Lady in Waiting - Update

As the sun rose this morning I had hoped the change in air pressure Monday would have trigger the birthing of the other cria (baby) sitting inside of it's Mother... No Such Luck!!!

Llama's have a great way of delivering during the day which is instinctual. Since they understand that predators come at night Mother Nature has given them this ability to almost stop or slow down their contractions when predators might be around. During the day they can see all around while engaged in the hard task of delivering new life and the rest of the herd will keep watch while they deliver. I have loved that about these amazing creatures but here is the down side - most times if they do deliver in the night it is because they are having troubles and so it does not mean you stop checking on them during the night because that is when they will need me. Unlike my Goat Girls who love having me with them all the time during their labor and delivering - my llama girls are much more private. Who would blame them? I sure did not want an audience while delivering my sons - I did not even want the doctor to be looking down there - we wont even go into my issues we are talking Llama's..

Since today is going to be bone biting cold and tomorrow is to be in the 50's - Which day would you bet this baby might come??? Leave your bet and we will see who is right..

Momma in Waiting

After the events of Friday I took a good look at the other female llama and Yep we have another Mommy to Be... No time to waste she is rolling and sitting funny so the time is coming closer. That means Grace needs to get her flat tired butt in gear...

So after sitting with a cup of coffee and a piece of paper I have the game plan mapped out. Trust me if you don't think these things through you will be running around chasing animals through the snow with all getting tired and never where we want to end up.

First things first. I moved Olivia out of her side of the goat girls barn. She was not happy. Then I turned the bottle kids out and cleaned that side of the barn. Moved in the bigger feed containers and waters.

Next, was to get this gal up to the big barn and pasture. Like most animals or humans change is not something they do without some struggle or a very clear reason - WOW life lesson for Grace again. Anyway, what I did was walk the path to the new pasture without ever giving her eye contact. I went slow and with a kind heart. I walked through the two different gates and up to the top hill. I sat down and breathed slowly. I sat for about 10 minutes, got up and walked to the house without ever looking at her. I went into the house and pour a cup of coffee... Within about three minutes she walked the same path, through the gates and up to the hill and sat down. I than came out of the house and closed the gates. Told her "Thank you" and went back to work.

Now to move the new baby and Mother. I went to the small barn and greeted them both with no words but a bent head and slow breathing. When I saw they where calm I slowly picked up the baby and opened the barn door. We walked slowly across the farm as Mother would circle me talking all the while to her baby. If either one got too nervous I stopped breathed loudly and slowly until they settled down. Upon reaching the barn I sat the baby down and closed the gate behind us. I sat on a stool and waited untill Mother checked over every inch of the little one and stopped making her nervous noises. Baby came up to me and I gently scratched her all over... She loves it and soon she sat beside me. I waited a bit longer to give them the time they needed and so they understood I was not going to do anything else to them.

Once I left the barn it was full steam ahead. Big panels are needing to be dug out of snow banks and carried across the farm to the barn. Then replacing the smaller sheep panels with the larger llama panels to keep everyone in the right places. I tell you walking through the snow with panels becomes a big work out but the weather was warmer then I thought so I was at least not cold. I cleaned out the empty section in the smaller barn and made new digs for the bottle kids. I also constructed a run for them so they could go outside and still be safe. Smaller feeders and waters brought in and filled - now it was time to go get the bottle kids. They are like ducks - they see me and follow - great for me because I was not looking forward to carrying everyone across the farm..

It is now time for evening chores - a full days work and everyone in their new spots. I will have another night of checks but at least I know I have them in a place where I can care of them with no worry of the elements. Now it is a waiting game - the baby greets me each time I come to check which makes the cold long walk well worth it.

New Baby Llama

The pictures that follow I took at midnight Friday of the newest member of Larkspur Funny Farm.. Mother was not happy that I kept checking on them every two hours but she will forgive me if there is a need or emergency - I hope.. This in and out also kept the one and two year old billies goats sleeping in the other side of the barn awake but again checking is more important just in case...

