Oh, life on the farm is kinda laid back...

We are waiting for babies.  Every day they sit in the OB pasture and chew their cud and laugh at us.  I'm glad they find that funny!  

I just want to see what is on the inside.  I've always wished that female alpacas came with a little window on their sides so we could peek in and see what they are growing!  Wouldn't that be fun?  One of the girls was cushed behind the feeder.  That's usually a sign that she is hiding something. Some of them try to be so sneaky!  I hate to tell you how many times I've gone home for  lunch and found a new baby running around the pasture when I get back an hour later!

 

One mama who had her cria recently is Ellie's Patches.  Patches gave her black for the 2nd time bred to gray Crawford.  You just never know what variety of chocolate is going to come out of the box, LOL.  This time it's a beautiful black boy name Pascal (Ellie, a former math teacher, always names her crias for mathematicians ).  

Speaking of which-- does anyone need a math tutor?  Ellie would love to help with elementary school through upper level high school math. 😁  Just email me. I'll get the message to her.

Gilberto is such a great helper!  He cleans the pastures for us, fills all the hay feeders, and runs the sprinklers whenever he is here.  Outta  Sight decided he was an ok guy, too.

I finally got to the end of the cucumbers!  I have pickles coming out my ears.  Now I will have to start pickling zucchini.  Does anyone have a favorite recipe for pickled zucchini?

  We also have a bumper crop of tomatoes from 3 plants.  I see tomato sauce in my immediate future.  I'll also have some cherry tomatoes to take on my road trip this week.

Jana Smith, our wonderful friend and gifted veterinarian of 20 years is retiring.  She has had health issues for several years and has reluctantly decided it's time to move to Albuquerque, NM to live near her sister.   We will miss Dr. Jana terribly, but she has promised to be available by phone and Zoom when we need her expertise.  I am driving her to her new home tomorrow-- ROAD TRIP!!  I'll be back on Thursday, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.  In the meantime, Don, Tracy and Ellie will be holding down the fort.

We have not been left in the lurch, however.  Just in the knick of time, God brought us Dr. Nenn!  Katie Nenneker, AKA Dr. Nenn, has been in the area for a few years now, working for West Coast Equine and Conejo Valley Vet.  Just 3 months ago she decided to start her own practice, and does a wide range of large animals, including ALPACAS!!!  We feel very fortunate to have Dr. Nenn on board.  She has already been out to the ranch a few times for various tasks, and promises to be available for vet calls in the future.  You should see her TRUCK!  Her husband, a fire fighter, helped her design it.  It even has a refrigerator and its own water and electricity!!
You can find her listed on her website:  https://drnenn.com

As Dr. Nenn was leaving the other day, Farmer Don found an exhausted humming bird on the ground.  The two of them revived it so it could fly away.  Be careful out there, little buddy!

Our new friends and clients, Steve and Nicole, came out the other day and brought their girls.  Some of our yearling female alpacas are beginning to long for a relationship.... and Annie Oakley decided that the girls were just right for a hug.  Steve shot this great picture and said I could post it.  Isn't it sweet?

Chloe wants you to remember that I am offering a Free 1-Hour Consultation for anyone exploring the in's and out's of alpaca ownership.  Just email or call me and we'll set up a time to come talk.  All the social unrest recently has caused several people to ask how alpacas can help them move to a more rural life.  We have lots of ideas!  Call or email soon.  20 years of experience can give you quite a jumpstart in starting your alpaca business. 😊
Cindy Harris - 805-907-5162 - cindy@alpacalink.com

You are personally invited to come and bring a friend or 2 to the 

Fiber Play Day at Windy Hill

August 15, 9 am to 3 pm.

Bring your favorite fiber toys to play with us, or come to find some new ones.

There will be several fiber arts demonstrations  available, as well as materials to purchase and even some mini lessons available.

Bring your lunch, your own drinks, and a hat.  

We will hang out under the trees and have a relaxing and fun day.

$10 per person.  Children are fine with your own supervision.

No pets please.

Alpacas at Windy Hill ~ 7660 Bradley Rd. Somis CA 93066 

Cindy Harris ~ www.alpacalink.com

805-907-5162 ~ cindy@alpacalink.com