tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87242742400062671532024-03-13T05:37:45.201-05:00Felt and SoulIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-81975409038412858602013-10-23T12:12:00.000-05:002013-10-23T12:12:11.213-05:00A Little Eco-Printing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAUJndd2wKw/UjtmQNP2jLI/AAAAAAAADOo/13G8u7ZIe20/s1600/P62447100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAUJndd2wKw/UjtmQNP2jLI/AAAAAAAADOo/13G8u7ZIe20/s400/P62447100.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been a bit preoccupied with natural dyeing this summer and going into fall. I love using local plants and extracting the dye from them and getting them to print onto textiles. I've been printing on linen, cotton, silk and wool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've also been using repurposed silk and linen garments to print on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_rxsbjPunY/UjtmY21QPJI/AAAAAAAADOw/6S5WPJmWnMw/s1600/P62447301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_rxsbjPunY/UjtmY21QPJI/AAAAAAAADOw/6S5WPJmWnMw/s320/P62447301.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And some new socks. Aren't these fun?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avbnSjwxHNc/Uj4NBxcdNKI/AAAAAAAADPA/_pROXGhWO5Y/s1600/P79821400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avbnSjwxHNc/Uj4NBxcdNKI/AAAAAAAADPA/_pROXGhWO5Y/s320/P79821400.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Sumac, goldenrod, biddens, Queen Anne's Lace, leaves from various trees have been used. Like I said, I'm trying to use local plants to see what I can create. In the midwest, we have many plants that give color. I'm sure this winter I will be going further afield and using madder and indigo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-X5EthfFNs/Ul1hWtRXibI/AAAAAAAADPg/T2bkeM9vgf0/s1600/P85134800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-X5EthfFNs/Ul1hWtRXibI/AAAAAAAADPg/T2bkeM9vgf0/s320/P85134800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Above is sumac and wild sunflowers. I love how sometimes the sumac has lavender color tones to it.<br />
Below is a sweet gum leaf. One side is more black but the other side printed a bright yellow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74fF4YnQp_U/Ul1rHioQlCI/AAAAAAAADQA/2HK1i6QSBpg/s1600/P85370602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-74fF4YnQp_U/Ul1rHioQlCI/AAAAAAAADQA/2HK1i6QSBpg/s320/P85370602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_470677370"></span><span id="goog_470677371"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
I must tell you that these are some of the best prints of over two months of work. Yes, months! It is not expensive dyeing except it is labor intensive. Gathering, gathering, gathering. But I am enjoying it.<br />
<br />
One thing that has thrown me off recently is new cria babies. Most years, I will breed 6 of my girls and 2, maybe 3 will breedings will take. But last year, all 5 of the girls I bred took! Yikes-a-hooties Batman!! I have been on baby watch. Here are the first 2 girls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edxR5Jp-YDs/UmFf-BOyxaI/AAAAAAAADRg/rg6G5piTJu0/s1600/P11317202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edxR5Jp-YDs/UmFf-BOyxaI/AAAAAAAADRg/rg6G5piTJu0/s320/P11317202.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvCLH_y92rg/UmFf3Q0gMrI/AAAAAAAADRY/Vh7E92ErMKw/s1600/P11317001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JvCLH_y92rg/UmFf3Q0gMrI/AAAAAAAADRY/Vh7E92ErMKw/s320/P11317001.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My son is a film student and is taking a photography class. He is melding his love of the packies with a new passion for photography. Here is one of his photos:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sp0xWfe7wo/Ul1qcORAwyI/AAAAAAAADPw/S5URFc3mWew/s1600/P85370200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sp0xWfe7wo/Ul1qcORAwyI/AAAAAAAADPw/S5URFc3mWew/s400/P85370200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am so looking forward to seeing more of his work! This weekend is the Weavers' Guild of St Louis' Annual Sale and alot of my work will be offered this year. Check out their web site if you are interested in attending. Talk to you soon, Tammy<br />
<br />
<br />Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-81210965507701705062013-07-12T13:35:00.001-05:002013-07-12T13:35:14.038-05:00Tequilla Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPezwoMPbWU/UeBHIwkRqEI/AAAAAAAADNs/7eBiD2f-4bk/s1600/P65273600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPezwoMPbWU/UeBHIwkRqEI/AAAAAAAADNs/7eBiD2f-4bk/s400/P65273600.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Tequilla Sunrise is the name of this tunic I made for the fashion show at Midwest. It is wet felted wool on silk in the nuno felt technique. I used up cycled silk for the trimming and vintage bakelite buttons. The china silk and silk gauze were dyed by me. <br />
<br />
I am pleased with how this one turned out, too. The name came after the dyeing. Remember in the 80's, ok! dating some of us! when a tequilla sunrise was a fashionable drink? Doesn't the color remind you of one? It does me! lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZtZaPjmb9g/UeBHQDmzI1I/AAAAAAAADN0/D9UGQg5AEys/s1600/P65273901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZtZaPjmb9g/UeBHQDmzI1I/AAAAAAAADN0/D9UGQg5AEys/s320/P65273901.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
The back of the tunic. I used an <br />
inverted pleat for some shaping.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--w2__XePVTw/UeBIMpDrZ9I/AAAAAAAADOM/rE9P0yEQnqI/s1600/P65301000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--w2__XePVTw/UeBIMpDrZ9I/AAAAAAAADOM/rE9P0yEQnqI/s320/P65301000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A close up of the detail and the bakelite buttons.<br />
The loose fitting wrap around tunic is fun to wear and very 'flow-ee'.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking I might be keeping this one for myself. I need a new frock.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrOxRcysuXk/UeBHy3NllcI/AAAAAAAADOE/i998kOQzCXo/s1600/P65274203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrOxRcysuXk/UeBHy3NllcI/AAAAAAAADOE/i998kOQzCXo/s320/P65274203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
And lastly, the matching fascinator sitting on the front of the tunic. Yep, a hat to match.<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, Tammy<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-47212666171207701442013-07-10T13:02:00.001-05:002013-07-10T13:02:05.494-05:00Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9FXdmXEVto/UbieNwnlgnI/AAAAAAAADMU/IPMZ-5UQGzk/s1600/P05344701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9FXdmXEVto/UbieNwnlgnI/AAAAAAAADMU/IPMZ-5UQGzk/s400/P05344701.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>So far it has been a crazy, busy summer. Things are normal<br />
around here! <br />
Its been hot (heat index over 100) for days now and much of our time is spent with the animals outside. Although it is hard of me physically, coping with the heat, it is a bonding time for us with the packies. They are so appreciative of a water shower!<br />
<br />
I have had some bluebird issues. I have a few 'up-ity' sparrows that keep taking over the bluebird house and running the bluebirds off. I finally have a pair in the house by the barn but they are elusive and I have not been able to capture a picture. The house by the kitchen window remains empty. sigh.....<br />
<br />
I have a drop off cat that has claimed me as hers. no, really! She follows me around, comes in the workshop and hangs out, in the house, out in the pasture, back in the house. She jumps at the front door. Jumps straight up about 3 feet high so she can look in the door's window to see me. Yeah, I have a cat now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is my latest nuno felted dress that I worked on this spring to enter in the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair's fashion show. It is made with over 8 yards of silk gauze and china silk that I dyed. The corsage is felted into the dress using up cycled fabrics. It has an empire waist and I put a zipper in the back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN25ePg3_zU/UbievmFkRFI/AAAAAAAADMk/9GXD5mmQgso/s1600/P05345103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vN25ePg3_zU/UbievmFkRFI/AAAAAAAADMk/9GXD5mmQgso/s320/P05345103.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROSqTEDq2Hs/UZvoCV1SwSI/AAAAAAAADLw/ynp3MkLUp_s/s1600/P17196100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROSqTEDq2Hs/UZvoCV1SwSI/AAAAAAAADLw/ynp3MkLUp_s/s400/P17196100.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a close up of ruffles and corsage.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It did not win at the fashion show. sigh....needle felted wool on silk garments won.<br />
<br />
It is not that I don't think the winners are not good felters. Their color and design elements were exceptional. I feel they are inexperienced felters. Its just that wool needle felted onto silk is not stable. It will pull apart easily. Needle felting is one stage in the process. I own a rolling machine and a needle felting machine that I use regularly. But not exclusively. My dress is still awesome and will be able to be seen at the Weavers Guild of St Louis' Annual Sale. Yep, I'm putting it in the sale. <i>and now she steps down from the soapbox......</i><br />
<br />
I have been working on several projects and will be sharing with you again. After surgery, while recuperating, there is a lot of down time to think of all the things you want to do again. And I am now starting to do them!<br />
<i> </i><br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-42517323421377772192013-05-03T16:37:00.000-05:002013-05-03T16:37:10.160-05:00If It Weren't For Bad Luck...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhG2XPILZUs/UWGiCxVZOMI/AAAAAAAADJ8/Pm7JWlj4XbM/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhG2XPILZUs/UWGiCxVZOMI/AAAAAAAADJ8/Pm7JWlj4XbM/s400/IMG_1035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I feel I wouldn't have any luck at all! That old Buck Owens song has been playing in my head lately. I have been feeling a bit out of sorts for awhile. Then on April 20, I went in the hospital for emergency surgery. It was my appendix, I guess that is how it is spelled. lol I was having trouble walking. Lots of pain. I had been rowing down that river of denial all week. Ya know, who has time for this sick crap? Not me!<br />
<br />
