A Relaxing Day At The Ranch

Yesterday, it was too hot to spit test, breed or even walk the boys. Rick & Pati had some ranch visitors, so I took off to the fields to find the perfect Kodak moment. I don't think I really got any fantastic pictures, but it's fun anyway. Before that, Pati trimmed a California Pepper tree and I took the branches to Boy's Town. All the boys got a special treat. They really like the pepper branches. I took a few branches in to the north field, and Vanilla Sundae came running before I even got through the gate. I've been hand feeding her for a few weeks now, and she is responding so well. She doesn't really let me touch her, yet, but does come up to me for branches. I have no problem bribing an Alpaca in to being my friend.

I want to spend more time with Pati Cake and Norma Rae. They need to be evaluated, to see if they may be show material for AlpacaFest West in November. Although Norma Rae is as big, or bigger, than some of the adults, Rick feels she is still too immature to be bred. She'll be a year old September 1st. The girls need to be halter trained and develop some "social skills". Alpha may go to the show, depending on what color he is in October. Competing in a different color class could make a difference. Yes, he's my first cria, and I am the eternal optimist that he will turn out to be one of the greatest herdesires ever :)

Speaking of herdsires, Rick & Pati tell me Rockstarr is pretty special. They feel he has real potential in the show ring and as a herdsire. Of course, the herdsire part is a few years away. But, he can attend his first show in Phoenix next March :) He is a cutie pie, but again, I'm partial. So, for someone else to feel that way too makes me feel he really is a special little guy.
He and Aurora look like they could be closely related (duh, they have the same dad - Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador, "Fred"). He's just got a little more color on his blanket. She is SO CUTE. Her mom, like Star, is a rose gray (Dusty Rose). Aurora has more black around her eyes than Rockstarr does, which makes her look like a glamour girl with false eyelashes. Her mom, Dusty Rose, has always been a sweetheart. She loves to give kisses, and really gets passionate about what she's doing. While giving you kisses, you can rub her neck. She's a real sweetheart. W E L L, guess who is doing the exact same thing? Yep, Little Miss Aurora will give you K I S S E S, wet, tongue kisses, that feel like butterflies fluttering over your lips. She needs no encouragement, and will continue to kiss you as long as you let her (just like mom). You can rub her neck, too. This little baby is only 2 weeks old. She certainly didn't LEARN to do it. Great genes, Dusty Rose.

So, I took pictures, checked on Kir (she's due any time), kissed Aurora, took more pictures, fed the boys tree leaves, belly hosed the boys, took more pictures, and hung out with Rick and Pati while we count down for our cruise in October. We'll be doing our next PACAribean cruise aboard "Oasis of the Seas", 7 night Eastern Caribbean, October 9, 2010. Due to breeding and/or show obligations, we can only offer this cruise every two years.

I am happy to report Rockstarr's ankles have tightened up and his legs are now straight. He's starting to get a fuzzy face, so I think he's going to have good facial coverage. His fiber is real tightly bundled, like popcorn. His color is gorgeous.

I'm hoping to breed Star to Fred next weekend. I think the following week Rick is leaving for a cross country transport, stopping at an auction in Virginia, and picking up his pride and joy "Lucy". She's been in Virginia for breeding to a very famous herdsire. I'll do what I can to help Pati while Rick is gone. In September is also Alpaca Farm Days. Watch www.allamericanalpacas.com website for updated information. Then, plan to come out and spend some time with the Alpacas. Last year was a great success, so I'm sure this year will be even better.