Sheffield Alpacas

Baby Bunny Update

2012-02-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

It has been a very warm and calm winter here so tending to the alpacas has been relatively routine. Most of our excitement has been around the baby bunnies. They are five weeks old now and getting so big! One has blue eyes!

The ears are starting to flop.

I think Dad must have been fuzzy!

Quite a change in such a short time, right?!

More Bunnies

2012-01-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

We had a beautiful holiday season and an especially blessed Christmas. I hope you did, too. One of our joys was the chance to rescue a rabbit from a difficult hoarding/puppy mill situation. There were over 200 animals of which 54 were bunnies. I was only in a position to take one with our pet load a bit high. However, volunteers who helped at the rescue site mixed boy bunnies with girl bunnies. You know what that means!

Fingerless Gloves and Yoga Socks

2011-11-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

After numerous requests I finally put yoga socks

and fingerless gloves in the Etsy shop.

Now if I could just take a moment to make some for myself! :)

Dye-In

2011-11-17T09:44:00.000-05:00

Recently the spinning group I am part of had a Dye-in. What a great time playing with color with such a fabulous group of people, a beautiful day, and the perfect setting. Here is a link to the group's blog - A Day of Dyeing and Spinning.

There was a lot of fancy dying, and I was a bit embarrassed to bring my tiny attempt at color-making with Kool-Aid! You might remember my first attempts: Kool! and Valenine Hearts. I should have known that most of the ladies had done it before and would be completely supportive!

Here is what I started out with. Teddy's roving.

This is the mess that came out!

This is after spinning!

Another friend decided to give her yarn a dunk.

Some of the pretty projects.

Here are a couple of things I've made with Kool-Aid dyed yarn.

Yes, the color is permanent, and yes I need to try something

other than Black Cherry!

If you'd like to try it yourself, I used this tutorial:

Dyed in the Wool at Knitty.com.

DIY Hackle and Diz

2011-10-12T14:34:00.000-04:00

You know how I like to do most things for myself...by hand from top to bottom. Maybe you are just like me! I wanted a way to make my own roving since I am no closer to getting our fleece to a fiber mill. I found this tutorial for making a hackle using a piece of lumber, hair picks or combs, and self-tapping screws. You can do it, too. It is really easy!

Here are some pictures of Chris making mine:

Use clamps to hold hackle steady on the edge of a table, counter, or TV tray.

Now you load on the fiber. I used lightly carded fleece. A hackle is really for blending fibers and colors, but it works for my need to have long strips of roving rather than smaller rolags.

I just used a button for a diz and pulled the fiber through one of the holes while moving across the hackle from right to left.

I eventually switched to a larger coconut button which I think works better due to it's larger shape and hole.

There are lots of youtube videos showing this process. Here is one I really like: Blending Fibre with a Hackle I've been able to make beautiful roving. It works in a pinch.

If you are looking for the real deal, here is a link to one sold by The Woolery and this is what a diz looks like. I am lucky enough to live near this shop and get to stare at all the neat yarn, spinning, weaving, and fiber goodness they stock!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Sweet Sweater Dress for Little Dogs

2011-09-02T14:18:00.000-04:00

There is a local event next week to raise money for Holly's Place Animal Rescue. I was asked if I would contribute a few items for the silent auction. I love helping out in this way so I sent a set of felted bowls and 2 pet sweaters. Here is one being modeled by my friend Beth's sweetie, Daisy!

I used the Little Black Dress pattern by Kay Graves.

Some day I'll have a black alpaca so I can make it in that color just to use the name "Little Black Dress!" So cute!

If you are in the area, "Whiskers, Wags, and Wine" information can be found at Hollys.org .

P.S. I have been informed this would look just as cute on a cat. :)

That Catchy Song

2011-08-24T10:47:00.003-04:00

I'm spinning yarn for a friend's order for baby booties and I caught myself singing a song absentmindedly. Ack...you know the ones that stick in your head and you can't get rid of them. Maybe it was the last song you heard, or one that's hung around for years.

I think it is interesting to listen to what others are whistling or humming...they usually give up some secret feeling they are having. Like when I'm running around from school to school and store to bank, I tend to belt out "I am Woman Hear Me Roar!" When I'm cleaning the house or grocery shopping out pops "Stand By Your Man!" It makes me laugh when I realize what I'm singing standing in the cereal aisle. I hum "Moon River" a lot and recently discovered it had been the one my Granddad sang throughout his life so that one feels like a little gift.

The alpacas hum to soothe themselves or comfort each other, or to call their babies. Sometimes it has more of an anxious tone. You know I'm leading up to the alpaca ringtone I made recently. :) Here is the link for your personal use or to just listen to what they sound like: Alpaca Ringtone.

My favorite tune of all time is "Greensleeves". I can thank my mom for that one. Here is a link to a beautiful version on the Lute: Greensleeves with Luca Pianca . I bet we could make a ringtone out of that one, too!

One last note...songs can be used for sibling torture. My son LOVES to irritate his sister with that Justin Bieber song. He just has to sing the first few words (Baby, baby, baby, oh) and she is running from the room.

Bunny Hop

2011-08-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

This is a Chinese Proverb I just love! Thanks to my friend, Penny, for sharing it with me. Can you tell in the picture that my bunny is hopping straight up in the air? Too cute!

DIY Livestock Watering System

2011-08-01T15:46:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of re-purposing, recycling, and saving money, here is how we fill two troughs on either side of a fence with one hose.

Chris took two large storage tubs we had on hand and put them on either side of the fence separating the boys and girls.

He cut out half of each lid to make a large opening. This keeps the water cleaner and cooler. It also makes a safe place to tuck a water heating element in the winter.

We have a boy who likes to step inside the troughs so Chris set them on top of overturned tubs to make them higher.

Chris used PVC plumbing pipe to create a divided water spout, attached it to the fence with hay bale twine, and ran our hose through the top securing it with a large clamp.

This cuts down on a lot of bucket filling and fits our budget for the moment. It also makes me feel good about using what we have instead of always buying more.

I'm sure you can take this basic idea and adjust it to fit your needs. It doesn't look fancy, but it'll work until you get plumbing out to the barn or pastures.

Oh, and you'll want to secure the lids or this can happen!

Pinterest Addiction

2011-07-27T12:07:00.000-04:00

I'm addicting to Pinterest. Thanks Lindy! Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. It lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. To start your own pinboards you might need an invite. Let me know if you want one.

Here are some neat things I'm finding. Come join us!

So many neat ideas!

Cuties that make me smile.

I love windows.

Invite me please!

Beautifully Said

2011-07-26T15:36:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful quote from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. I added it to my butterfly picture. It was drying its wings having just emerged from the cocoon last spring. Click on the pic to see a bigger version.

Nuzzle and Scratch

2011-07-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

Monday we are introducing youngsters to alpacas at the library. In preparing for the presentation I came across this cute show in the UK. It features two alpacas as the lead characters of a children's program. I wonder...will Nuzzle and Scratch find their way to America?

Nuzzle and Scratch

Ringtones Gone Wild

2011-07-12T22:50:00.072-04:00

A Gray Treefrog was hiding under a feeder yesterday. This is the first one I've seen, so I went online to identify it.

