With almost no exception, I go to the ranch on Saturdays, every week. Every so often, I will have a commitment on Saturday, and go on Sunday. That is what happened this week. I was invited to a going away party for a dear friend's son, that is going to Oregon to attend college. So, this week, I was at the ranch on Sunday.
The morning started out with me having coffee with my very special friends, Bob & Jackie. I hadn't seen them since my birthday party. Great coffee, yet even better company :) Then, around 8:15AM, I was off to the ranch. Rick was transporting 3 pet males to a client's new farm. I've learned you introduce pet males to a new Alpaca environment to "test the waters". There could possibly be something toxic on the land (especially certain plants, trees and weeds). You would not want to expose your producing females, crias or herdsires, without first knowing it was safe for them.
So, I spent the morning with Pati and the herd. They are now on baby watch for Carmella, Star, Malea, Dusty Rose and Ariana (I think in that order). Carmella, Ariana and Malea are in the north field; Dusty Rose and Star are in the main field. It's like watching a tennis match :) Head to the right, head to the left, head to the right, etc., etc., etc. Watching to see if they go to the poop pile and do nothing; to see if they are chewing their cud; are their ears down?; are any of them laying on their sides?; can you see their vulva?; is it elongated? are they eating?; (applicable to north field) - where is Lillith the Llama midwife? Of course, the phrase "a watched pot" comes to mind. B U T, around 11ish, Carmella had gone to the poop pile twice, and done nothing, she had been laying on her side with a very elongated vulva and she appeared to be restless. Within 30 minutes, Lillith came running down to Carmella's side, all the way from the northeast field. While Lillith stood "midwife watch", Carmella started pushing. It took a bit of pushing before out popped a leg, then a nose, then another leg. YEAH! Pati helped by gently pulling the legs in a downward position, to make it easier on mom. Plop, there is a healthy, baby boy on the ground! While he lay on the ground, he was checked out by some of his "aunts:" Athena, Cher, Dip N Dot, Malea, Lillith and KoKo. I hope no one is offended by the photo I posted of this blessed event. This personifies Lillith the Llama Midwife, and you get a peak of MR. BOJANGLES as he entered the world at approximately 11:33AM on Sunday, July 27.
Mr. Bojangles? The perfect name for this little guy. After Carmella passed her placenta, Pati carried the cria up to the shed to weigh him and take he and mom to the nursery. This bouncing baby boy weighed 17+ pounds. In less than an hour, he was up walking, trying to nurse, running, nursing, hopping, nursing, nap time, running, nursing, hopping. What an active little guy and cute as a button. Some horse owners were at the ranch today and Rick brought them up to the nursery to see the new baby. He performed, dancing all around the nursery, raising and lowering his head and neck, and acting very much like Mr. Bojangles. What a perfect name!
Rick & Pati are always so good at coming up with names that truly fit the personality of the Alpaca. Congratulations, Rick & Pati, and THANK YOU, Carmella, for letting me witness your delivery.
In between enjoying the new little boy (who, at that point, was unnamed), Rick and I took Felix and Alpha for a walk. Felix was in a great mood in the morning, but was not very cooperative on his walk in the afternoon. I think he's still upset that he didn't get a walk last weekend, yet Apolla and Kona did. Alpha was his great self, and yes, has even more spots. We just don't know about him. We weighed the boys today: Felix 123.9 pounds, Alpha 112.8 pounds. Alpha is catching up to Felix! Alpha is such a good looking boy. I really hope he will grow into herdsire material. He was my first cria and it would be very hard to part with him.
I spent some time in all the fields early in the day. Norma Rae looks like an adult (and is bigger than some of the adults) and not quite 11 months old. Pati Cake couldn't get any blacker, and is getting pretty tall, too. Star is obviously very uncomfortable as she waddles around with her BIG belly. It will all be over soon, Star. I am so anxious to see your first cria. Her actual due date is August 9th, but she could deliver any time. Maidens can be unpredictable. I'm only 30 minutes away when she starts labor. I will drop whatever I'm doing to be there :) Vanilla Sundae is getting a belly, but not as big as Princess'. They are both due the end of November. Meg Ryan? Same story, who knows? If she is , her due date is late September. She doesn't look pregnant to me, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean anything. If not, I would like to make a concentrated effort, in the next few months, to get her pregnant. Not me, silly, Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador (lovingly known as Fred).
Rick got back from Ramona. He missed the whole birth. He swears the Alpacas watch for his tail lights, then go in to labor. I think he's right. Rick, Pati and I hung out on the patio, libating (is that a word?) and discussing our upcoming cruise. It's getting closer and closer. We are all very excited to spend a week in the Caribbean aboard a floating resort, in cabins with balconies overlooking the ocean. Oh yes.
