Look What Errands Will Net You!

Today Jeff and I went to Menards in Big Rapids to pick up a weed wacker and paint for the exterior doors.  Look what we brought home!

Meet Zoey!

This lovely girl was languishing at the Osceola Animal Shelter.  She is around 10 months old and is sweet, friendly, even tempered and courageous!  On the ride home she never made a peep.  She will be a good fit for our household of the rambunctious hell cat ( that would be Linus) and the two cranky old men (that would be Jinx and Moses).  She doesn't seem intimidated by her new surroundings or the boys.  She'll do just fine.

Square Foot Garden success!  Slicing tomatoes, red peppers, and cabbage are looking good along with all my little sprouts.

 My garden appears to be growing.  I've got beets, peas, beans, arugula, kale and leeks poking their little noggins out of the ground.  I always find the miracle of life from seeds so rewarding!

Broccoli, brussel sprouts, pole beans, and cherry tomatoes grow here along with a spot for my cucumbers which I keep forgetting to buy seeds for.

The lavender and strawberry bed.

 I decided to plant my strawberries along the retaining wall.  I figured they would do well if I gave them sufficient nutrient rich soil amongst the pea gravel.  The thought of having to remove all that pea gravel was just too daunting.  At the far end is one plant of lavender I have high hopes for.

Parting shot.

I'm looking forward to having another female in this house of males.  Zoey seems like just the kitty to keep me company.

Progress

"The Maiden Girls"     All photos courtesy of Benchmark Alpacas

We have some babies on the way!  Miss Felicity, our "senior" experienced female (at age 15) is now pregnant.  Twizzler, who we thought was pregnant, changed her mind and has just been rebred.  The three girls you see above, are keeping it a secret.  Their true status can only be accurately determined by an ultrasound.  They, being all unproven females but all beyond the age of 4, may require some shots of estrogen to get them to "cycle" and not think they are pregnant.  The only problem with the shot, is if they are given the shot and they are truly pregnant then they will abort the baby they may have.  Hence the need for the ultrasound before the injection of estrogen.  Hope that makes sense.

Sweet Caroline

Andraya, in the foreground.

Birdie

Sweet Caroline

In other exciting news, in the name of progress, we have contracted with a builder to construct our pole barn.  He is scheduled to start in the beginning of July.  He estimates it will take about 1 1/2 weeks to complete.  In the meantime I had to procure a electrician, and an excavator to level the site and to install the water inside the barn.  After a somewhat frustrating search, I found two likely candidates.  The skilled trades are in short supply in our area and busy, so finding someone who would be willing to do the job and in the time frame needed I had to do some searching.

I have uploaded a rough sketch of the barn that I designed.  It will be simple and measure 50' wide x 32' long.  There will be a 10' wide main aisle, two stall/pens for the alpacas and a chicken coop.  The aisle and coop will have concrete floors.  The rest will be dirt floors.  The roof and siding will be steel.  The roof will be a rustic red and the siding grey.  Both colors coordinate with the house colors, of course.  The two 10 foot lean-tos on the sides will have a roof but no siding.  This will give the aplacas a place for shade in the summer.  The females will be on the right side of the barn and the males on the left.  To the right of the chicken coop will be a 10' x 30' chicken run.

"The Barn"

I am still searching for someone to erect our fencing.  That, too, is proving to be a challenge.
I have two fencing contractors I've been in touch with.  Since I'm not familar with farm fencing I have had to educate myself.  I'm hoping I can utilize a 2" x 4" woven wire fence that will be five feet tall.  The cost may prevent that.  If not I will have to come up with a plan B.  It's all about being flexible, right! 
The 2 x 4 fence will be a small enough opening that the alpacas won't be able to put their cute little heads through the fence holes and get stuck and to prevent predators access to the pasture.  Since the openings are smaller than normal this fencing costs more, of course.  The fencing behind Daisy in the picture below is a 4" x 4".

Daisy Mae

Stay tuned!