Did you know you can download nature ringtones? The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife have a site for that called Ringtones Gone Wild. You can get everything from an angry bear to a bluebird, and they have the Gray Treefrog, too.

Now I have a little surprise for you. Here is an alpaca ringtone I made. It is Mystery humming!

Listen to the Alpaca Hum Ringtone
(might take a few seconds to load)

Free for your personal use.

mp3 - DOWNLOAD

iPod or iPhone - DOWNLOAD

Please link back to this site or give credit
if you use these files on your own site. Thanks! :)

Here is a great website to upload the ringtone from your computer and send it to your phone. It will also let you convert the mp3 to another format compatible with your phone. Make Your Own Ringtone

Cooling Down Alpacas

2011-07-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

It is super hot here today. The heat index makes it feel like 110 degrees this afternoon. YIKES. We are keeping the water buckets fresh, fans are blowing, and wetting down underbellies every few hours. Here is a video of Jolene and Missy enjoying the summer water ritual.

Bad Dog

2011-05-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

Lucy is not supposed to be in the pastures.

She can't get back out. Can you hear her deep Basset howl?

Woaw-woaw-woaw.

Goofy dog. How long should I leave her there?

What is it?

2011-05-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Handsome Hubby found this little guy in the catch pen when we

were giving the alpacas their monthly shots.

I think it is a salamander. I've never seen one before. Have you?

Thanks to Little Man for taking the pictures.

Shearing Day Pictures 2011

2011-05-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

I grabbed one last picture of my FLUFFY alpacas.

We got an early start at 7 a.m. and it was boys first!

Peruvian Mystery was a squealer!

He has the best fleece on the farm and will be

standing stud this month for us.

Teddy has been through this before.

He acted like it was a day at the spa! :)

Our llama, Ringo, is another story.

Here are the guys remembering him from last year.

Yes, spit happens!

The neighbor's calves wondered WHAT all the fuss was about!

Humpf! He was only mad for a minute.

The shearing team was absolutely excellent. They took care of fighting teeth,

toenails, and making sure everyone looked their best.

In under an hour we had bags of fleece and bare naked alpacas in the pastures.

I love this picture of the boys checking out Missy.

My Lovebug (14) took the shearing photos. I found this one mixed in.

Wordless Wednesday - Drying My New Wings

2011-04-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Easter Eggs in Simple Shades

2011-04-25T11:23:00.000-04:00

We kept Easter egg dyeing pretty simple this year. We used what we had in the fridge, which were mostly brown eggs from our friend's farm and a couple of ameracauna blue eggs tossed in as well.

We had simple, familiar techniques.

The Wire Dipper

The Spoon

Handheld

Here is a technique that is simple for younger children.

The Wisk

Not all of the brown eggs came out in soft, pretty colors,

but we like the color of stone. :)

This one is my favorite!

Simple Stripes

Taking our family portrait was NOT as simple.

I think this picture says it all.

I hope you are having a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Wordless Wednesday - When Mower Part is Backordered

2011-04-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday - A Soft Bangle Makes No Noise

2011-04-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

The Vintage Tax Man Cometh

2011-04-12T10:58:00.002-04:00

This is a fun treasury I made today featuring vintage and vintage inspired tax finds.

I made this one featuring some buddies on Etsy. Lots of great Mom's Day ideas here!

Finally, my alpaca baby booties made it into this treasury today by PamelasJewelry. Aren't her finds gorgeous?

Treasuries are sort of mini-galleries shop owners create to feature items on Etsy. It is a big gift-giving time with Easter, Mother's Day, and Graduation coming up. Everything you'll find has a story. Buy handmade!

Sharing a Great Find: Kevin & Amanda

2011-03-31T09:43:00.000-04:00

A blog I really like has just posted an awesome recipe for Crispy Shrimp Pasta with gorgeous pictures and easy instructions. I'm drooling and I know you will be, too.

Kevin & Amanda have so many fun categories to explore, and I bet Miley and Howie will become fast favorites of yours. You'll have to visit to see who these wonderful little lovebugs are! I'll warn you...they are adorably addicting! :)

I love when I find a good blog and I just HAD to share.

Nectar Recipe and Hummingbird Migration

2011-03-23T09:22:00.000-04:00

This is a little friend I rescued last summer. Remember all of our garage visitors? Snakes and toads, oh my!

The first 2011 hummingbird sighting in our state was reported yesterday. Time to get the feeders out! If you don't remember how to make your own nectar, here is the recipe I use:

Boil 2 cups of water for a few minutes
Add 1/2 cup of sugar.
Let it cool and fill the feeder.

Basically: 4 parts water / 1 part sugar

Check out this neat site for migration maps or become a citizen scientist!

Hummingbird - Journey North

Which kind of hummingbird is in your area? We only see Ruby-throated here.

A Cow Says Mooove, a 'Paca Says Squeak

2011-03-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

I woke up early for the second time this morning to a loud ruckus in the pasture. I made it to the fence with my camera just in time to catch the big one on the hill bellowing and my fellas scampering away at the noise! (Ha! That shows you where my priorities are... Catch the shot for my friends first THEN address the situation)

I don't think they've seen our neighbor's cows before. He usually keeps them in another part of his property.

It did make me laugh, but I'll have to check the direction of runoff and any potential viral problems this might cause. I might have to move the boys to another pasture for a little while.

You might have picked up on my first sentence. That the cows were the second morning wake-up call. The first one was when Little Missy came diving under the covers, having a fit because a mouse was in her room and sounded very loud and really big! THAT ended up being the 'paca boys neck wrestling in the wee hours. I guess their squealing might sound like a squeak to sleepy little ears.

Between moos and "squeaks" I am one tired girl. I'm feeling a need for a nap, but I have my priorities straight...share my goofy life with my friends first, THEN catch some zzzzzzzzs!

Wearin' of the Green

2011-03-17T06:30:00.007-04:00

These just make you smile! I LOVE making these baby slippers.

I made these based on a Mon Petit Violon pattern. If you like to crochet, here is Vita's facebook page: Crochet Patterns by Mon Petit Violon

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Chocolate and Mint Grasshopper Pie

2011-03-16T06:30:00.013-04:00

How about Grasshopper Pie for St. Patty's Day?

Here is Eagle Brand's easy version: (obviously this is a quicky not-from-scratch style recipe, but it IS last minute) :)

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 to 4 drops green food coloring
16 fudge mint cookies, coarsely crushed
1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (6 oz.) prepared chocolate crumb pie crust

Instructions

BEAT cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy in large bowl; gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
STIR in peppermint extract, food coloring and crushed cookies. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into crust.
CHILL at least 3 hours. Garnish as desired. Serve chilled.
Top with chocolate shavings, additional cookie pieces or mint leaves.

Overseeding From Missy's Point of View

2011-03-15T08:27:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,

Boy, do I have a tale to tell. I was enjoying my afternoon in the front pasture when all of the sudden Mr. C came toward us with some odd looking contraption. It moved FAST. A lot faster than when he walks on his feet coming at us with those long white herding poles.

We had to move quickly to get out of the way.

I don't know what the heck that thing was on the back, but it scratched up the dirt pretty good as it passed.

We decided it was best to just get on out of there!

The next thing we knew the whole family was out tossing seed everywhere. Whew! I thought they had a new herding technique. Excuse me... I think I found a little something green here.