And I still don't. But life sometimes catches up with you. And not only taps you on the shoulder but knocks you down with a 2 x 4. During my healing time the past couple of weeks I have been doing some knitting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CA4EkHJOz2g/UYQmEgbkGkI/AAAAAAAADK0/Rx_TZsEb090/s1600/P61477102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CA4EkHJOz2g/UYQmEgbkGkI/AAAAAAAADK0/Rx_TZsEb090/s320/P61477102.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
This knitted vest is called 'Harumidori'. I bought the pattern on Ravelry. I could say it was a quick knit for me but that would be far from the truth. It took me every day, all day for a whole week. Yes, I was working with a handicap. Pain killers. They mainly killed my ability to count.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57x139RP3JM/UYQl4OA24cI/AAAAAAAADKs/Rv6mQ0VRRCk/s1600/P61476901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57x139RP3JM/UYQl4OA24cI/AAAAAAAADKs/Rv6mQ0VRRCk/s320/P61476901.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
See that cute, cute hood? It took an entire day picking up the stitches for it and the button band. I'm not kidding! I couldn't count to 26. The pick ups were in sections (thank goodness or I may still be working on it) and one time I'd pick up 23 and have to frog it and the next time I'd pick up 28 in the same space. I guess it turned out to be good therapy for me. Or possibly just busy work to keep my hands busy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0PwgJHKb5k/UYQlhNqX5kI/AAAAAAAADKk/_PCHC9G4jc0/s1600/P61476700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0PwgJHKb5k/UYQlhNqX5kI/AAAAAAAADKk/_PCHC9G4jc0/s320/P61476700.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I put horn buttons down the front. And it has useful front pockets for busy little hands. I am imagining my grandson putting toads in them. I'm sure I'll hear about it if he does. Well, back to the couch for me.<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, Tammy<br />
<br />Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-84685984545635942442013-03-17T12:13:00.001-05:002013-03-17T12:13:13.011-05:00Little Feat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxnd3gutZp4/UUTOe3voOUI/AAAAAAAADJk/yeD8HE2PfFk/s1600/P46374704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxnd3gutZp4/UUTOe3voOUI/AAAAAAAADJk/yeD8HE2PfFk/s320/P46374704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
That was a great band I enjoyed in my youth. Maybe you remember them? If not, look them up on youtube sometime. I've been working on a little feet myself. I've been doing some sock knitting in various sizes. They are nice, portable projects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and little feet like to wear them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26pKMnIp_Ww/UUTObsXr3gI/AAAAAAAADJc/WKNP7K2WRVc/s1600/P46374503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26pKMnIp_Ww/UUTObsXr3gI/AAAAAAAADJc/WKNP7K2WRVc/s200/P46374503.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSa5K3eS4yw/UUTOaVZ1WKI/AAAAAAAADJU/XF1WH-th5U8/s1600/P46374302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSa5K3eS4yw/UUTOaVZ1WKI/AAAAAAAADJU/XF1WH-th5U8/s320/P46374302.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
even if grandma doesn't like to waste yarn and makes them so they don't match exactly!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTqnfqr6Aws/UUTOGiCmy7I/AAAAAAAADJE/eT5XZOGZv9k/s1600/P46368400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTqnfqr6Aws/UUTOGiCmy7I/AAAAAAAADJE/eT5XZOGZv9k/s320/P46368400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The other 'Little Feat' I have accomplished are these DinoShoes. Two different sized pairs, they allow the wearer to have his own Triceratops on his feet. They were very detail oriented. But adorable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTgVWY-dt2Y/UUTOiXgUJaI/AAAAAAAADJs/RHA_C_YIpm0/s1600/P46374905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTgVWY-dt2Y/UUTOiXgUJaI/AAAAAAAADJs/RHA_C_YIpm0/s320/P46374905.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJt50XS2gnU/UUTOYn70srI/AAAAAAAADJM/UhtPE9h0eJ4/s1600/P46374101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJt50XS2gnU/UUTOYn70srI/AAAAAAAADJM/UhtPE9h0eJ4/s320/P46374101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This picture is of them all wadded together. I haven't decided if I'm going into production of these yet. Or how many hundreds of dollars I would charge per pair. I'm sure I'll be making more this fall as little feet continue to grow.<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-13943778404663392212013-02-08T14:03:00.001-06:002013-02-08T14:03:37.554-06:00Maya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caTtwoXYTIc/URVV6m41NbI/AAAAAAAADEg/-jPT-rh7O3g/s1600/P35271500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caTtwoXYTIc/URVV6m41NbI/AAAAAAAADEg/-jPT-rh7O3g/s320/P35271500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'd like to introduce "Maya". She is Aztec's daughter and<br />
quite a beauty! She was born on Jan 2 (yes, an unplanned birth. I thought I bred Aztec for a Dec 1 baby but obviously she was bred during one of the boy break<br />
outs last winter. sheesh....) She spent her first night in the house because of the cold, cold weather. Aztec was so mad at me for taking her that she kept looking in the kitchen windows at me with her ears back and a scowl on her face. Remeber the old Kujo, the evil dog horror movie? I was having flashbacks to it during the night. You<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdWhJ75JElg/URVV8WzjKMI/AAAAAAAADEo/yTHJhOZIQRg/s1600/P35271701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdWhJ75JElg/URVV8WzjKMI/AAAAAAAADEo/yTHJhOZIQRg/s320/P35271701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>see, during the drought last fall, we put up red neck fencing around the back yard to the house to give the packies more grazing room. With the house itself being one wall, the packie girls can literally look into the kitchen windows. It was all fun and cool until the night I brought Maya into the house. One second Aztec would be looking at me through the window with an ugly look on the face, then I'd call to my hubby that she was there again and when I'd look back she would be gone. It started creeping me out! When I took her back out to the barn in the morning, Aztec's lip curled up when she saw me. The two of them have been together ever since. Happy and healthy. Thank goodness! Still not sure who her daddy is for sure, but I have an idea that it is Blizzard. I'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
I'm asking that anyone who reads my blog and like it to please 'follow' me. I have people comment on it and tell me when they see me how they enjoyed it but I have only 1 follower. (and thank you Cathy!) It would lift my spirits. Thanks. <br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-51228530998244708952013-01-28T11:20:00.001-06:002013-01-28T11:20:28.945-06:00Its been awhile..............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibwKXprPz9Y/UQaph2M9XqI/AAAAAAAADCw/uNZS8PAkvg8/s1600/P39106700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibwKXprPz9Y/UQaph2M9XqI/AAAAAAAADCw/uNZS8PAkvg8/s400/P39106700.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Yes, its been awhile. Depression has an ugly head and comes around for different reasons. and when she comes she usually stays for awhile. I had a very nice and quiet Christmas with my family and it has helped to lift the spirits. Nothing helps brighten me up like babies do. Grandbabies and alpaca babies and I had both coming around to help cheer me. I'll start posting again and post some cria pictures. I don't feel clever or witty yet so please bear with me and my 'maybe not yet clever or witty posts'. They will improve and then one day I'll write something totally awe inspiring.<br />
<br />
I have been doing a little knitting. and felting. I have turned in some class proposals to teach at some fiber events in the midwest so if I get accepted, I'll post about it.<br />
<br />
Lots going on with the farm. Mostly day to day stuff. Some new stuff and some old stuff. Oh! we now have a llama. I'll write more about her. She is awesome!<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-73375763296193505812012-08-29T11:50:00.000-05:002012-08-29T11:51:01.549-05:00The Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cz5VS5xu7ok/UCUg4DRGNJI/AAAAAAAAC_E/NOoeAyZL0Zg/s1600/P61045103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cz5VS5xu7ok/UCUg4DRGNJI/AAAAAAAAC_E/NOoeAyZL0Zg/s320/P61045103.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The days have been hectic around here. I've been traveling around a lot attending classes and coming home and trying to catch up. I got in new hay in large round bales and the alpacas are very happy with me right now. When I am home anyways. I have been a 50% rancher this month and I'm feeling a bit guilty. But the packies don't mind as long as the hay holds out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUTplDuEjDQ/UD43-x_CjjI/AAAAAAAAC_4/bc3ZFNoo3fE/s1600/P25479202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUTplDuEjDQ/UD43-x_CjjI/AAAAAAAAC_4/bc3ZFNoo3fE/s320/P25479202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm still training my next-generation farm manager. His sessions are going well and now he is telling me how to do things. lol The girls like him alot, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6U1zA2slXcQ/UD438Xfaq9I/AAAAAAAAC_w/V9wp-IYx7YQ/s1600/P25478801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6U1zA2slXcQ/UD438Xfaq9I/AAAAAAAAC_w/V9wp-IYx7YQ/s320/P25478801.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The temperatures have moderated a bit but they are still in the mid 90's and the packies get hot. Some of them, like Vienna pictured here, like to drink out of the hose. Eagan thinks it is so much fun when they do!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4PGpQQ5sVU/UD434DZO7LI/AAAAAAAAC_o/yAxCgRTfGHo/s1600/P25478300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4PGpQQ5sVU/UD434DZO7LI/AAAAAAAAC_o/yAxCgRTfGHo/s320/P25478300.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the summer's big jobs on a farm is scrubbing out the water tanks. It is a job to take seriously and my new manager does. He is all about the work. I am thankful for the help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVlD5Y2J_5U/UD44Awoi3gI/AAAAAAAADAU/bXQchbr0Oes/s1600/P25479603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVlD5Y2J_5U/UD44Awoi3gI/AAAAAAAADAU/bXQchbr0Oes/s320/P25479603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a nuno felted silk scarf that I made last week in Ohio with Sachiko Kotaka of Australia. The class was hosted by Marlene's Felting Madness. It was a rockin' class and I learned a bunch of new techniques that I am looking forward to using in my felt work. I love Sachiko's work and working with her. I hope she makes it to the States again and I am fortunate enough to be able to attend one of her workshops. Well, I've still got lots of catching up to do around here!<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-62678306170950039212012-08-15T10:16:00.000-05:002012-08-15T10:16:03.256-05:00not into itI haven't been into my blog lately. As you can tell from the lack of posts. I think its because of that d**@#$<br />
