Llamas of Wier World

Day 71 of the "hat a day" challenge

2012-01-24T12:43:00.002-06:00

So after not blogging for ages -- here I am with two blogs in the same day!

This is about day 71 of the "hat a day" challenge. So far so good -- I'd like to report. I have managed to make a hat or headwarmer every day since Nov. 14, 2011. The variety of my hats amazes even me.

Some are ski style; some have flowers; some are two or three colors; some are made from alpaca; some are made from llama; some are acrylic or wool.

Sizes have included infant to children's to adult size hats. It's been an adventure so far. I've even added a couple of scarves to the mix -- with both crocheted scarves and tube-knitted scarves (on the loom).

My grandkids remain delighted to come over and pick out hats when they need something new. It's great.

My youngest grandson, Lincoln, is now wearing the hat I made for his older brother -- a soft, black and white alpaca cap. It is adorable on him. My granddaughter, Isabella, is wearing a blue hat -- that brings out the color of her eyes (if they were open).

So I'm excited, still, about this adventure into hat making. Let's see how I feel about it on Nov. 14, 2012!

New animals

2012-01-24T12:32:00.002-06:00

I recently traded 314 pounds of fleece for some animals. The "trader" was generous with the animals that no longer fit into her breeding program, so I was delighted with two gorgeous suri female llamas -- Sumertime Santana and Silvia Rose. They are straight, correct llamas and look like show girls at the IL State Fair to me. I can't wait.

I also came across some wonderful alpacas -- both suri and huacaya. There's Amber, Bess and her boy Indie, Lucy (a part llama/part alpaca crossbred), and several others. It is really nice to add new bloodlines to my herd through trading. No money is involved -- and that is good for both of us.

The new animals are settling in nicely -- and they will soon be officially welcomed into the girl herd. They now can roam on 33 acres of pasture and are pretty happy about that. I saw them bouncing around a couple of evenings ago and the joy in their leaps was evident.

I'm a sucker for these wonderful camelids. I can't help myself.

The Mad Hatter

2011-12-14T12:08:00.005-06:00

Just call me The Mad Hatter.

I have crazily decided to challenge myself to make a "hat-a-day" for 365 days. I'm on Day 31 of the challenge.

I am addicted to knitting on the Knifty Knitter Hat Looms. I can whip out a hat in a short period of time -- and the feeling of having "gotten something DONE" is extremely rewarding.

So -- you ask -- what am I going to DO with all these hats?

1. I tend toward having a generous soul. I want to gift people with hats that have been lovingly made from my own animals.

2. I have 8 grandchildren -- ALL of whom have one of Grammy's hats. Several of my daughters and daughters-in-law also have my hats. Two of my sons have hats. I have a big family.

3. I will sell some of the hats to support my herd. Buying winter hay this year is no joke. Grain, dewormers, halters, leads, blankets for the old girls -- all of these things cost money. Selling some of the hats will support my wonderful herd of llamas and alpacas that gift me with their fleeces each May for the purpose of making my hats.

4. And then there's the other reason: 11 years ago our granddaughter, Ashley, was born -- and she was a twin. Her sister, Jessica, didn’t survive -- and actually stopped growing 2 months before birth. I will never forget the beautiful hat/sweater that Jessie was dressed in when we held her for the first -- and last time. It was the kindness of strangers to gift the hospital with those beautiful little hats and sweaters. Time to pass it on, "pay it forward" -- if you will.

Challenge: A Hat a Day

2011-11-19T22:48:00.002-06:00

Hmmm. Maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew. I decided to challenge myself to this deal: I will make a hat every day for the next year. Yep. That's the plan.

I started on Monday of this week. I made the bigger white and multi-colored ski hat first. Next came Tuesday - and the smaller ski hat. Then it was my daughter-in-law's birthday and I made the white hat with mustard-colored trim (I made the scarf last week). Then it was the blue swirly hat on Thursday. And I ended with the natural brown alpaca hat. Plus I made a white/black little girl's hat for today.

I like to stretch myself. I like to reach a goal. This may get really old -- but as long as I "switch it up" a bit with different sizes/types of hats I think I can hang in there.

And yes, some of the hats will be for sale on my Etsy site - www.grandmotherscomfort.etsy.com

I'll try to give you all an update from month-to-month. It'll be easy in the winter -- it's the summer that might deter me.

NAMI Walk 2011

2011-10-31T11:23:00.003-05:00

Saturday was the 8th Annual Walk for Recovery held in Russell Commons Park in Alton. NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) was the organization that sponsored the walk. This year they added a 5K run for Recovery to the event.

It was beautiful weather and the breeze off of the Mississippi River was just the right touch of fall.

I was proud to provide the llamas and alpacas for the event -- 4 llamas: Autumn, Punxsutawney, Pebbles and Valentina -- and 4 alpacas: Eileeen and Polka-Dot Patty, Punchau and Brook.

Random participants were able to walk the animals along the path in the park. There was a huge bridge that spanned some water, but the animals only hesitated for seconds before trekking over the bridge. The quiet, gentle souls of the animals brought a calming effect to all who participated in the walk.

I have been associated with NAMI for 8 years now. The young man who drew the "NAMI llama" shared the history of "how this came to be" with me and it was interesting listening to his own personal story -- and that of the "character" that would become his creation.

Llamas historically carry burdens -- and that is what families can do to help those struggling with mental illness. When you visit their website: www.namiswi.org you can read about the "connection" that has developed over the years.

The photos tell the tale of the walk -- groups of individuals forming teams to fight for recovery. My son, Ben, is shown with Valentina -- and one youngster even dressed as a llama -- the Dolly Llama -- to be exact. She was adorable.

Llamas posed for photos for a donation to NAMI of $5. It was a great way to raise more funds.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people -- especially when they are struggling with depression. NAMI can help -- and we are proud to be associated with such a "stand up" organization.

Pit Firing

2011-10-23T23:26:00.006-05:00

Another Native American Pit Firing under our belts, here at Wier World. My sister is a potter, and she coordinated the placing of the pots into the pit and helped members of the Artisan Guild of Southern IL to produce wonderful pottery in the ancient style of pit firing.

I was especially honored to have one of the elders of my family here for the event, my Aunt Eleanora. She came dressed in the Native American style, complete with a feather and headband.

We were once again honored to have Ramiro Pacheco, of Navajo heritage, here for the blessing of the pit and the pots prior to the event. He called upon the Navajo language to share his thoughts and it was beautiful, as usual.

On Saturday, my llama Annika had a baby -- a boy cria that I have named Na Shad' Doe -- Navajo for beautiful. He's a handsome guy with four white socks.

Then on Sunday my alpaca Eloquent Lady delivered an adorable little alpaca boy -- Ko' is his name -- the Navajo word for "fire."

It was a lovely weekend -- with hard work, good friends, good soup and laughter.

Spin a Bag -- return on investment

2011-10-12T22:46:00.004-05:00

Since December 2010 I've sent out 71 boxes of fiber to spinners.

The plan goes like this: I mail out two fleeces. One is to be spun into double ply yarn for me, and the other is theirs to keep. I ask for the yarns to be returned within one year.

Not that complicated, is it?

One problem. I've only received about 10% of the yarns mailed back to me.

The fleeces have cost me an average of 10 bucks to mail. The weights have varied from 6 to 9 pounds of fiber.

The fleeces have gone to CA, NE, UT, MD, WA, FL, KY, TX, ME, MA, IL, MO, CO, TN, PA, VA, MN, OH, SC, KS, IA, MI, WI, NY, ND, GA, NC, ID, CT, OR, AL, AR, IN, and New Brunswick, Canada. That's 33 states and our northern neighbor.

I sent these fleeces, from the backs of my own animals, in good faith. I sent them to people who requested the opportunity to work with alpaca fiber. People that I trusted with the beautiful, luxurious "fiber of the gods" from the ancient Mayan and Incan empires.

I simply ask for these fleeces to be returned as double ply yarn. I ask that they, who theoretically stood and did this handshake deal with me, honor their promise. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I would hate to lose my faith in my fellow man -- or woman.

Fall crias

2011-10-10T07:50:00.003-05:00

It's been a new cria ever few days or so. What fun.

Just so Perfect (llama) birthed Pocahontas. She's a lovely little gal with suri-type fiber.

Elody (all white), birthed Rudolph, the white-nosed alpaca boy. He's all black -- with one white spot.

Eileen had Polka Dot Patty. Patty is amazing. She runs, leaps, twirls, and is already, at one month old, a moose.

Yzma (brown) had a handsome, light fawn boy that I named Kreitner. I went to Kreitner School in Collinsville on the day he was born. He is adorable.

And then there's my Pink Pinafore. Her leg is healing and she is still confined to the "baby pen" with her mama. She uses the leg sparingly -- but I know she will eventually use it. It's been a long, long haul for her.

I know y'all want to see some photos of the crias, right? It's like a grandma opening up her wallet with the pictures of grandkids spilling out. Forgive my bragging.

Why "3 Sisters' Workshops?"

2011-08-17T21:31:00.007-05:00

When I was 61 years old I learned how to spin fiber into yarn, thanks to Tammy D.

I learned how to make hats on the "knifty knitter" loom shortly after that, thanks to Amanda.

I took a class at Hillcreek Fiber Studio and learned how to weave on a tri-loom, thanks to Carol Leigh.

I can't believe it myself. If anyone would have told me about the road I would travel to learn these things -- I would have laughed. And laughed. And laughed.

"Me?" I would have said, "making hats? Weaving shawls? No way."

I make hats every week now. I love it. I made a lovely little blue hat for our newest grandbaby -- Lincoln Benjamin. My son and daughter-in-law used the picture of him in the hat for their birth announcements. You can't make a grammy much happier than that!

I get so much enjoyment from spinning, too. I have gone from an Ashford Traditional wheel, Ashford Travellor, Hitchhiker, and now my love affair with the Louet wheel brings me full circle.

Before I left for work this morning I did some Navajo plying on my wheel. What? Me? Yes, me.

I am so excited about these new abilities. It's all part of what I call "life long learning."

It's what we're trying to do, Tammy, Amanda and I -- with "3 Sisters' Workshops." We want to share the knowledge of how to spin, weave, process fleece, cart with llamas, pack with llamas, dye yarn, felt -- all of it. We are (as our logo boasts) "Doin' what we love and lovin' what we do!"

Check out the opportunities at www.3sistersworkshop.com

Come join us at my house. Bring a dish to share for lunch. Learn something new. And then take that skill into your life. Who knows where it will lead!

The trouble with Pink Pinafore

2011-08-06T12:41:00.004-05:00

This little doll of an alpaca cria has been trouble from the beginning.

She was born on March 20, 2011, a bright Sunday afternoon. She was born out in the back pasture -- with her mama, Sanya as an attentive, doting mama. This was Sanya's first birth and by all accounts, things went well.

When Pink Pinafore (so named because of the "glow" that emanates from her fleece) was about 3 weeks old she began racing through the pasture -- at around 30 mph. She would leap and twirl, almost giggling as she left the other crias "in the dust" in her escapades. Gosh, could that gal run.

At around 4 weeks of age I noticed that she was limping. I took a deep breath and thought -- probably a sprain -- as she got busy running. A few days later -- not better. My heart sank. A broken leg alpaca? Could it be? Please God, no.

I took her to my vet -- only to discover that she had broken a bone in the "growth plate" of her leg. Bummer. No way to cast it. And by then it was infected. Dr. Liz put a drain in the joint -- and I put Pinafore and her mama in a separate pen so I could clean the gunk out each day and get it healed.

Then shearing happened. I knew that Pinafore couldn't be stretched out on the table with ropes -- so we chose to hold her down instead. Oh my, that didn't work. She jerked and pulled and it might have made things worse as she struggled not to be shorn. Lesson learned.

After shearing she was back to limping again. Bummer.

Two weeks ago I noticed that she was beginning to use the leg, but there was still pus coming from the joint -- so I took her back to the vet to "take a look."

This is where it gets ugly. I took her (and several others) on the hottest day imaginable (over 115 heat index). The vet was at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, so she called and suggested I bring the alpacas from the trailer inside the office into the AC.

When I handed Pinafore to the office staff to set down outside the trailer -- I wasn't fast enough grabbing Sanya's rope and Pinafore's mama leaped out of the trailer and LANDED on Pinafore's broken leg. Well, if it wasn't broken before -- it surely was broken then -- as it spun around like a pinwheel (ooooooouuuuuuuucccchhhh!).

I cried like a baby. Bawled. Sat in the grassy area by the trailer and just wailed. Sobbed. You get the picture. This was to be my pink showgirl. My alpaca that I would take to shows and WIN with. That was her future. Ahh -- but the best laid plans of mice and women . . .

Dr. Liz found the new break (from the long top bone by her hip to the first joint) and now we are sporting a cast people. The other break has healed. Of course. Bummer.

Pink Pinafore is doing amazingly well. We go back in three weeks. I asked Dr. Liz if I should go ahead and register this girl. "Let's see what she does next," was her reply. Spoken like a wise veterinarian.

In photos: Pinafore the day she was born; during her first broken bone; holding up the bad leg in the pasture; getting her cast; and with my grandson, Andrew, right after she was casted.

American Veterinary Medical Conference in STL

2011-07-22T12:57:00.006-05:00

It was Monday -- it was Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO -- it was 103 real temp -- with heat indices of over 110 degrees.

Denise and I took ten llamas and alpacas to be ultrasounded by a group of veterinarians.

There were some "heavy hitters" in the camelid reproductive world there. Dr. Ahmed Tibary of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He graduated from vet school in Morrocco and has been researching Camelid reproduction since 1980.

Dr. Toni Cotton is one of this country's leading camelid veterinarians. Her practice is limited to camelids and her main interests are camelid reproduction and neonatal care. She recently published a book on Camelid Reproduction with Dr. David Anderson and Dr. Clair Whithead. She is also co-owner of "Suris of the Western Slope" in Ridgeway, CO.

I'm thinking the St. Louis heat was a shock to everyone. There were vets from North Dakota -- Wisconsin -- Kansas -- MO -- NY -- and many "northern states" that were taken aback by the tremendous heat. They were learning how to ultrasound camelids to look for "ripe follicles" on their ovaries -- look at the kidneys, liver, compartmented stomachs and check for pregnancies.

I have to say that our llamas and alpacas did well. I took Goodness and her cria, Zapato; Pebbles, Miss Ivory; Brook. Denise brought Avalanche and Cheyenne; Eagle Eye, Platinum and Valentina.