I sure hope the yummy spring grass comes up soon! Drop me a line from your pasture!

Love,
Missy

Homemade Glass Cleaner

2011-03-11T20:11:00.000-05:00

With the flurry of spring cleaning looming, I thought I'd share my favorite homemade glass cleaner. I watched my mom use vinegar and newspaper growing up, so it was easy for me to grasp the concept that I didn't need anything blue or fancy and I likely had the ingredients already on hand to make something suitable.

Here is the recipe I think works best.

1 cup of water

1 cup of isopropyl alcohol

1 tablespoon of white vinegar

That's it.

Just put it in a spray bottle.

I haven't tried to make laundry detergent yet but the blog Home Sweet Farm has a recipe for it, so I might be giving it a go soon.

Another resource for homemade substitutions is EarthEasy.com. They have a great list of green solutions and ideas.

If you have one you like, please share!

Donkey Otie

2011-03-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

This is as close as I could get today to show you Otie, the donkey that lives across the street. I don't really know what his name is but I call him Donkey Otie. Get it? Say it fast. (Don Quixote) He is the spotted one.

There are four donkeys in the pasture. They are so cute! I've heard some people use them as guard animals for other livestock because donkeys really dislike dogs and coyotes and will run them out of the area for you. Here is a fun story about one person's experience in Grit Magazine. "Sweet Pet Gives a Mean Kick"

There are many things to consider before choosing a donkey and I'm not convinced guarding alpacas is a good mix but some people have had success. A friend of mine has one and he wanted all of my attention for himself when I visited recently. If my eyes and hands wandered to another animal, he would nibble and grab my clothes with his teeth until I came back around to only having eyes for him! What a hoot!

I'd love to read stories about anyone that has donkeys or different types of guard animals. I hear geese are good alarm systems!

A Feeding Time Story

2011-03-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

I'll give you a hint. This is how it ends.

I went out to feed the alpacas yesterday and took my camera along. Alpacas and llamas mostly eat grass and hay, but we give them supplements in the form of grain to give them some additional nutrients.

Smoke made it to the fence first. He is the guard llama currently in charge of the girls' pasture. He is curious about something. See how alert he is?

It's Lucy. She always follows me out and snags the tidbits that make it through the fence. Smoke and Sabrina are making sure she stays on her side.

I have to tell you Smoke has a bit of a personal problem. You can count on him to pass gas when he moves too quickly. Of course this always gets a giggle from any bystanders. Out of the other end comes grassy, green spit. Here he is about to tag one of the girls who is intruding on his feeding space. I think he has given fair warning to get out of the way, don't you?

Due to recent storms it is very, very muddy here. Our property is hilly, too, so it is a bit tricky getting around right now. (Aha! You can see where this is going can't you?) With shearing time coming soon we moved the boys to higher ground hoping to keep them drier and cleaner.

After navigating a sea of squishy sludge I made it to the far side. Ringo is standing tall and proud today in spite of his dirty self. He does not have the same gas problem as his brother but he is the class clown. Remember the nose-to-nose picture I captured when Missy was born and when he took my sun hat right off my head? I don't know if all llamas are like this, but Ringo and Smoke are big goofs!

Everyone was wet and sloppy so no cute fuzzy pics today....but here's Teddy fussing over his space, too.

This is when I decided to head back to the house...turned... and slippity-slurp... down into the mud I went! Yep..this is me....sitting on my fanny in the muck. As you can tell, I rescued the camera.

Smoke thinks I'M the big goof!

Wordless Wednesday - Muddy and Wet

2011-03-02T08:35:00.001-05:00

Winning, This Way and That

2011-02-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

First of all, should we be hearing Spring Peepers at the end of February? We heard the first "chorus" last night before the next round of storms moved in!

I'm on track to begin week 3 in my running program today and so far it is going very well. I'm also busy hand prepping fleece to spin up more yarn. I really should take it all to be made into roving. I'd get a lot more accomplished. Roving is fleece that has been carded (brushed) on machines into long, continuous strips or bundles. A spinner will use this to spin yarn. I do this by hand with carders and make rolags. Hand carders are like paddles with wire bristles all over them. The Joy of Handspinning website has lots of info about it. Here are my rolags ready to spin. They look like little cinnamon buns! :)

Mataeus' Fleece and Hand Carded Rolags

It is time to announce the winner of the book "Running Made Easy" and an item from my Etsy shop! I numbered each entry and used a random number generator to determine the winner. Congratulations Diane Whitcomb! I'll be contacting you to get your address and find out what you pick from the shop! It was fun to offer my first giveaway and make new acquaintances, and I really appreciate each comment and entry. Thank you.

It is time to welcome March, Spring, flowers, Lent and Easter, and even the little Peepers. I guess they are ready whether we are or not.

Book and Alpaca Gift Giveaway

2011-02-22T11:23:00.002-05:00

An update on "The Next Step". A friend recommended Running Made Easy by Susie Whalley and Lisa Jackson as a place to start. It is a ten week plan to transition from absolutely zero to walking/jogging for 40 minutes. I am now in week two! Little Man is my trainer. He is 10 and doesn't remember me when I was hiking and snowshoeing, or during my time on the radio or on stage. So he is thrilled. He keeps hugging on me and smiling a lot.

Quite a few people are inspired to join me in a return to health, so I'm giving away a copy of this book, along with an item from my Etsy shop! The winner gets to pick which item they'd like! Here is what is currently in the shop:

The winner will get to pick from whatever is in the shop on Monday. Just leave a comment here and you'll be included in the random drawing on Sunday. The winner will be announced Monday, February 28th.

Now, I will tell you this book is written for people in the UK, so weight is converted from kg or stones to lbs. I have no idea how many "stones" I am, but I have not found this to be a problem for this program. I love the book! It has lots of tips, stories, and inspiration...weekly plans, charts, and celebrating. It has been very well thought out to help people like me who are coming back from physical challenges, weight problems, or are just plain 'ol couch potatoes. Spinning and knitting does keep us sitting a lot!

Today I started week two. I run (haha which is more of a shuffle) for 60 seconds and walk for 2 minutes, then repeat 5 times on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. My basset, Lucy, has joined in. Guess what I learned? When female dogs get older, they have to stop and pee pee every few minutes, too! :D

Why I Love Knitting

2011-02-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

I found this list in a Knitting Daily post once. I LOVE IT!

1. It fills my life with color.
2. It encourages my creativity.
3. It keeps my hands busy.
4. It introduces me to new people who share my love for the craft.
5. It loves to travel.
6. It likes the same TV shows that I like.
7. It keeps the same schedule as I do; if I want to knit in the middle
of the night, it's there for me.
8. It likes to change bags as much as I do!
9. It challenges me.
10. It keeps me company, even when I'm cranky.

If you are on the hunt for a pattern, Knitting Bee has links to lots of free ones.

Here is an example of what you can find. Easter Bunny Egg Warmers

How cute are these? They will definitely be keeping MY hands busy!

The Benefits of Green Tea (and Alpacas)

2011-02-18T18:05:00.001-05:00

It is very common for people to say how peaceful they feel being around alpacas. Combine that with a cup of tea and you might have a recipe for bliss!

Dr. Weil lists great reasons to drink green tea in this article on his blog today.