Everyone Gets A Hair Cut!

Wednesday of this week our alpacas had their annual hair cut, better known as a shearing.  We left to assist the shearing process at Benchmark Alpacas at 5:45 a.m.  After a few turn arounds at the end of the driveway, because we forgot my boots, the checkbook, Jeff's phone and our minds, we arrived at Benchmark around 8:00 a.m. just in time for the shearing madness to begin.

Barrie Lynn, Benchmark Alpacas' owner, already had a job assignment lined up for me.  I was in charge of recording the weight of the each shorn fleece as the prime cutting and then the total weight with the 2nd and 3rd cuttings added.  The prime cut is the back and the sides.  This would be used for fiber shows and spinning fine yarns for apparel knitting and weaving.  The prime displays the density, luster and softness of the fiber.  The 2nd cutting consists of the neck, chest, and upper legs and could be used for any non apparel applications.  The 3rd cutting is the stomach, face, and lower legs.  It is used for felting and filling as it is the coarsest.

It was fascinating to watch Barrie Lynn and the system she had in place.  She has been in the business for 20 years and is used to handling 150 alpacas.  She was well organized and took into account every procedure that needed to be done, including shots, worming, hoof trimming, teeth filing, and fly spray application.  She had a station for each procedure and each alpaca would "walk the line."

Barrie Lynn at the prepping station prior to the shearing station.

The shearer, Sam, was from New Zealand originally, and had a lovely accent.  He and his assistant have a nomadic life, traveling across the country shearing alpacas and sheep.  Benchmark Alpacas was the only farm in Michigan he was shearing at.  Then they were headed south to Pennsylvania. 

Sam is working on shearing the alpaca's head.  He has already sheared the body and upper legs.

The guys are putting the noose around  Rafael's hind legs.  Then they'll do the front legs prior to gently stretching him out.

I learned a lot Wednesday.  Though I'm afraid not enough for me to do this next year by myself!  I also found alpacas are definitely not aggressive animals.  I knew this but it was nice to see this in action.  They were trussed, clipped and flipped.  Their teeth were filed and their hooves sniped.  I would be just a little disgruntled with all that handling and although they were, expressing their displeasure in various ways, none of those ways posed a danger to anyone handling them.  In order to keep the alpaca stationary while they are being sheared, nooses are slipped over each leg just above the hoof.  Then through a pulley the alpaca is stretched out so it's legs are above their head and behind them while they lay on their belly.  They are immobilized this way and are not thrashing about.  Some alpacas were more accepting then others.  The unhappy ones made a soft screeching sound that didn't let up until they were released from their bonds.  Others screeched and slobbered.  And only one out of 50 got up from her captivity mad enough to spit!  Woo she was an unhappy Missy!  She by the way is the mother of the darling Daisy Mae.  Daisy Mae, in case you don't remember, is the youngest member of our herd, being born 12/13/14.  She is bright eyed, inquisitive and always wearing a smile.

Look at her smile!  This was taken pre-shearing.

Her smile will melt the meanest heart!  That is her Momma to her right, the spitter.

Speaking of getting hair cuts.  Linus got his about three weeks ago.  He is now sporting the lean gangly look.

Linus' new look.

The lean mean vole hunting machine is showing off his "puppy paws!"

Finally a few pics of my square foot garden.  It's coming together.  I've already planted onions and garlic and asparagus (which we won't be able to pick until next summer).  Since I've been warned the frost date here isn't until June 1st I'm impatiently practising patience.

I'm hoping to have the garden fenced when the fencing for the pastures goes in.

She isn't the prettiest garden but she'll get the job done.

The asparagus plot.

Lastly, we are awaiting bids on building our barn.  Since we are trying to get bids during the busiest time of the year it is slow going.  Every time I think about having the alpaca herd here by September 1st I get very anxious. :(  Best to keep busy so I don't have to think about it.

Here They Are!

Benchmark's Perucoyo Andraya

In no particular order, introducing the alpacas of Zephyr Hill Farm!


