the ranch to go into labor. What I wouldn't give to see her deliver again, but I think that's pretty unlikely. Her "actual" due date is November 3rd.
I helped with treats and got to be in the midst of about 40 Alpacas, big and small, making me think I was their best friend. I love it! Heaven on earth.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
So Much To Share
Before I begin, I must admit, I am not smarter than a 5th grader. How many posts have you read where I've spelled the contraption you secure an Alpaca in either a shoot or a schute? Duh, I know it's spelled chute. Didn't realize it until last night when I was reading an Alpaca neonatal book. Sorry for my ignorance. I'm really a pretty smart girl, but obviously, not smarter than a 5th grader :) On to the events of last weekend:
"First" NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAYS - September 29 -30
I was out at All American Alpacas very early Saturday morning to help get things ready for the open house. Rick & Pati had done all the heavy, hard stuff the previous week. I helped set up the store. Pati has gorgeous garments, yarn, knick knacks and the softest teddy bears you've ever felt, all made from Alpaca fiber. We weren't sure how many people, if any, would show up. There had been a fair amount of advertising in the newspapers and on television, so we were hopeful. Rick & Pati had set up 2 "easy ups" and moved a railed portable corral and a portable show pen in front of the barn. The corral was for Flash & Storm, 2 handsome, Suri, future herdsires. On Saturday, the show pen was for Felix and Aerosmith, and Sunday, Felix and ALPHA. That way people could get up close and personal with the Alpacas. Of course, Felix was a ham and let everyone pet and feed him. He especially liked children. How cool is that? Since I want to take him to children's hospitals and nursing homes, this was great training for him. He passed with flying colors. Aerosmith caught everyone's attention with his sweet, teddy bear looking face and spectacular color variation.
On Saturday, we estimate there were at least 200 people. Wow! Most were genuinely interested in the Alpaca industry, and asked very good questions. I was glad that I could talk to so many people about my experiences since owning Alpacas. Many people I talked to are still working and living in a tract house, like me. They didn't realize they can buy Alpacas and board them at a very reasonable monthly fee until they are ready to have a ranch. Or, maybe they never will have a ranch. That's O.K. too. They can board them forever, and simply use the ownership as an investment. Rick & Pati also broker Alpacas, so they can board them, breed them, and help you sell them, too. One stop shopping at All American Alpacas! Some people made appointments with Rick & Pati to come back and discuss the business in more detail. Overall, Saturday was truly a success. Especially, considering this was the first year.
Pati rewarded us with dinner and libation. :)
Sunday started out a little slower. Yet, by the end of the day, we figure there were about 150+ people that came to visit. We met a wonderful lady that LOVES to spin fiber. Pati gave her several bags of raw fiber from last year's shearing. She was thrilled. More appointments set for future visits, and some potential buyers. Another great day. ALPHA did very well in the pen with Felix, and even let a few people rub his neck. I was very proud to have my 2 boys on display for everyone to see. They did me proud.
By the time the last visitors left on Sunday, we were pretty tired. Rick & I pigged out on the sandwiches from lunch even though Pati said we shouldn't eat them, because they'd been out all day. I didn't get sick...I don't think Rick did either. Heck, Pati, they were great sandwiches :)
Wash them down with a beer and all's well with the world. By the end of the evening, I know we were all exhausted, sore, but grateful for the experience.
Back to Felix. A few weeks ago, I ordered Felix a customized halter with his name embroidered on the nose, with matching lead. I ordered turquoise halter, royal blue overlay and his name embroidered in white. After I ordered it, I realized the production time far exceeded Farm Days last weekend. WELL, last Tuesday, to my surprise, the halter and lead were delivered. So, Felix got to wear his very own halter for Farm Days. The company that made the halter asked me for a photo and posted it on their website with Felix as a model for Alpaca halters. Thanks, Cathy, that was very sweet of you. Now, my Felix is a CyberCelebrity. I've posted his "model photo" here.
Update: Received the results from Meg Ryan's blood test. Unfortunately, she is not pregnant yet. That was bad news for me, but good news for Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador ("Fred") because that means he gets another date. I'm counting on you, Fred.