5 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

He says besides the anti-oxidants and boosting immunity, green tea can:

Lower cholesterol levels and rates of heart disease
Help protect against bacterial infections
Promote joint health and stronger bones
Reduce inflammation
Enhance the effects of antibiotics, even against drug-resistant bacteria and “superbugs”

Some of this you may know, but reducing inflammation is new info for me. Inflammation is a big cause of the pain you might feel from many diseases, as well as injuries.

I'm trying to add green tea into my routine these days. With the weather being nicer, it is a great little daily escape to have a cup of tea with the alpacas before calling it a night.

If you aren't already reaping the benefits of green tea, you might give it some thought. I think it is therapeutic just putting the kettle on!

I've added the ability to "follow" this blog. Look for the link in the right column. I'd love for you to follow or subscribe! We don't have all the answers, but I do ask lots of questions. You can learn about alpaca farming, using the fleece, and fiber crafts right along side of me. :)

Spinning Friendships

2011-02-12T13:53:00.001-05:00

A friend introduced me to a spinning group that meets once a month and I love it! What a joy to share a common interest.

The chairs are empty because we were off visiting other spinners across the room, oohing and ahhing over their fleece and fiber, colors and crafts, but don't the wheels even look like friends? Wow, the stories they could tell! I had to grab the picture.

Mine might be giving thanks that I finally learned how to keep the wheel going in the right direction. She (I think she is a she) might have a favorite alpaca fleece that feels softest to her. She might be telling on me for the choice words I've used when I've messed up! :P

I like really old spinning wheels, painted pretty ones, and small ones. My spinning neighbor sitting to the right of me had this wheel:

Majacraft's Portable Little Gem

It is just the coolest little travel wheel! I bet it still can tell big stories though because of all the places it can go.

You don't have to have a spinning wheel to spin. You can use a drop spindle or even make one. The Joy of Spinning website has lots of tutorials to explore.

Here is what a basic drop spindle looks like:

Ashford Drop Spindle

Drop spindles can be fancy-schmancy or made with items from a hardware store.

An online buddy from Canada tells of her new adventure with a drop spindle in her blog, JADA Farms. She mentions her spinning workshop and the camaraderie of shared stories.

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I am remembering an old tale about sitting on the porch looking out at the world with friends. I'll close with the basic gist of the tale... the bond is stronger sitting side by side than facing one another as you experience the scene playing out in front of you together.

The Next "Step"

2011-02-11T14:48:00.003-05:00

Right after I wrecked my scooter, and NO I was not texting while driving. :)

I am putting myself out there again for all to examine. I think I am a walking testimony for "anything can happen". Perhaps you've picked up on the fact that I am a disabled farmer. It has been eight years this month since I was knocked to my knees, literally, by the Systemic and Neuro Sarcoidosis. As a numerology aficionado, I find that interesting in itself. Everything goes in cycles of 9 and evidently so does this for me.

Many of my friends have been sharing with me the excitement of my healing. The start of my way back to health. The first phase of weight loss (30 lbs)... The movement of my toes on my right foot... Carrying a stone in my pocket that says "listen" and in that silent listening hearing the words "chicken and rice" so many darn times and knowing that meant I had to eliminate all those foods the skin prick tests said I had to...years without wheat, soy, and tomatoes. Now dairy and all the nightshades... Hearing "you can be healed" while at Mass recently followed by yoga and walking two months now without my cane. I've been blessed with a reduction of my nerve and muscle spasms and silently wishing that I might finally be going into remission. Well, the next step has presented itself and I am surprised for lack of a better word.

I was in prayer and meditation Wednesday, thinking about the next 30 pounds I'm ready to drop, and being thankful for the blessings I've received. I was praying for my friends' needs and for recent losses, my husband, and children, and I heard "run". Seriously! RUN. I asked "walk, swim, bike"? Nope...RUN. It was clear, simple, and concise.

I guess God isn't done giving me this path to follow. Holy Cow. What a picture! Me running. That is extreme...the most UNbelievable idea since I still wobble when I walk, but I'm gonna give it a go. Anybody with me? Evidently anything CAN happen.

The Cutest Little Slipper

2011-02-11T09:02:00.000-05:00

I found another use for the last little bit of kool-aid dyed fiber...

It was just enough for the final touch to these sweet Sorrento Slippers.

The entire slipper is made from Sabrina's fleece. I used a darker area of the prime blanket for the sole and a lighter part for the top.

I am getting a lot of requests for adult sizes, so that is on my hot list! Would you wear them in spring?

Happy Fiber Friday!

The "S" Word

2011-02-09T17:36:00.001-05:00

All the white "stuff" melted yesterday and today, like many other places across the United States, we have another round of the "S" word. On the window sills you can see the little chess pieces Handsome Hubby and Little Man are making out of clay. At least we've been able to come up with some fun things to do to combat cabin fever.

During the evening feed duty I thought I'd snap some pictures with the alpacas. I can always count on our guard llama, Ringo, to get in them. He IS technically doing his job by getting in between the alpacas and anything else that comes along, but I think he just wants to stick his nose in the feed bucket I'm carrying. He gets pretty pushy with that nose!

Now getting the picture was going to be a little tricky. I could hear the boys drinking the warm water I just brought out. When it got quiet I knew they had raised their head...

Bingo! There is our pretty Jr. Herdsire, Peruvian Mystery, but I left someone out of the shot!

I'll have to try when someone else can hold the camera AND I can't promise it will be before Spring. Ha! Another "S" word. :)

Peeping Toms

2011-02-07T11:44:00.002-05:00

The alpacas are pretty close to the house. I can see them from the kitchen window and from other areas that look out toward one of the pastures. We catch their attention sometimes and they'll stand and watch us...like little Peeping Toms. They also like to watch T.V. ! I think the bright color and movement puts them on alert. Here Jolene and Missy are watching the Superbowl Pregame Show!

They were pulling for the "alPACKERS" of course!

Sunshine and Mud

2011-01-31T13:04:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I'm alone in this, but I love winter. Aside from any serious trouble it is cozy and pretty to me and puts me in a knitting and spinning kind of mood.

The weather warmed up enough over the weekend to melt the latest snow and ice. This means we go through a lot of shoes and deal with a dirty kitchen floor. I slip and slide in the hilly pastures a bit and it means lots of baths for my daughter's dog, Sunshine, aka Sunny. He is a little low to the ground. Handsome Hubby snagged him and dumped him in a box to bring him inside yesterday.

You can tell Sunny knows what is coming next...

see how his ears are back?

But it's not long before it is all better...

As we brace for the next round of storms heading across the country, I managed to get a propane delivery. They had their mud boots on, too.

Here's hoping the electricity stays on! I don't think Sunny is going to want a cold bath.

More Treasure!

2011-01-27T23:01:00.002-05:00

Like much of the country, we've been inundated with snow. The alpacas are quietly keeping warm in the run-ins. Much of our days are spent inside so it has given me time to knit more pouches. Treasure pouches, rosary pouches, what-not holders, coins.... I'm writing out the pattern so I can list it in my shop.

First they look like this:

Then they becomes this:

As you know from my previous post, I've also been working on cross-promoting other talented people from all over the world. I communicated with someone from Latvia yesterday!

