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.