Birthing News on the Farm

Last blog, I left all with some not so happy news. This week I have something special to share. The girl which we did not think was pregnant any longer, blessed us with a male cria.

Although these pictures were actually of Valentino's birth, some of you have asked that I share.

 This is Sangria giving us a hint she is in labor and starting to dialate.

This might be what we as humans call crowning. We get ever so excited when we see two hoofs. This is when we think, ok, we are almost there. No intervention will be needed. 

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 Mamma, the hardest part is done! Swoop, and cria is now on the ground. We quickly check for heartbeat...and let Mom sniff. This is usually when all the other "Auntie's" come to investigate or what I call approve. At this point Mom usually  gets some yummy supplement and delivers her placenta. We step away and watch to make sure cria is up and nursing within 30-60 minutes.

  By the way...this is Carlitos Belcher, born September 4, 2013. Can you guess why his name is Carlitos Belcher? Well, we try and keep our names with a "Spanish" twist for those birthed here. So, thanking Charley Belcher (Tampa Fox 13) for doing such a fun story on our farm and store...we thought we would name our last birth of the year after him.

Charley Belcher feeding Razz

Carlitos Belcher hanging with Catch Me

Modeling for the farm photo album

Dang photographer after me again!

 Busted! I knew I would catch Carlitos after nursing!

That concludes our 2013 breeding season. We had more boys then girls this year, but this gives us the opportunity for adding some amazing genetics to our farm. Hopefully, this will bring us some amazing beautiful fleeces come shearing season.

We have a new batch of chicks arriving over the next few weeks and the seeds are starting to get planted. I've been pulling some great leeks, basil, parsley and jalapenos from our garden.

Our neighbor across the street - Twiss Trucking, has added us to their perishable list. So, any non-dairy or non-meat freight that is damaged (literally the box damaged, but unable to deliver), he has offered to our chicks! Wow, you should see how happy they were with their fresh bread. And soon, we will have the beer mash from Barley Mow's. I stopped it earlier because is encouraged too many flies. But every day, we try and lessen ours or others foot print on our gentle earth.

So, for entertainment value, some of you have asked that I share our latest adventures in North Carolina. That will soon follow! So, to those....join our blog and comment!

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

Our Home Off The Grid Venture..

Sitting patiently is not one of my strengths and doing absolutely nothing is not relaxing! Saying that, I have learned that while sitting in the woods in North Carolina with just the sounds from nature to be very relaxing. This is about the only place that I have patience to wait and wait. I have sat hours waiting for the owl to show his or her face. I know it is there because it announced it's presence. So relaxing, I fell asleep until awaken, not by an animal, but my glass of wine spilling onto my lap.

We have found an amazing 23 acres in Haywood County, NC. The house is entirely off the grid - we have solar, but no battery banks. We have wind, but it is locked 80 feet high. We have beautiful springs that fill our streams, but not our toilets. The house has been left open to Mother Nature for the past 10 years or so. So here starts our new adventure.

 There was a yurt located down from the house filled with goat soap making supplies. It took George and myself more than two days to clean and take apart. We now make trips into town to drop off trash and recycling - and they know we are coming!

 This is the road to our barn. You pass the solar panels on the way. These are not up and running yet. They were once upon a time.

Solar Panels Just Waiting to get to Work

Wind Power Ready to Blow

 This is the barn that originally housed the goats. We won't have goats, but hope one day to have our alpacas there. It would be so amazing to have horses. There are so many beautiful old logging trails that meander in and out of the property. Oh, the beauty of the Pisgah National Forest. To think my childhood was spent here and so eager to get away. Now, all I want is to get back home. Like James Taylor sings..."In my mind I'm going to Carolina...."

So, this fantastic team that we have assembled will be responsible for getting this house prepped for many years of fun to come. Funny, because right now I don't hear country music, I hear Joe Satriani's Always With Me, Always With You.

Team Leader (because he holds the machete)

Fabulous Team Members 

Picture Fall Colors

So, I have immersed myself into yet another journey. I think this will be another happy one. I am always grateful for what my life has brought me and what paths I have taken. So many wonderful things....and the little one's that weren't...thank you anyways.

Cheers!