Thursdays are when a new challenge is presented to create a treasury around a certain item. Here is my entry this week. There are lots of beautiful things to discover!

We have our yearly meeting for the Kentucky Alpaca Association coming up this weekend. I'll get to mingle with fellow farmers, share ideas, and start preparing for the Kentucky Classic. Everyone is supposed to bring their best "winter woe" story. I don't have one! Which I guess is a good thing. I am truly blessed. Oh, wait! Does kids being home for a gazillion snow days count? I am about to eat my young!

P.S. I haven't forgotten about the Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake I promised to share. I have to make it to the store to get nuts and getting out of our long, hilly, icy driveway might take a few more days.

Treasure!

2011-01-23T10:31:00.000-05:00

As part of my Etsy experience, one of the things I like doing is making "Treasuries". It connects me with other Etsians, and I have found the neatest things! Here is a treasury I was recently featured in:

My Cup of Tea by shop owner Zebina

My item is the alpaca tea cozy at the top left and I have that tea wallet on my wish list!

I've been making treasuries, too. Each week there is a challenge to design a treasury around one shop owner's item. This week it was a cute salt and pepper illustration by FlourishCafe. Here is my entry:

I've made other treasuries too, which you can see here.

Kaylen's Treasuries

I find I've become an avid Etsy buyer, too! It sure has changed how I feel about the gift I am giving.

I have a pair...

2011-01-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

Mumble, Grumble, Humble

2011-01-15T14:46:00.001-05:00

Today I am mumbling inside about where I need improvement with my knitting and crocheting skills. I came up with this adorable bootie, but trying to figure out the pattern in order to duplicate it has left me humbled...thus the mumbles.

So. The left bootie came out smaller. Now, do I make a third and keep fumbling through? I might. Do I (gasp) use a pattern? I think I need to be okay with the learning process and that I'm not going to be that good without investing time into the knowledge that is already out there waiting for me to use. I am mumbling to myself that I don't have to reinvent the wheel. Right? I do raise the alpacas, hand card the fleece, spin it, and knit it! It is okay to use a pattern. It is okay to use a pattern. It is okay to use a pattern. Mumble, Grumble, Humble.

P.S. I should clarify that I mean it is okay to use existing patterns, not always my own. I beat myself up when I can't come up with my own.

Thrummed Bunny Slippers

2011-01-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

Thrummed. I hadn't heard of that until I made an online friend, Deb. She is a fellow alpaca farmer and we've become great pen pals...what DO you call pen pals these days when it is all via the internet? She posted a really neat blog about thrummed slippers she made for her family. They are much needed in Canada where they live! Thrummed slippers have unspun, fluffy, fleece making the inside of your slippers all cushy and soft....and warm.

Just a few days ago I came across this incredibly sweet pattern for thrummed bunny slippers!

Oh how CUTE!

You are thinking "link, give me a link please!" right?

Here it is: Bunny Hop Slippers

Here is a link to Deb's blog post, too, so you can see her slippers:

JADA Farms

These will be on my needles for sure. Maybe in time for Easter?

"Kool" Valentine Hearts

2011-01-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

I figured out what to do with that little bit of "Kool" dyed yarn....

I made "Kool" little Valentine hearts!

Kool!

2011-01-06T11:37:00.000-05:00

I have been resisting dying my own fiber. Fear of chemicals, the mess, and the fact that I just love the natural, pure colors alpacas come in has kept me in a brown and beige world. Well...I took a tiny little plunge last night and tried the nifty trick of Kool-Aid dying. I thought it was an easy place to start, simple, and I'm not afraid to do it in my kitchen. Who knew Black Cherry would turn Sabrina's fleece into this lovely shade?

Here is where I learned how: knitty.com

Neck Wrestling

2011-01-04T08:27:00.002-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Our Christmas has been joyous and peaceful, and I'm really enjoying the start of the new year. I joined a spinning group. Yay! Making new friends!

It was severely cold for a few weeks and our boys found a way to keep warm! Peruvian Mystery is two now and has decided to show his dominance. He even takes on Ringo, our llama, who is three times his size!

When the machos face off they neck wrestle,

chase each other around the pasture at breakneck speeds, try and bite each other in "private areas",

and squeal loudly.

When it gets really heated this happens!

Males grow fighting teeth that can seriously injure another animal so those have to be filed down when they come in. So far our boys don't have their fighting teeth, but we'll have to keep an eye out for them.

I can only imagine what Mataeus might be saying now that things have calmed down.... "Do you think the girls were watching?"

The weather has returned to normal temperatures for January and it is time to return to quiet winter days. Ahhhh! Oh, and I have a new favorite cake! I will post the recipe for you soon. I want to make it again and take pictures. It is a Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake and heads to the top of my list for easy and scrumptious!

Round 'em up!

2010-11-30T19:14:00.002-05:00

A few days ago I took a short break from spinning and knitting in order to get my hands on the actual animals! We needed to manage some herd health issues so it was time to round 'em up! See what the drought has done to our once-lovely pastures?

Teddy enjoying a beautiful fall day.

Missy still isn't too sure about this. See how she has her ears back? She's a yearling now! She has gorgeous, dense fleece. We'll be breeding her in the spring to our new junior herdsire Accoyo Mystery.

Here is our Mystery man now! Stunning fleece! Son of Accoyo America Sinbad, the high-selling alpaca of the prestigous 2006 Parade of Champions Auction. Sinbad sold for a well-deserved $205,000!!! Here is a link to Seldom Scene Farm's Herdsire page with info on Mystery's sire and his incredible genetics. Seldom Scene Farm We are thrilled to have Mystery! He recently settled his first two dams. I need to spend some time updating our website to add him to the herd.

Ahhhh...and here is MY man. Handsome Hubby helping

Mataeus with his medicine.

What a difference a day makes. Today there is a downpour. It is too late to help the grass grow but the fire ban has been lifted! All our pastures have rivers running through them and the critters are a muddy mess. Everyone is hunkered down so it is a good time for me to get back to playing with fleece!

Working on a bunch of these....

...and these!

Bangles and soaps seem to be my hot items this time of year. I encourage you to support independent artists whether locally or globally. You can find lots of neat things on Etsy!

Tickled Pink

2010-11-08T13:25:00.024-05:00

I didn't have what I needed so I made a call to my "source".

We met up at the designated spot...a side parking lot where we could make the exchange.

She brought the goods and I had the coin.

After a speedy transaction I was on my merry way.

Another successful roving and yarn purchase! :-)

Yes, I have my own stash of natural fiber and yarn, but when I want color I make that call to Lindy. She dyed this for me on special order for a project I am working on for another friend, who is giving something special to yet someone else! How neat it is to see this travel through our hands.

Lindy, also, carries things on Etsy occasionally, so keep an eye out for her beautiful, and colorful creations.

http://www.alpacalindy.etsy.com

Tickled Pink

Alpaca Bangles

2010-11-02T18:37:00.001-04:00

Lovebug debuts as the model for my bangles on Etsy. They are fun to make and even more fun to wear. Super lightweight and soft.

The ones made with hand spun yarn are the softest.

What a great way to use up my yarn stash!

I'm thinking stocking stuffers!!!!