Pati and I passed out treats and laughed at the Mo babies. Biff, Tiffany and Vanessa are so funny to watch. Wrong Way and Brandi seem to have teamed up and spent some time neck wrestling. Wrong Way like to air spit :) Watch out, guys, here comes trouble....and his name is Mr. Bojangles! He's going to terrorize the main field :)
Yes, another GREAT day at the ranch.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Nope, Carmella Didn't
Nope. Carmella has decided to hold on to that cria a little longer. Although Star's due date is August 10th, she really isn't showing the "labor" signs. She's as big as a house, and grunts when she walks or tries to roll, but other than that, she's acting pretty normal. That's O.K. That baby can cook for at long as she wants :) I'm so anxious to see what Star and Fred can do together.
It was a nice day at the ranch. Warm, but with a great breeze. The weather was perfect for spit testing and breeding. I went down to get Fred and he ran to the gate when he saw the halter. He almost put the halter on himself and galloped up the hill to the show pen, where girlfriend #1 was waiting. Nope. She spit. Next. Nope. She spit. Next. Nope. She spit. Next. Nope, that was just a trial to see if this maiden will sit August 21st. Sorry, Fred. Treats didn't seem to take the place of a date. Next up: Mo. Yep, got the job done, IN AN HOUR. Dang, dude! Next: Blade. Oh yes, this guy knows what to do and makes a lot of noise doing it. I hope they didn't brag too much in front of Fred. Poor Fred.
I hung out with the girls for awhile and can't believe how big Norma Rae is getting. She looks just like the mature adults, and she is only 10 months old. Pati Cake is getting really tall, too. Vanilla has been hanging out with mom, Carmel Sunday. They are due at the same time. Princess has teamed up with the "Sisterhood" of Prissy, Aria and Manda Smith. Rick and Pati noticed the 4 of them hanging out together quite a bit. They are the Grumpy Plumpies. Princess is the youngest at age 10, and Manda is the oldest at 15. Go Girls!
Rick and I took Apollo and Kona for their first official walk. They've been on a halter once, to move from shearing the Boy's Town. Apolla did great, and Kona did pretty well following. By the end of the walk, they were both doing pretty well. Since Suris tend to be high spirited, they really did well. Rick thought Apollo would be a challenge, but he was the best of the two. I hung out with the little boys (little boys? they are all getting pretty big, except for little Patron). The weeds with the yellow flowers are getting scarce now that it's so warm. I was able to find a handful to give the boys. Luther, Felix, Majik and Alpha are all real friendly. Patron is a little stand-offish, as is Sonny. Sometimes Sonny will eat the weeds and let me get pretty close, but not often. Felix was a love bug (but spit at me later in the day when I walked Kona instead of him), and Alpha is just a sweetheart. He still keeps getting more spots, and now there are threads of silver blending through his blanket. Wow, we still have no clue what color he will be.
It was fun to sit around with Rick and Pati and talk about our upcoming cruise. Wow, less than 3 months. We've been planning it for so long. It is going to be great to spend 7 days in the Caribbean in a balcony cabin! We also talked about the AOA Auction in Las Vegas in January. They go every year. In 2009, I'm going too! I can't wait. I really enjoy meeting Alpaca people. And, it's my very first live Alpaca auction. I must show restraint :(
Pretty soon it will be time to start thinking about Alpaca Farm Days and upcoming shows. All American Alpacas is participating in Alpaca Farm Days in September. This year there will be more Alpacas, more crias, Alpaca products and Mexican food! In November is AlpacaFest West at Industry Hills. Next March is the Southwest Alpaca Show in Phoenix. Diane and I went last year and will be going next year, as well. I'm not sure which of my Alpacas will be going to shows, but I'll decide soon (with Rick and Pati's input, of course).
I've posted a picture I took of Tiffany last Saturday. I posted a blog about the birth of Tiffany. Is she cute or what? Her dam is Nala and her sire is Show Me The Money. Nala is my Vanilla Sundae's half sister (same dad, Vivace). Nala and Vanilla have similar coloring, except Vanilla wears medium brown thong. Vanilla is bred to Show Me The Money. Would that be cool, or what, for me to have a cria from Vanilla that looks like Tiffany? YES!
It was a nice day at the ranch. Warm, but with a great breeze. The weather was perfect for spit testing and breeding. I went down to get Fred and he ran to the gate when he saw the halter. He almost put the halter on himself and galloped up the hill to the show pen, where girlfriend #1 was waiting. Nope. She spit. Next. Nope. She spit. Next. Nope. She spit. Next. Nope, that was just a trial to see if this maiden will sit August 21st. Sorry, Fred. Treats didn't seem to take the place of a date. Next up: Mo. Yep, got the job done, IN AN HOUR. Dang, dude! Next: Blade. Oh yes, this guy knows what to do and makes a lot of noise doing it. I hope they didn't brag too much in front of Fred. Poor Fred.