It was a long, hot day outside. Thanks to Betty from Purina Farms for her help during the seminar.

It's just too hot to work outside with animals in the St. Louis summer. At least THIS summer.

Amanda -- In memoriam

2011-07-15T13:43:00.005-05:00

The list is long. The list of the the accomplishments of one "Pale Moon's Amanda" both on and off of our farm.

There isn't much this girl hasn't accomplished. She's been to schools and nursing homes. She's proudly marched in parades. She won awards and certificates from the International Lama Registry for her "public relations" work. She was the llama that the man who wrote, "I Don't Want to Kiss a Llama" -- actually kissed.

She has been a treasure on our farm for all of the 15 plus years that we owned her. She was our most expensive llama purchase. And worth every cent.

There will never be another like her. Never.

She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday at age 21 years old.

The unabashed wailing (from me) in the barn when I discovered her lying peacefully in front of a fan, shocked even the boy herd. It echoed from metal wall to ceiling and back around again -- as I stood in the middle of the barn and sobbed mournfully, cried, yelled at the heavens. I knew it was coming. I knew she was on her way to the Rainbow Bridge. I sensed it.

I can only hope for the joyful reunion between she and I when I enter the Pearly gates. My heaven must have llamas.

The smell of fresh-cut hay

2011-07-13T22:40:00.003-05:00

Ahhhhh. You can take a deep breath when you enter the barn. There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly-cut hay. Especially if it has a touch of alfalfa in it. Oh my. What a wonderful aroma.

On one of the hottest days of the year (of course) - Ben and I drove to Bob's to load some hay right out of the field. The price is better for that hay - and the laughing of farm friends adds to the fun.

When we got home after dark, it was time to unload. The hay fills the barn with the most delicious aura. My animals smell the trailer as it comes down the driveway.

Summer hay harvest is like no other. Whatever is the hottest day of the summer -- THAT'S the day the hay is cut. You can count on it.

I guess it doesn't make any sense to "normal" people -- to non-farm people -- that someone could get so excited about the smell of newly-harvested hay.

I totally get it.

The Breakout

2011-07-07T10:32:00.003-05:00

Yesterday started out okay -- but ended up in the "not so much" category.

I had a wonderful crew of volunteers come to the farm on Tuesday. The list of things we accomplished included:

1. Shearing 3 animals.

2. Drawing blood for DNA card on one.

3. Cleaning the girls' side of the barn.

4. Feeding hay/grain.

5. Skirting 2 fleeces.

6. Halter training some of the babies.

7. Putting to rest a young male that I lost that day.

8. Treating 3 animals with eye pokes (possible infections?).

9. Deworming several animals.

10. Catching/haltering a variety of animals.

11. Examining fleece/roving and such.
12. Doing an internet search for registry info.

So you can see we were swamped. The bad news? One of us left a green corral panel open and yesterday my boys spent the day fighting/spitting/screeching inside the barn -- with a half dozen males breaking into the "girl herd" and "having their way" with my open females.

My granddaughter was "Keeper for a Day" at the St. Louis Zoo yesterday. I got up at 6:30 to take her over to the zoo -- went to work on getting my mother's house ready for sale (50 miles in the opposite direction) - then back to the zoo to pick her up. My two little granddaughters came over and then all four of us headed to the barn (at 4:30) to feed hay and grain.

It was quite the shock to see the boys running around chasing three females inside the area between the stalls. It actually made my stomach drop.

So -- one year from yesterday (counting back two weeks) -- we'll see if any babies result. Whatcha' gonna do?

Crazy heat

2011-07-02T00:11:00.004-05:00

Okay. I know it's the 4th of July soon -- but does it ALWAYS have to be scorching hot in the Lou?

My alpacas and llamas are very, very sick of the high temps and high humidity. It makes them lethargic -- and they move like molasses.

The babies still manage to leap and zip through the pastures -- but their mamas just meander.

Shearing is a must in our neck of the woods -- and then, of course, misters, sprinklers, hosing off, fans -- all of it.

Over the years I've never lost a llama or alpaca due to the winter's cold. You can blanket them, if necessary, put warm hot water bottles around them -- even close them inside. But there's no getting away from the intense heat.

I thought you might like to see some pix of my guys and the ways they stay cool.

Hopefully this latest heat wave won't last. In fact, I hear that we might be in the 80s by Monday. Works for me.

My alpaca boys at the STL Zoo

2011-06-29T22:43:00.002-05:00

Okay. Doc Freeman and Doc Andrus at the STL Zoo are rock stars.
Today they were splashed all over the local media when actor Kevin James (King of Queens fame) debuted his newest film, "The Zookeeper" at the St. Louis Zoo.
That's Jan (one of the real keepers) with Doc Freeman -- and Doc Andrus is the sweet alpaca boy on the right.
It has been such a joy to see how much fun the zoo has had with the two alpacas they purchased from my farm. They often take them for walks throughout the zoo, trek through the snowfall in the winter, and generally highlight the joy of alpacas.
I even saw the alpacas on the local newscast tonight!
It was a great thing for our farm to sell two such wonderful alpacas to the St. Louis Zoo. The boys have enjoyed such happy lives -- and the general public has seen how wonderful these animals can be.
The whole event made me smile today.
Gooooooo Andrus! Gooooooo Freeman!

On her due date?

2011-06-21T00:20:00.002-05:00

Last year on July 5th it was 75 degrees. I must have thought it would always be so balmy in the Lou. So I bred my prize female alpaca, Lumina, to my prize male alpaca, Buddy.

And here we are 11 1/2 months later -- right on her due date -- and Lumina delivered a sparkling white female cria.

This little gal is gorgeous. Her fleece shimmers in the sunlight.

Luckily my granddaughters were here today to see the newborn out in the pasture. I couldn't resist taking photos of them with the new cria.

Congratulations to my Lumina -- my prize winning girl -- and to Buddy -- my prize winning boy.

Fleece, fleece and more fleece

2011-05-29T21:15:00.003-05:00

Four solid days of shearing at the farm last week. Enormous thank yous to the wonderful volunteers who helped things move so smoothly.

Several home school groups came to volunteer. Within a short time some of the older students were preparing syringes for the deworming injections, and a few even gave a shot or two.

It rained nearly every single day, which is never a good idea. But mostly the gang stayed dry in the barn.

Folks brought delicious food to share -- and the lunches were scrumptious.

We also had several school groups visit during shearing. A preschool group from St. Teresa School in Belleville; a "moms of toddlers" group; Mrs. Price's class from Illini School; and the wonderful helpers from Belleville East. They made walking sticks; met the animals and shearer; took pictures in front of the tipi; and ate lunch in the yard.

Shearing is a busy, busy time here. And a special "tip of the hat" to the members of the Artisan Guild of Southern IL. Those folks can WORK. They caught animals, caught fiber, and sorted and weighed volumes of individual fleeces. Way to go!

Every year when shearing is done I say, "I'm never going to do this again."

Until next year, I guess.

Discouraged

2011-05-15T23:24:00.002-05:00

I have been discouraged lately. I have had some "animal issues" here on the farm. Big time stuff. A young alpaca cria with a broken leg; some sick animals; dumping is rampant (on me -- animals being "gifted" to me); not to mention a couple of birthing issues.

Seems that I am spending a lot of time at the veterinarian recently. Good thing she's reasonably priced and very compassionate.

I've also been discouraged about the prices of alpacas and llamas.

I send out a monthly newsletter. I have a website. I am out in the community on a regular basis. I have school tours here at the farm.

And yet -- I have few new customers and not much "foot traffic" coming to the farm to purchase animals.

I have found myself discouraged by those in the industry that I consider friends -- people who undercut my prices; sell to my customers; even "steal" my customers.

It's been difficult to remain positive. There has been one "bright spot." My Goodness -- an 8-year-old female alpaca who has never had a baby -- she had a baby! Thanks to my friend, Tammy D., Goodness went over to her place a year ago for breeding. It happened!

Goodness doesn't look anything like her baby. She is light fawn. He is solid black with white "shoes." I named him Zapato.

A silver lining in the dark clouds of rain and storms? I sure hope so.

They call this "spring?"

2011-03-26T16:43:00.008-05:00

Are you kidding me?

Really? Really? It is March 26th people! What is UP with this weather? I am so bummin' it's ridiculous.

Jack and I are seriously considering moving to Florida -- or Georgia -- or someplace ELSE. Of course we would take our herd with us.

If you would like to make a wonderful bed and breakfast or retreat center out of our fabulous 100-plus-year-old farm home -- huge garage and big barn -- please contact us.

We're not kidding. This winter has done us in.

Here's my e-mail address -- for folks who would like to buy our property and move in to a working llama/alpaca farm: llamasofwierworld@gmail.com

Only people with money need to apply.

Tuesday on the farm

2011-03-22T23:42:00.004-05:00

It was Tuesday. Every Tuesday I have 4 homeschool kids who come to the farm to learn about agribusiness. Today's bonus was that Steve and Diane came to the farm, too.

We accomplished a wide variety of farm stuff today. Trimming toenails, giving injections, cleaning the barn, working on catching/haltering activities, doing lots of fence repair, feeding grain and hay -- the list was long.

I've been allowing local youth and adult volunteers to come to the farm for over 10 years. I teach them all about the care and feeding of camelids. They are ready to have their own farms someday after they leave my apprentice program. It's been a wonderful experience for me and for those privileged few who get to hang out here.

Just today, for example, Michelle learned how to give injections and trim toenails. Diane worked on her halter training skills and "command voice" and "praise voice" -- to let the animal know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Steve repaired fences and taught the homeschool kids the proper way to use wire to secure t-posts and fencing.

I would like to continue this work. I would need a grant to help me do so. Any ideas?

Students visit the farm

2011-03-17T23:02:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was the first official "school farm tour" of 2011. Students from Belleville East High School came to the farm to learn about jobs that are available in "agri-business." They also came to feed carrots to the llamas and alpacas and to meet our son, Ben.

Ben was home from his day program to share his love of the farm, and his knowledge of the hard work involved in living on a farm.

These students are in a program for kids with developmental disabilities at the high school, and they are looking ahead to graduation -- and life skills that will help them have productive and happy lives.

It was our privilege to talk to them about the harvesting of the fleece, shearing the animals, feeding and caring for them.

The students also watched Hannah spin raw fleece into yarn -- and constructed Native American Walking sticks with beadwork and feathers and alpaca/llama fleece.

Mrs. Lewis's class was made up of inquisitive students who asked wonderful questions about the animals.

At the end of their visit, they gathered for a photo in front of our Native American tipi and even went out to the barn to meet the "boy herd" that likes to hang out near the hay feeders.

We certainly enjoyed the farm visit and the students are welcome to come back any time!

Creep feeder creeping

2011-03-15T09:53:00.003-05:00

Okay. I have a half dozen baby alpacas and a herd of over 60 animals in their area. The competition is fierce at grain time, and only Naomi, offspring of my Sophie, manages to squeeze in on the end of the gutter feeder for grain goodies.

So my friend, Tammy, talked about her construction of a creep feeder for her crias. It's a smaller, penned area that has a "munchkin opening" for only crias to get into. Once inside they can munch grain and hay to their heart's content -- without the big boys and girls stealing all of the food.

Great idea. Last Wednesday the homeschool kids and I went about the business of building a creep feeder.

It involved cattle panels, a corner feeder, t-posts and such. Not terribly complicated.

We promptly caught Hadley, one of the fall crias and put him inside so he could see what wonders awaited him. He totally figured it out and, as a matter of fact, goes in there daily now to eat peacefully alone.

Here's the problem. Llamas are crazy smart. Within the first hour, my Cherokee, original female llama on my farm from 1993 -- was INSIDE the creep feeder. Honestly people. I could barely fit through the opening when I crawled through. How the heck did a gi-normous llama get IN there? How? I ask you?

We had to dismantle the thing to get her out. Geesh.

So we made the opening even smaller with the use of yellow baling rope. I still have Piper going in there (smallish adult female alpaca) but at least no more llamas have gone in. Yet.

The best laid plans of mice and women . . . I suppose.

They are . . . outta here!

2011-02-28T23:18:00.006-06:00

The Montana rescue llamas that spent a month here at Wier World have all gone on to new homes.

During the month they were here a lot of "stuff" happened:

1. It was the worst winter in the St. Louis area for decades. We normally get 11 inches of snow in a winter. We're at 30-plus inches of snow and not done yet.

2. Of the 23 llamas scheduled to come here -- one died on the trip from Montana, and one died before she could ever see her new home. One of the Montana girls had a stillborn cria. A tiny little female baby that never had a chance at all.

3. The llamas ate more than any llamas I've ever seen. For the first few weeks there was never "leftover" hay in the feeders when I'd come to the barn to feed again. It was down to the crumbs/sift. At day 19 or so -- I was shocked to come into the barn to see some hay left! They were FULL!

4. They were very defeated when they arrived. There was a sense of hopelessness in their walk, in their demeanor, in their eyes. By the time they left it was darn hard to catch them, even harder to "contain" them -- and forget that walking on lead thing. It just wasn't happening.

5. The reaction of people in and around the llama and alpaca communities was a study in opposites. I got praise and damnation. I was "doing something wonderful" and "what were you thinking?" I got lots of "you should do this" or "you should do that." "Geesh. I've owned llamas for nearly 30 years," I would mutter under my breath after these encounters.

6. Some how -- for some unknown reason -- some people within the industry thought I was getting something for doing this. "Yeah, right. This is my plan for getting rich. I'll take in rescue llamas -- feed and house them and care for them and worry over them -- in the worst winter weather ever. I'll "bury the dead" in the ice and snow -- and then I'll find new homes for them and they will leave -- because I'm going to get rich this way. Yeah. That's my plan." What? Who believes that?

7. Rescue is the most difficult thing I've ever done. No one pays you to do it. In fact, there's not enough money in the world to do it. It has to be done for other reasons.

Why?

Because you're crazy about llamas.

Because "what goes around comes around."

Because you like to be challenged.

Because you can't stand around and do nothing.

Because you listen to what the llamas are telling you -- and you "get it."

And even because you're a glutton for punishment.

The one thing I know for sure -- you're never a prophet in your own land.

My opinion, my experience

2011-02-17T13:29:00.001-06:00

What exactly is a blog? I can't answer that in general, but THIS blog is filled with my experiences and my opinions. That's why it's MY blog.