How to Felt Soap

2010-10-22T14:26:00.002-04:00

Felted soap has become very popular. It is easy to do and great for gifts! It is a bar of soap with a washcloth-type covering. I use them for decorating, drawer sachets, and washing. Here is how I do it.

Supplies:

Small amount of roving or hand carded alpaca fleece or any wool that will felt
Bar of soap (a good lathering soap works best and rounded bars are easiest for beginners)
Hot water
Dish detergent
Rubber gloves (if needed)
Plastic baggie
Pie pan, pan, or shallow bowl

Alpaca fibers and other animal fleece and wool will felt because they have little scales that open in the hot water. As you agitate and rub these scales start sticking together. This is why you don't throw your alpaca sweater into the washing machine!

You will need to make about 3 layers of fleece. The first layer will be the part that shows on the finished product so this is where I put two colors side by side or however you want to lay it out.

The second layer can be any color you like. Place it perpendicular to the first so the fibers lay in different directions.

After the third layer, put your bar of soap in the middle.

Wrap the fleece up around the soap so you have a nice little bundle of fleece all around the bar. Turn it over to hold everything in place.

Start to slowly pour HOT water on the bar. You can wear rubber gloves if it is too hot to handle. Start patting the fleece and adding the hot water until the fleece is thoroughly saturated. Don't rub because you'll rub the fleece away from the soap at this point. Just pat and push and squeeze and start to shape the fleece around the bar. You can add a couple of drops of dish detergent to help it come together. Once the soap begins to lather through the fleece you won't need any more dish detergent. You can flip it over, too, to soak up some of the water in the pie pan. Dump out extra water as you need to.

Another way to add hot water is with plastic soda bottles that have holes punched in the lid. I used a hammer and nail to make about 4 holes. This is a great way to do it if you have a group. Everyone can have their own water supply.

It is now ready for some serious rubbing.

Put your bar in a baggie. Now you can take it anywhere you like! Rub the bar gently at first and start to roll it and squeeze it. As the fleece continues to firm up you will want to rub harder. This step will take about 15 minutes. You will feel it become nice and tight around the bar. It will really lather up in the bag, too. Sometimes I rinse it out part way through the rubbing process.

When your bar is all done, rinse it in cold water. This will help the fibers close. Squeeze out as much extra water as you can. Set your bars on a towel to dry. It will take a day or two and you will need to turn them over occasionally to dry on all sides.

All done!

When using felted soap to wash with, it is important to thoroughly saturate the bar before rubbing. This allows the soap to come through the covering. A soap that really lathers well works best.

If you need alpaca fleece or have any questions please feel free to contact me. I sell raw, hand carded fleece for $4 an ounce plus shipping. Two ounces is enough to felt about five bars.

The World is Watching

2010-09-24T11:02:00.001-04:00

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The alpacas have to make room for horses in the spotlight this month. The World Equestrian Games are kicking off this weekend here in Kentucky and everyone is as excited as when college basketball season tips off! It is a huge international event and this is the first time it has been held here in the US. Here is a nice article about it. Look for coverage on NBC stations and you can watch events online, too. It is hard to say which event is my favorite, but I really like Cross Country and Jumping. AND one of my favorite singers is performing before it is all over. Lyle Lovett!

Lucy's Game

2010-09-23T12:19:00.001-04:00

Lucy has her own fan club! So here is one for the basset lovers. She'll be busy for at least an hour looking for those little diced hot dog pieces!

Make Your Own Lightbox

2010-09-09T10:16:00.001-04:00

Inexpensive Lightbox

Here is a great tutorial to make a lightbox.

Click here for a tutorial on wikihow.

I use mine to photograph items I make for my Etsy shop and websites.

Felted Bowls

Small Felted Pouches

I'm getting ready for fall and winter holiday shopping!

Wordless Wednesday - Missy's New Look

2010-09-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

And the Winner Is?

2010-08-09T10:12:00.002-04:00

Measuring Day

Some people compete to see who can grow the biggest pumpkins. We keep things a bit more manageable...at least something I can carry! My mom and son have a yearly contest growing the longest Purple Noodle Bean. "Grammy" smashed the record last summer with 22.5 inches.

Oh, Oh! A Smidge Longer!

Little Man has just set the new record! This one is still growing, too.

Happy Little Man

They are also known as Chinese Red Noodle Beans. If you haven't tried them; they are stringless, very mild tasting, and obviously fun to grow. I cut them into 2" pieces and steam them. You can use them the same way you would any green bean.

Wordless Wednesday - Lucy and the Dandelions

2010-07-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Jolene Has A Purpose

2010-07-22T09:38:00.001-04:00

"Some people, no matter how old they get,
never lose their beauty - they merely move it
from their faces into their hearts."
- Martin Buxbaum

I've written about Jolene before in the post "Taming of the Shrew." She came to us as a bit of a wild thing. I'm not sure what drew me to her, but she stares deeply into you and stirs something inside. She was an emotional purchase, but has proven to be a great first alpaca.

Jolene has had three crias for us. Sabrina, Mataeus, and Miss Allison (Missy). She is a wonderful mother and an easy birther. Thank goodness our first experiences have been textbook easy.

Learning how to breed for fleece quality and conformation has been our primary focus with the animals. Jolene has a luxurious fleece of 20 microns through age 6, but her staple length is short. So our breeding decisions have been to add length and density while maintaining that softness. We have had wonderful success with Jolene's offspring. Each one having the best traits of their sire and dam and improving on our foundation.

On our farm every alpaca has a purpose. We have wonderful breeding genetics, luxurious fiber animals, and companions. Even though Jolene's fleece is short, we have not let it go to waste. Her fleece is perfect for our felted soaps.

I have a free tutorial about felting soap coming up soon!

COLOR-ful Names

2010-07-19T23:02:00.003-04:00

Is it Ash Gray or Battleship? Bittersweet or Carmine Pink?
Here is a neat List of Colors on Wikipedia. It is a great resource for describing something or looking for colors for image editing. Now, is it Tan or Tumbleweed?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colors

Recent Google Searches

2010-07-10T08:00:00.003-04:00

How to spell A Cappella (Acappella, A Capella, Acapella)
Who is the fastest kart in Mario Kart for Wii ?
Info on Irish Saint Caoilinn.
Skype or Google Voice?
How to skirt a fleece.

Evidently the Italian "A Capella" is preferred. One of the kiddos must have been trying to find a sure way to win on Wii. There IS a St. "Kaylen". Google Voice is awesome!!! AND You can see we are putting the fleece information to use. We built a screen out of pvc and garden fence. Lovebug and Little Man are helping out. We are picking out hay and debris from Teddy's fleece to prepare it for spinning.

Perfect Lemonade

2010-07-08T06:00:00.005-04:00

I didn't know what we were missing
until we made our own!

Ingredients

1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)

Method

1. Make a simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Juice 4 - 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice.

3. Add juice and simple syrup to a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water to the desired strength.

If it is too sweet add a little straight lemon juice.

Serve with ice and sliced lemons.

Serves 6

I found this recipe at SimplyRecipes.com

Wordless Wednesday - Three Felted Pouches

2010-07-07T06:00:00.003-04:00

Camp Clean

2010-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Choosing a camp theme and sneaking in a few chores has been a hit in our house this summer.

On Blow Away Day each child gets a small bottle of bubbles and has to play with it throughout the day until it is all gone.