Alicia

Shearing and Updates

Spring has officially arrived, but is feels more like summer. We grew an amazing crop of veggies - zucchini, Kaleidoscope carrot, beans, cucumber, tomato, tomatillo and cilantro. We had some fun heirloom items that took us by surprise - Lemon Cucumber. It looks like a lemon, but it's a cucumber. First time, we managed to grow onions!

Gotta watch those squirrels

 This shot was taken from the studio. Susan and Debra stopped in for some studio time. George dropped off the latest from the garden.

Thanks to everyone who supported our produce venture by purchasing and consuming our bounty!

Just wait to avocado and lime season....

Ready to shear!

George giving Gil and Debby a quick lesson

Sporting New Spring Look

The weekend of April 13th, we were joined by some of our usual volunteers for shearing. Thanks go to my "brother" Gil and our friend Eddie and his daughter Taylor. We had some new recruits - big thanks to Debby, Debra and Susan! Somehow, I stopped taking pictures, so not everyone is included! Sorry!

We had one accident which required some stitching. La Crema healed beautifully thanks to "Dr." George. I am always amazed by George! We both have learned so much about alpacas and life in the past five years. He continuously surprises me with his gentleness and eagerness. So easy to see why I love him!

Nurses Debby and Eddie preparing to stich La Crema

 All in all, we had a great weekend and our harvest was successful. Now, to process all the fiber. And, I might have to recruit my friend Gerri to come help me. She does an amazing job spinning. I love when she visits with me. She is so full of enthusiasm and creativity. This is a hint if you are reading!

This spring our farm and yard has been an amazing place of discovery. We had a bunny birth 3 bunnies. Unfortunately, we discovered these by watering the flowers and the critters. One snuck under the flowers, so I nudged the other two to join. The sun would soon be upon them. I need to go sneak a peak to see if they are still around.

Mamma Duck incubating her eggs.

We were joined by a Mallard family and she laid 12 eggs in our Staghorn fern. Seven ducklings were swimming in the pool this morning. Three eggs still in the nest and one stolen by another animal (carcass located). One is unaccounted for. 

Mamma actually pulled her feathers and made a down cover to place over her eggs while she left for a swim.

Surprisingly, the Black Crowned Night Heron's make more of a mess around the ledge of the pool. However, this will be the fourth year that I am aware they have been coming to nest in our back yard. So, here is to our backyard being a bird sanctuary! I'm hoping the ducklings remain as courteous as their parents.

School is out at the end of this week and I am so looking forward to the unstructured schedule that comes with summer. My volunteering schedule lightens incredibly. Haley has bridged in Girl Scouts to a Junior - wow, soon to have two kids in 7th grade and one in 4th! 

Cheers to all! 

Oh, the past three weeks...

 Well, we took off for spring break to North Carolina. We expected to do quite a bit of hiking and even maybe some water rafting. The weather decided for us. We had some amazing cold temperatures and the kids thoroughly enjoyed the snow. I will have to admit, this will be the third consecutive visit (Oct., Oct., and now March and each time has snowed). As we do, we always look for future land for our herd (family and animals). We thought we had found the coolest 26 acres with a house (off the grid...no  power or water company). There were solar panels and a wind mill, but we would have to see if they were operable. The owners apparently vacated back in 2000 and left everything as is...and Fannie Mae thinks she is sitting on a gold mine. I don't know too many people who want to tackle this. However, for George and me....this is a dream. Bonus....this was the kids favorite property. Will wait and see what happens. If it's meant to be....I hope. Beautiful springs and a lot of woods...and it backs up to the Pisgah Natural Forest.

Well, kids attempting to do snow angels. This was a beautiful hike onto Whiteside Mountain.

Home and back into the swing of things. Washing fiber and preparing for various different  projects. I have some fabulous spinning wheels that are looking forward to being set up (are you listening George?). Some fiber will be carded for felting and others for spinning. We have a few requests for yarn. I'm feeling confident with my spinning.

Fiber drying...this row is being prepared to go to Texas to be weaved into rugs!

Monday's are my days to return to the farm. I think I managed to wash about 50 pounds of fiber. I am so looking forward to processing. I did manage to sneak in a stash to card so I can spin. The rest will be processed and sent to Texas to be woven into rugs.

