Monday 3 March 2014

Almost Illegal?

There are lots of exclaming... "I can't believe it's less than two weeks to go"... around here. Yes, the BAS National Show 2014 has rather taken over my life of late (www.basnationalshow.co.uk) and will be all over before we know it...but more importantly Robyn and Craig will be parents before then...Granny days are looming!

However, I cant ignore the show, and on Friday we decided it was time to put in some halter training for the junior show team, and check their microchips. Only poor Cat's Pyjamas needed a replacement microchip. I got the job of inserting the microchip, and Robyn got the job of  'loving better' .


Beck Brow Cat's Pyjamas and Robyn

Paul and I have been having a difference of alpaca opinion. Now, I have to say that Paul rarely interferes in the decisions made about alpacas, so when he does I do try to listen to his views. The last time he felt strongly about something, it was about taking Cambridge Camilla on a date with Cambridge Navigator (parents of Beck Brow Explorer).I really don't like Camilla leaving the farm, but off he went with her down to Houghton Hall Alpacas, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for an Exploress. I am sure he will have made the right choice.

Anyway, I am now in a state of indecision. Without consultation it has to be said; I had decided to prepare Anzac Almost Illegal for our 'for sale' page. Almo (as we call him) was bought as a young male, and it was intended that he would be a working stud male for us when he matured. However, in the meantime we purchased Waradene St Patrick (but kept Almo to go over his daughters). Now of course we have purchased Timbertop CT Goldmine. So, we have no work for Almo. He has been on loan for the past two seasons, but he is too good just to have the occasional mating. He is sired by Cambridge Stormtrooper (g.s. Jolimont Conquistador) and has great fleece stats for a five year old working male (MFD 21.5 SD 4.5 CF 95.6%).


Anzac Almost Illegal (photo taken today)

So, pondering Paul's thoughts, I hunted out his first fleece...um maybe Paul is right....it might be a crime to not use him!



Anzac Almost Illegal's first fleece.

The sun is shining today and the weanlings are loving it (all 35 of them). The boys decided to play rough and tumble...


Play nice boys (Crafter, Barnaby and Boxter)


Ow...Barnaby thinks the ankle biting has gone a bit far. Crafter watches on..."be brave my boy!"


Sunday always tries to stay out of any rough and tumble...elegance personified


Whereas Penfold has most definitely had a tumble (fortunately not in the show team..but does need photographed for the for sale page!)

Trish, who does knitting for us, has been very busy with the alpaca yarn of late...just a small selection...


                             

100% pure British baby fine alpaca!

7 comments:

  1. We've just taken delivery of our very first alpaca baby - an 8.0kg medium brown male. Very exciting.

    I could never imagine selling him at any stage in the future - the emotional ties are already too strong.

    Your decision can't be easy...

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    1. Congratulations Dani!

      Believe me it doesn't get easier, they are all so very special, and of course unique. However, there is joy in sharing and consequently making lots of new friends who also become alpaca addicts.

      Good luck with the rest of your births.

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  2. All looking very fluffy oop north! I am sure all your hard work with the national will have been worthwhile and thanks for your help today, see you soon!

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  3. Great photos Barbara. Good luck to Robyn (and Craig!) for the big event. Shirley & Robbie

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  4. More good wishes to Robyn and Craig and...of course... "Granny and Grandad-to-be"! Exciting times ahead for you all! Hope the show runs smoothly, feel sure that it will after all your hard work!

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  5. Granny?! Far too young!
    Gorgeous little baby clothes.
    So glad to see Penfold has mud on him - was beginning to think you only had special non stick mud up there!

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  6. Lovely pics especially Robyn with Cats Pyjamas

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