I hung out with the girls for awhile and can't believe how big Norma Rae is getting. She looks just like the mature adults, and she is only 10 months old. Pati Cake is getting really tall, too. Vanilla has been hanging out with mom, Carmel Sunday. They are due at the same time. Princess has teamed up with the "Sisterhood" of Prissy, Aria and Manda Smith. Rick and Pati noticed the 4 of them hanging out together quite a bit. They are the Grumpy Plumpies. Princess is the youngest at age 10, and Manda is the oldest at 15. Go Girls!
Rick and I took Apollo and Kona for their first official walk. They've been on a halter once, to move from shearing the Boy's Town. Apolla did great, and Kona did pretty well following. By the end of the walk, they were both doing pretty well. Since Suris tend to be high spirited, they really did well. Rick thought Apollo would be a challenge, but he was the best of the two. I hung out with the little boys (little boys? they are all getting pretty big, except for little Patron). The weeds with the yellow flowers are getting scarce now that it's so warm. I was able to find a handful to give the boys. Luther, Felix, Majik and Alpha are all real friendly. Patron is a little stand-offish, as is Sonny. Sometimes Sonny will eat the weeds and let me get pretty close, but not often. Felix was a love bug (but spit at me later in the day when I walked Kona instead of him), and Alpha is just a sweetheart. He still keeps getting more spots, and now there are threads of silver blending through his blanket. Wow, we still have no clue what color he will be.
It was fun to sit around with Rick and Pati and talk about our upcoming cruise. Wow, less than 3 months. We've been planning it for so long. It is going to be great to spend 7 days in the Caribbean in a balcony cabin! We also talked about the AOA Auction in Las Vegas in January. They go every year. In 2009, I'm going too! I can't wait. I really enjoy meeting Alpaca people. And, it's my very first live Alpaca auction. I must show restraint :(
Pretty soon it will be time to start thinking about Alpaca Farm Days and upcoming shows. All American Alpacas is participating in Alpaca Farm Days in September. This year there will be more Alpacas, more crias, Alpaca products and Mexican food! In November is AlpacaFest West at Industry Hills. Next March is the Southwest Alpaca Show in Phoenix. Diane and I went last year and will be going next year, as well. I'm not sure which of my Alpacas will be going to shows, but I'll decide soon (with Rick and Pati's input, of course).
I've posted a picture I took of Tiffany last Saturday. I posted a blog about the birth of Tiffany. Is she cute or what? Her dam is Nala and her sire is Show Me The Money. Nala is my Vanilla Sundae's half sister (same dad, Vivace). Nala and Vanilla have similar coloring, except Vanilla wears medium brown thong. Vanilla is bred to Show Me The Money. Would that be cool, or what, for me to have a cria from Vanilla that looks like Tiffany? YES!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Lots of birthdays!
Yes, I'm bad again. I haven't written for awhile. I was in Washington from July 2 to 6 celebrating birthdays (Kylynn's, Nikki's and mine) and the 4th of July. We had a great party, fantastic food, an abundance of libation and really cool fireworks (which is O.K. in Steilacoom, WA).
I was at the ranch on Saturday, July 12, hoping Carmella would decide to have her cria. Nope. I spent some time in each field with the girls and in Boy's Town with the boys. Rick and Pati had sold Tonto Goldstein and Rick was taking him to his new home in Mira Loma. I went along for the ride, because some of my ol' buddies are there (Nicholas, Oliver, Christopher and Harrison). It was great to see them again. Tonto fit right in with his ol' friends. These guys have a great life. Lots of space, grass and people who truly love them.
Back at the ranch, I took Felix and Alpha for a walk. I wanted Rick and Pati to get a good look at Alpha, as he continues to have more silver spots on his back. He is definitely changing colors. To what, we aren't sure. I hope whatever he's going to do is done by November, for AlpacaFest West, because I'd like to show him again. I walked the boys by the fence where all the girls are, and little Miss Pati Cake clucked at Alpha and raised her tail. No way, little girl....first of all, you are too young; secondly, Alpha is your full brother!
While I was away, Toni (Star's mom) finally had her cria. A darling little boy who has been named "Wrong Way". Why? Because he was breach! Dr. Thacher had to come out to help with this birth. He's a cutie pie and really clings to mom. It is so much fun to see so many little crias running around again. The Mo babies are all best buddies (Tiffany, Vanessa and Biff). While all the crias were running and playing, Smokey decided to pronk with them. What a beautiful sight.