This beauty is Andraya.  She is considered a dark silver grey and will be five in May.  She is what is considered unproven.  In other words she has never given birth.
I will hopefully be bringing her home bred to one of my herd sires.

Benchmark's Peruvian Comanche

This handsome fellow is Comanche.  He is another five year old  and considered a dark rose grey.

Benchmark's Accoyo Rafael

 This cutie is Rafael.  A six year old who tugs at your heart strings.  Oh yes, he is considered white.  Did you know that there are 22 natural alpaca colors?

Benchmark's Peruvian Song Bird

  Birdie, as she is known, is a seven year old proven mom. She is a medium brown.  I would love to also have her bred by the time she comes to Zephyr Hill.

Hom Durango's Sweet Caroline

 Caroline is a medium fawn unproven five year old.  Not for long, I hope, unproven that is.

Benchmark's Coyo Twizzler

Twizzler is a five year old unproven white.  I'm thinking I want to breed her to Rafael so I know I'll have a higher chance of having another white cria. 

The baby Oops Daisy Mae I have no picture of.  Hopefully I will soon.  I'm heading to Benchmark Alpacas this Saturday morning to assist in the shearing.  I'm excited to help, not that I will actually be shearing, but I'll get to experience the frenzy and madness close up.  (Don't tell Jeff I said that, ignorance is bliss.)  Hopefully I won't be so busy tagging fleeces, etc. that I can get some pictures.

(All photos belong to Benchmark Alpacas)

It's Official! Zephyr Hill Farm

I'm so excited.  It's finally happened.  We have become alpaca owners.  Yeah!  We put down a deposit on seven alpacas on Monday.  Now I'm sure you're scratching your head and wondering where the heck we will be putting said alpacas.  I have a plan, never fear.

The woman we are buying them from will be boarding them for us up until September 1st at her farm.  I'm hoping we won't have to wait that long to bring the herd to our farm, but just in case.

We have studiously been visiting alpaca farms for ideas and suggestions on our barn and fencing.  I'm hoping next week we will have a barn plan in place and will be able to start getting bids.

photo: www.simplysuris.co.uk

If you noticed the title of this post also includes the name of our alpaca farm, thanks to Jeff.

ZEPHYR HILL FARM

We have purchased three Suri herd sires (breeding males), and four unproven females (never had a cria/baby).  They come in a range of alpaca colors, including white, dark silver grey, true black, medium brown and dark fawn.  Which thrills me.  We also are acquiring a female white cria who goes by the name of Oops Daisy Mae.  She is a sweet heart.  She was born 12/13/14.  She will be the youngest of our herd.

Let me introduce you to our new herd.
(information courtesy of Benchmark Alpacas)

Hmm, it appears the photos aren't going to transfer to my blog site and like a dummy I was so caught up in the excitement that I took no pictures.  So, pictures to come. The photo to the right I pulled off of Google.  At least you'll know what a Suri alpaca looks like.

Alpacas in The Herd

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BENCHMARK'S Accoyo Rafael ARI# 31405652   D.O.B. 8/27/2008 (6 yrs) Suri, Male| White, Full Peruvian, Proven Sire: Jackpot's Accoyo Aviator Dam: BENCHMARK'S Coyo Twisted Taffy Take a look at this boy and then take a look at his pedigree!

BENCHMARK'S Peruvian Song Bird ARI# 31405577   D.O.B. 8/20/2008 (6 yrs) Suri, Female| Medium Brown, Full Peruvian, Proven Sire: Platinum Marquis Dam: Miss Peruvian Felicity How could you possibly go wrong with this match? Birdie's Dam is Felicity -- AOBA and AAA Futurity winner as well as Half Accoyo

Mac's PeruCoyo Bo Jangles ARI# 1366501   D.O.B. 5/15/2005 (9 yrs) Suri, Male| True Black, Full Peruvian, Proven Sire: DDF Peruvian MacGyver Dam: Miss Peruvian Felicity Luster -- Luster --- Luster! Plus Bo has locks density and is a macho boy. A Black Mac son is rare enough -- but when you add that he is half Accoyo.