As you can tell by the last picture Mom was happy to see me go and baby was done with the pictures taking. She has nursed which is fantastic. Here is a trick I use here with Camelid Crias (Llama Babies) so I know if the bowels are moving - I use a large knee band aid and stick it to the babies bottom. Really it is attached to the hair on either side of their privates. Then if I miss the event I can check the band aid when I do my checks and see what is there or not there. It is a great way to be well ahead of any eating or eliminating issues. Unlike sheep and goats who require butt licking from the Mother to get them nursing Llamas and Alpacas do not have this Mothering Pattern. I had only two Llama Mothers who would pulled it off so their babies I would not leave until I had seen it with my own two tired eyes.

So back to the house I go, set the alarm clock, lay on the couch in my barn clothes and back out in two!!!

Was it worth the wait to see her??

Something STRANGE is in the Air - Read On

As the sun was getting lower in the sky and I still was sitting at the computer trying to update my Etsy shop I felt a strange feeling come over me. I know most might think I am nuts and that is perfectly fine with me but here is what was happened and then you judge.

Yes, I know it is Friday the 13th which I never put any worry into. I love the very B rated movies where Jason seems to have no other purpose then to hack apart teenage sinners and never dies - we wont go into what that means in today's mind set. I had been hoping that the cramping in my stomach was not another bout of this bug I have been fighting and trust me those lady parts where long ago taken (I know too much information but it is needed to explain the unfolding of events) and not missed.

I tried to keep my mind focused and ignore the growing pain. It reminds me of the start of labor. Now remember I decided to not breed the goat girls and give this overly tired and stressed midwife a break. So again I tried to block it from my thoughts. After about a half hour of this I thought stand up and walk around a bit so I went to my office window and looked out. There on the driveway and front grass area was about 40 some or more deer wondering around very strange like. WHAT THE HECK!!! Yes, I used other words but I am not here to shock you.

I went to go get my camera and try to take pictures of this. Yep, no one would stand still. They where milling about the isolate pens and close to the front drive. I decided to go outside and see if I could get a better shot of the massive number of them. As I am trying to creep closer to them my silly Sophia started barking and they took off bounding into the forest. Just then I noticed Llama boy - he was humming and not his usual tune. I was not focused on that but rather the increasingly painful cramps. Just as I was about to turn around and go into the house I saw one of the llama girls sitting in the corner of the isolate pen kind of funny. I stopped and tried to focus my eyes in her direction but the sun was now low enough to blind me. I stood there with my Long John's and turtle neck sweater on starting to get very cold and shaking but I thought just quickly walk over and check things out.

As I tried not to slip on the ice that now is the majority of what is left from the big snow storm. I made my way over and saw "TWO FEET STICKING OUT HER BUTT". OH MY GOSH.....

I walked quicker to her but not in the way to convey panic. I was breathing loudly so she would know I was not in Panic and so she could continue with what was already happening. I opened the big metal gates with no gloves - crap that is cold. I walked slower but with a large stride so I could get there and assess the situation. I made Llama Boy and the other Llama Girl get out of the area and started counting her contractions. It would not be long and the bitter cold wind was kicking up. I quickly went back to the house, put on some clothes, got towels, vet kit and was say prayers the whole way there and back.

Now I know why I was in such distress. The baby delivered quick and easy. I hated to do this but it was so cold outside and there was no shelter out there we had to move everyone. I took the towel wrapped it around the body of the baby and picked up this long legged wet and slippery baby. I slowly started walking hoping that Mommy would not attack me or get disconnected from the bond with baby. Slowly we walked as she hummed and I made sure not to make eye contact with her or baby. We finally reached the small barn and I got her to cross the doorway. I placed the baby down and ran to get straw, buckets, feed and cover up the window to stop the draft. I went to work like my butt was on fire and within a half hour all was settled in and I was sitting in the corner awaiting the first nursing.

