Do you have a passion for making things entirely by hand or appreciate it in other people? In my teens and twenties, I got a thrill out of being my own mechanic on my old '75 Mustang. Yep, I've changed a few water pumps and brake pads. I have sewn every stitch of handmade rag dolls with a needle and thread (no machine stitching), and I prefer to cook from scratch. Isn't it much more rewarding to gather family and friends to put in fence posts, and raise barns? So naturally for me, prepping the fleece, learning to spin, and then making things from the alpacas' luscious fiber is my idea of happiness! -Kaylen

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sharing a Great Find: Kevin & Amanda

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.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Nectar Recipe and Hummingbird Migration



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!


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


Friday, March 18, 2011

A Cow Says Mooove, a 'Paca Says Squeak

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!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Wearin' of the Green

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!