Things that have happened on the farm - and continue to happen -- will be reported honestly and truthfully. No "sugar coating" please.

I will talk about what I observe -- based on nearly 30 years of owning llamas and alpacas. The things I've noticed, done and enjoyed -- and the "ugly" part of it too.

If you can't stand the heat -- don't read the blog.

Thank you.

Montana llamas head to forever homes

2011-02-16T23:44:00.004-06:00

They're starting to trickle out in dribs and drabs. The 22 Montana Large Animal Sanctuary Rescue llamas that arrived at my farm are ready to head to their new homes.

They began as a sad, raggedy crew of llamas -- a SILENT, sad, raggedy crew. They didn't protest being unloaded in IL when they started out in Montana. They didn't resist when they were herded into their new pasture area. They didn't turn up their noses at any hay or grain that was offered. No complaints about their new environment.

But gosh, did they eat. And eat. And eat some more.

It's been a month now -- and have they ever changed. Not just the physical changes that are so obvious -- the weight gain -- the spring in their steps -- the interest in what I'm doing each day -- the reaction to being touched/caught. They are so much more like regular llamas. And yet, not. They are "wild," unhandled llamas. Frightened llamas.

Yesterday a milestone was reached. I came into their area and the 33 gallon trash can with the bungeed lid was knocked over -- and ALL the grain was gone. Apparently it was eaten by the Montana llamas that remain. Yep. That's what MY llamas would have done with a container filled with grain right smack in the corner of their living quarters. For the past month they have largely ignored that ready source of protein.

Loading untrained llamas is not for sissies. Most had to be coaxed, pushed and cajoled into the trailers. One resisted by jumping a fence and taking my son, Ben, for a rodeo ride in the barn -- then whacking him into the metal water tank. Ouch!

Eleven llamas were scheduled to head to MO -- to 4 different homes. One never made the trip to her own home, as our Sara Beth passed away before she could meet her new family.

The rest went on to new owners. Then the second wave left. Six headed to northern IL -- four near Champaign -- and two more farther north. Lives ahead as guardians for alpacas and sheep. Lives of luxury with full hay bunkers and grain.

This weekend the last 5 will go to PA. They will find new families and new lives.

It's been tough helping them on their journey. The joy comes in seeing them go on to new lives. My part is just a blink of the eye.

The photos show the animals being loaded for their trips, and there are some of their new owners. Congratulations to all.

Winter's wonders

2011-02-06T08:06:00.004-06:00

I'm personally wondering what the heck went crazy this winter? We normally (in the Lou) have around a dozen inches of snow. Hmmmmm? We're at around 30 inches -- and still piling on.

With the addition of the Montana llamas -- and extra mouths to feed -- it has been especially difficult to drag hay bales through the snow -- keep water from freezing in their tank -- and feed grain and supplements.

My own herd is tucked in snug in the big barn - with automatic waterers, hay next to the feeders and grain a step away. Alas, the quarantine necessary with the Montana rescue herd has established them in the far nether reaches of my shelters.

Yesterday I slipped and fell in the snow in front of the big barn. Instant, frozen-on-contact tears streamed down my face -- and gathered the small bits of hay dust that were attached there. Nothing broken but my pride.

I put coats on two in my own herd yesterday. Christie Black, a rather unpleasant girl with brilliant copper eyes, gave me quite a kick -- as she hated the coat. Big bruise, bit of swelling and a screech from me. Sheesh. You're welcome, Christie.

It is tough, tough. Llama and alpaca wrangling isn't for sissies at this time of the year.

Adding some photos -- one of my barn cat, Angel, and her cohorts, the three chickens, basking in the sunlight from the barn window. My son, Ben, hauling hay to the Montana herd. The gang lined up at the trough eating grain. And my truck. Wow. Winter of 2011 can end any time now.

Mighty Impressive

2011-01-31T21:30:00.003-06:00

There he is. Mighty Impressive. Certainly the most beautiful male llama we've ever owned. He was large and in charge. For years he was simply unable to "put up" with any other males being in HIS paddock, HIS territory. He would fight -- literally to the death -- given the opportunity.

But he loved people. He was easily haltered and a dream on lead. He would strut around like a king -- which on our farm, he was.

"Who's THAT?" visitors to the farm would ask.

"That's Mighty Impressive," I'd reply. "I wonder who looked at a baby llama and said, 'Gosh, he's mighty impressive.'"

Well, someone did. And they were right.

Mighty Impressive was the Grand Champion of the Illinois State Fair in his class in the year 2000.

Two years ago he suffered with heat stress in the summer. It affected him permanently by "mellowing" his attitude. In fact, two months ago he decided he was finally ready to live in a herd situation. He went over a fence while the other boys were grazing in the front yard -- and he didn't try to fight! He was ready to be part of the herd.

I should have known that something was wrong. On Sunday he was kushed next to a big round bale and couldn't get up. Thanks to the kindness and muscle of Steve and Ben, we were able to roll him into a sling and move him inside to a small pen. He was still eating vigorously and drank well, too. But he couldn't or wouldn't get up.

On Monday morning when I went to the barn, he had passed during the night. In a world with thousands of llamas, he was one of a kind. He was a treasure and we loved owning him. And I think he loved us in return.

Photos: Ben and Mighty; Mighty being Mighty; Mighty in the snow; Jack and I with Mighty for our 2006 Christmas card.

Montana llamas -- and helpers

2011-01-31T14:39:00.002-06:00

It was cold, cold. In the 20s and then the wind kicked up a bit, too. But Sunday was the day that the 22 Montana rescue llamas were vet checked by the veterinary team from the University of IL vet college.

Nanci came a day early -- and at the crack of dawn, we set up the panels in a workable fashion -- to move animals in and out of the chute -- safely and efficiently.

Dr. Sherrie Clark, Nanci, Shannon, Charlotte, Kate, Nissa, Alicia (vet students) took turns giving shots, drawing blood, listening to hearts and lungs and rumen sounds and body scoring these animals. They also ultrasounded some of the animals to rule in or out possible pregnancies.

We would eventually discover that they are all fairly healthy -- except for the clear near-starvation circumstance that brought them to my farm in the first place.

All 22 of these animals have people waiting to make them a "part of the family." Some will head north to PA. Some will go west to MO. Some will stay in IL. All will be cherished in their new homes, never again to face the cold without shelter and food.

A small miracle has happened. That over 600 llamas were plucked from the edge of disaster and have moved to places of comfort is amazing.

I'm honored to be a part of it.

The photos are: Veterinary team working the ultrasound machine; Julie and Dusk, my alpaca gal; Shannon and Eclipse, the llama cria; Amanda and her llama, Punxsutawney.

Too difficult?

2011-01-28T07:22:00.004-06:00

Things are often too difficult, aren't they?

It's not so simple running a farm with over 100 animals. It's hard work from sun-up to sundown.

Feeding , which at this time of the year means dragging bales through the snow.

Breaking up ice on the water or replacing the floating heaters, so fresh, potable water is available.

Noticing when my "old llama girl" is shivering and needs a coat.

Seeing the eager faces when I come into the barn to feed hay and grain -- only to leave with a wad of spit in my hair.

But it's so worth it.

It makes me have a reason for being. It makes me get up in the morning and smile at the day. It makes me happy.

That's why the thought of having to sell our property and "downsize" is so frightening. Much of my identity is wrapped up with these animals, and their care.

My grandchildren love the farm. They like climbing the trees, walking the llamas and alpacas, jumping on hay bales, riding in the golf carts -- the whole package.

Ben comes home on the weekend and he, too, loves the farm. Specifically he'll say, "I LOVE this house."

Let's hope we're able to sell enough animals this year to sustain this adventure. Let's hope that people sign up for the "3 Sisters Workshops" series we're launching. Let's hope people buy yarn and handmade hats from me by the dozens. Let's hope people needing 401k rollovers call my husband at his office and get great service, a dedicated financial planner -- and we get the benefit of new business.

The economy is awful and it has hit us very, very hard.

I'm not yet ready to give up on this dream.

What a difference a week makes

2011-01-23T19:12:00.004-06:00

The Montana llamas arrived 8 days ago. They had been living "in the wild" at the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary -- which is now closed. Eight hundred llamas living on 700 acres and foraging for a living. Of course some hay was available, but apparently not enough for that many llamas.
Sara Beth was the first to receive a name -- of the 22 living llamas that arrived here. She was named for the Rascal Flatts song of the same name. Don't know it?

SaraBeth is scared to death
To hear what the doctor will say
She hasn't been well
Since the day that she fell
And the bruise it just won't go away

So she sits and she waits with her mother and dad
And flips through an old magazine
'Til the nurse with a smile stands at the door
And says "Will you please come with me?"

SaraBeth is scared to death Cause the doctor just told her the news
Between the red cells and white Something's not right
But we're gonna take care of you
Six chances in ten it won't come back again
But with the therapy we're gonna try
It's just been approved it's the strongest there is
But I think we caught it in time

SaraBeth closes her eyes
And she dreams she's dancin' around and around
Without any cares
And her very first love Is holding her close
And the soft wind is blowing her hair

SaraBeth is scared to death as she sits holding her mom cause
It would be a mistake For someone to take
A girl with no hair to the prom
For just this morning right there on her pillow
Was the cruelest of any surprise
Yet She cried when she gathered it all in her hands
The proof that she couldn't deny

SaraBeth closes her eyes
And she dreams she's dancin' around and around
With out any cares
And her very first love Was holding her close
And the soft wind was blowing her hair

It's quarter to seven that boy's at the door
Her daddy ushers him in
And when he takes off his cap they all start to cry
Cause this morning where his hair had been Softly she touches just skin

They go dancin' around and around
Without any cares
And her very first true love Is holding her close
And for a moment she isn't scared Ohhhhhh.

Just look at the two photos. Sara Beth the day she arrived -- all hunched over, looking defeated. Sara Beth today -- standing proud and tall -- looking right into the camera. It's called "hope" my friends, hope.

The Silent Montana Rescue Herd

2011-01-21T22:25:00.005-06:00

Whenever I come into the barn -- the activity amps up a bit. My llamas get up, come to the fence, lean over, check out the commotion -- almost to welcome me to the barn. I realize that much of it is about the possibility of grain/hay being dropped into feeders. But sometimes it's just to say, "hello." You can see two of our sons in the photos with Mighty Impressive and Rocket. See how boldly the llama and alpaca are standing? They are confident.

They hum. They make those cool noises (like the velociraptors in Jurassic Park) and the gutteral noises fill the air. I LOVE those noises.

The noise is missing in the Montana Rescue herd. I invade their space to refill the water, spread more straw for warmth, or fill the hay feeders. They don't say a word. They back up when I ask them to do so -- they move when nudged; but there is no humming, no vocalization. It is silent. Look at their photos. They stand hunched over, trying not to be noticed. They huddle next to the building - for warmth and also to blend in - to be out of the way.

Does that mean they've given up? I hope not. I know I haven't given up on them.

What goes around . . .

2011-01-18T08:58:00.006-06:00

We've all heard it: What goes around comes around.
This is my motivation for helping the Montana Rescue llamas.
Back in 1983 -- when we got our first llama -- we were a young family with 6 kids. They were 10, 8, 7, 5, 3 and one year old. We lived on this farm, which had not yet been "beautified."
We milked goats, ate whole foods, climbed trees, played from sun-up to sundown.
Then I got sick -- was diagnosed with cancer on May 22, 1983 and was told that I had six months to live. It was sad.
The llamas left while I received treatment and I tried to survive that awful summer. I threw up just about everywhere -- from the chemo. Behind trees, out of the window of my car, you name it - I threw up there.
My beautiful, long brown hair became a memory. I threw that broken, dull, crippled hair out of the window of the car, too -- and yelled, "Birds of the air, use it well! Recycle it into nests!"
And the whole while I was being treated for cancer -- I missed the llamas. As soon as the "all clear" was sounded and I was in remission -- I told my husband, "If I get better, the only thing I want is a llama."
And, as they say, the rest is history. I now have 40 plus llamas and 50 plus alpacas.
So when the call went out for temporary havens for the Montana Rescues -- I stepped up to the plate.
The llamas helped me get better. They still do. They make me a better person. They make me get out of bed in the morning and smile at the new day -- no matter what sort of crud has occurred the day before.
They love me unconditionally. They COME when I call them from 33 acres away -- yes, the whole herd runs to the barn when they hear, "Llllaaaaaaaammas! Alpaaaaaaacas! Come on DOWN!" It's YouTube worthy.
So really, I want to thank the Montana llamas for helping me to repay a debt to other llamas.
They will go to their new homes -- but they will have left me -- and I mean ME personally, healthy and happy once again. Thank you.

Montana Large Animal Sanctuary llamas head east

2011-01-13T22:47:00.002-06:00

Twenty-three llamas from the now closed Montana Large Animal Sanctuary will arrive here in a few days. (that's them in the trailer, ready to go)
The Sanctuary is officially closed, leaving over 1200 bison, donkeys, camels, goats and llamas with no place to go in the dead of winter.
Temperatures have been hovering in the ZERO degree range in Montana. The llamas have been without shelter, penned up in an attempt to decide who goes where -- who is too weak to travel -- and who might just lay down and die.
Southeast Llama Rescue (SELR), Northeast Llama Rescue (NELR) and Southwest Llama Rescue (SWLR) along with LANA Lifeline, have banded together to save llama lives.
On Saturday these llamas will arrive at our farm. They will be evaluated, fed, watered, and observed. In a week or so, a team from the University of IL Veterinary College will come down from Champaign to look over these llamas.
It is my understanding that most of them are females, some with crias at side. The others are likely pregnant.
Although the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries publish "rules" about being nonbreeding facilities, obviously something went awry at MLAS because nearly all of the female llamas are bred.
It is another example of how people can mess up the lives of thousands of animals.
These 23 are part of the "chosen ones" that will eventually go to new adoptive homes. They will become individual llamas once again -- not a random, faceless, nameless "herd" of llamas -- but treasured companions on life's journey.
It is my job to help them transition from the "wild" to their new homes. I am humbled to have this opportunity. I'll let you know how it goes.

Headin' home

2011-01-09T22:35:00.003-06:00

Today was an exciting day at the farm. Three llamas that came to me for re-homing went to their forever home today. Long Tall Sally, a rescue llama from northern IL, overcame her fear of haltering and eventually hopped right into the trailer to head to MO. Platinum and Snowy left the farm as well.