Update: We go on "baby watch" for Princess tomorrow, October 4th. Her actual due date is November 4, but she could deliver anytime between now and then. Last year she went 339 days. If she does the same this year, she may deliver in a few weeks. I want to think pink, but I'd rather think healthy with great fiber and conformation. This cria will be a full sister or brother to ALPHA.
"First" NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAYS - September 29 -30
I was out at All American Alpacas very early Saturday morning to help get things ready for the open house. Rick & Pati had done all the heavy, hard stuff the previous week. I helped set up the store. Pati has gorgeous garments, yarn, knick knacks and the softest teddy bears you've ever felt, all made from Alpaca fiber. We weren't sure how many people, if any, would show up. There had been a fair amount of advertising in the newspapers and on television, so we were hopeful. Rick & Pati had set up 2 "easy ups" and moved a railed portable corral and a portable show pen in front of the barn. The corral was for Flash & Storm, 2 handsome, Suri, future herdsires. On Saturday, the show pen was for Felix and Aerosmith, and Sunday, Felix and ALPHA. That way people could get up close and personal with the Alpacas. Of course, Felix was a ham and let everyone pet and feed him. He especially liked children. How cool is that? Since I want to take him to children's hospitals and nursing homes, this was great training for him. He passed with flying colors. Aerosmith caught everyone's attention with his sweet, teddy bear looking face and spectacular color variation.
On Saturday, we estimate there were at least 200 people. Wow! Most were genuinely interested in the Alpaca industry, and asked very good questions. I was glad that I could talk to so many people about my experiences since owning Alpacas. Many people I talked to are still working and living in a tract house, like me. They didn't realize they can buy Alpacas and board them at a very reasonable monthly fee until they are ready to have a ranch. Or, maybe they never will have a ranch. That's O.K. too. They can board them forever, and simply use the ownership as an investment. Rick & Pati also broker Alpacas, so they can board them, breed them, and help you sell them, too. One stop shopping at All American Alpacas! Some people made appointments with Rick & Pati to come back and discuss the business in more detail. Overall, Saturday was truly a success. Especially, considering this was the first year.
Pati rewarded us with dinner and libation. :)
Sunday started out a little slower. Yet, by the end of the day, we figure there were about 150+ people that came to visit. We met a wonderful lady that LOVES to spin fiber. Pati gave her several bags of raw fiber from last year's shearing. She was thrilled. More appointments set for future visits, and some potential buyers. Another great day. ALPHA did very well in the pen with Felix, and even let a few people rub his neck. I was very proud to have my 2 boys on display for everyone to see. They did me proud.
By the time the last visitors left on Sunday, we were pretty tired. Rick & I pigged out on the sandwiches from lunch even though Pati said we shouldn't eat them, because they'd been out all day. I didn't get sick...I don't think Rick did either. Heck, Pati, they were great sandwiches :)
Wash them down with a beer and all's well with the world. By the end of the evening, I know we were all exhausted, sore, but grateful for the experience.
Back to Felix. A few weeks ago, I ordered Felix a customized halter with his name embroidered on the nose, with matching lead. I ordered turquoise halter, royal blue overlay and his name embroidered in white. After I ordered it, I realized the production time far exceeded Farm Days last weekend. WELL, last Tuesday, to my surprise, the halter and lead were delivered. So, Felix got to wear his very own halter for Farm Days. The company that made the halter asked me for a photo and posted it on their website with Felix as a model for Alpaca halters. Thanks, Cathy, that was very sweet of you. Now, my Felix is a CyberCelebrity. I've posted his "model photo" here.
Update: Received the results from Meg Ryan's blood test. Unfortunately, she is not pregnant yet. That was bad news for me, but good news for Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador ("Fred") because that means he gets another date. I'm counting on you, Fred.
Update: We go on "baby watch" for Princess tomorrow, October 4th. Her actual due date is November 4, but she could deliver anytime between now and then. Last year she went 339 days. If she does the same this year, she may deliver in a few weeks. I want to think pink, but I'd rather think healthy with great fiber and conformation. This cria will be a full sister or brother to ALPHA.
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