fox. Every time I think about blogging I remember my little hen and the pictures of her that i posted. Then I<br />
think about the loss of my little brown dog, Max. Then I get mad all over again. I think I must be starting to<br />
get past it because I am ready to tell you about it. That must be progress, right? I hope so because I do not<br />
enjoy living with resentment. I don't want it to become part of my nature. That happens too easily and too much in the world. imho. (ok Darrell, that is 'in my humble opinion') So in my quest to rid myself of these<br />
feelings, I am off to embark on a week long get-a-way with my friend, Bonnie, to Ohio to take a rockin'<br />
felting class with Sachiko. If anything will lift my spirits and get me back into the swing of things, it is this class! I have been waiting for 6 months to take it! So, off I go to take an adventure. Me and Bonnie are bound to run at least one tollway and run into at least one karaoke bar.<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-37443996186057713952012-08-09T10:54:00.001-05:002012-08-09T10:54:55.841-05:00It Arrived!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3xlBjgn05Y/UCPXjfsX7OI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/jHIYfYH_PO8/s1600/P52619401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c3xlBjgn05Y/UCPXjfsX7OI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/jHIYfYH_PO8/s320/P52619401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is my new baby! It is a needle felting machine. I was gone last week to Madison, WI taking felting classes. One of the classes I took was on this wonderful machine. The instructor was Margo Duke, who has two books out on this subject. I enjoyed this class so much! It was Fascinating Fascinators. Let me show you one of the hats I made:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHv8RK2sQCQ/UCPXhARTaqI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/_4_uzMHdy5o/s1600/P52618900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHv8RK2sQCQ/UCPXhARTaqI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/_4_uzMHdy5o/s320/P52618900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This class was a great shot in the arm. Better than any vitamin B shot I ever got! I am a little over whelmed at where to start. I mean, what project to do first? All I know is, this felting machine will help me be more productive and not wear out my back as much. And for that, I am so grateful!<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-19571574365090313722012-07-27T14:43:00.001-05:002012-07-27T14:43:30.494-05:00Summertime...and the livin' is ea----no, no! is HOT! We are in a horrible heat spell. still. We are all drinking out of the hose when we go outside. So far, we are managing the heat. The only way to manage it is with water. On and in the bodies. I have been blessed with a little helper this summer. He is a hard worker and turning into an alpaca whisperer! lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4PlxKPz1JM/UA1_1QZ_OsI/AAAAAAAAC9s/xYyNfsupZBc/s1600/P06191713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4PlxKPz1JM/UA1_1QZ_OsI/AAAAAAAAC9s/xYyNfsupZBc/s320/P06191713.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWUjNRYhJ0s/UAQsnuvvNuI/AAAAAAAAC1o/6FryUWru3AI/s1600/P45081100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FWUjNRYhJ0s/UAQsnuvvNuI/AAAAAAAAC1o/6FryUWru3AI/s320/P45081100.jpg" width="239" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Drinking out of the hose is one of the fun things about summer. And being a kid in the country.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkGetTzBhmc/UA1_3Wv32fI/AAAAAAAAC90/EvK65COQlcM/s1600/P06192114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkGetTzBhmc/UA1_3Wv32fI/AAAAAAAAC90/EvK65COQlcM/s320/P06192114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see, my grandson takes his job very seriously. The girls like him, too. Georgie is doing her happy water dance. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He has been at the farm enough this summer that the packies know him. And they know he is all business when it comes to spraying them off with the hose. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVlwi5s8ZFc/UA1_5rhyerI/AAAAAAAAC98/miLS9xB3ldg/s1600/P06192515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVlwi5s8ZFc/UA1_5rhyerI/AAAAAAAAC98/miLS9xB3ldg/s320/P06192515.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even crabby Canela comes around for him. Alpaca girls are usually particular about who is accepted when caring for them. Canela won't come around my hubby when he has the hose. She is still not sure about him. I've only had her about 6 years. I don't have to worry about anyone coming on my farm when I'm not home and stealing any alpacas! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zyIOOx0cQY/UA1_y6KJnMI/AAAAAAAAC9k/HgeMbYQEgwY/s1600/P06191312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zyIOOx0cQY/UA1_y6KJnMI/AAAAAAAAC9k/HgeMbYQEgwY/s320/P06191312.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In our work day, we took time to stop and smell the roses. or zinnias in this case.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been in a blue funk this past week. Last week, I lost a chicken, 3 cats and our little brown dog. All fox related, I believe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeah, a funk. I've been spending alot of time in the workshop. Not getting alot done, though. Some wool washing, some carding. Some beading. Next week is the Midwest Felting Symposium in Wisconsin and I'm hoping that will lift me back up. I'm taking an Eco-dyeing class with Pam De Groot of Australia. Should be fun! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll be leaving the farm in the capable hands of my farm manager</div><div style="text-align: justify;">. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yC14kQqZAc8/T-NaI2nVUPI/AAAAAAAACyo/Xx4seUW2FGM/s1600/P29973603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yC14kQqZAc8/T-NaI2nVUPI/AAAAAAAACyo/Xx4seUW2FGM/s320/P29973603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a resisted dyed, embellished pin I made.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is about 2 inches long. I like those colors</div><div style="text-align: justify;">together. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Talk to you soon, Tammy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-1243350268274566522012-07-23T11:56:00.001-05:002012-07-23T11:56:39.110-05:00The Widower Little JohnI have been dreading writing this blog for almost a week. Do to the missing Mrs. Little John, I have to rule Mr. Little John a widower. It makes me very sad and it makes me angry. But I will save the angry blog for another time. For now, I have to focus on helping Little John be a single parent. It is not an easy job and he is resisting it. I can't seem to get him to focus on parenthood. I went to to his sisters and each of them were either too busy with their own families or were 'career women' with no maternal instincts. So, I have set up Hotel Brown Box in my workshop to raise the orphan. When Little John was a baby chick, I knew he was a boy and named him Little John. I just knew it. I look at this chick and I don't know if its a boy or girl. I am calling it "baby". In about a month I might be able to discern the sex and at that time I will rename "baby". Until then, it will be Baby. Wish me luck and send me all your positive thoughts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gkwdbbG5xg/UA1_w-ky-OI/AAAAAAAAC9c/BUZRf17OlcE/s1600/P06190811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gkwdbbG5xg/UA1_w-ky-OI/AAAAAAAAC9c/BUZRf17OlcE/s320/P06190811.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-9514484011841186132012-07-16T11:47:00.001-05:002012-07-16T11:47:58.029-05:00Yikes! There Is A Fox In The Henhouse!How many times have you heard that saying? lol Well, we really do. A red fox has been taking up residence at the Fort, next door. Many have seen him. Every day. He is becoming used to humans. I tried to scare him out of our backyard a couple of weeks ago and he just ignored me. He is either very wily or sick. Either way, he has got to go! I know, I know. There are those of you who think he should just be left alone. That to see a red fox in the wild is an awesome sight. A fox is too small to be a threat of any kind to the alpacas. And you are right about that. There are all sorts of rabbits and mice in the prairie grass around my house for him to hunt. And you are right. He probably wouldn't bother our kittens and cats. Although I am missing a couple.... Visitors to the fort getting to see a red fox walking along the stone wall is something they will always remember. A red fox is an animal you don't get to see very often. They are fairly scarce. Even though the hair is standing up on the back of my neck every time I see him, I will leave him be. <br />
<br />
Then yesterday, I walked through the barn and saw Mrs. Little John with her new baby chick. (yeah, chick. she was setting on 1 egg. all through the record breaking heat she sat vigilant)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1L6c2DbxA/UAQsrU4DKUI/AAAAAAAAC14/34s3hMdV2tQ/s1600/P45082002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1L6c2DbxA/UAQsrU4DKUI/AAAAAAAAC14/34s3hMdV2tQ/s320/P45082002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then, I rounded the corner of the boys' barn and saw this!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85_J4M4gY98/UAQsvJvvC8I/AAAAAAAAC2A/WK-oIRravx8/s1600/P45082403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85_J4M4gY98/UAQsvJvvC8I/AAAAAAAAC2A/WK-oIRravx8/s320/P45082403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yikes! that is a lot of feathers! What happened? <br />
<br />
