A Very Eventful Month!

I know, I'm bad. I haven't written since June 1st, but have a very good excuse. I have spent the last few weeks putting the finishing touches on a cruise group of 40 high school seniors, along with 19 adults. Yes, I was one of the adults that escorted this great group of Centennial High School Class of 2008 seniors to Catalina, Ensenada and San Diego from June 16 to 20. Alot of last minute preparation, then I was on the cruise all last week. We had a great time.

Let's see, since the last time I wrote, Summer had a little girl (Vanessa), Nala had a little girl (Tiffany), Gwen had a little boy (???) and Cantana had a little girl (Brandi). Wow, June is cria month! Toni is due anytime, as is Carmella. In a week or so, we'll be on baby watch for Star! Her actual due date is August 10, but she could deliver in July. I can't wait to see Star's cria.

Sadly, Dewdrop lost her battle with cancer on June 9th. She was one of Rick and Pati's favorites and I know she will be missed tremendously. She did leave two beautiful girls to carry on; Percy and Oda Mae Brown. They will both be bred this year to continue Dewdrop's legacy. Rest in Peace, Dewdrop. Wait for us at Rainbow Bridge...we'll meet you there someday.

It has been very hot at the ranch for the last few weeks. So hot, about the only thing to do is belly hose, and belly hose, and belly hose. The girls' fields have sprinklers and they know exactly what time they are going on. They are so funny. Most of them will back into the sprinkler, so they don't get spit on by someone else. I enjoy belly hosing all of them, but especially the boys. Most of them love it.

I love hanging out with the little boys. There are lots of weeds with yellow flowers that they love to eat. I pick a big bunch, go in their field, and sit on the feeder. Most of them will come up and eat from my hands. It is so cool! And, it really gives me a chance to get up close and personal with them. Sometimes, even touch them :) Last Saturday, Alpha really shocked me. He was eating from my hand, which gave me a chance to get real close to his neck. I've talked about him acquiring silver spots for some time now. So far, the spots are on his hips, shoulders and back. His neck! Today I really saw his neck. Oh my! Every other follicle is silver. He looks like a light rose gray on his neck! Not all of his neck, right now just the throat side. I can't wait to see what happens in the next few months. That would be unbelievable if he ended up a rose gray. Wow, that would be more than unbelievable. When I bought Star, she was considered light brown. A few months later, she turned light rose gray! Color is an important consideration in determing value, along with other factors. Star is a solid rose gray. From what I've read, that makes her somewhat rare. Most rose grays are spotted or patterned with a blend of colors. If Alpha does change colors, I think he would be the spotted or patterned kind. Fine with me :)

Vanilla Sundae has a birthday this Saturday, June 28th. She'll be 2 years old. She looks more and more like her dad, Vivace, all the time. She has his intense eyes, mustache and powerful jaw. She's bred to Show Me the Money for a late November, early December cria. Her mom, Carmel Sunday, was bred the same day to "Mo", as well. Princess is getting a belly on her, even though she's not due until early December. Meg, oh Meg. We still aren't sure if she's pregnant. I guess we'll know in September, as that is when she would be due. Norma Rae will be a year old on September 1, and I think she'll be getting a "date" for her birthday. She is a very big girl for her age. Pati Cake, I don't know yet. She may be going to some Fall shows. We're waiting to see how her fiber looks when it starts growing out.

Although it was a very hot day, I still enjoyed every moment I spent with the Alpacas. Oops, I really enjoyed Rick and Pati, too (sorry, guys, if you were upstaged by the Alpacas. I know you understand, and relate).