Dusting is fun when you turn on some music. Give everyone a duster and have them freeze whenever you stop the music. Voila! Freeze Dusting.

My favorite is Scavenger Hunt. We made a list of things the kids have to find in their rooms. 1 old magazine, 2 clothing items that are too small, a broken toy, a toy to pass on to someone else, 5 pieces of trash, a book they are done with.... The kids not only have fun with the game but with making the list.

I think Freeze Dusting and Scavenger Hunt will be popping up again here, soon!

Wordless Wednesday - Who Are You?

2010-06-30T11:08:00.001-04:00

Garage Visitors

2010-06-24T19:37:00.002-04:00

Rescuing critters from the garage seems to be a summertime

farm ritual.

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Hummers are a routine rescue. Some say they might be attracted to the door's red emergency release handle. This little one got tuckered out trying to find his way. I was able to take him to a feeder.

American Toad

Then there is Mr. Toad. For three summers we've found him making himself at home under things like pool rafts. Last week I opened the garage door and there he was sitting on the other side waiting to come in again!

Rat Snake

Last year it was this friend that caught us by surprise. It was our first encounter of the snake kind and Handsome Husband was a real trooper. I'm okay with the toads and birds, but I think I'll leave the big 'uns for the tough guy.

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

2010-06-21T14:41:00.001-04:00

Oreo & Fudge Ice Cream Cake

Here is a great summer cake using ice cream sandwiches! This recipe gets 5 stars from over 1300 people at the Kraft Kitchen website. I found it a few years ago in Southern Living Magazine. It is easy and no heating up the kitchen! The kids and I made it for Father's Day yesterday and the biggest problem we had was not eating all of the ingredients along the way. Slice it thin; it is rich!

Serves 12

What you need!

1/2 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

8 OREO Cookies, chopped

12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches

24-inch long piece of foil

What to do!

POUR fudge topping into medium bowl.

Whisk in 1 cup of the Cool Whip.

Add dry pudding mix; stir 2 min.

Stir in chopped cookies.

ARRANGE 4 ice cream sandwiches, side-by-side on the foil.

Top with half the fudge and cookie mixture.

Repeat layers.

Top with remaining 4 sandwiches.

Frost top and sides with remaining Cool Whip.

Bring up foil sides, double fold top and ends to loosely seal packet.

FREEZE 4 hours or until firm.

Note:

The consistency of fudge topping can vary depending

on what brand you purchase. If the fudge topping mixture

is too thick to spread easily, stir in 1/4 cup milk.

Fishing with Daddy

2010-06-20T06:00:00.009-04:00

Circa 1968

Since Dad checks out my blog every morning, I'd like to take a moment to wish him a Happy Father's Day!

The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of that which is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.

-Anonymous

Is it Trying to Tell Me Something?

2010-06-17T19:06:00.003-04:00

Tawny Emperor Butterfly

We are working on our Backyard Wildlife Habitat certification. A fun summer project with the kids and very educational. Our first step is to document what we already have like nesting areas, native plants, water sources, and trees. While taking a photo of a bat house that is on the back of our barn this lovely butterfly landed on me.

I got a close-up view!

When I got back in the house I grabbed our Backyard Wildlife Habitat notebook and looked up the butterfly. Aha! It is a Tawny Emperor...attracted to rotting fruit and dung. I'm not sure what this says about me! I WAS in the area where we compost the alpaca manure.

It would not fly away. Here it is crawling on my arm.

I thought I was so special.

There are many links in mythology between butterflies and the human soul. Butterflies also represent love, long life, and marital bliss in other cultures. I think I'll spend time on that thought instead!

I did get a picture of the old bat house.

Keeping the Critters Cool

2010-06-14T06:00:00.009-04:00

This time of year we have to watch the alpacas for heat stress. Some of the things we do are to provide a few extra buckets of cool drinking water vs hot water that has been sitting in the sun, electrolytes, plenty of shade, fans and.....

Sprinklers! Woo hoo!

The boys come running when they see one of us with the hose.

An alpaca's "thermal window" is underneath so fans and sprinklers should be used down low to cool them.

Handsome Husband setting up the fun.

Ahhhh....They also like to cush in the cool mud!
That is our new boy, SSF Peruvian Mystery, on the right.

For further reading click here for a Heat Prevention Top 10 List from Dr. David E. Anderson.

Tree Swallows Find a Home

2010-06-11T06:00:00.005-04:00

Tree Swallow Waiting for Partner

We have a pair of tree swallows nesting in one of our birdhouses. We first noticed them when they were competing with bluebirds for a nest box. Bluebirds and tree swallows nest in cavities they find. They are unable to make their own. The bluebirds won the first box and the swallows moved into the second.

Back with Food

A couple of days ago we saw a little head peaking out and both parents chirping encouragement. Finally the fledgling took flight and floated to the ground. Mom and Dad swooped down and helped it find its way into the tree. The kids had so much fun watching as the birdhouses are the ones they made me for Christmas.

Parents Ready to Help Fledglings

If you have a bluebird nest box and get frustrated by swallows taking up residence just put up a second home. Bluebirds defend a larger area from other bluebirds but will live close to other species of birds. Tree Swallows are great to have around for insect control.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Bunny

2010-06-09T08:54:00.000-04:00

My New Wonder Washer

2010-06-08T19:51:00.002-04:00

It was suggested to me to try a Wonder Washer for my felting process. Perhaps other fiber artists have already discovered this but it is new to me and I am pretty excited about it. A Wonder Washer is a small portable washing machine. When I knit a bowl or pouch, I then have to wet felt it. Which is like shrinking your favorite sweater. I usually use my full-size washing machine, but it uses a lot of water and is harder to control the outcome. So I gave the Wonder Washer a try over the weekend. I am really happy with it but will need a little practice.

The first thing I had ready to felt was one of my pouches.

I can tell you without a doubt that the washer did an excellent job at felting but it is supposed to look more like THIS...

Not THIS.... (Laughing at myself here)

I left it in a little too long! No matter. I found a home for it as something else and will definitely try again.

Casting On - Baby Kina

2010-06-04T07:00:00.005-04:00

This is my current project. It is a Muriel Agator pattern called Baby Kina.... PRECIOUS!!!! I discovered it on a blog I like called a caffeinated yarn. I'm testing the pattern with inexpensive yarn before I dedicate it to alpaca. I think I'll try some of my handspun yarn, too, to give it a different look and texture with organic, natural colors. Here is a link to the pattern if you want to purchase it. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-kina It cost me $5. You do have to be enough of a knitter to interpret the pattern as it is not spelled out for you row by row. For example it says "8 rows in garter stitch", and "continue in stockinet stitch until it reaches 9 cm". If you understand that then you'll do just fine. You need to join Ravelry! It is free and a great knitting resource. Ravelry.com

Can You Tell Me What This Flower Is?

2010-06-03T07:52:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to identify this flower. It grows along the side of the house and comes back each year. It spreads like crazy, blooms in May and June and then it is done for the year. Can you help me?