And then there was Eagle Eye, purchased several days after her Oct. birth. She is a gorgeous, grey and white female llama and she will be a stunner in the show ring this year. Her mama, Dahling, went along to ease the transition.

In the photos, Dahling and Eagle Eye before they were loaded. Then there's Sally getting ready to load. And finally, Denise strikes a pose with her Eagle Eye -- so beautiful.

Going to see Santa Claus

2010-12-22T23:47:00.004-06:00

One of our favorite family traditions is Coreen's annual visit to see Santa Claus at St. Clair Square. Coreen is 31 years old, spending her days in a wheelchair.

Some years when we've gone to visit Santa, she has not said a single word the whole time. This year was different. She talked excitedly the whole day.

"I am going to see Santa. It is crowded here. I'm hungry. I've been GOOD." It was such fun to hear her have so much to say.

Three of her nieces and nephews joined in the fun. Bree, Bella and Drew all joined in -- first lunching at Olga's -- then heading to center court to visit Santa.

Drew and Brianna jumped and danced as they waited in line. Coreen had a nice conversation with Santa. Isabella, who just turned one, was not happy meeting Santa at all. She started crying almost immediately. It was pretty funny to watch -- but not to poor Bella.

It was fun to spend time with some of the grandkids, and three of my grown kids. But the day belonged to Coreen. And it was a good day.

Helpful hands - homeschoolers learn on the job

2010-12-14T22:14:00.004-06:00

It was cold today. But not too cold for my four Tuesday homeschool helpers. They arrived in the morning and spent most of this frigid day outside, in the barn, working on the farm.

We started out by picking up a load of grain -- around 20 50-lb bags -- at Rural King. Michelle, Hannah, Jonathan (the birthday boy) and Kristie helped unload the bags of grain, and eventually fed the grain to the llamas and alpacas.

They caught Eagle Eye -- and we spent part of the time beginning her halter training. She wasn't happy with the plan. She leaped and twirled, sort of like a ballerina who just got a jolt of electricity. She even made a feeble attempt to spit on us. It was pretty funny. Little sputtt, sputt, spit! What a riot.

We had a load of hay delivered from Jeff and Frank. It was carefully placed inside the barn to be used over these next cold winter days. I also put out three big round bales for the three groups in my barn -- the big boy herd, the little boy herd -- and the girls/babies.

We had a delicious lunch of spaghetti, provided by Becky in honor of Jonathan's birthday. It warmed the tummy and heart.

We loaded four cans filled with fertilizer -- to be used in the spring on local gardens.

My homeschool helpers are such a great addition to this farm. My barn has never looked so good -- when Michelle took it upon herself to sweep/move all that loose hay from the middle of the barn into nice, organized spots inside the herd areas. Wow. It is impressive.

In the photos: Some of the critters by the big round bale; Eagle Eye gets some lead training; Jonathan is in charge of keeping the brake on the truck -- as Jeff unloads a big bale.

Thank you to my helpers -- you made a cold winter day a productive day of fun and learning at the farm.

"L" is for Llama

2010-12-08T22:15:00.004-06:00

So the phone rang last week. It was my favorite 4-year-old farm helper, my grandson Andrew. "Grammy, we're talking about the letter 'L' at school. Will you bring a llama to school?"

Who could resist such a sweet request?

So today, Ben and I loaded up Vision and Pebbles, two wonderful public relations llamas, and headed for the Chesterfield Presbyterian Church Preschool. We got some help when we arrived from my great farm helpers -- Jonathan, Michelle and Kristie.

It was barely 30 degrees -- so they let us bring the llamas into the school building.

My grandson was both shy and proud. He came up and held tight to Vision's rope -- and stood up front while we told the preschoolers all about llamas. They all had a chance to come up and pet the llamas, if they wanted -- and everyone left with a small bag of fleece and a coloring page.

We even donated a copy of "Is Your Mama a Llama?" to the school and read the story to the kids. They knew most of the rhymes already. Their teacher mentioned that they had recently read "Llama, Llama Red Pajama" another good llama book.

Of course, my all time favorite is "55 Grandmas and a Llama."

It was such a good day . And "L" is definitely for LLAMA!

Fair Trade Market Day

2010-11-26T18:59:00.006-06:00

Brrrrrrr!

Oh my goodness it was cold today. I took two llamas, Pebbles and Lala; and four alpacas, Eileen and her boy, Whitman, Paris and Eureka out into the community. Our Artisan Guild had been asked to provide demonstrations for the Manchester United Methodist Church annual Fair Trade Market in Ballwin, MO.

I brought animals -- to help support the work of the South American artisans who were selling hats, scarves and such. It was 27 degrees when we arrived. In fact, you can see the remnants of the Thanksgiving snow in the photos.

There were many great questions and much joy in sharing the stories of these wonderful animals. Michelle and Kristie, who volunteer at my farm, came to help. They showed the animals to visitors and talked about llamas and alpacas in general. You can see how much fun they had sharing their knowledge. And little Whitman, with his head lying on his mama's back -- how adorable is that?

My two llamas spent much of the day gazing intently at the cemetary. At first I thought they were seeing a fox or squirrel. Then I wondered if they were seeing the small flags flapping in the breeze. I didn't think it was either of those things, but found it puzzling that they kept looking in that direction -- as though they had seen something.

Now comes the "blessed" moment.

A woman was at the cemetary (that you can see in the background of the pictures) that is on the church property. She placed flowers on a grave there. Then she drove over to where I was with the animals and talked to me for a brief moment. She began telling me that she visits the cemetary every day.

In the course of our conversation I discovered that her 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia on March 19, 2010. In September she died from the cancer and the subsequent harsh treatment to try to cure the disease. We stood and cried -- mother-to-mother -- about her loss. I have not seen such palpable grief in a person in a long, long time. She said she put yellow and purple flowers on her daughter's grave -- because her daughter loved purple. The holidays have already been impossible for her.

Jack and I have not lost a child -- but we did lose a grandchild in March 2000. She was a twin to our Ashley, little Jessica. Ashley made it -- Jessica did not. I miss her every day.

This stranger and I spoke quietly for a long, long time. Then she said she was leaving. I told her that I would watch over her daughter since I would be there all day.

Llamas are such compassionate beings. I know they knew about her daughter. They, too, were watching. Rest in peace, little girl.

Kindergarten farm visit

2010-11-20T16:14:00.003-06:00

The kindergartners from Albers Elementary came to the farm on Tuesday. They came at lunch time -- with brown bags in hand -- and learned about llamas and alpacas while munching on pb & js and chips. They watched as Hannah plied yarn with her spinning wheel, and Christie and Michelle showed them Minnie, the llama, and Navajo, the alpaca.

Then it was time to trek out to the pasture to feed carrots to interested critters. Dusk and Sanya, two alpacas, cooperated by kushing -- tucking their feet up under them -- and letting kindergartners sit next to them and pet them. It was adorable.

Next it was a Native American Drum Circle -- led by my brother, Patrick. All the kids rattled percussion items and got a chance to beat the "big gathering drum" -- the heatbeat of Mother Earth. It was great.

Then the class stood in front of the tipi for a group photo. It was a really, really good farm visit for them -- and for me, too!

Mama's birthday

2010-11-15T07:47:00.004-06:00

We celebrated my mama's 89th birthday yesterday. HER mama was 101 1/2 when she passed away -- and had never been a patient in a hospital! Six kids all born at home -- no broken bones -- healthy as can be. I like to think that I got my chutpah (Yiddish word for guts/boldness/sassiness) from her. She was my godmother and always present in my life. Grandma's are like that.

Mom's baby sister, my aunt Lilly, was here with her husband, Uncle Ish and daughter Barbie. All of my siblings and their families came and the food was endless.

The "cousins" played together and all had such a great time. Jack Dean (the up and coming deejay at 21 months) did the: hot foot, pump it up, the sprinkler, lasso, fist pump, explosion -- oodles of dance moves. He's a mini-riot.

The kids ran around and played with toys and had a blast. They got to be kids and make up their own fun.

It was a great celebration. I am blessed to still have my mom.

Grandmother's comfort

2010-11-08T07:17:00.003-06:00

Okay. I've decided to call my little hat-making enterprise "Grandmother's comfort." I've made a hat for each of my grandkids (except Alex, I think -- he's 13 and way too cool for that). Some of them have already outgrown the first hat -- and are ready for the next one (Bella).

But all have been delighted by the warmth and "specialness" of the hat that grammy made for them.

My friend, Loyce, gifted me with a wonderful drawing of a Native American grandmother singing to her grandchild. It's beautiful. It is entitled, "Grandmother's comfort" -- and thus the name is borrowed for my soft, warm fuzzy alpaca hats -- and soon-t0-be scarves, I hope.

It is no small thing, the power of these hats -- and the power of a grandmother's comfort.

A day like today

2010-11-02T22:44:00.004-05:00

Good grief. Today was some kind of day.

First of all I voted early in the a.m.

Then I headed to another alpaca farm, bringing one of my males for breeding. My dear friend gifted me with a beautiful pair of mittens -- made from the fleece of my favorite Canadian female alpaca, Candi. That brought tears and thank yous.

Then it was back home, doing some work on the Bobcat, letting the big boys into the front yard to munch on the green, green grass.

Next some llama and alpaca friends stopped by for a visit. Loyce, Pat, Lee, Marilyn, Barb and I headed out on the golf car to feed some carrots to my girl herd.

I commented on the fact that the llamas were all "out in the back hay field" eating the good hay.

As we drove out on the golf car -- I realized that NONE of the llamas were in the back hayfield. "Where could they have gone?" I asked out loud.

Well -- apparently one of them had stuck her head through the gate to eat the grass outside the gate -- and lifted the gate off of its pins -- and half of the gate was lying on the ground.

So over 30 of my herd had gone "walkabout" in the neighbor's yards, down the street, down a long lane, just wandering around.

Thank goodness for experienced "llama wranglers." The first six llamas came back to the "call" -- "lllllllllaaaaaaaamas -- alpaaaaaaaacas" and rattling of a bag of carrots. It got harder after that.

The other 20-plus had to be herded, coaxed, cajoled, begged back into the gate -- one-by-one.

When they had all been captured, Pat and I drove our trucks around the neighborhood to "make sure" they were all back.

That's when I locked my keys in the truck. My son used a hanger to snag the keys, that were lying right on the console.

Then everyone left, but Loyce -- who helped me do an inventory of my animals. I got out the herd list and we checked off every animal. All present and accounted for.

Whew! I'm tired.

End of the day, Boo at the Zoo

2010-10-31T04:13:00.005-05:00

I forgot to talk about the costumes! Bree was Captain Hook. Her costume was classic -- with the fabulous hat, complete with feather, and boots and "the hook." Drew was Scooby Doo -- and he surely had fun leaping and running around. Jack Dean was Kermit the Frog -- and spent the entire day with the hat on -- never pulling or tugging at it once. Bella was the "hunny pot" from Winnie the Poo. Her costume was hot -- and she's a hotbox -- so it only lasted for a brief time -- and then she was free to just be a kid. And little Avary was Supergirl -- with her pink costume and cape. How cute was that?

I took a photo of the train, and the engineer even waved at me as he rolled by.

And then there's the classic picture of Drew -- out like a light in his carseat on the way home. Ahhhhh -- the zoo can wear you out!

Boo at the STL Zoo

2010-10-31T03:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my first trip to the famous "Boo at the Zoo." That's where thousands and thousands of people head to the St. Louis Zoo (the country's #1 Zoo, BTW -- AND admission is FREE) and bring their kids/grandkids dressed in Halloween costumes. Corporate sponsors give out candy, but the lines were long -- when there was so much else to do!

One of my best investments has been a family membership to the Zoo Association. That gets me free parking, tickets for attractions like the Children's Zoo, Zoo Railroad, Carousel, etc. So worth it.

Our group started out at Chris's Pancakes in STL -- for a breakfast of champions -- toast, bacon, eggs, pancakes and French toast. Yum.

Then it was off to the zoo -- parking on "the moon" as the lots were packed.

We headed straight to stroller rental and got a double stroller for Jack Dean and whichever kids floated in and out - and trekked to the Children's Zoo. There I ran into Jan -- one of my favorite keepers of my alpaca boys at the zoo. (I sold two alpacas to the zoo last year and it's been awesome for them and for me, too!)

Seems that Doc Freeman remembers me -- and that is always a bonus. He comes right up -- and even nuzzled my face. This is NOT good behavior on the farm -- but at the zoo -- where he is handled every day -- loved and cherished by all who meet him -- it seems to work.

Then it was time to play on the slide, the small farmyard, the goat enclosure -- all the fun stuff at the Children's Zoo.

Then off to ride the train -- and time for a sleepy ride home. The zoo has really outdone itself -- with decorations everywhere -- fall festival themed pumpkins and such. Sooooo much fun. I highly recommend a visit to the Children's Zoo at the STL Zoo. And don't forget to say "hi" to the alpacas!

Chinese tea ceremony

2010-10-25T20:05:00.004-05:00

From outdoor fun to the ancient art of the Chinese Tea Ceremony -- all in one afternoon. Sandy (wearing yellow) is a newfound friend. A freshman student at St. Louis University, majoring in psychology. Her goal is to invent a robot for children to enjoy as a toy. She came to the farm for the pit firing, and brought her roommate, Jei (Jay). Jei is majoring in business. She will be heading to Vancouver to college next year.

They visited with the llamas and alpacas, feeding carrots and taking pictures. They couldn't resist a flashback to "kindergarten" as they hopped onto the teeter-totter and laughed and bounced.

Then it was off to my sister's home, as she has many tea bowls and tea pots. Sandy and Jei brought some authentic Chinese teas -- and quietly and elegantly demonstrated the Chinese tea ceremony.

It was a blessing to be able to experience such a beautiful culture. Thank you to both young women for their grace and charm.

And the tea was very, very good!

Pit Fire results

2010-10-25T19:55:00.003-05:00

My oh my. The pots exceed all expectations for beauty and color!

Rising out of the ashes were reds, blues, greys, blacks, oranges, peaches, silvers -- such amazing color.

It was a happy, happy day -- with no rain to mar the completion of the pottery from clay to art.

It was a successful Native American Pit Firing and the participants are already asking, "When is the next pit firing workshop?" Stay tuned.