HOM Durango's Sweet Caroline ARI# 30494947   D.O.B. 6/21/2009 (5 yrs) Suri, Female| Dark Fawn, Full Peruvian, Unproven Sire: Moon River's Peruvian Durango Dam: Our Peruvian Alibi Caroline is a stunning girl with solid conformation, well defined locks and wonderful luster. She has that great typey head and ropey locks.

15/16 Accoyo BENCHMARK'S Coyo Twizzler ARI# 31695510   D.O.B. 8/16/2009 (5 yrs) Suri, Female| White, Full Peruvian, Unproven Sire: Perucoyo Mostaccioli Dam: BENCHMARK'S Coyo Twisted Taffy

Solid Gray with Accoyo Lines BENCHMARK'S PeruCoyo Andraya ARI# 31695411   D.O.B. 5/23/2010 (4 yrs) Suri, Female| Dark Silver Grey, Full Peruvian, Unproven Sire: GLR Peruvian Manassas Dam: BENCHMARK'S PeruCoyo Angel Rays

1/2 Accoyo DSG BENCHMARK'S PeruCoyo Comanche ARI# 31695572   D.O.B. 8/8/2009 (5 yrs) Suri, Male| Dark Silver Grey, Full Peruvian, Proven Sire: Gunsmoke's Perucoyo Sundance Kid Dam: Miss Peruvian Felicity Comanche is a stunning Herd Sire offering all the characteristics I look for in my breeding stock. He is a solid male and sits squarely on his frame.

 
 

Spring Snow

Hmm, so I thought we were done with snow.  There were just traces left where the drifts had been the deepest.  Last night I pointed out to Jeff that there was grass on the front lawn that was actually turning green!

This was our pond by the road last week. 

This was the pond this morning.

We had a fairy dusting of heavy snow last night that left everything it touched coated with the white stuff.  Though I wasn't pleased to see the snow, it was magical.  The lighting added to the drama.

 

As the morning progressed the sun came out.  By the end of the day the snow had melted away and the sun was shining in a cloudless sky.  I sat on the back deck without a coat and soaked it in.

Getting It Done

There is slow but steady progress being made on the house.   We're hoping for completion before Christmas.  Fingers crossed.

Here is a pictogram of some of our progress to date.

The Kitchen.

BEFORE

 

DURING

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GETTING THERE !

All the lower base cabinets will be the same arctic white as the base cabinet by the refrigerator.  The door with glass inserts to the left of the counter by the frig is where our new pantry will be.  It used to be the door leading to the garage.

 

 

The Fireplace.

 

 

BEFORE

DURING

DONE!

We removed the poorly done river rock facing and too small mantle.  We've replaced the the rock with stacked stone and the mantle with a large slab of three inch pine.  During this process the gas fireplace insert had to be removed entirely while the interior of the "fireplace" was rebuilt correctly.  We were told it posed a fire hazard the way it had originally been constructed.  We were fortunate that we felt large drafts from the fireplace last winter and had it inspected.  Just one of many items done improperly, poorly, horribly wrong in this house.

The Wet Bar.

The wood paneling on the bar front is the wood flooring from the dining room.  We are trying to repurpose as much as we can from the materials that we have removed throughout the house.  The back counter top will be cutdown from the old kitchen solid surface counter.
 

 

 
 I have no before pictures of Jeff's wet bar in the lower level because all that existed there before was a wall and a door into our furnace/mechanical room.  If you recognize the cabinets, kudos.  They are the upper cabinets from the kitchen. 

There are other projects still underway, including the mudroom, installation of the new bamboo hardwood flooring in the dining room, living room, and foyer, and completion of the front porch and installation of the new "cedar" shake siding surrounding the front door.  More pictures to come.

Hope everyone had a outstanding Thanksgiving!