After it was clear that Mommy was more then a bit nervous of me being in such close quarters with her little one I made the decision to go in the house and give it a bit of time. I came in made me dinner, sat in mediation to calm myself down and release any fear I might be holding for this little one. I gave them about an hour or so and went outside. Luckily I could look through the other windows and watch without coming in and worrying Mom again. Yep we have nursing!!!

So my connection to birthing Mothers at this farm is not lost and with this seasoned Mother I will be on 2 hour watches to make sure all goes well... Some Friday the 13th here at the Farm. Never a Dull Moment!!!

Yes, we will have a naming contest coming up but let's not get ahead of ourselves...

Tummy Tickling

I made some Banana Bread for my guests who came to the farm and I must say that it turned out YUMMY!! At least to my taste buds. Not sure what I did differently but it was very moist, evenly baked and tender. Since I never even got around to making Holiday Cookies I had nothing to offer (bred into me from a young age and my mother calls me compulsive - where do you think I learned this?) so in my usual fashion Grace was baking at 11:00 at night instead of sleeping...

I could not control myself. After my guests had left the farm I heated some of my Buffalo Chile and cut me two slices of the bread that Debbie brought and sat down to answer emails and get to the business that is my daily routine. The bread was so yummy and complimented the Chile perfectly. I think I will have to have a couple more with my Broccoli Soup for dinner tonight. Oh what the heck - I think I need another serving of Chile and one more slice of bread...

Friday 13th Visitation

What a lucky day here at the Farm - I had a visitation from two Colorado Mary Jane Farm Girls - Debbie and Marilyn. These wonderful gals drove a long distance to stop in and chat a while. When they reached the house I was presented with a lovingly prepared basket from Debbie.

There was hand crocheted dish clothes and a nice assortment of teas

A homemade Artisan White Bread wrapped in a floral dish towel

There are some wonderful Cranberry Orange Muffins tucked in there too.

As you noticed the towel has already found it's spot in the kitchen.

Now I am not all about the gifts but it was incredible that she took the time to create such a loving basket of goodies just for me - MANY THANKS!

We spent some time chatting, wondering around the shop and seeing what I do and Debbie received a gift certificate from another Mary Jane Farm Girl for Christmas which I am thrilled to say she found two books on spinning and knitting Dog hair along with four skeins of hand spun Llama/Wool Yarn for a pair of mittens that she will be knitting for herself. Then I had a bit of time to show her some of my tricks in spinning on a drop spindle. With time, practice and breathing I have faith that she will master the kit she purchased some six years ago.

As our time came to an end I invited them back whenever time, weather and health permits. I thank you again for sharing your time and friendship with me - Blessings and Be Well

Have a wonderful weekend ladies

Request for Wooden Buttons

The two toggles on either side are a great china button made to look like wood these are vintage and I two of each color and they go for $3.00 each.
The button in the middle is a wood button - also Vintage measuring 1 7/8 inch for $4.00 each and I have two.

Two Vintage Hand Carved Buttons (Left is 1 1/4 inch for $5.00 each and I have two left) (Right is 1 1/8 inch for $7.00 each and I have two left) - These are SOLD - Many Thanks Ruth

Left is reclaimed wood branchs which is 1 1/2 inch for $5.00 each and I have 4 left - Right is also a reclaimed wood branchs which is 1 2/8 inch with natural edges - smooth but has shape to them for $4.00 each and I have 4 left.

Left is a square 1 1/2 inch nut tree button which is $6.50 each and I have 4 left
Right is an amazing button which is a half moon longest width is 2 3/8 inchs by 1 2/8 wide for $5.60 each and Yes I have 4 of those

Left is irregular triangle which averages 3 inch at the longest point and around 2 inchs at it widest these go for $7.00 each and I have three

Right is a amazing round button which is 2 1/8 inch and goes for $7.00 each and I have four.

Last are my to most favorites.. Right is an net shape around 2 1/2 inch at the longest point and 1 3/4 inch at it widest. I have three left and they sell for $8.00 each.

The big round one on the right is 2 3/4 inch and sells for $10.00 each and I have three left.

If any of these would work or need more info on just leave a comment and I will make arrangements to gladly sell you some.