2010-10-23T21:19:00.003-05:00

Today was the Native American Pit Firing workshop at the farm. It was sponsored by the Artisan Guild of Southern IL. The weather was windy and warm -- not at all like a typical fall day at the end of October.

But the company was great - and the pottery went into the pit with high expectations.

The photos give a brief overview of the event. The wild and free spirit of the fire - as it kisses the pots with color. The protecting of the sage bundle, as Medo lights it for the Navajo blessing. Participants and Bonnie Brave, teacher and potter, with the pit loaded with sawdust, wood, paper and other chemicals to give color. Krista and her coil pot -- before it is placed in the pit.

The pit firing is such a spiritual experience. And such a fellowship experience as well. We shared bread and soup -- and it was absolutely delicious! So many varieties and even an apple pie for desert. This group can cook, my friends!

Tomorrow the pots will be unearthed. We will see what has become of the pots. Some will be totally black -- in the style of Maria Martinez. Some will be a variety of colors. Some will not make it out of the pit without a ding here -- or a crack there. But the randomness of the pit firing is what draws the potter to the earth and fire.

Stay tuned for the results photos tomorrow.

Spinning class October 2010

2010-10-17T18:16:00.004-05:00

The third spinning class for 2010 was yesterday at the farm. What a day!

Tammy Duensing is the amazing teacher -- and she is patient, knowledgeable and funny. We had a room filled with new spinners -- a husband/wife team, Debbie and Rich; a teenager, Hannah; and Sally -- whose quest to learn spinning was curtailed by a broken foot and a family medical crisis.

The cool thing is that the spinners got to try out different wheels: Ashford traditional; Ashford Travellor; Ashford kiwi; Louet production wheels -- both single and double treadle. Wow. I hope the students realize what a great opportunity they experienced.

And the food was great, too. Strawberry/blueberry salad -- with fresh blueberries from Michigan; meatballs, sauce and mixed veggies; yummy jalapeno jam on cream cheese; BBQ sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches; veggies & dip and apple cobbler.

Thank you to Tammy for sharing the gift of spinning with us all. Thank you to the students -- and ALL of them were spinning yarn when they left the building. See you in intermediate spinning?

Once in a llama lifetime

2010-10-11T05:50:00.005-05:00

I have quite a few alpaca babies born on the farm. They are cute, fast and very marketable.

I am super stingy when it comes to breeding for llama babies. The selling price for these glorious animals is very low -- and not at all in line with their beauty, grace and intelligence. As a result -- I don't breed my llamas unless I intend to keep the crias.

I bought a llama last year and she gifted me with the most awesome cria I've ever had born on my farm. A "once in a llama lifetime" baby girl.

She is grey and white -- shimmering in the sunlight. She runs and twirls and plays -- and will be a show stopper in the ring. Such amazing beauty.

For now she is Tiana Grey -- although she may already be sold to a wonderful place that will appreciate her and show her off to the community -- and change her name. She is a suri llama -- with fiber to die for.

She was a week old yesterday.

Today -- Andantino is a week old. His mama is Elody -- a basic white girl with great mothering skills and an even temperament. Seeing this little white alpaca boy dance in the moonlight is something to see. He is very handsome and is likely to be a show boy -- if he stays on our farm.

Two babies, so very different -- yet both will be awesome in the show ring. Wait and see!

IL Lama Association Fall Conference

2010-10-10T19:02:00.003-05:00

Western IL Youth Camp in Jacksonville, IL was the site of the ILLA Fall Conference yesterday.

There were many llama and alpaca farms represented at the event.

It included a Hobo Show for llamas and owners, a meeting and the auction of cool stuff donated by llama owners. Plus there was a delicious lunch, sloppy joes, salads, cookies, cupcakes -- it was all good.

Ben won "King of the Hobos" and got some mardi gras beads to wear. He showed London, our handsome llama. Kaytlynd Thompson was the Queen of the Hobos.

Drew, age 4, showed Vision the llama, age 4. He walked him on the short trail walk that followed the day's events.

The Thompson girls -- all four of them -- walked their boy Ralphie, Dax, Leopold and Chico -- and they were dressed in adorable hobo clothes.

Jack walked Leo, the alpaca, too.

It was a fun event -- even though the temps hit 88 degrees -- one degree short of a record-breaking hot day for mid October. Friends, fun and llamas. What could be better?

Strange Folk Festival fun

2010-09-25T21:35:00.002-05:00

The Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois encampment at the Strange Folk Festival was a rousing success.

We had a pottery tent, a soap/weaving tent, a spinning demo tent, a leatherworks tent; a woodworking tent; an alpaca tent -- we were quite the presence at the O'Fallon City Park today.

The photos tell only part of the story -- Eunice showing off her "Indie inspired" dress -- completed with bare feet; Tom helping Ben make a bracelet for his mom (me); Patty looking stylish in her scarf - with felting in full force; Chad's hands during a pottery demonstration; and the posed photo of Dr. Freeman and wife -- one of the St. Louis University trauma surgeons -- who saved my husband's life five years ago, when Jack was impaled by a tree in our back pasture.

The weather was fabulous -- nearly perfect for a fall day. Tomorrow is another day -- with the high expected at 58 -- so it will be quite different, temperature wise.

Each year the Strange Folk Festival is a chance to show off animals, hand-made items and art with wonderful music added to the mix.

Three days -- three alpaca babies

2010-09-20T20:39:00.005-05:00

Saturday is the day it all began. Eileen had all the signs. She was lying in the pasture with her legs to the side. She was up -- and then she was down. Then she was up again. She kushed in front of the fans -- and then went out to the pasture -- and kushed again.

When I got back from Alpaca Farm Days in Coulterville -- there was a baby -- and Eileen was the mama. He is medium fawn in color -- and I named him Whitman -- after Walt Whitman -- and "Leaves of Grass" -- one of my favorite poems from high school.

Then it was Sunday. I drove out to the pasture on a golf car -- and noticed something was different. Sure enough -- Paulie had a new baby -- a little brown boy -- that I named Hadley -- after a dear friend from high school -- who left us too soon.

And then this morning I went out to the pasture before it was time to head to the office.

A beautiful, little girl this time -- Glimmer is her name. Reba is her mama.

These babies are so very exquisite -- and all three are already running in the pasture. Such a gift - it is to own them.

Rescue isn't for sissies

2010-09-16T10:11:00.008-05:00

Okay. I understand when folks can't keep their llamas any longer. Believe you me -- after 15 plus years in the "rescue world" I've heard it all:

"We just don't have the time to give them any more."

"We're getting a divorce and selling the farm."
"My husband (or wife) died and I can't take care of them by myself."

"My kids are grown and we're done with the llamas now."

"I have health issues." -- join the crowd, by the way.

"We're getting miniature donkeys/ponies instead."

"This llama just came with the farm when we bought it and we really don't want him."

"This llama was boarded at the stable and the people never came back for him."

No one EVER says:

"I want to get rid of them."

"I'm sick of taking care of them."

"I'm looking for a place to dump them that won't make me feel guilty."

"It's too much work and I'm just done."

"I want you to pay for their care for the rest of their lives."

People DO say:

"I want to keep my herd together." -- Sure mister -- I'm going to take and feed your 10 llamas -- and keep them all together the rest of their lives -- no cost to you."

"I want to make sure they are going to a good home." Well, lady -- maybe YOU weren't the best home. So how dare you question someone who is willing to take in your herd about care giving?"

I've taken in one-eyed llamas, AND one-eyed alpacas.

I've taken in an alpaca with a steel plate in her hip -- and blind in one eye.

I've taken in grossly overweight animals -- and skeletel, next-to-death animals. (BOTH are very bad.)

I've taken in rowdy intact males that tried to bite me everytime I fed them.

I've taken in many, many blue-eyed animals -- both llamas and alpacas.

I've taken in geldings with front legs so crooked they look like the "letter X."

I've taken in animals that have residual effects from meningeal worm.

I've taken in llamas that have never seen a halter until I put it on them to get them into the trailer.

I've taken in spitters and kickers and even "chest bumpers."

I've taken in deaf animals and parasite-ridden animals.

And sadly, I've taken in animals that came to my farm to spend their last remaining days on earth.

And I've taken in some awesome animals that will live at my farm the rest of their natural lives (some of which are already in their 20s).

When they come to my farm I probably spend $$$ per animal right off the bat "vetting" them myself. Deworming, checking toenails, sometimes shearing them, treating for mites, pasty eyes, abscesses. That's PER animal and that's if no vet is involved.

Over the years I've taken in some awesome animals -- and some dangerous animals -- and some ridiculously amusing animals.

Has it evened out? Heck no. I'm crazy in the hole financially from doing this. And yet -- I seem to always have room for that "one more."

Just so you know -- all the animals pictured would be in the "rescue" category. All but Rebano, the handsome grey male with ear tufts, have died.

Some new ones are coming in the next week or so. I'll regret it. I already do. But they need a new home. And it doesn't make any difference to me if their PEOPLE have trouble. The llamas don't deserve that. I'm just waiting for the day when someone gifts me with a show quality, ARI registered alapca or ILR registered llama. Or even better -- with a grant to keep on doing this. I'm waitin'.

Disney World!

2010-09-13T19:28:00.004-05:00

Peter Pan and Wendy, Handy Manny, Ariel, Pocohontas, Chip 'n Dale, Belle, Mickey and Minnie, Daisy and Donald, Buzz and Woody, the Little Einsteins -- wow! These are just a few of the characters we hung out with at Walt Disney World last week. It was so much fun.

It's so cool to spend time at such a magical place -- especially when it includes grandkids. We rode the Magical Express to our home resort at Old Key West. Ate in Germany in Epcot, at the Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge, had Tonga Toast (it's legendary -- just google it) at Kona at the Polynesian Resort -- and much more. Even had a hot dog at Casey's on Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom.

We visited the Hall of Presidents on 9/11 -- and people broke into spontaneous applause as the 43 presidents were introduced, during Lincoln's Gettysburg address, when George W. Bush stood with the firefighters in NYC after the bombing -- it was so very patriotic. Flags at Disney World were at half mast that day -- as they should be.

The farm and my animals were in the capable hands of Denise and Gary and company -- and all was good when we got back.

If there was ANY drawback to the trip it would be the WEATHER in FL. It was 94 -- with 84% humidity one of the days we were there. That is a heat index of 134 in the SHADE -- adding 15 degrees for the sun. I almost "went down" like a llama with meningeal worm. It was awful. But I lived to fight another day.

It's nice to take a break sometimes, isn't it? The pix tell just a touch of the story of fun. Could those grandkids BE any cuter?

I'm a winner!

2010-09-06T10:32:00.002-05:00

Okay -- so yesterday we had our 22nd annual "Stupid of the Year" party at the farm. For 22 years now Jack's family has been handing out an annual award for the family member who did the "stupidest" thing during the previous 12 months. Seems that I won yesterday! My accomplishment? I drove the tractor through the gate -- it started to roll forward once I jumped off -- and in order to stop it I stood in front of it! Made sense at the time, if I remember correctly. haha I did hear the theme from "Superman" playing in my head whenever I stood in front of the tractor.

So for the next year the "stupid plaque" will hang in our home in a place of (dis)honor. Bummer.

Lots of family and friends joined us for the kickin' party. We had our homegrown deejay, Jack Aaron and his butter churnin' baby, Jack Dean; Yida and Sandy from China (SLU students) were here; llama and alpaca friends Gary, Denise, Rob and Toni; matriarchs Aunt Pat and my mama, Virginia; sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles and especially grandkids -- what a day.

The photos show just SOME of the fun. Kids riding on the "train" behind the lawn mower; folks relaxing; karioke -- it was all good. And then there's that telling photo of me in the mushroom hat -- and Suzy and Tim as runners up. Sigh -- hopefully I won't be so stupid next year.

The hawk and the statue

2010-09-06T10:07:00.004-05:00

We had a hawk in the barn this week. It flew back and forth -- keeping all the other birds away. I believe in signs and symbols. I believe that the hawk was watching over me -- and view it as a blessing.

A reporter and photographer from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch were at the farm this week. They did a story on me -- an update really -- of something that happened over 25 years ago. I entered a contest when the St. Louis Centre opened in downtown St. Louis and won. Got to fly to Nantucket Island and a bronze statue was caste in my image. Pretty cool, right?

Well - I outlasted the St. Louis Centre -- and the statue is now in Chesterfield at the St. Louis County Library.

When Doug, the reporter, was here -- he and Laurie, the photographer saw the hawk gliding effortlessly back and forth across the barn. We commented on it and talked about the "blessing aspect" briefly.

Guess what? When Doug went to see the statue in Chesterfield, MO -- the maintenance guy told him that there had been an "event" earlier -- seems that a HAWK was seen flying/maybe circling my statue there. Hmmm? Coincidence? I think not.

At any rate -- the photos are of grandkids. Drew spent a few days at the farm and helped with hay bales, putting up the totem pole in front of our tipi, and pedalling the trike with his cousin, Brianna, in the back.

It's been a good week. Here's the link to the Post article:

A statue returns to life
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stltoday.com%2F&h=7b554
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS • The chance at immortality came to Julie Wier when she was grappling with death.

Broken hearted

2010-09-02T08:58:00.003-05:00

If you want your heart broken -- the llama/alpaca business is a good business to get into.

This really long and difficult summer has brought much sadness to our herd. Several of my animals succumbed to the heat. Our wonderful, fabulous, glorious Bolivian guardian llama, Little Moon, was one of them. She died in front of the big fan in the barn.

Moon came to me over 10 years ago -- as a rescue. Her front legs were so very crooked -- we heard from rickets after she was imported from South America. She couldn't run -- but her amazing grey/black color -- deep, wise eyes and huge face got you right away. She ambled along -- but yet she worked for awhile as a guardian for sheep -- in tandem with a llama that could run.

Moon would alarm and warn the herd -- and her buddy did the chasing of predators. She was cherished as a guardian. And when she came home she was welcomed back into the herd. We had missed her!

She was never for sale. She was much too wonderful to sell.

Now Little Moon can run over the Rainbow Bridge -- and she will not be forgotten. A piece of my heart went with her. Goodbye, Moon!

Painting on the tipi

2010-08-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

We have a Native American tipi in our pasture. This is the sixth tipi I've owned over the years -- each one painted differently -- each one unique.

Two others have had a llama painted on them.

And today the third became reality.

Becky is a college student at Carthage in Wisconsin.