Star is HUGE and it's obvious she's uncomfortable. She S L O W L Y walks up the hill. Her official due date is August 10th. She's a maiden, so I hope she has an uneventful birth. It took so long to get her pregnant, I am counting the days for her to deliver. I can't wait to see what she and Conquistador produce. I know it will be spectacular. IF Meg Ryan is pregnant, her due date is late September. BIG IF!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Kylynn - 3 on June 24 (my granddaughter)
Vanilla Sundae - 2 on June 28
Nikki - 33 on July 10 (my daughter)
Princess - 10 on July 10
Me - 60 on July 13
Patron - 1 on July 15
Carmella - 5 on July 15
Loren - 22 on July 17 (my daughter)
Sylvia - 65 on July 25 (my OLDER sister :)
The advantage of being a human over an Alpaca is I had a great birthday party! My sister and brother in law arranged a surprise brunch at Rodrigo's in Norco. The most important people in my life were there. I was so happy that Carmella decided not to deliver her cria on July 13, for 2 reasons. 1) Rick and Pati would have to stay home with the new cria rather than coming to my party, and 2) Rick said if Carmella delivered a boy that day it would be "a boy named Sue".
Obviously, Carmella wanted no part of that. Thanks, Carmella, for letting Rick and Pati be part of my celebration. Oh yes, we had fun. Oh yes, the Margaritas flowed! The bartender made our drinks very special to put us in a party mood. He succeeded! Great food, drinks, family, friends and really cool gifts! It was a wonderful afternoon that I will remember always. Thanks to Patti and Dave (my sister and brother in law) for arranging such a special party.
They say 60 is the new 40. Sounds good to me!
I was at the ranch on Saturday, July 12, hoping Carmella would decide to have her cria. Nope. I spent some time in each field with the girls and in Boy's Town with the boys. Rick and Pati had sold Tonto Goldstein and Rick was taking him to his new home in Mira Loma. I went along for the ride, because some of my ol' buddies are there (Nicholas, Oliver, Christopher and Harrison). It was great to see them again. Tonto fit right in with his ol' friends. These guys have a great life. Lots of space, grass and people who truly love them.
Back at the ranch, I took Felix and Alpha for a walk. I wanted Rick and Pati to get a good look at Alpha, as he continues to have more silver spots on his back. He is definitely changing colors. To what, we aren't sure. I hope whatever he's going to do is done by November, for AlpacaFest West, because I'd like to show him again. I walked the boys by the fence where all the girls are, and little Miss Pati Cake clucked at Alpha and raised her tail. No way, little girl....first of all, you are too young; secondly, Alpha is your full brother!
While I was away, Toni (Star's mom) finally had her cria. A darling little boy who has been named "Wrong Way". Why? Because he was breach! Dr. Thacher had to come out to help with this birth. He's a cutie pie and really clings to mom. It is so much fun to see so many little crias running around again. The Mo babies are all best buddies (Tiffany, Vanessa and Biff). While all the crias were running and playing, Smokey decided to pronk with them. What a beautiful sight.
Star is HUGE and it's obvious she's uncomfortable. She S L O W L Y walks up the hill. Her official due date is August 10th. She's a maiden, so I hope she has an uneventful birth. It took so long to get her pregnant, I am counting the days for her to deliver. I can't wait to see what she and Conquistador produce. I know it will be spectacular. IF Meg Ryan is pregnant, her due date is late September. BIG IF!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
Kylynn - 3 on June 24 (my granddaughter)
Vanilla Sundae - 2 on June 28
Nikki - 33 on July 10 (my daughter)
Princess - 10 on July 10
Me - 60 on July 13
Patron - 1 on July 15
Carmella - 5 on July 15
Loren - 22 on July 17 (my daughter)
Sylvia - 65 on July 25 (my OLDER sister :)
The advantage of being a human over an Alpaca is I had a great birthday party! My sister and brother in law arranged a surprise brunch at Rodrigo's in Norco. The most important people in my life were there. I was so happy that Carmella decided not to deliver her cria on July 13, for 2 reasons. 1) Rick and Pati would have to stay home with the new cria rather than coming to my party, and 2) Rick said if Carmella delivered a boy that day it would be "a boy named Sue".
Obviously, Carmella wanted no part of that. Thanks, Carmella, for letting Rick and Pati be part of my celebration. Oh yes, we had fun. Oh yes, the Margaritas flowed! The bartender made our drinks very special to put us in a party mood. He succeeded! Great food, drinks, family, friends and really cool gifts! It was a wonderful afternoon that I will remember always. Thanks to Patti and Dave (my sister and brother in law) for arranging such a special party.
They say 60 is the new 40. Sounds good to me!
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