Wait a minute! I took a closer look at Mrs. Little John:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcmZqA1VuPY/UAQsp4SS3kI/AAAAAAAAC1w/96NzqdGB6kU/s1600/P45081601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcmZqA1VuPY/UAQsp4SS3kI/AAAAAAAAC1w/96NzqdGB6kU/s320/P45081601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Her whole ass end is gone!!<br />
<br />
That poor thing! She sacrificed her butt to save her baby! This means that *^#** red fox has to go! He could be out hunting rabbits. But no! He has decided to take the 'easy' way to a meal and go after my chickens. When I look at her, well--I am so mad at that fox. Bye, Bye Fox!<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, let's review. This is what a hen is supposed to look like in the back end: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muOEWJiQzyc/Te-a9Ruov2I/AAAAAAAAA9w/-s2BcSJaglU/s1600/sam_0011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muOEWJiQzyc/Te-a9Ruov2I/AAAAAAAAA9w/-s2BcSJaglU/s320/sam_0011a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
and this is what Mrs. Little John looks like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcmZqA1VuPY/UAQsp4SS3kI/AAAAAAAAC1w/96NzqdGB6kU/s1600/P45081601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcmZqA1VuPY/UAQsp4SS3kI/AAAAAAAAC1w/96NzqdGB6kU/s320/P45081601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Thank goodness she is a scrappy little hen! lol<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-4559643300217144942012-07-08T11:50:00.001-05:002012-07-08T11:50:25.051-05:00Monarch Of The Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYzI-fcEOE4/T_my7JLmTFI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/yjAK7DDTkVE/s1600/P76429500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYzI-fcEOE4/T_my7JLmTFI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/yjAK7DDTkVE/s400/P76429500.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I have been asked a lot, "why do you grow that plant?" That plant is bronze fennel. This picture doesn't do it justice. It has been a very hot and extremely dry summer and all the herbs in the garden are showing stress signs. It is a fernlike, lacy plant that has a licorice smell. It has seed heads on it like a dill plant. It resembles a dill plant with a bronze tint to the leaves. It grows more than 4 foot high and in clumps with several others can look like an exotic grass. It reseeds freely and I have them all over the yard. Some people do not like the free form seeding. The same people do not like hollyhocks for the same reason. I enjoy it. I design flowerbeds around them. Or should I say I move my flower beds each year to accommodate them. And I do it each year and each year I have some people ask me why.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDPzBAw9Rtk/T_hUmooeOoI/AAAAAAAAC08/OHMeArajVoo/s1600/P67457003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDPzBAw9Rtk/T_hUmooeOoI/AAAAAAAAC08/OHMeArajVoo/s400/P67457003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And then I get this! Look closely. My fennel has been infiltrated by pests! No wonder it looks sparse and thin. These things are eating it down to the stalks. This is the only plant these things/worms are eating. My beautiful bronze fennel! Take a closer look at these worms:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWntisRm0qw/T_hUjhaU5PI/AAAAAAAAC04/DbfwGJXm0jM/s1600/P67456502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWntisRm0qw/T_hUjhaU5PI/AAAAAAAAC04/DbfwGJXm0jM/s400/P67456502.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VbvM-uN30k/T_hUhkBiLZI/AAAAAAAAC00/84e_HCAMBcs/s1600/P67456101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VbvM-uN30k/T_hUhkBiLZI/AAAAAAAAC00/84e_HCAMBcs/s400/P67456101.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They are about 2 inches long. But the color! These pictures do not do them justice. The lime green, dark black and the bright yellow. They are beautiful! And they are all over the fennel.<br />
<br />
These caterpillars, engorging themselves on the fennel, are Monarchs. They will eat and eat, then spin themselves into cocoons (which they haven't done yet) and emerge as beautiful butterflies. They are the reason I let the fennel free seed. And I let them eat all they want. Soon, I will have a garden full of the most beautiful butterflies you have ever seen! I'll get pictures of them for you. The fennel grows back every year. They do not eat it until it is dead. And the more fennel I have, the more caterpillars I have and then more butterflies. I found out about them about 15 years ago when I tried to grow brussel sprouts. They love brussel sprouts, too. And I have been feeding them ever since.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMea2ZrCoG4/T_hU1eYaPRI/AAAAAAAAC1A/WGiy5pnqC6I/s1600/P67457404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMea2ZrCoG4/T_hU1eYaPRI/AAAAAAAAC1A/WGiy5pnqC6I/s400/P67457404.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Elle is still loving the hose. She is getting pretty good at drinking from the hose. She is a sweetheart!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-47343637577951576772012-07-07T10:53:00.001-05:002012-07-07T10:53:25.318-05:00Still Climbing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fdu9JVJlNE/T_hU3DA8gaI/AAAAAAAAC0o/vCnIfCfzgt8/s1600/P67457905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fdu9JVJlNE/T_hU3DA8gaI/AAAAAAAAC0o/vCnIfCfzgt8/s320/P67457905.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>out of my hurricane hole. The house is getting better (I must admit that I am no Martha Stewart. I only clean my house when company is coming over and my hubby invites people over every couple of weeks so I get some cleaning done). The workshop doesn't look like a cyclone hit it anymore. Just a thunderstorm. But these 100 plus degree days are at 10 of them in a row now. Me and the animals are in heat fatigue and are glad that today is supposed the last one for awhile. And as much as we complain about the weather guys and their predictions, they are usually right and I am counting on their being accurate today! I keep telling myself, "this is the last day!" And this will be the hottest day, 107. I am totally rocking my farmer tan, too. Complete with the stripes across my feet.<br />
<br />
Pictured is baby Ellen appreciating the sprayer on the hose. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77oH7W22OyI/T_Nge2lL2BI/AAAAAAAACz0/pFyEnZ15wdQ/s1600/P34994703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77oH7W22OyI/T_Nge2lL2BI/AAAAAAAACz0/pFyEnZ15wdQ/s400/P34994703.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The sunflowers are reaching for the sky. They must be at least 10ft tall! I grow them for the birds. They come up volunteer in the veggie garden every year and I let them go to seed for the birds. Sometimes, I am very tempted to pick some for a vase for the kitchen table. But I usually don't. To me, sunflowers represent summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTtq30Oc5A0/T_NgZV0VKlI/AAAAAAAACzs/XrfvkZbnHLY/s1600/P34994302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTtq30Oc5A0/T_NgZV0VKlI/AAAAAAAACzs/XrfvkZbnHLY/s400/P34994302.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a close-up of the biggest flower head. It is about 15 inches across. You can see the seeds starting to form. The stalk is bent way over because of the weight of the seed head. Even bent over like this, it is still over my head! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ks87rmiczw/T_NgWVNcdTI/AAAAAAAACzc/TysguivQqjw/s1600/P34993500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ks87rmiczw/T_NgWVNcdTI/AAAAAAAACzc/TysguivQqjw/s320/P34993500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Farewell, from the land of toads and kittens!<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-21126703954549917842012-06-29T11:06:00.001-05:002012-06-29T11:06:47.250-05:00The ClimbIt seems this week that I have been climbing constantly. Climbing out of the clean-up hole that I am in. Going to Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair was so much fun! The color, the inspiration, the atmosphere itself. The feeling was wonderful to be surrounded, for 3 days, by people who knew what you were talking about. My hubby said he thought it was cool when I started talking 'fiber' with the other people. It can be a language all in itself. And they <i>got it</i>. They understood what I had in my booth and they liked it! and liked to talk about it. But then it was over and we had to pack up and come home. It looks like a hurricane blew through my studio. And the kitchen. and the bathroom. I'm still climbing trying to get out from under it all. When the house is a wreck and disorganized, I feel disorganized inside. Not that I'm a clean freak or any Martha Stewart, cause I'm not. But some resemblance to organization and neatness is required. I get a little crabby when its not. So, back to the climb I go. The ultra hot temperatures are not helping either. Its supposed to be 106 degrees today. I spend a good amount of time outside with the animals. Fresh water each day. Hosing them down several times a day. Then back to the climb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJCMLEY8jxQ/T-3NdzzZS1I/AAAAAAAACzU/ITCrirTp2r4/s1600/P98466600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJCMLEY8jxQ/T-3NdzzZS1I/AAAAAAAACzU/ITCrirTp2r4/s320/P98466600.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>One item I purchased is this cute llama doll. It was made by Envision Unlimited. They are an organization that<br />
works serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across all ages. www.envisionchicago.org<br />
He is the most adorable and colorful little llama. I think I'll name him Curtis. Well, back to unpacking. The Climb. I hope to see you on the other side! lol<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-92204134524537694062012-06-25T14:07:00.001-05:002012-06-25T14:07:25.839-05:00Trekking' Down The HighwayWe are headed home after a wonderful weekend at the Fair. We visited with <br />
Susan McFarland from Susan's Fiber Shop (and she gave me great advice about<br />
my booth layout. Thanks, Susan!). I am exhausted but with a smile on my face. <br />
So much inspiration to be found there! We hope to make it back next year. I<br />
will post more when I get home, I'm anxious to be back. <br />
<br />
Talk to you soon! TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-78890053975202637312012-06-21T12:45:00.001-05:002012-06-21T12:45:36.393-05:00To The Fair, To The FairI am off to the Fair with my lovely assistant, <br />
Darrell. Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair in<br />
Grayslake, Il. I have been so busy packing that I<br />
Forgot to blog before I left home. At least I<br />
Remembered all my meds this trip. I had an anxiety <br />