She is remarkably talented in so many areas -- art, music, fiber arts, the list is long. Awhile back she agreed to paint a portrait of our favorite llama on the tipi -- Amanda.

She goes back to school on Wednesday. But she came over this morning -- and began by drawing Amanda's image on the canvas of the tipi. Then it was all about filling in with the paint.

She even captured two of Amanda's endearing qualities -- the tipped right ear -- and the neat little heart above her right eye. So cool.

Ben and I caught Amanda and brought her over to pose with her image -- and she cooperated, as usual.

Earlier this year Amanda won an award from the International Lama Registry for her "community involvement" and "public relations" work. She is one rare llama.

And thank you to Becky for "immortalizing" Amanda on canvas.

2010-08-23T07:30:00.004-05:00

The Illinois State Fair was this weekend. Nearly 100 llamas strutted their stuff at the State Fair.

My "peeps" were there showing off some of those fabulous llamas they bought from me -- and others as well.

It COULD have been a great weekend of showing off llamas, networking with other owners, meeting the general public -- but my weekend was spoiled by a thief. Someone stole my Mickey Mouse fanny pack while we were gloriously shampooing my llamas.

It had my cell phone, numerous credit cards -- and over $360 in cash that I had brought to pay another owner for some llama dolls she made for me. It made it necessary for me to leave the venue and drive back home to cancel cards, get a new phone, the whole deal.

I was pretty shaken on Friday night.

But my friends handed me some cash to get home -- and took over the showing of my animals, several of which got ribbons.

Why are there people who do evil acts? Thank God for those who step up to the plate to help a friend.

In the pix: Pat Girolamo, our show mentor, looks at Joao (Howie) and Don Tomas, two llama brothers that she sold to Denise Hollinshed; Becca hangs with London and Paris as Paris kushes on the cooler concrete floor; a family stops to get a photo with Don Tomas and Pat; Becca gets a kiss from Punxsutawney.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the kindness of friends. I am expecting "explosive blessings" to come my way after several years of gloom and doom.

Fall Herd health Day

2010-08-18T07:19:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was our "second annual" herd health day.

I'm thankful for the "many hands" that made "light work" --and pitched in for the heavy work.

My grandson, Andrew, tried out the "going green" lawnmower. It was harder than he thought it would be!

I had ALL of the young women in my life who have spent time with me on the farm, learning about llamas and alpacas, listening to my stories, and helping with farm chores: Amanda, Natalie, Rebecca, Jayden.

It was Avary Julianne's FIRST trip to the barn. She did great! She was a happy little camper for the entire time she was here. And, of course, what a doll.

Bruce and Josh were their usual great selves, catching animals, helping with shots, trimming up a few of the show llamas, and hypnotizing a chicken. Yes, you read right. Josh showed me how to hypnotize one of my chickens -- which was pretty funny.

It made me wonder what other great games farm kids have invented?

Natalie kept the needles filled and coming -- with dewormer -- and marked off the animals on the list as they were dewormed.

Sally and Jim were new to farm work. They are future alpaca ranchers and want to learn on the job before they embark on their own farm -- up near Chicago.

Jayden and Rebecca helped to hose off Topcat -- a white alpaca boy who is struggling with the residual effects of weeks of terrible temperatures here.

Tammy came bringing tomatoes, tales and thoughts of developing an underground "bat cave" to keep animals cool in the summer. Hmmmm -- it COULD happen.

Thank you to all who came to help, break bread and THEN -- Natalie and Michael even came back (along with Katey, Ron and kids) to pick up the hay in the field and stack it in the barn.

Again, I'm blessed.

Dominic's "music in the park" - 28 years later

2010-08-14T23:29:00.004-05:00

Dominic is my baby boy. I was 33 when he was born. On his first birthday I went to the emergency room with a lingering cough, some weight loss -- symptoms of big trouble.

Oh yeah. It WAS big trouble. I was diagnosed with cancer -- and was told in the ER that I had six months to live.

Our kids were 10, 8, 7, 5, 3 and one-year-old Dominic. I remember the overwhelming sadness realizing that I wouldn't get to see him grow up.

After three full days of wallowing in self pity -- I decided that the doctors didn't really know me at all -- and that "nahhhhhhh" I wasn't going to die.

Lots of chemotherapy and radiation treatments -- and eons of throwing up my socks and losing my wonderful, waist-length hair -- later -- I went into remission.

I treasured all of Dominic's milestones -- first day of kindergarten; when he played Khoury League baseball; when he asked for a guitar for 8th grade graduation (and had expressed zero interest in playing music prior to that); when he won the Jazz Music Award at his high school graduation; when he wrote the song "Six-O-eight" -- the anthem to the time he was born: 6:08. He grew up here, on the farm. His famous "farm quote?" "You can't come to the farm without getting dirty." Personally, I think that dirt is good for a kid.

And then he decided to move to Nashville, TN to pursue his dream of a music career. Gosh.

Last night he came back to the area to play a summer "music in the park" event at Tri-Township Park in Troy. It was boiling hot -- boiling. In fact, Dominic announced that it was the "hottest gig he has played" up 'til now.

Check out my baby boy's music: http://www.myspace.com/domwier

Especially check out the song he wrote for Jack and I: "Built to Last." And if you have connections with agents/folks in the music industry/radio play -- contact Dominic!

Lounging in the pool

2010-08-12T08:34:00.002-05:00

We've had a week now of 100-degree temps -- with heat indices to the moon. Yikes.

I let my big boy herd into the front yard several times this week. There's lots of shade and it is wide open -- with a small kiddie pool under the tree.

Apparently the size of the pool didn't deter Breeze from plopping down over the running hose. He got up several times, but didn't give up his spot to anyone else for most of the afternoon. How funny.

Guardian preferred to lounge under the weeping willow tree, with easy access to grass AND tree leaves. That was the spot he scoped out on a hot day.

And the hat? My first creation -- 100% alpaca yarn -- and I spun the white fiber into yarn myself. Wow. Who knew? Isn't that the coolest looking hat?

Hard to think about wearing something that's "five times warmer than wool" when it's over 100 degrees. But winter will come. Yes it will. The time for toasty hats will arrive. I'm ready.

Old dogs CAN learn new tricks

2010-08-09T18:47:00.008-05:00

Okay -- so I've owned llamas and alpacas for over 25 years. Okay -- so each year I get about 100 bags of fleece. Okay -- I've never made a single thing out of the fiber until January -- when Amanda introduced me to the "Knifty Knitter" hat loom

Okay -- so I've taken Tammy Duensing's spinning class 5 times. And still couldn't spin -- until today.

A small voice told me that I should "go for it." I bought some luscious white roving from Deanna Dobbs last week.

Today -- I sat down at my Ashford Traveller wheel and guess what people? I SPUN THE ROVING INTO YARN!

I had to call Amanda to remind me how to ply the yarn. I can't stand it. I can SPIN!

Here are the pix of the process: The "white cloud" is a pile of roving -- combed alpaca fiber.

That's my spinning wheel -- with the bobbin hanging crazy.

So after plying the yarn I wound it on the wooden dealie I bought at the MOPACA Show.

Then we have the finished yarn -- and the proud, red-faced spinner.

Would you just LOOK at the shimmer on that skein of yarn?

Oh -- and none of this could have been accomplished without the power drink pictured.

If I can learn to spin -- anyone can learn to spin. Next blog will surely have something that I made from my first skein of yarn. Wow. Just wow.

This old dog just learned a new trick.

Making hay -- making hats

2010-08-06T07:23:00.006-05:00

Gloves and boots are a necessity on the farm. It's hard to pick up the hay bales, knock them off of the stack, and load them without gloves, farm boots and a hay hook.

The grandkids were over during hay baling this week. It was 114 degrees heat index the day the hay was baled. That seems to be the law of God and man -- that hay will be baled on the hottest day of the year. Despite the temps, they seemed to have fun -- baking in the sun in the pasture, riding in the back of Grammy's open truck, dragging bales across the barn, teetering at the top of the wagon loaded with hay -- it was all good for kids. Not so much for Grammy.

Thank goodness for Katey and Ron and Ben -- my muscle helpers.

So that's how 96 bales of hay got to the barn.

Then I taught the girls how to use the Knifty Knitter and they began their adventure with hat making. Ashley made a hat for her teddy bear. Amy made a hat for herself -- and liked the process so much that she made one for her bear, too. How cute does Amy look in that little hat? You can see the sweat forming on her head (it WAS over 100 plus heat index) and yet she proudly wore the hat home when her mom came to get them.

Life on the farm in the summer.

Camelid Community 2010

2010-08-02T00:09:00.005-05:00

Just got back from Kansas City, MO.

I attended the Camelid Community 2010 conference this weekend.

Llama and alpaca owners from Florida, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas, Wisconsin and Massachusetts came together to help direct the future of the camelid industry in the U.S.

There were also representatives from the Alpaca Registry Inc.

Barb Baker and Sheila Fugina are the co-chairs of this annual event and they manage to bring out the best in all of the attendees.

The group is working on some brochures that can be distributed to people in this industry with questions about "what do I do with all this fiber?" and how to engage youth with llamas and alpacas.

It's always a great weekend of brainstorming, sharing ideas and stories, and re-connecting with old friends.

And, of course, the laughing is legendary. We chuckle, guffaw and downright belly laugh at some of the responses.

For example: one of the attendees talked about how she had sent her fleece to a mill to be processed. After waiting month after month, she got a phone call from the mill that they had "found the box with her fleece laying in a corner somewhere." They then asked for a check for processing.

She didn't rush to get payment in the mail. When they sent her a "reminder" e-mail -- she shot back this e-mail message: 'So sorry. Your e-mail was lying in the corner somewhere.'

What a sense of humor!

And there was, of course, the arrival of Helen to the second power -- the two IL Helens -- in their Waffle House hats.

THESE are the reasons I wouldn't miss this conference.

Visitors to the farm

2010-07-28T08:44:00.002-05:00

I'm big on "trading" and barter. I recently traded a beautiful, black, male suri alpaca for a female llama and gelded suri alpaca.

Good trade. Just So Perfect (what sort of name is that?) is the new llama. You can see her in the photo by our gate (with the letter 'W'). She's a tall, stretchy girl with, I hope, nice fleece. It's hard to tell with her fiber all shorn -- but I can hope.

Yesterday Amy, Ashley and Andrew were at the farm -- and helpers, Jayden and Rebecca. We were surprised with a visit from Harry and Millie, John and Mary -- from Gillespie, IL. They belong to a senior citizen group that is scheduling a farm visit in September or October.

We took them out on the golf car -- and they got to meet some of the llamas and alpacas -- and also saw our newest arrival, Baxter.

The kids and I had a delicious lunch of turkey, mac n cheese, applesauce, garden tomatoes, strawberries and chocolate chip cookies. It was yummy.

Such a great way to spend a summer day.

106-degree heat index

2010-07-23T07:24:00.002-05:00

So -- it's hot, right? Does that mean us farm-types get to sip iced tea in the shade? I don't think so.

This dangerous heat means we still have to deal with our farm chores, and believe you me -- it's not fun.

Today my summer helpers and I spent lots of time hosing off the animals. They loved standing under the sprinkler spray and getting soaked. Becca and Jayden took turns and the water was flying.

We still had to clean out the barn. We still caught and haltered animals going to shows this summer. We dealt with a cria that is newly born -- and one who recently lost his mama.

Today is supposed to be even worse. Yuck!

Fall can't come soon enough for me.

All on Saturday

2010-07-21T07:07:00.005-05:00

Well, Saturday, July 17th was an exciting day.

Ben and I took 5 animals over to Washington Park for their "back to school" event. It's where kids who otherwise might not have school supplies receive donated paper, pencils, backpacks and such. Plus there were free hot dogs and lemonade.

The weather did not cooperate. It was 106 heat index. Yet my wonderful animals allowed themselves to be brushed, spritzed with Groom n Show and handled by perfect strangers. That's Amanda (the tuxedo gal). She looks good for 20, doesn't she? And there's Jimmy, serenading the llamas by playing the flute he got in his backpack of goodies.

I took Amanda, age 20, Sophie and her gal Naomi, Punchau and Vision. A wonderful group of public relations animals.

Then Ben and I came home and were surprised by a new cria in the field. Our Chloe had a little boy, small but mighty.

Jack Dean, our youngest grandson, came over to meet the new baby and hang out at the farm. That's him with Ben meeting our newest cria.

At midnight Denise rolled in with 5 llamas that had just spent the day at the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair llama show. Five went. Five brought home ribbons.

Denise's animals took first (Don Tomas), second (Joao) and third (Spotted Fever) respectively in their classes.

My Pebbles took second and Annika took 4th. Wow. What a day!

A new family is born

2010-07-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

Our newest future farmhand arrived at 4:03 a.m. today. Her name is Avary Julieanne Nuckolls and her proud parents are Amanda and Travis.

I've known Amanda since she was around 9 years old. She took a clown class that I was teaching at the community college.
The next semester she was in the class again.
And she signed up for the next class, too. That's when I knew she was serious about clowning (is that an oxymoron?).
We clowned together all the way up into her college years. Then I retired from clowning -- and she continued to do volunteer work and some "birthday party gigs" -- the hardest clowning of all.

We have remained friends over the years -- this odd duo of a 20-something and a 60-something. We have much in common -- a love of the outdoors, animals, farming, "going green," fiber activities (spinning), a love of reading and words -- and marketing. Not to mention the fun times we share with tractors, llamas, alpacas, Bobcats, clowning, good food and interesting people -- oh, so much.

Today she and Travis and Avary became a family. There were tears on my pillow when she called to tell me Avary's name (a guarded secret during the entire pregnancy).
She had to work hard during the pregnancy to tone down her active "Amanda-ness" and go into mommy mode. She just re-directed her energy -- developing new websites: www.gnomemedia.com , making MY website the rockin' -est llama and alpaca site EVER.
She took a spinning class and was a natural -- spinning like a champ. She bought some hat looms and is OUTTA control with making hats, scarves, purses. It's amazing.
But after all, SHE'S amazing. And today she began her career as a mom.
Look out world. There will be inventions, time saving devices, and good ideas that she will discover and share.
I visited the new family at the hospital this morning. And they let me snap the photo that graces this page. Just look at them. How exciting the future will be! Congratulations, and Avary, there's a farm world waiting for you.

