Pacasitting Day 3

It's Saturday. Considering I go to the ranch on Saturdays and I've witnessed several births, I figured today was Summer's day to deliver. I was up and out of my house at 6AM because Summer has a habit of delivering at 6:45AM. I made it to the ranch by 6:40. I jumped out of the car, camera and cell phone in hand, and headed for the north field. Summer was standing in the north east field and looked very uncomfortable. At times, it appears she was having contractions. There was alot of movement going on in her belly. She was not chewing her cud.

The first thing I did was close 2 gates, confining her to one field. Magdelena, Emma and Obama were in there with her. I sat on the wet ground to hang out with her for awhile. 30 minutes later, nothing.....30 more minutes, nothing. I decided to go check on all the other fields and come back. Maybe she needed some time alone. Long story short....no baby today.

Although it was cloudy, there was some blue sky and a little sun. After yesterday, it was a beautiful day to me (and I'm sure to the Alpacas). No rain today, yeah! This afternoon, the sun actually was out enough for me to take off my jacket.

Yep, the girls had a poop party in the shed. I got it cleaned up and Philip carried it away for me. Philip takes care of the fields; scooping poop, filling water buckets, replenishing hay and whatever else needs to be done. Then, it was time to capture two little girls and take off their coats. Gabby is like greased lightning. So, again, I cheated. I waited until she was nursing. It sure is easier when you have the coat to grab ahold of. Next, Michelle. I had to cheat with her too. I was really amazed that both coats were in tact. I figured Meg Ryan would have gotten them off overnight.

Yesterday, I caught Zsa Zsa (born November 2006) nursing on Priscilla (Gabby's mom). I asked Rick if he wanted me to move her to the center field. That could be easier said than done. Because of the weather, yesterday was not a good time to try. Today, yes! It took a little dividing of Alpacas to close gates and lessen the number I had to deal with. It ended up being Zsa Zsa, Meg Ryan (of course) and Dip 'N Dot (without her mom, Peach) in the alley outside center field. Of course, by this time, all the Alpacas are at the gate that I want to open and let Dip 'N Dot through to be with her mom. I was able to keep them back so she could get through. Meg Ryan was not cooperative. I finally gave up and tried to "arm herd" Zsa Zsa in to the middle field. It worked! Then, Meg followed me out, I opened all the appropriate gates and life is good.

I made it a point to check on the preggos every 30 minutes. I also pruned a pepper tree so the boys could have treats. I didn't realize how many branches I cut, from a tree all the way on the other end of the 5 acre property. More than I could carry in one trip. Light bulb! I got the golf cart, filled up the back basket with tree branches and drove down to Boys Town. All the boys got tree branches and really seemed to enjoy them. I let the litle boys out of their field where they could run in the alley and in the empty field (their playground). Apollo and Kona are little guys,but they live in a field with Show Me The Money. I let them out, too. All the little boys were having a great time, except for Patron. He is the smallest. He spent the whole time glued to Felix. I think Felix has become his big brother. Alpha, Kona and Apollo were being "boys"; neck wrestling, biting ankles, and chasing each other around. Apollo likes to spit :(
(sort of a wet air spit). DJ and Luther had a great time munching on branches and running around. They spent several hours playing. When it was time to put them back in the fields, they all went without a problem. Tomorrow we'll take walks.

The sun hid behind the clouds this afternoon at about 3:30. Because it was cloudy and cool, I thought it would be O.K. to give everyone treats early. While giving treats in the north field, I had a chance to check under the tails of the preggos. Didn't look any different than first thing this morning. After treats, I checked all the gates, locked up the house and headed for home. t
The road wasn't as bad this morning, driving in, although still puddles and mud. This afternoon was even better. Still muddy in spots, but not bad at all.

Pati flies home tomorrow afternoon. I will be at the ranch bright and early in case Summer wants to surprise her with a cria. I talked to Rick this afternoon. Paris Hilton won 4th place in her class. Wow, that is so cool! Tomorrow, Majik and Sonny will be in the ring!