Attack at 11:00pm last night because I couldn't <br />
Find my knitting. I had it packed away in some<br />
Tub so I "wouldn't forget it"! Lol We are on the<br />
Road now so...<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-74283568615827058192012-06-16T11:57:00.001-05:002012-06-16T11:57:27.077-05:00"Poop Scoopin' Boogie""Yeah, heel, toe, dosey-do come on baby lets go poop scoopin"<br />
<br />
Yeah, my fifteen minutes of fame are over and I'm back to my regular life on the farm. That is my theme song when I go out to do barn chores. "Let's go poop-scoop!" lol Cause while I was in the footlights, everyday life continued here and now there are double chores to be done. It is good to know that my eco-friendly pest control system is up and functioning:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WHu69Vi5M4/T9Yh85vincI/AAAAAAAACu4/sGjip8QpEhQ/s1600/P43341401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WHu69Vi5M4/T9Yh85vincI/AAAAAAAACu4/sGjip8QpEhQ/s400/P43341401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Chickens are the best!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg_L3upqs9g/T9yw5wMILnI/AAAAAAAACyM/P-cUmKt7DWA/s1600/P86324601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vg_L3upqs9g/T9yw5wMILnI/AAAAAAAACyM/P-cUmKt7DWA/s320/P86324601.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have been busy on my Supercard. I've been making art batts. I am happy to announce that I have been juried in to the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair next weekend in Grayslake, IL. I will have rovings, art batts, Noro cotton yarns, knitting needles, spinning wheels and anything else I can fit into the trailer in my booth. I will be bringing 'my lovely assistant, Darrell' with me, also. I am very excited about going! I will be leaving the farm in the capable hands of my farm manager.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9MNFQF8oko/T9yw3l-Iz5I/AAAAAAAACyQ/keTR2BsEoMk/s1600/P86324200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9MNFQF8oko/T9yw3l-Iz5I/AAAAAAAACyQ/keTR2BsEoMk/s320/P86324200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Little Elle is growing like a weed! She is very inquisitive and energetic, like a cria should be. In this picture, I had my cat, doofie by my side and he has her attention. She loves cats. When she gets close to them, they run away and she jumps in the air. In the evening she will be running circles around everyone and around the pasture. Well, barn chores are calling. "Oh get down, turn around go to town the poop scoop boogie!"<br />
<br />
<i>as she line dances away..</i>Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-25274124170723494332012-06-14T14:17:00.001-05:002012-06-14T14:17:58.685-05:00Happy, Happy, Buzz, BuzzThat is what I have been up to this week. Buzzing around happily, trying to catch up on things. I have been very busy the past two weeks rehearsing for a song performance from the Bye, Bye Birdie production I did last fall with Christ Memorial Productions in St. Louis. It was nominated for Best Production Large Ensemble in the Arts For Life Best Performance Awards for 2011. I was also nominated for Best Performance By An Actress In A Comedic Role for my Mae Peterson. At the Awards Ceremony (which is a black tie affair) each nominated show does a number from their show. I was chosen to do my song from Bye, Bye Birdie! Needless to say, I have been wearing out my friend Greg Mueller by wanting to rehearse. 500 people, most of who are my peers, were to be in the audience. I was immersed in trying to prepare for it. I was also wearing out the patience of my family. My son got a lot of 'huh's?' and 'you want what?' from me. I wasn't ever paying attention to conversations. I was preoccupied. I was in that place that I go to about a week before a production starts. I spend every waking hour thinking about every last detail of my performance. Each day. Everything revolves around me. Its a wonder I have a family at all and that lets me do a musical each year. I don't think I'd be able to tolerate my behavior. I don't mean to do it. I don't even realize until several days after the production ends that I did it again. So, thank you for putting up with me, family!! I'm very fortunate to have received this on Sunday:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGFqNbO-gB4/T9omyZmdOrI/AAAAAAAACx0/rCeNc9qCcVU/s1600/P69682000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGFqNbO-gB4/T9omyZmdOrI/AAAAAAAACx0/rCeNc9qCcVU/s400/P69682000.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
Its half inch thick etched glass on a marble base and it has my name on it!! <br />
<br />
All the titles on the front cover of the program were productions done in the St. Louis area in 2011. This award is pretty darn awesome! <br />
<br />
I usually knit to help calm my nerves during a production. This time, I was in my workshop carding fiber into batts for an upcoming Indie festival that I'm going to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SGxVNK_8rY/T9okCSO8l-I/AAAAAAAACxw/W0XG2e8g94Y/s1600/P69609101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4SGxVNK_8rY/T9okCSO8l-I/AAAAAAAACxw/W0XG2e8g94Y/s320/P69609101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We've got your basic grey cria.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBMYy7tpWx0/T9oj_TKzohI/AAAAAAAACxs/9cRJ368kNls/s1600/P69608600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBMYy7tpWx0/T9oj_TKzohI/AAAAAAAACxs/9cRJ368kNls/s320/P69608600.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And some art batts for your spinning pleasure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tvEYDghaX8/T9do8TdYu4I/AAAAAAAACu8/0VUz8sk8AP8/s1600/aflphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tvEYDghaX8/T9do8TdYu4I/AAAAAAAACu8/0VUz8sk8AP8/s320/aflphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And finally, a picture of me with two other 'Box Club' members on Sunday at the BPA's. This year, the awards were put back into their boxes after they were presented. (last year, Jesus dropped his and it broke. it was very sad.)<br />
<br />
Sam, Jeff and me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-67933706455586145912012-06-07T19:35:00.000-05:002012-06-07T19:35:02.774-05:00What's Going On?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9mydXW3RvI/TWFYolGUcuI/AAAAAAAAAnk/xnkLUBPfgGA/s1600/102_2335ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9mydXW3RvI/TWFYolGUcuI/AAAAAAAAAnk/xnkLUBPfgGA/s400/102_2335ab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have confessed before that I am lacking in computer skills. I didn't notice the past month (yes! a whole month!) that I had been posting in the wrong blog. I feel a little embarrassed. It was brought to my attention this afternoon in the form of a question. "Why hadn't I been blogging the last month?" At least it didn't take me long to figure it out and I reposted the entries into this blog. When I did switch, it looks like I have been very, very productive today and posted 7 times! I will try to stay on track in the future. Sheesh!<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, TammyIllini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-37557886728314907592012-06-07T19:28:00.002-05:002012-06-07T19:28:20.258-05:00Rippin' It At Rendezvous<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br />
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3325001244810322495" itemprop="articleBody">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8chJBjNT58/T8458KeU23I/AAAAAAAACtI/t62aO_kmFSc/s400/P91519601.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<br />
It was Rendezvous this past weekend. After being transported back in
time to the 18th c. all weekend, it has been quite a shock returning to
2012 and trying to upload some pictures of it for this blog. I admit,
I'm not all<br />
that adept at computer software. I have been trying for literally an
hour to upload these pictures. I don't know if my app is having some
problems or if its operator bound. It just didn't want to do it. And I
was just about to lose my vigor for blogging when I said to myself that
I'd try it one more time...<br />
<br />
And it worked! Sometimes you just have to talk nice to your stuff. It does work.<br />
<br />
Above is the 42nd Regiment, complete with bagpipes. They are awesome to watch! and hear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMRftpUhYPk/T846FrnV3vI/AAAAAAAACtM/gg5dOniN56A/s1600/P91520002.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMRftpUhYPk/T846FrnV3vI/AAAAAAAACtM/gg5dOniN56A/s400/P91520002.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is the grandson, complete in his frock. Yes, he is a boy. It is a
frock. Boys would wear them until they were breeched. That means until
they were completely potty trained so you could get to the diaper. After
that, they were allowed to wear breeches (knee pants) He has little
moccasins on, too. He is eating rock candy that I bought him. Quite a
few pictures were taken of him by complete strangers. Under his other
arm is a wooden gun he picked out that he drug around all afternoon. By
nightfall, he had literally dropped in his tracks. Ahhh! Rendezvous!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IMiVixy5Ps/T84_JfA5QsI/AAAAAAAACtQ/PhnARTqRjVg/s1600/P91662300.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IMiVixy5Ps/T84_JfA5QsI/AAAAAAAACtQ/PhnARTqRjVg/s320/P91662300.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm still working on my Hitchhiker. I got a little too much sun and
messed up my pattern and had to frog back a few rows. Hence, the Rippin'
It At Rendezvous! I am trying to stay out of the sun for a few days. It
is very difficult but my lobster skin can't take any more. I got quite a
lot done on it in two days. Maybe some time this summer it will get
done. I'm hopeful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmcnBx8lJa4/T845ytKJZVI/AAAAAAAACtE/DcmXsYzlsYo/s1600/P91519100.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmcnBx8lJa4/T845ytKJZVI/AAAAAAAACtE/DcmXsYzlsYo/s400/P91519100.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On Saturday morning, I'm rushing around trying to get to morning colors
on time and looked out in the pasture to see a surprise baby! Sara had a
large, beautiful baby girl! I knew she was getting close and should
have figured she would deliver on my busiest day. She is very healthy
and did I mention large? We are playing "Who's Your Daddy?" My guess, is
Blizzard because of her size. All the boys were in on that breakout
last year. I had started calling them the "Breakout Kings". Well, Levi
and Laredo both have small babies. Which is very good for maidens.