". . . and they're cousins" (from the Patty Duke Show

2010-07-16T07:58:00.003-05:00

Drew, age 4, and Brianna, age 3, came to the farm this week. The cousins got to experience the fun and high heat/humidty (106 heat index) at Grammy's farm.

Drew started out by picking tomatoes from Grammy's garden. I have one tomato plant and I am excited that my "llama poo" has fertilized such awesome tomatoes.

Brianna tried on one of Grammy's many hats -- made from alpaca fiber and acrylic.

She and Drew climbed trees (the mulberry tree is the "bestest" climbing tree!). She fed the chickens and looked closely at their feed.

Drew climbed on hay bales and found my first chicken egg -- but promptly threw it onto the ground. Grammy wasn't happy about that.

It is such fun to have the grandkids at the farm -- and they get to be outside, take an honest bath after it's over , and make memories to last their whole lives.

What a blessing.

Dominic's band gig

2010-07-13T09:18:00.004-05:00

Our son, Dominic, is working in Nashville in the music business. He is trying his darndest to be a singer/songwriter. He's written some awesome music - fun and thoughtful stuff. He was in town last week and he played at the local park in Troy, IL.

Some of his siblings, and nieces and nephews came out to have fun, run around, and listen to Uncle Dom. His brother, Jack, played drums for the gig.

He did a great job and everyone had such a good time.

In the pix: The gazebo where they set up. Baby Jack Dean sports the cowboy hat (he's a little bit country, a little bit rock n roll) and his dad is on the drums.

Dom rocks the tambourine for a song (he also played guitar and harmonica).

And there's Dom during a song. Want to book Dominic? www.myspace.com/domwier

Baby alpacas and "the herd" and summer

2010-07-13T09:08:00.004-05:00

Summer is tough on these camelids. They come from the world (Andes Mountain region) of 50 degrees to the scorching, humid St. Louis summer.

They don't like it. They DO like drinking from the sprinkler each day -- standing under it until they are soaking wet -- and venturing out into the pasture at dusk -- grazing in the slightly cooler evening.

My crop of babies this year are especially playful and darling. My Naomi, that black/white tuxedo girl is so regal looking. And Dorothy (multi) and Shima (med. fawn) are best buds.

They play in the pasture, bothering all of the adult llamas and alpacas with their silliness. It's a delight and a privilege to watch it happen -- something I never take for granted. I DO love owning these animals. Can't wait to see what they might do today.

cute babies

2010-07-02T21:54:00.002-05:00

Yzma and her daughter, Shima, lounged in the pasture today. The humidity was low and the sun was bright and the two female alpacas enjoyed the temporary break in the heat wave we've experienced during June 2010.

My summer helpers spent some time halter training Rudolph and Ralphie. Both young alpaca males are already very good on lead and easily handled.

I try to make certain that any future "saleable" alpacas or llamas are easy to work with -- for myself and the possible new owners.

Rudolph would be a great public relations boy and so would Ralphie. They are good with people and have pleasant personalities.

It's a joy to help prepare these animals for their new owners. If you're looking for some nifty alpacas as "pets" -- Ralphie and Rudolph are right up your alley.

Beauty and the Beast

2010-06-29T07:02:00.002-05:00

And no, the beast isn't a llama. Took one of my granddaughters to see "Beauty and the Beast"

at the Muny in St. Louis. The Muny seats 12,000 people and is the largest continous outdoor theatre in the USA.

We were rained out on Sunday night -- but came back for more last evening.

Bree dressed in a "princess dress" for the special night. It was her first time at the Muny. She and Grammy posed for a photo. I'm the red-faced lady and Bree is the lily white little girl!

We've been fortunate enough to have season tickets at the Muny since 1993. At our farm, it wouldn't be summer without the Muny!

Fiber for the Gulf

2010-06-25T22:54:00.004-05:00

Llama and alpaca fiber is amazing stuff. It keeps the animal warm in winter. It can be washed, carded, made into roving, spun into yarn, knitted or crocheted into hats, gloves, socks and many other things.

And now it may just help save our ocean from disaster. It has amazing properties for skimming oil off of the surface of the water.

If you don't believe me, just go to www.afcna.org and click on the video.

There seems to be conflicting advice about the efficacy of the "booms" made from fleece, but I'm impressed with the visual of the oil clean up.

My summer helpers spent Tuesday working on gathering fiber for the Gulf oil spill.

There are Jayden and Rebecca wearing their Alpaca Fiber for the Gulf t-shirts; cheering after finishing their artwork on the mailing container; and Jayden is walking our "giraffe-like" girl, Pebbles.

Hopefully the oil spill will be contained sooner, rather than later. We are on day 67 now. Not good. Every little bit of fiber helps.

Weekend filled with fun

2010-06-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

Wow. Some kind of weekend so far -- and it's early on Sunday!

On Friday Jack and I headed to Clinton Manor -- a living center in New Baden. Our 30-year-old daughter lives there -- due to a bout with 43 seizures when she was 19. They treat her like family there and we are grateful for the excellent care she receives. Photo of the hands are Coreen and I -- she, who I often say is the whitest white girl in town -- and me -- brown and freckled from the sun.

Then it was home to load up 8 animals to deliver them to Dorsey, IL to the Greens -- to their new home. Wow. They moved to paradise those critters. Three llama girls and 5 alpacas went to live at Monday Morning Farm and Fiber. That's the photo of Keri waiting to trek up the "lama trail" to the barn. Awesome. Congrats to the Greens on their new adventure. And you made some fabulous "picks" from my herd, too!

Saturday morning was the spinning class at the farm. Tammy Duensing, master spinner, was kind enough to give us some of her time -- and teach novices how to spin. It was great. Of course, Keri -- new llamas/alpaca owner -- spun like a champ! I need more practice, apparently (lol).

Right after the class Jack had arranged a farm visit for a dear friend, Michelle and her niece, Grace -- who came all the way from Colorado to visit Aunt Michelle. They fed carrots to the critters and had a great time (even though the heat index was stifling) visiting with the animals in the pasture.

THEN -- it was off to pick up Ben and head to Centralia -- to our youngest son, Dominic's, band gig at Foster's Bar and Grill. He and his peeps (Vince, Phil and the drummer) rocked the joint with mostly original music. So talented, he is. He just needs that BIG BREAK in Nashville, where he lives. So -- if you have those connections -- please contact Dom Wier @ bookingdomwier@yahoo.com

And now today is Father's Day. The kids/grandkids will be over this afternoon for BBQ and swimming. What a great weekend.

Just wondering how much longer a 60-plus-year-old farm gal can keep up this pace? Aww -- who am I kidding -- 20 more years at least!

"Bring a friend to work" day

2010-06-17T21:26:00.005-05:00

Becca and Julie were at the farm today.

Becca has been volunteering at the farm for 3 years now.

Today she brought her friend, Julie, along. Julie has experience working with horses, but this was her first "hands on" with llamas and alpacas.

We dewormed some animals today -- fed hay and grain -- caught and haltered some animals.

Clementine and Punxsutawney, both young llama girls, got some halter training from Becca and Julie.

Clementine was very difficult to capture -- even closed up in the barn. We had several "near misses" -- where she squeaked by us.

We got her in a corner and when I went to snag her -- she bolted and knocked me into the barn door. I was unhappy about that. Especially since I broke my toe this week.

The odd thing about Clementine: once she was caught -- she walked great on lead. As though she had been doing it her whole life.

Llamas are puzzling sometimes.

And then there was Punxsutawney. I plan to take her to the IL State Fair in August -- so it's imperative that she walk on lead. She'll definitely need more practice.

I'm thankful for the extra hands that come to the farm in the summer.

Naomi, our beautiful alpaca girl

2010-06-16T16:49:00.003-05:00

Sunday was the day that Naomi arrived at the farm.

She was born around 10:30 a.m. Her mama had been lurking around the barn for several days, going in and out, in and out.

Naomi has that "tuxedo look" that we all love so much here on the farm. She is vibrant and healthy and is already bouncing around the pasture with the other babies.

She has a history of show quality siblings. Her brother, Garrity, placed at the MOPACA show this spring. Her sister, Lumina, has received scads of ribbons -- for obstacle, halter and public relations. Her brother from last year, Nigel, is a handsome, handsome boy who will be strutting his stuff in the show ring later this year.

This little gal is a real looker. It makes my heart sing to see such beautiful "eye candy" in the pasture. Her name, Naomi, means "delight" in Hebrew. She is truly a delight.

Rainbow on the ranch

2010-06-12T20:47:00.002-05:00

Storms were rumbling through St. Louis this early evening. Lots of rain, lightning and thunder, not to mention the wind.

Briefly -- in between the first wave -- and the next to come -- I went out to check on the llamas and alpacas.

There it was. Such a beautiful rainbow -- and, of course, it "landed" on the barn. THAT'S what's at the end of the rainbow -- the multi-colors of my llamas and 'pacas. I KNEW it.

Behind me, in the western sky, was the sunset -- all yellow and glorious -- and stormy.

And then, of course, I snapped a photo of Sophie -- the alpaca girl I've been "stalking" all day -- waiting, so impatiently for her new baby to arrive.

She's HUGE -- with all sorts of movement -- knees, legs, whatever scrambling around inside her. She's miserable, too.

It was crazy hot today -- on the day of the largest Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure in STL. Over 70,000 people walked or ran. My friend, Denise, even dyed the topknot of her white alpaca girl pink -- and put the pink ribbon on her, too -- and took her to the race. Denise's sister is a survivor of breast cancer.

We had a surprise visit from an old friend, Jay. He has been dealt some trouble in his life -- but starts each day with a "If I were any better -- it would be illegal" sort of attitude. Such a good man.

Yesterday Bill and his boys, Blake and Carson, stopped in randomly because they "just had to see what those animals are." I gave them the abbreviated tour and they were grateful and excited. It made me happy to share my passion for these darlings with others.

Wow. What another wonderful weekend at the farm. Can you just imagine what tomorrow will bring?

Candi had her baby!

2010-06-11T07:55:00.004-05:00

"Night Magic" was born on Tuesday. I was busy cleaning the barn with the Bobcat when Rebecca and Jayden (my helpers) came running into the barn excitedly.

"Candi had a baby! Candi had a baby!"

I shut off the Bobcat and headed out to the pasture where the baby was already up and walking.

He is solid black and is missing that trademark "headband" that she stamps on all of her babies.

Her cria from 08 is living happily at the St. Louis Zoo -- at the Emerson Children's Zoo. His name is Doc Freeman and he is a stunner. I've added his photo, too.

Candi is a Canadian female alpaca who has breathtaking babies. They are strong and healthy, and she is an excellent mama.

This is definitely the time of the year when babies are arriving. I have several more on the way -- and the excitement is new with each birth.

Stay tuned!

Be sure to check out the Zoo's site -- search under Emerson Children's Zoo for the video about my two alpaca boys -- Doc Freeman and Doc Andrus: www.stlzoo.com

And the new little guy is named after my son's Deejay company, Night Magic Entertainment. www.nightmagicentertainment.com

Saturday fun at the farm

2010-06-06T08:20:00.003-05:00

I hope my grandkids realize how lucky they are.

They get to come to the farm and experience so many wonderful things.

Yesterday I saw 6 of my 7 grandkids. We went to breakfast at the Waffle House, rode out on the golf car to the pasture, fed carrots to the llamas and alpacas, and even broke out the "train" for a quick ride in the front yard.

The "train" came from a garage sale. A man made each barrel for his own grandkids to take for a ride

We've taken the train into parades and had a grand old time.

The kids like to just ride and wave.

At top, Katey is helping Isabella "drive" the golf car; our son, Joe, is driving Amy, Drew and Jack around in the yard.

Jack is waving as Amy makes sure he doesn't fall out of the train.

And Drew is busy feeding carrots to Orenda.

Brianna is surrounded by hungry alpacas and llamas.

Making memories, folks, making memories.

New baby, new helper

2010-06-02T22:38:00.003-05:00

Another darling new cria was born on our farm on Memorial Day 2010. He is a little red/white suri with great markings and lovely fiber.

My summer Tuesday helpers, Becca and Jayden enjoyed catching him and posing with the "new guy."

They also had a good time halter training some of the young'ns at the farm.

That's Jayden with Ralphie -- a sweet little huacaya alpaca. She also worked with Max, Nigel, and Rudolph.

Becca tried her hand at halter training Whispers (and he needs the lead training, that's for sure).

It sure is nice to have summer volunteers. Thanks so much for your help!

Typical St. Louis summer

2010-05-31T07:27:00.002-05:00

It's hot. In the 90s already and today is June 1st.
I must be part llama, because I, too, dislike this hot weather.
Llamas and alpacas are from the
Andes Mountains and they are used to a mean temp of the 50s -- plus it gets cold at night -- 30s even. So they can recoup the heat loss of the day in those cool mountain nights.
Not so in St. Louis in the summer. It was around 80 at 10 o'clock last night. No regrouping from the heat there.
Mostly my animals sit in front of fans in the barn during the day -- and don't venture out until around 7 in the evening.
I put out the shower head this weekend and the photos tell the story -- standing in front of the spray drinking and getting soaking wet; standing in the water troughs -- or even sitting in the trough, like you see Yukon Quest doing in the photo. Makes for a cool down in the "old swimmin' hole."
Here's to summer -- and to cooler weather soon.

Tractor repair -- and wrestling thistles

2010-05-27T18:50:00.005-05:00

I haven't been this excited about something in ages.

When I graduated from high school back in 1966 there were only a few career paths open to women: teacher, housewife, nurse, secretary. Those were the options.

Today I took apart the sediment bowl of a 1950 Ford 8N tractor -- and replaced the terminal to the battery, too. The thing hasn't been running since October of last year. I FIGURED IT OUT!

It started and ran beautifully.

I am so proud of myself. I'm a mechanic of sorts. Wow.

Just got done cutting the thistles in the pasture. Looks great. In the past I would have called the "tractor people" to repair the tractor and been charged around $300 for this job. I did it myself. Wow.

As I was cutting the field I couldn't help but think of a dear friend, Professor Lyman Holden. He used to come over and dig thistles out of the pasture. He was a brilliant math teacher at SIU-Edwardsville. But he would set aside his "smarts" and come in jeans, a bandanna and a hat, and dig thistles. Oh how I miss Lyman (who is playing his tuba in heaven now). Wanted you all to see his picture -- right after he wrestled a thistle out of the ground.

If Lyman could humble himself to dig thistles, who knew I would grow up to be a tractor mechanic?