In life, there are things that enrich us in many ways. Whether it be the experience, the knowledge or just a humbling moment. Friday, March 5th, I was taking the girls to dance. George asked me to get to the farm to assist with a birth. Alpaca's tend to birth in the late morning/early afternoon. Razz did the same thing last year. Here we were again, same situation. We needed to assist - one nose, two huffs and the rear one being a door stopper. We adjusted the rear leg and birthed. Small (8 pounds) strong heart beat, but not breathing. George holds him and drains the fluid. This cria tried for 45 minutes to get up, but not enough to milk. We milked Razz for the colustrum, fed the cria. Unfortunately, just before 9pm, we lost our little boy. Honestly, I have never seen a mom affected by a loss. Razz is probably one of my favorites (I'm not allowed that, so keep this amongst ourselves), and to this day, she always holds a special spot. She is doing fine and I caught her napping yesterday under the oaks. If I could have snuck in and laid next to her, I would have been overjoyed. She always welcomes me and so loves to eat the leaves off the broccoli or carrots from our veggie garden. She once stole my banana right outa my hands. She thought she was so mischievious!

 Oh, the girls snuck into the shelter and I did not realize George had opened the door....I left the other open...not good. They ran straight into the vegetable garden....steam was so being expelled from George's ears! Ooops...

Well, we prepare to shear this weekend. My brother Gil joins us from Phoenix (I think this is his 4th year??). I'm not sure what I would do without him. Mostly, because I am not sure how he puts up with me.

Our chicks born January 27th are growing and should be laying eggs starting in a couple of weeks. Slow process, but worth every second. They feed on their feed and all of our vegetable garden scraps!

I will post pictures, but keep checking my blog and website. Our classes expand and change. I am excited to offer a summer girls craft week (one week). I will post more details, but my daughters are really excited and are amazed of the different and fun new projects!!!

Oh, another day awakens tomorrow with many wonderful surprises! I like getting up each morning...some days you know are going to be great and others will just be fine. I do know one thing....my kids rock!!!!!

Nuno Felting and Mini Tour of the Farm

On Saturday, March 16th, we had four adventurous gals attend a Nuno Felting class! We hosted this one at the farm as everyone seemed keen on the idea.   We had the fireplace going,  Cran-Rasperry White Chocolate Scones, Florida orange juice and coffee (apparently I make some strong stuff!). We were shortly Nuno felting away and I thought the end product was gorgeous. You gals did amazing. Thank you!

Our annual visitor has apparently arrived. I noticed some nesting material hanging out of the doorway. And some "poop" that was not there. For the past 3 years, we have a beautiful Screech Owl that blesses us with her presence. Only once have I had the opportunity to see any of the babies fly away. I hope to be so lucky this year.

For some of you who have asked, yes these are "kegs". They hold the mash that we collect from one of our local craft beer brewers - Barley Mow on West Bay Drive. It is our (and their) attempt to leave less of a foot print. The chickens absolutely love it - specially the chicks that are almost 2 months old. Only some of the alpacas enjoy it. However, Coco (our chocolate lab) absolutely loves it.No worries - there is no alcohol in it! That is unfortunate!

And here are the crias finally of age to be weened from Mom. We have Semilla, Santana and Victoria hanging just on the other side from their Mom's.  We usually wait until they are 6 months and weigh at least 60 pounds.

And some of the latest from the produce side. The bananas will tease us as they continue to grow. We have to be careful because our alpacas love bananas - leaves mostly! The carrots below are Kaleidoscope. Cool colors as you cut through them. I wonder if I could use them for dyeing some yarn?

Our morning on Fox 13's Charley Belcher Show

What an amazing morning! We had the wonderful opportunity of having Charley Belcher from Tampa Bay Fox 13 air his morning show from the farm. Not only was it fun, but he and his crew were so nice!

We played with the animals (and they only threatened to spit once), we sheared and we spun. Best of all, we introduced many people to the fact that we have a thriving agriculture community in the most densely populated county in Florida. Welcome to Pinellas county and I hope that one day too you can come visit.

George and Charley having a serious conversation (not)....

And best of all, watching the crias charge....they pronk (when they appear to jump as someone has startled the living daylights out of them!).

"Tag....Valentino, your it!!!", says What's His Name.

And that was an amazing day! Thank you all for watching, your comments and compliments!

Alicia and George