(first time moms) Blizzard is large boned and so is this baby. She is
pronking around the pasture and kicking up her heels! Welcome, baby
girl!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI1NrdDqIPs/T8aBhsaPbvI/AAAAAAAACro/xc9SLQGHfhE/s1600/indian.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI1NrdDqIPs/T8aBhsaPbvI/AAAAAAAACro/xc9SLQGHfhE/s1600/indian.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I will leave you with a picture of an Indian that you wouldn't want to
come across. I couldn't show you a full length shot because he had a lot
of flesh showing and I am trying to maintain my PG rating.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, Tammy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer">
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1">
<span class="post-author vcard">
Posted by
<span class="fn">Illini Alpacas</span>
</span>
<span class="post-timestamp">
at
<a class="timestamp-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/06/rippin-it-at-rendezvous.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" itemprop="datePublished" title="2012-06-05T10:49:00-07:00">10:49 AM</abbr></a>
</span>
<span class="reaction-buttons">
</span>
<span class="star-ratings">
</span>
<span class="post-comment-link">
<a class="comment-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/06/rippin-it-at-rendezvous.html#comment-form">0
comments</a>
</span>
<span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-icons">
<span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1568676959">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5708158082486907277&postID=3325001244810322495&from=pencil" title="Edit Post">
<img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
<div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2">
<span class="post-labels">
</span>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3">
<span class="post-location">
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="date-outer">
<div class="date-posts">
<div class="post-outer">
<div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting">
<div class="sidebar section" id="sidebar">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="widget BlogArchive" id="BlogArchive1">
<h2>
Blog Archive</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="ArchiveList">
<div id="BlogArchive1_ArchiveList">
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=7">2012</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(7)</span>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html">June</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(1)</span>
<ul class="posts">
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/06/rippin-it-at-rendezvous.html">Rippin' It At Rendezvous</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate collapsed">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy">
►
</span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html">May</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(6)</span>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configBlogArchive1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget Profile" id="Profile1">
<h2>
About Me</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568"><img alt="My Photo" class="profile-img" height="52" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IJY9-v2BNds/TLpVu6Yq0NI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Zn4D12Hfdak/S220/logo-illini-alpacas2.gif" width="79" /></a>
<dl class="profile-datablock">
<dt class="profile-data">
<a class="profile-name-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author" style="background-image: url(//www.blogger.com/img/logo-16.png);">
Illini Alpacas
</a>
</dt>
<dd class="profile-textblock">Felt & Soul is the blog of Illini
Alpacas. Our small farm is home to 20 alpacas, a flock of French
heritage chickens, two dogs, many cats and an occasional wild animal.</dd></dl>
<a class="profile-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author">View my complete profile</a>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Profile&widgetId=Profile1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configProfile1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="sidebar-wrapper">
</div>Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-21326568702549660122012-06-07T19:25:00.002-05:002012-06-07T19:25:10.015-05:00A Friendly Reminder<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br />
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1747255026648283116" itemprop="articleBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwZ842p9f80/T8T-wWVx8PI/AAAAAAAACpo/xY-9F7fmD-Y/s1600/P30611100.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwZ842p9f80/T8T-wWVx8PI/AAAAAAAACpo/xY-9F7fmD-Y/s400/P30611100.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
Sometimes,
when going through life, you have to remind yourself of things. Things
that are important to you. Like your kids. Not the fact that they are
important to you--of course you know that. But remind yourself how much a
part of your life they are. And that they bring some pretty cool times
to your life. Like on holidays. My son and his wife hosted a BBQ on
Memorial Day. Its a nice time to catch up with his life. They have a
great little farm on 6 acres in the country. New this year are the Moon
Flowers shown in the picture at left. Those things are huge! They must
stand about 4 foot tall and have dinner plate sized white blooms.
Awesome to look at. My son laid the rock for that sidewalk and there is a
matching patio on the left side of the house. The big stone rocks
lining the flower beds were foundation stones from the original barn on
the property that burnt down over 50 years ago. I enjoy looking at
details like that. I guess my son comes by it naturally.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXdBic5gOQI/T8T-0OgYelI/AAAAAAAACpw/a_QepgTJTI4/s1600/P30611501.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXdBic5gOQI/T8T-0OgYelI/AAAAAAAACpw/a_QepgTJTI4/s320/P30611501.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju5tF_JX9ag/T8T--uONl6I/AAAAAAAACqI/NVgXJGPN93g/s1600/P30612804.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju5tF_JX9ag/T8T--uONl6I/AAAAAAAACqI/NVgXJGPN93g/s320/P30612804.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He
has an iron forge on the side of the chicken house. I know it is at
least a hundred years old. The guys had it fired up earlier in the day
and were cranking out tent stakes for a dining fly for Rendezvous this
weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7GFa2SW9WI/T8T-2bUl5hI/AAAAAAAACp4/uaL9favx67k/s1600/P30612002.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7GFa2SW9WI/T8T-2bUl5hI/AAAAAAAACp4/uaL9favx67k/s320/P30612002.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
These are the stakes they made. Yes, it was hot to be working iron. It
was about 94 degrees. But the heat works to your advantage with this.
