Shearing Day at Windmill Cove

Despite the rainy day, we had the alpacas sheared today. It is quite intense and we both have to help. The fleece is a little damp, so we will have to spread it out in the basement to dry before storage. We are always excited to get it done and although the alpacas hate it, we are sure they feel so much better without their fur coats.
Here is Christina before shearing. We think she is very fat...but she's not.
I know this looks mean, but it is the fastest way to get it done, and the alpaca is in not pain. She has a sock over her nose, so she won't spit on us!

Done at last...the shearing takes about 15 minutes. Look how skinny she is.
Hooray, all four animals done! Den and Charlie Reinhardt. He has been our shearer for the past 4 years.

New Mexico

I flew into Albuquerque last week and then Sean and I drove up to Farmington to visit with my parents and other siblings. It was wonderful to see everyone again. It had been two years since I had seen my parents!
Our family, minus my sister Shannon. My parents in front, then Kristie, Mike, Sean on crutches and me! Mike and Sean both live in New Mexico. Kristie and family came from Vermont.
Me and my big brother, Mike.

We went to a TEA party!!!

Den has been whining about the government and their pork spending bills for forever, so I suggested that we go to a tea party to protest. There was one in Columbus tonight, but when Den found out there was one in Marysville--we opted for that one. It was cold...but at least it wasn't raining.

Happy Easter

We spent Easter with the Gustys, Shauna, Dan James and Pat and Jim. Here is James showing off his cool sunglasses.
James was the only child, so it didn't take him long to find the dozen eggs. No competition!

The Battle of the Birds

When I came home from work yesterday, Den complained about the large amount of bird poop on his truck. This morning, I looked out and saw a robin sitting on a rail and pecking at it. I yelled for Den and this was his solution to the problem.
Not only can you see the owl decoy...but unseen is a life sized cut out of a man lying in the bed. When Den came back from washing his truck, the robins returned, so that was his next attempt to scare them off. The final attempt involved the usage of a 22 rifle. It alone was successful. I love documenting this stuff...if he wasn't around my life would be so dull.

Spring is here!

I look out the window and see the grass greening up, the daffodils blooming and the leaves budding out on the trees. It is my favorite time of the year! It is like a breath of fresh air and the promise of good things to come. Since Den's job loss in February, we have been pretty down--but look forward to better days, and better weather! I know it's a little early to plant, but it was a nice day to till the garden.