Wordless Wednesday - Raindrop

2010-06-02T07:57:00.001-04:00

SSF Peruvian Mystery Joins Our Herd

2010-06-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

We have a wonderful addition to our herd! SSF Peruvian Mystery is an outstanding Jr. Herdsire that we believe will bring excellent qualities to our breeding program. He comes from Seldom Scene Farm and you can read about our visit on their farm blog. Lindy snapped this great picture while we were there. They also have llama trekking available if you are looking for a neat way to spend some time with your family or group. Look for SSF Peruvian Mystery in the show ring this fall!

Taming Of The Shrew

2010-05-28T20:17:00.001-04:00

Jolene was my first alpaca crush. Four years ago she just captured my heart with those big big eyes. So we started out with one alpaca and boarded her at a friend's farm while we increased our herd size and made our farm ready. Besides being an emotional purchase Jolene has been a wonderful mom. She has easy births...perfect for our first experiences.

All was fine until we brought her home last May. Then we discovered this one issue. When we'd get too close she'd stand her ground and spit at us instead of moving along in the direction we were guiding her. Hey! She isn't supposed to do that! Alpacas typically spit at each other, not so much at humans unless they are really annoyed. Hmph. I think she was saying "ROOKIES"!

After a year of improving our handling skills Jolene has been much easier to halter and lead. She has been much easier on shot day each month, too. I've forgiven her for pulling my hair with her mouth and squealing in my ear and the spitting after her most recent cria was born. But I really didn't know she'd forgiven me .... until today.

Wordless Wednesday - On the Fence

2010-05-26T06:00:00.003-04:00

Hummingbird Feeder Recipe

2010-05-24T07:48:00.002-04:00

My mom asked me for the hummingbird feeder solution I make and it occurred to me that you might want it, too. I boil 2 cups of water for a few minutes and then add 1/2 cup of sugar. Let it cool and fill the feeder.

Basically: 4 parts water / 1 part sugar

I love the Stokes Birding Blog and they have a nice post about it. You can see it by clicking here. The Stokes have wonderful field guides and bird identification books which helped me to identify my first Blue Grosbeak earlier this month. I, also, took a tip from another one of their posts about filling a suet feeder with fiber for birds to use for nesting material. Lovebug and I did that together this morning. It was fun mother/daughter time. She took a couple of pictures for you...

Maybe I should make up some nesting balls using alpaca fiber for the Etsy shop. Or maybe kits for families to do together... hmmm... off to think...

Farming With Disabilities

2010-05-22T13:04:00.001-04:00

I found a neat resource from the National Ag Safety Database. As a person with disabilities I am excited at all the ideas and suggestions here. You'll find ideas and resources for farming with back problems and arthritis, to modifications for those of us with mobility issues, and health and safety articles. Handsome Hubby has made many modifications for me already so I have to give him big kudos for that before I give him my next "wish list".

Here is the link: http://nasdonline.org/browse/194/farming-with-disabilities.html

I hope it helps!

Did I really just do that?

2010-05-20T09:44:00.006-04:00

Well, I'm in for it now. I stopped to get gas for the mower this morning and dummy me put the can in the trunk. Yep, it fell over. Yep, it leaked. Yep, it is my hubby's car. Do you think "Barn Dry" will help?

I asked my facebook friends and Brad suggests I leave the trunk open and just let it air out. He went on to suggest that tonight may be a good night for a "Steak Dinner" !

So, right after I mow EVERY ACRE, taking care of as many of HIS farm chores as I can, and quickly thawing out the best beef I have in the freezer, I'll be setting up the hammock, firing up the grill, and popping the top on a cold one for my very patient guy.

Now my next question is... Does anyone know how to get the mower out of the fence?

Wordless Wednesday - BIG Moth

2010-05-19T06:00:00.003-04:00

Oh My - Pie

2010-05-18T09:40:00.014-04:00

I got the new Southern Living Magazine and it highlights PIE. I LOVE PIE. Pie Pie Pie! I have an awesome Open-Faced Fresh Blueberry Pie recipe...and it is almost blueberry season! I won a blue ribbon at the county fair in 2007 with it! But to confess...there were no other blueberry pies in the competition! LOL It is still an awesome PIE. Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try... It is from the Pie and Pastry Bible.

Open-Faced Fresh Blueberry Pie
4 cups fresh blueberries (I use 5) rinsed - and take off any little stems you find
1/2 cup water
2 tbls water
2 tbls cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
pinch of salt

Bring 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of blueberries to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer stirring constantly for 3 - 4 minutes. Whisk together cornstarch and 2 tbls of water. Stirring constantly add cornstarch mixture, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly fold in the rest of the berries. Spoon into a pre-baked pie shell and let sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Serve with whipped cream (optional)

And if you need it:

My Basic Pie Dough Recipe
Double Crust - make a second pie for a friend or put in the freezer for next time!

Now I can't find a good pastry flour here so I have to make my own by mixing all-purpose with cake flour. It works.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
1 tsp salt
1 cup very cold unsalted butter
5 - 6 tbls ice water (only use what is needed)
1 egg white
1 tbls water

Mix the flours together. Add the salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and then cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or two knives. Add ice water one tbls. at a time until you get the right consistency. Chill dough before rolling it out. Roll out the dough to the right size. Chill after rolling. Keeping the dough cold and keeping the butter from melting while you handle it is important to having a nice flaky crust. Put the crust in your pie pan and flute the edges or pinch them or somehow make the edge pretty. Weigh down the pie shell by using a piece of parchment and beans if you don't have pie weights. Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes. Remove parchment and beans. Use a fork to prick the crust around the bottom and sides. Not too deep... you are just keeping the crust flat and not puffing up in places. Bake another 5 - 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes. Whisk an egg white with a tbls of water and brush bottom and sides of pie to seal the pie before adding fruit. This "moisture proofs" the crust. There you go! Ready to use. Once you make it a few times it is very easy.

Now you will be the queen or king of pie!

I have to make one for the neighbor that always drags the driveway after each rain, and the neighbor that watches the alpacas when we go away, and the neighbor that I share a birthday month with... ahhhhh PIE.

Trash Day

2010-05-14T09:33:00.003-04:00

Trash Day. Seems like a funny thing to post about. But.... we have a long driveway... It is about 1/3 of a mile long. See the cedar house with the green roof?

We can't just roll the trash to the curb here. We have to strap it to the van. Handsome Husband rigged it up so I can help bring the empty container back after dropping the kids off at school.

I do get to see the irises that finally bloomed and cross the little creek.

Transitioning from the sound of pavement to crunchy gravel is one of my favorite parts about coming home.

Wordless Wednesday - Missy at Dusk

2010-05-12T06:33:00.002-04:00

Rain, Rain, Rain

2010-05-06T09:58:00.007-04:00

Many across the region have had a tough time with a flooding emergency here in Kentucky. We have been very fortunate to only have a bit of a mucky mess. The creek we couldn't cross yesterday has receded.

My neighbor has a pond where there wasn't one before and there are some pretty big ruts we'll have to repair in the driveway.

My friend Tami teased that perhaps ShamWows might come in handy to dry the alpacas.

Eight inches of rain is a lot for one weekend. However, the sun is shining on our house this morning.

The irises are about to bloom.

The water buckets are full.

And I had plenty of time to work on my alpaca bowls and pouches for my new Etsy shop - to be open soon.

Oh, and note to myself: Don't wear garden clogs when the mud is a few inches deep in the pastures. I think I'll have to throw those socks away!