There is more time to work the red hot iron before it cools down. The
guys had a blast working the forge. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I had a little hand wanting to show me the rasberry bushes. I have
to admit that I only got to eat one. Those little hands are very adept
at getting to the ripe berries! I doubt his momma is going to be able to
get enough berries at one time to put any up! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G55lDfrRauw/T8T_A6mIeHI/AAAAAAAACqU/qt_KbOPJqsg/s1600/P30613205.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G55lDfrRauw/T8T_A6mIeHI/AAAAAAAACqU/qt_KbOPJqsg/s320/P30613205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBOBFurs6lU/T8T_HjxM7kI/AAAAAAAACqk/xhTiuY4wAXQ/s1600/P30614007.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBOBFurs6lU/T8T_HjxM7kI/AAAAAAAACqk/xhTiuY4wAXQ/s320/P30614007.jpg" width="238" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I want to show you how we don't mess around in Randolph County when it comes to BBQ's. We get right down to it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LoR9wZT59s/T8T_ZbwxQZI/AAAAAAAACrE/-7FfzFQs9yM/s1600/P30615711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LoR9wZT59s/T8T_ZbwxQZI/AAAAAAAACrE/-7FfzFQs9yM/s320/P30615711.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Now that's a BBQ starter! lol<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhLLjxxzpZU/T8T_VMoNaBI/AAAAAAAACrY/EePQWdPMZHE/s1600/P30615310.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhLLjxxzpZU/T8T_VMoNaBI/AAAAAAAACrY/EePQWdPMZHE/s400/P30615310.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The family started playing dartball and ended up playing pellet ball. I
was kicked back sipping on lemonade, knitting on a Hitchhiker scarf and
listening to the good humored ribbing they were giving each other. We
enjoyed good food and good company. This is a friendly reminder to take
time with your kids. Whether they are 3 or 33. When they are grown they
still need the attention of their parents. And I, as a parent, still
have a need to look after them. And I have a need to knit, not play
dartball much to the amazement of my hubby. Every sport has their
spectators and that be me. But that is another blog all in itself.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your family. Enjoy your friends. May they be many. Happy knitting.<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, Tammy
</div>
<div class="post-footer">
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1">
<span class="post-author vcard">
Posted by
<span class="fn">Illini Alpacas</span>
</span>
<span class="post-timestamp">
at
<a class="timestamp-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/friendly-reminder.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" itemprop="datePublished" title="2012-05-31T11:01:00-07:00">11:01 AM</abbr></a>
</span>
<span class="reaction-buttons">
</span>
<span class="star-ratings">
</span>
<span class="post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-icons">
<span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1568676959">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5708158082486907277&postID=1747255026648283116&from=pencil" title="Edit Post">
<img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
<div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2">
<span class="post-labels">
</span>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3">
<span class="post-location">
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comments" id="comments">
<a href="" name="comments"></a>
<h4>
0
comments:
</h4>
<div id="Blog1_comments-block-wrapper">
</div>
<div class="comment-footer">
</div>
<div class="comment-form">
<a href="" name="comment-form"></a>
<h4 id="comment-post-message">
Post a Comment</h4>
<br />
</div>
<div id="backlinks-container">
<div id="Blog1_backlinks-container">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blog-pager" id="blog-pager">
<span id="blog-pager-newer-link">
<a class="blog-pager-newer-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/06/rippin-it-at-rendezvous.html" id="Blog1_blog-pager-newer-link" title="Newer Post">Newer Post</a>
</span>
<span id="blog-pager-older-link">
<a class="blog-pager-older-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/shearing-goes-on.html" id="Blog1_blog-pager-older-link" title="Older Post">Older Post</a>
</span>
<a class="home-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/">Home</a>
</div>
<div class="post-feeds">
<div class="feed-links">
Subscribe to:
<a class="feed-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/feeds/1747255026648283116/comments/default" target="_blank" type="application/atom+xml">Post Comments (Atom)</a>
</div>
</div>
<div id="sidebar-wrapper">
<div class="sidebar section" id="sidebar">
<div class="widget Followers" id="Followers1">
<h2 class="title">
Followers</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="Followers1-wrapper">
<div style="margin-right: 2px;">
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Followers&widgetId=Followers1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configFollowers1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget BlogArchive" id="BlogArchive1">
<h2>
Blog Archive</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="ArchiveList">
<div id="BlogArchive1_ArchiveList">
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=7">2012</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(7)</span>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate collapsed">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy">
►
</span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html">June</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(1)</span>
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html">May</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(6)</span>
<ul class="posts">
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/friendly-reminder.html">A Friendly Reminder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/shearing-goes-on.html">Shearing Goes On</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/gardening.html">Gardening</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-it-continues.html">And It Continues...</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/got-fleece.html">Got Fleece?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/what-makes-good-mothers-day-great.html">What Makes A Good Mother's Day Great?</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configBlogArchive1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget Profile" id="Profile1">
<h2>
About Me</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568"><img alt="My Photo" class="profile-img" height="52" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IJY9-v2BNds/TLpVu6Yq0NI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Zn4D12Hfdak/S220/logo-illini-alpacas2.gif" width="79" /></a>
<dl class="profile-datablock">
<dt class="profile-data">
<a class="profile-name-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author" style="background-image: url(//www.blogger.com/img/logo-16.png);">
Illini Alpacas
</a>
</dt>
<dd class="profile-textblock">Felt & Soul is the blog of Illini
Alpacas. Our small farm is home to 20 alpacas, a flock of French
heritage chickens, two dogs, many cats and an occasional wild animal.</dd></dl>
<a class="profile-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author">View my complete profile</a>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Profile&widgetId=Profile1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configProfile1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-19769191743788051632012-06-07T19:22:00.002-05:002012-06-07T19:22:48.259-05:00Shearing Goes On<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<br />
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-679364526608931667" itemprop="articleBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbvU1NTpajo/Tv9vCvqie6I/AAAAAAAACM0/pt8vXKikDHs/s1600/P35984813.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbvU1NTpajo/Tv9vCvqie6I/AAAAAAAACM0/pt8vXKikDHs/s400/P35984813.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
and
on. We are down to the last 2 of the herd. Yeah! I must admit, I'm
starting to get pretty good at this shearing thing. Tomorrow we are
taking it on the road. And Saturday morning we shear our last two. I am
enjoying it even though my back complains through my mouth in the
evening. (I do whine a bit after I have sit too long knitting and
watching Criminal Minds) It was interesting about alpaca personality
dynamics yesterday when we were shearing Vienna. After we put her on the
table and I started shearing my son ran into the house to grab a soda
and while in there the phone rang and he answered it. Well, he was
holding her head and when he left my hubby took it over. I was about
half was through the first side when she noticed he wasn't there. She
started grunting and groaning. Then squealing. She was becoming quite
loud and started stressing. At that point she started testing her leg
restraints. I had to stop shearing for fear of injury by the blades. My
son could hear her all the way in the house! He ran back out, took over
holding her head and calling her, "Vee-Vee". She heard his voice, then
saw his face in front of hers and took a big breath and started calming
down. No more screaming or fighting restraints. I finished shearing her
without another incident. Except her legs. It must tickle or something
cause it makes most alpacas jump and wiggle a bit. I am still in awe of
Vienna's reaction to my son's presence. That certainly is an alpaca and
her boy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6T8B0eZs3I/T75otYSLjOI/AAAAAAAACpc/9qe5dYk_Vp8/s1600/P87868400.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6T8B0eZs3I/T75otYSLjOI/AAAAAAAACpc/9qe5dYk_Vp8/s320/P87868400.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I picked up some fresh strawberries at the local produce stand,
Stuckmeyer's, and put up 3 quarts this morning. I just washed them,
trimmed off the tops and sliced them in big slices and put them in small
freezer bags. The berries in the stores do last longer in the fridge
but do not taste nearly as good as these! As you can see, they are ripe
all the way to the top. They are so worth the time to put up. I
recommend you do it, too. <br />
<br />
It has been a weird spring and because of it, we do not have a cherry
crop this year. The strawberries are making up for it. I think I'll make
some strawberry lemonade and ponder it for awhile.<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, Tammy
</div>
<div class="post-footer">
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1">
<span class="post-author vcard">
Posted by
<span class="fn">Illini Alpacas</span>
</span>
<span class="post-timestamp">
at
<a class="timestamp-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/shearing-goes-on.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" itemprop="datePublished" title="2012-05-24T10:30:00-07:00">10:30 AM</abbr></a>
</span>
<span class="reaction-buttons">
</span>
<span class="star-ratings">
</span>
<span class="post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-icons">
<span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1568676959">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5708158082486907277&postID=679364526608931667&from=pencil" title="Edit Post">
<img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
<div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2">
<span class="post-labels">
</span>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3">
<span class="post-location">
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comments" id="comments">
<a href="" name="comments"></a>
<h4>
0
comments:
</h4>
<div id="Blog1_comments-block-wrapper">
</div>
<div class="comment-footer">
</div>
<div class="comment-form">
<a href="" name="comment-form"></a>
<h4 id="comment-post-message">
Post a Comment</h4>
<br />
</div>
<div id="backlinks-container">
<div id="Blog1_backlinks-container">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blog-pager" id="blog-pager">
<span id="blog-pager-newer-link">
<a class="blog-pager-newer-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/friendly-reminder.html" id="Blog1_blog-pager-newer-link" title="Newer Post">Newer Post</a>
</span>
<span id="blog-pager-older-link">
<a class="blog-pager-older-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/gardening.html" id="Blog1_blog-pager-older-link" title="Older Post">Older Post</a>
</span>
<a class="home-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/">Home</a>
</div>
<div class="post-feeds">
<div class="feed-links">
Subscribe to:
<a class="feed-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/feeds/679364526608931667/comments/default" target="_blank" type="application/atom+xml">Post Comments (Atom)</a>
</div>
</div>
<div id="sidebar-wrapper">
<div class="sidebar section" id="sidebar">