Shearing 2010 is history

2010-05-25T07:49:00.007-05:00

It's done. Shearing days 2010 whizzed past like a blur. Over 150 llamas and alpacas got their summer haircuts -- with no small help from friends.

I especially want to single out the members of the Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois (http://www.artisansil.org/)

They spent days at the farm -- through sun and rain -- filling syringes, clipping toenails, bagging fleece, catching and haltering animals, bringing food. They were so awesome.

Thanks, too, to Dr. Liz Vollmer of Waterloo Animal Hospital. She arrived early on the first day to help with a birthing emergency (only the 3rd time in 25 years that I've had to have a vet assist in birthing). We lost the cria, but she saved the mama, for which I am very grateful.

And then there was Peppy -- the deep red Canadian female alpaca -- who casually walked up to the barn on day 3 (during the round up of scragglers) with a beautiful female baby at side. Wow. I named the baby Dorothy -- after my aunt who passed away on Sunday. She's a looker-- and so healthy.

Once again I had folks take advantage of the "get 4 years worth of experience in 4 days" by helping corral all of the animals. They are completely prepared to be new llama or alpaca owners now. Steve rocked as a "learning on the job" guy; Beverly was a rock, passing the dewormer and making sure the bags were properly marked; Tim and Eunice were Tim and Eunice (nothing better than that, folks); my daughter, Katey, took off of work 3 of the days just to "set up" the lunch. Wow. She was helped by Margaret two of the days. Patty was an extra pair of hands wherever she was needed for four solid days. THAT'S a friend.

Amanda was the fleece sales expert -- all wonderful.

A special thank you to Bruce and Tammy for making shearing days a "no drama zone" and helping things run smoothly.

See you all next year!

Jan from the STL Zoo

2010-05-22T22:09:00.002-05:00

One of the highlights of this year's shearing extravaganza was our visit from Jan from the St. Louis Zoo.
She is one of the many capable people that help to care for Doc Andrus and Doc Freeman, the two alpaca boys at the zoo.
She came to the farm for a "professional development day" and came ready with a list of questions. I'm hoping we were ready with the answers.
Jan jumped right in and caught and haltered dozens of animals, caught fleece, observed toenail trimming and deworming protocol, among many other things.
Be sure to stop in at the Emerson Children's Zoo at the St. Louis Zoo and see the two alpaca boys that came from our farm. We're proud!
And Jan, thanks for the help.

A Mother's Day Surprise

2010-05-09T22:11:00.003-05:00

Shima arrived today. Her name is Navajo for "mother." This Mothers' Day little lady is a huacaya alpaca. Her mama is Yzma, a Canadian female.
I gazed out into the pasture and there was a "circle" of aunties sniffing and nudging the newest arrival to the herd. They truly have a welcoming committee -- as long as the mama will allow it.
Ben carried the new alpaca up to the barn. It's supposed to rain tomorrow and I don't want Shima's hardy mama to just sit in the rain -- with baby getting soaked.
She is a lovely little girl -- and a wonderful Mothers' Day surprise.

School tours

2010-05-07T21:45:00.003-05:00

Two different kindergarten classes visited the farm for a tour today. Students from Providence Christian Academy in South County, St. Louis -- and St. John Neumann kindergartners from Maryville brought carrots for the animals.

They learned about fiber items produced with llama and alpaca fleeces. They trekked out to the pasture and fed the animals. They posed for a photo in front of our Native American tipi. They ate lunch and made Native American walking sticks.

The kids were adorable and they seemed to have lots of fun. They can come back any time!

Llama grieving

2010-05-05T10:09:00.004-05:00

My big, beautiful llama girl, Samantha gave birth yesterday while I was in Bloomington, IL.

I bought her at a sale --as a guardian -- and was told she was due last fall. I had no idea she was due now.

I came home and went to the barn to feed -- and there was the cria, still wrapped within the placenta. Beautiful, black and white little girl. Awesome markings.

At first I didn't know who the mama might be. I have over 45 female llamas in that herd. I knew it was a llama and not an alpaca -- simply by the size.

Shortly after I started to examine the cria -- in comes Samantha -- full of mournful humming and concern. She repeatedly sniffed the baby -- and "cried by humming" and went in and out of the barn --trying to encourage her baby to follow.

There is little in the world more sorrowful than when a mama loses her baby. Llamas do not take this lightly -- and often need to grieve for several days by sniffing and nudging their baby. Later today I will bury the little girl. But her mama will never forget her.

East meets West

2010-05-02T21:20:00.002-05:00

Such a surprise today.

Came home from visiting my daughter and there were some folks at the farm. They were getting "the grand tour" from Denise -- an alpaca/llama owner who has some animals pastured here.

Meet Jessie and Yida -- both orginally from China. They found me on the internet -- and took a CAB to the farm from St. Louis.

Yida is a student at St. Louis University. Jessie attends college in Vancouver, British Columbia.

They told me that alpacas are "big" in China. Mind you, there ARE no alpacas in China -- but people seem to be fascinated by alpacas. Wow. Who knew?

They are two bright young people who simply decided that they would come to an alpaca farm on a sunny Sunday in May. I gave them a ride back to the MetroLink station -- and they are welcome to visit again.

They posed for a photo with Statler before they headed back west to St. Louis.

I LOVE NY

2010-05-02T08:59:00.002-05:00

First time in New York City was a few weeks ago. My husband, Jack, was on the Dr. Oz Show -- due to an accident he had at the farm in 2007. The show will "air" on May 10th at 11 a.m. in the St. Louis market.

They flew us in -- put us up at the Mariott Marquis in Times Square. We wandered around -- to the Hershey's Store -- little shops -- theatre district. Ate at Famous Dave's BBQ (wow was THAT good). Bought a $15 brownie (delicious).

NYC is an amazing place. It is truly an international city. Lots of languages being spoken daily -- lots of cultures mingling. Great place to visit.

Yesterday someone tried to blow up Times Square. Shame on them. There is so much good stuff happening in NYC. People are getting along with each other. People of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles are living together in harmony.

Shame on those who would try to blow up visitors to this great city.

David Letterman isn't joking when each night he says, "Live from New York, the greatest city in the world!" I agree.

Photo is of me in front of the hotel; New York City's finest on horseback in Times Square -- letting kids pet the horses; Jack at "30 Rock" in front of the Dr. Oz sign; and a view of Times Square.

Again. Shame on the terrorists and hurray for the t-shirt vendor (and yes, I bought a dozen t-shirts in NYC) who spotted the trouble. Way to go.

I LOVE NY.

2010-05-01T19:40:00.003-05:00

Heritage Days at Willoughby Farm in Collinsville was such fun. Kids and parents enjoyed visiting with the goats, llamas and alpacas and even a small dog, courtesy of the Petersons.

Demonstrations included papermaking, pottery, spinning and weaving, crocheting and knitting and loom work.
Donna Reese brought her accordian and played "Meet Me In St. Louis," "You Are My Sunshine" and other familiar tunes.

There was a bluegrass group that added to the ambiance with their banjos and guitars.

The weather held out and all was fun for the event.

The demos were provided by the Artisan Guild of Southern IL -- http://www.artisansil.org/

Check out the group -- we rocked!

The definition of cute -- and boys will be helpers

2010-04-25T09:15:00.002-05:00

Okay. I HAD to show off my Eagle Eye, little alpaca female.
She is the very definition of cute. That face is to die for, isn't it? She is sweet as pie and such a darling. Alas, I will be selling her this spring to some lucky folks. Interested?

And I'm also showing off two of my sons, who helped move Mighty Impressive (llama boy) and Rocket (one-eyed alpaca gelding) to a new pasture. Ben is the one with the red scoop -- enticing Rocket to move along.

Dominic was in from Nashville, TN doing some local "gigs" (yes, he's a musician) and he stopped in to help -- much to his surprise.

He mentioned that "you can't come to the farm without getting dirty, can you?" He was right. His shoes and jeans had issues after helping out for a few minutes.

It was nice to see him and get some muscle to help out.

Good times at the farm.

After glow of NYC

2010-04-23T09:30:00.002-05:00

Still feeling it. The afterglow of a wonderful trip to New York City. It was a storybook fun two days. Back to reality is a harsh place to be, isn't it?

That being said -- my animals have been happy to see me.

Pulled into the driveway from the airport and there was someone waiting -- to buy my Hayrite Hay Elevator. Trekked up to the attic of the garage and showed it off. She's a beauty, that hay elevator. She's sold. They're coming to get her tomorrow.

Someone coming today to buy my big round bale feeder for horses. Bought it for llamas and they really don't eat that way -- standing around in a circle. They like to eat kushed on the ground -- next to each other. Mostly munching away the day.

I'm bumming about the thistles in my pastures. Anyone have any surefire ideas that don't require crazy hard work?

I guess two days of doing nothing made me realize how much WORK there is at a farm -- every single day.

So -- all is good at the farm. Miss you New York.

On to meet Dr. Oz

2010-04-21T10:33:00.002-05:00

Arrived in NYC yesterday afternoon to be on the "Dr. Oz Show" with my husband. Met a cool person in baggage claim who just returned from St. Louis where she was shooting a music video for Nelly and the St. Lunatics. What a great job!

Spent the evening in Times Square -- eating at Famous Dave's BBQ. Soooo delicious.

Finished an alpaca hat for Dr. Oz -- which I hope Jack will give him today. Maybe even a photo opportunity?

The producers work their buns off preparing everything. Wow -- what a job that must be.

Got two phone calls from folks about alpacas/llamas. Doing business even while dressed up in "fancy clothes" here in NYC. Thinking a lot about the animals at home -- being cared for by our youngest Nashville son, Dominic (the country music wannabe). His site is www.myspace.com/domwier Be sure to check out his latest video -- Medicine. It rocks.

A "car" will pick us up soon and we'll head to the studio for the taping. I'll let y'all know when it airs. Ahhhhh -- who knew the country mouse would head to the city?

A "Tree-mendous" event

2010-04-19T22:39:00.002-05:00

So early tomorrow morning we head to the airport -- to fly to NYC -- to be on the Dr. Oz show. Wow.

The country bumpkins go to the city.

A last minute "shout out" via email reminded us "be sure to bring the tree!" Say what? Since when are people allowed to carry on a 3 1/2 foot, 7 inch diameter tree on an airplane?

Shot a photo of our youngest, Dominic, holding the tree. It's amazing to realize that it was IN Jack - all the way back to his spinal column. It's a complete miracle that he's alive.

I thought of putting it in a bag that usually holds a fold-up chair. So that's how the tree will head to NY for the Dr. Oz show.

I'll let y'all know how we fare in the city. Hope it's not a re-creation of "The Out-of-Towners" experience. lol

Dominic will care for the critters and hold down the fort while we're gone.

Hmmmm? Dr. Oz? Just another day at the farm

2010-04-15T09:51:00.006-05:00

What does Dr. Mehmet Oz have to do with this blog site? Well -- three years ago my husband was injured in a terrible, terrible accident. He was moving tree debris into a berm of dirt -- when a 17-foot tree (with no branches) popped up under the roll bar of the Bobcat and impaled him in the abdomen.

That means it went into his body -- all the way back to his spinal column.

It was quite a day.

He was helicoptered out of the pasture to St. Louis University Hospital -- where a team of surgeons and support staff removed the tree and continued the process of saving Jack's life.

The miracles that day came by the dozens:

The only phone signal that came out of the woods and ravine that day -- was Jack's call to me to say, "Call 911 and tell them to bring a chainsaw. There's a tree on me." Not a tree IN me, mind you.

None of the firefighters or EMT could get signals on their walkie talkies, phones without hiking up to the top of the hill to get a "signal."

Jack tried to back up the Bobcat when he realized the tree was in him. He couldn't back it up. The next day my son-in-law, Ron and I went down to get the Bobcat and it backed right out of there. If Jack had been able to back it up it would have pulled the tree out and most certainly he would have bled to death.

The list of miracles is long. We are so thankful and blessed.

That brings me to two days ago when a producer from the Dr. Oz TV show called wanting us to come on the show. Looks like we tape next Tuesday. Should be interesting. I'll let you all know when it airs.

Just another day at the farm

Sheep & Craft festival

2010-04-11T22:20:00.003-05:00

Rolled out of bed at 5:00 a.m., woefully regretting my decision to be a vendor AND bring animals to the annual Southern IL Sheep and Craft Festival.

"What was I thinking?"

But -- it was an awesome day with lots of fun and surprises.

There were the wonderful sheep dog trials -- where the herding dogs are given the task of containing 4 sheep and herding them into a small pen. It is a thing of beauty to watch these dogs "do their thing."

Amanda and I sold plenty of hats, purses and yarn -- and it was so exciting to see kids running around with our "creations" on their heads.

Becca was helpful in unloading, talking with customers and especially in describing the animals to visitors to the pen.

Krista was helpful at our booth and was also the inspiration for the hat looms in the first place.

Vision, the llama; Mason, Punchau, Temujin - huacaya alpacas; and Gabriel, the suri alpaca; were all awesome in their calm demeanors during the event.

Some excitement for the future: THREE spinners took advantage of my "spin a bag, get a bag" of alpaca fiber. Can't wait to see the results of their work.

The sheep owners next to us got to see Vision strut his "guardian llama" behavior. Everytime anyone walked by with a dog -- he would stand up -- make himself as tall as possible -- and walk along the fenceline until the dog retreated. Pretty impressive.

The sheep folks talked to me about a guardian llama. It was wonderful to share the information about how valuable a llama can be in a herd of sheep.

I'm sure I'll be there next year.

Amanda, the Magnificent

2010-04-06T16:28:00.002-05:00

Amanda is the sort of llama that comes along once in a lifetime. Perhaps that's why she was just awarded a "lifetime achievement" award by the International Lama Registry in Kalispell, MT.

She has been to dozens of public events -- and has rocked the house at each and every one of them.

The photos tell part of the story: Amanda at Webster School in Collinsville at the "kiss a llama" event; Amanda with Jessica when she got her senior pictures taken; Amanda with Ben at the Walk a thon for the National Alliance on Mental Illness; Amanda with Nora and Ellen, co-chairs of the Missouri Botanical Gardens Best of Missouri Market.

The girl doesn't take a bad photo, does she? She is 20 years old -- and still going strong. She has brought so very much joy into the lives of those she meets -- and into my life as well.

Our son Ben always says, "Amanda is my favorite llama."

She's EVERYONE's favorite, Ben.