Monday, August 19, 2013

Mama and Baby Screech Owl
 Days on the farm can vary tremendously from days filled with the  most amazing surprises, to others filled with anger and sadness.

As many of you know, I work the farm mostly on Monday's processing fiber to sell, weave into rugs or to spin into beautiful yarns. This is the day that the alpacas know I will come visit with them and check on their well being. This includes weights, fecals and checking on their pastures.

My last day at the farm office, I was mostly watching one of our girls who has yet to have her baby. She keeps us on pins and needles because she is now, in our minds, overdue. Alpacas gestation period is generally 11 - 11 1/2 months. We just call it 340 days. Some have gone on to 365....and so our concerns continue. Will keep you posted.

Between my inspections, I did manage to snag some really cool pictures. For the past 4 years, Mama Screech Owl has been blessing us with her presence. George built these nesting boxes and placed them in various places. It took a year, but Mama found her favorite one. This day, Baby was not cooperating with my photo session (I thought). The morning light was shinning brightly on him, but the barn cast a shadow over Mama. It wasn't until I loaded the pictures on the computer, that I realized I had captured Mama as well. I enhanced the brightness and what a delightful surprise. I have not seen them since that morning, so it was Mama teaching Baby, "it's time to go". Safe travels and hope to see you next year!





Just before leaving, I was picking Basil leaves to make some Pesto sauce for dinner. I was greeted by another special surprise. Tree frogs nestled in the leaves. Days like this are special. 

Unfortunately, I do have some sad news to share....while we were gone to our special place outside of Cruso, we received a call from the caretaker at the farm. One of our Macho's had decided it was time to play Master Herdsire. Unfortunately, the old cliche boys will be boys does hold true. So, with great weight on my heart I share, Frango managed to injure and kill Oli (Oliver). There was nothing we could have done to help with his injuries. We will need to find another paddock to keep Frango in as he continuous to be aggressive. 

I cannot leave on a total sad note, so I have an update on the bananas....still doing their ripening thing....

Bananas





And...this is my outside farm office....and the only one that is usually neat. I LOVE being organized, but as of late, it just doesn't seem to be me. I totally dislike it, but I don't seem capable of getting organized. One day.....















I still LOVE what I do and those that surround me! Life on the farm seems to give you a different perspective on life. Catch up soon and for all those teachers out there - A BIG THANK YOU - another year has just begun.  ~ Alicia

2 comments:

  1. What a great newsletter, Alicia. Such a delight to read. So sad to hear of poor Oli. Life on the farm is full of many great and sad surprises. I appreciate you sharing yours with us.

    Blessings! Kiely

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    1. Thank you, Kiely! I appreciate your thoughts. They mean a lot to me.

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