<div class="widget Followers" id="Followers1">
<h2 class="title">
Followers</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="Followers1-wrapper">
<div style="margin-right: 2px;">
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Followers&widgetId=Followers1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configFollowers1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget BlogArchive" id="BlogArchive1">
<h2>
Blog Archive</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="ArchiveList">
<div id="BlogArchive1_ArchiveList">
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=7">2012</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(7)</span>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate collapsed">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy">
►
</span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html">June</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(1)</span>
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html">May</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(6)</span>
<ul class="posts">
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/friendly-reminder.html">A Friendly Reminder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/shearing-goes-on.html">Shearing Goes On</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/gardening.html">Gardening</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-it-continues.html">And It Continues...</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/got-fleece.html">Got Fleece?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/what-makes-good-mothers-day-great.html">What Makes A Good Mother's Day Great?</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configBlogArchive1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget Profile" id="Profile1">
<h2>
About Me</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568"><img alt="My Photo" class="profile-img" height="52" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IJY9-v2BNds/TLpVu6Yq0NI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Zn4D12Hfdak/S220/logo-illini-alpacas2.gif" width="79" /></a>
<dl class="profile-datablock">
<dt class="profile-data">
<a class="profile-name-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author" style="background-image: url(//www.blogger.com/img/logo-16.png);">
Illini Alpacas
</a>
</dt>
<dd class="profile-textblock">Felt & Soul is the blog of Illini
Alpacas. Our small farm is home to 20 alpacas, a flock of French
heritage chickens, two dogs, many cats and an occasional wild animal.</dd></dl>
<a class="profile-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author">View my complete profile</a>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Profile&widgetId=Profile1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configProfile1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724274240006267153.post-91071285461851255142012-06-07T19:20:00.001-05:002012-06-07T19:20:59.657-05:00Gardening<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7461390030772661333" itemprop="articleBody">
Or should I call it weeding?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4vcF12Y1k0/T7rVFFW_6wI/AAAAAAAACpI/MqtTm-n-bhU/s1600/P64422703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4vcF12Y1k0/T7rVFFW_6wI/AAAAAAAACpI/MqtTm-n-bhU/s400/P64422703.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
I
mean seriously! I do like to work outside. I like to plant things in
the vegetable and flower gardens. I am by no means 'A Wonder Woman
Gardener'. I seem to be a fair weather gardener. Look at that picture. I
swear some of those weeds are 4 foot tall. I should be hiding my face
in shame instead of posting it for the whole world to see. But I am
admitting to being human and that means that I cannot do it all. I wish I
could but I have to make choices. Especially the older I get. So...I'm
outside trying to find dirt in the front flo--no! weed bed and there are
dirty dishes in the sink. and a pile of laundry keeping them company.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that I like to work outside? My youngest son calls it
'fiddle-farting around'. But today the weather is sooooo nice! 70
degrees and a light wind. And the ground is working up very easily. I
have been a happy little camper in the front yard wacking down weeds. I
used to have some herbs and such in there but I didn't find much in the
way of a plant that wasn't considered a weed. Oh! And I can identify
most of my weeds. Milkweed and pigweed are the most common. And Rose of
Sharon seeds like crazy, too. Sometimes, you find something outside that
is quite extraordinary. Everytime I see one of these, I have to stop in
awe of its beauty. The luna moth:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GOk1VGPn3o/T7rVHn_UFUI/AAAAAAAACpQ/Q82sMghEHys/s1600/P64423104.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GOk1VGPn3o/T7rVHn_UFUI/AAAAAAAACpQ/Q82sMghEHys/s400/P64423104.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
She is about 4 inches long from head to tip. The spots on her wings look
like peacock eyes. I think I saved her from one of my chickens, though.
I put her up in a bush and out of reach. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOcknh4BeKs/T7rU8xGRr7I/AAAAAAAACo4/0YzWYdp8APo/s1600/P64421801.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOcknh4BeKs/T7rU8xGRr7I/AAAAAAAACo4/0YzWYdp8APo/s400/P64421801.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I did manage to find my purple coneflower. Now that the pigweed isn't smothering it, it might make it.<br />
<br />
There were no bugs out today. No biting flies, no mosquitoes. It made for a pleasant day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By evening, I had this pile to show for my time:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDhyBw8dxk/T7rU3jf-eOI/AAAAAAAACow/PIX69nym0RE/s1600/P64421300.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDhyBw8dxk/T7rU3jf-eOI/AAAAAAAACow/PIX69nym0RE/s400/P64421300.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is one huge pile of whacked weeds. You would think with a pile that
big that I would be tired. But I am not. I guess that is the wonder of
doing something you love. Your body is dead tired but your mind tells
you that you are not. I like the deception. <br />
<br />
Gardening can be hard work. But it is work that is gratifying. Working
in the dirt is something I used to do as a child with my grandparents.
Grandpa instilled in me what he called a 'Victory Garden'. The
definition I got from that today was my victory over the pigweed. Today,
I won. Tomorrow, who knows?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sn3tKUioYs/T7rVBlbDAbI/AAAAAAAACpA/B-Tha5qawKo/s1600/P64422202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sn3tKUioYs/T7rVBlbDAbI/AAAAAAAACpA/B-Tha5qawKo/s320/P64422202.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
This
is a picture of my victory. I think some Black-Eyed Susan's would look
very nice there. And some weed barrier paper. I'm trying to garden a
little wiser as I get older.<br />
<br />
Talk to you soon, Tammy
</div>
<div class="post-footer">
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1">
<span class="post-author vcard">
Posted by
<span class="fn">Illini Alpacas</span>
</span>
<span class="post-timestamp">
at
<a class="timestamp-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/gardening.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" itemprop="datePublished" title="2012-05-21T17:43:00-07:00">5:43 PM</abbr></a>
</span>
<span class="reaction-buttons">
</span>
<span class="star-ratings">
</span>
<span class="post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link">
</span>
<span class="post-icons">
<span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1568676959">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5708158082486907277&postID=7461390030772661333&from=pencil" title="Edit Post">
<img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
<div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-2">
<span class="post-labels">
</span>
</div>
<div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-3">
<span class="post-location">
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="comments" id="comments">
<a href="" name="comments"></a>
<h4>
0
comments:
</h4>
<div id="Blog1_comments-block-wrapper">
</div>
<div class="comment-footer">
</div>
<div class="comment-form">
<a href="" name="comment-form"></a>
<h4 id="comment-post-message">
Post a Comment</h4>
<br />
</div>
<div id="backlinks-container">
<div id="Blog1_backlinks-container">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blog-pager" id="blog-pager">
<span id="blog-pager-newer-link">
<a class="blog-pager-newer-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/shearing-goes-on.html" id="Blog1_blog-pager-newer-link" title="Newer Post">Newer Post</a>
</span>
<span id="blog-pager-older-link">
<a class="blog-pager-older-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-it-continues.html" id="Blog1_blog-pager-older-link" title="Older Post">Older Post</a>
</span>
<a class="home-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/">Home</a>
</div>
<div class="post-feeds">
<div class="feed-links">
Subscribe to:
<a class="feed-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/feeds/7461390030772661333/comments/default" target="_blank" type="application/atom+xml">Post Comments (Atom)</a>
</div>
</div>
<div id="sidebar-wrapper">
<div class="sidebar section" id="sidebar">
<div class="widget Followers" id="Followers1">
<h2 class="title">
Followers</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="Followers1-wrapper">
<div style="margin-right: 2px;">
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Followers&widgetId=Followers1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configFollowers1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget BlogArchive" id="BlogArchive1">
<h2>
Blog Archive</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<div id="ArchiveList">
<div id="BlogArchive1_ArchiveList">
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=7">2012</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(7)</span>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate collapsed">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy">
►
</span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html">June</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(1)</span>
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="hierarchy">
<li class="archivedate expanded">
<a class="toggle" href="">
<span class="zippy toggle-open">▼ </span>
</a>
<a class="post-count-link" href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012_05_01_archive.html">May</a>
<span class="post-count" dir="ltr">(6)</span>
<ul class="posts">
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/friendly-reminder.html">A Friendly Reminder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/shearing-goes-on.html">Shearing Goes On</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/gardening.html">Gardening</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-it-continues.html">And It Continues...</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/got-fleece.html">Got Fleece?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://illinialpacas.blogspot.com/2012/05/what-makes-good-mothers-day-great.html">What Makes A Good Mother's Day Great?</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configBlogArchive1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="widget Profile" id="Profile1">
<h2>
About Me</h2>
<div class="widget-content">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568"><img alt="My Photo" class="profile-img" height="52" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IJY9-v2BNds/TLpVu6Yq0NI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Zn4D12Hfdak/S220/logo-illini-alpacas2.gif" width="79" /></a>
<dl class="profile-datablock">
<dt class="profile-data">
<a class="profile-name-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author" style="background-image: url(//www.blogger.com/img/logo-16.png);">
Illini Alpacas
</a>
</dt>
<dd class="profile-textblock">Felt & Soul is the blog of Illini
Alpacas. Our small farm is home to 20 alpacas, a flock of French
heritage chickens, two dogs, many cats and an occasional wild animal.</dd></dl>
<a class="profile-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568" rel="author">View my complete profile</a>
<span class="widget-item-control">
<span class="item-control blog-admin">
<a class="quickedit" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=5708158082486907277&widgetType=Profile&widgetId=Profile1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" target="configProfile1" title="Edit">
<img alt="" height="18" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" width="18" />
</a>
</span>
</span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="clear">
</div>Illini Alpacashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13863639976349661568noreply@blogger.com0