So here I am, trying to ride this bicycle of a blog again. Why does it seem so hard to do? I’m gonna say that since I now devote 30+ hours a week to a job is maybe, just maybe, the answer. My quiet time in the morning, curled up in my happy place on the couch typing away, is simply not available anymore. I’m aiming for one post a month, with a daily photo on Facebook and Instagram. Follow me there if you want a more frequent update on what’s happening in the barnyard 🙂
On the other hand, my barnyard time has not been reduced one bit and it is even more precious to me now. Doink knows the sound of my car returning home in the afternoon and is at the gate as soon as I head out the back door—he knows a carrot is on its way.
The alpaca shearer arrived at the end of May, just in the nick of time. Alpacas need to be sheared every year—that beautiful coat they wear all winter will just not do in a Colorado summer. Junie B was obviously miserable on the few warm days we’ve had this spring.
The girls, waiting for the hairdresser.
Tia, with her white coat, was hot but not miserably so.
Junie B. would radiate heat on sunny days.
I spent the morning looking at their big, fuzzy bodies and tried to imagine what they were going to look like without their winter coat.
Tia still liked to sunbathe in the coolness of the mornings.
She is always a mess, Miss Junie B.
I was forewarned that this shearer would do a serviceable job but he would not produce a “show quality” trimming. I only hoped he would be gentle and kind.
That face…well, it’s somewhere under there.
She deserves a gentle touch.
And the shearer was a very nice man with two very nice helpers. Of course, that didn’t mean the girls liked the process. No, not at all. But like going to the dentist and getting a tooth filled, this needed to be done. The team did the job quickly and efficiently, shearing both girls and giving them a nice nail trim in less than 30 minutes.
Junie B. is in there somewhere.
And now, I have aliens roaming the barnyard.
Whoa!
My, how skinny you are!
They look so dainty now.
We’re all still getting used to the new look.
True, it was not the cleanest of haircuts. They have bits and pieces poking out here and there. Junie B’s fringe on top of her head is still crazy long…and I love it that way. She doesn’t seem to mind. They both seem much more comfortable, and that’s what matters.
I think the skinny neck makes the crazy head of hair even crazier…
Come on warm weather, we’re ready for you now!
Thanks for sticking with me everyone. I promise there’s more coming soon 🙂
Lovely to hear from you, and glad your priorities are straight. Barnyard is FAR more important, both in the world and in all of our hearts, than blog.
Thanks, but I do miss that quiet time writing about the animals. It was good for me, too. But yes, barnyard is definitely more important!
What are you going to do with the lovely alpaca wool sheared off?
xooxxoxoxoxoxo
Two big bags in the garage right now. The shearer said Junie B’s fiber was quite good. I need a fiber fairy princess to magically spin it into something wonderful. 🙂
I have really missed reading your blog! And, I certainly understand time constraints. Glad everyone is doing well!
Enjoy, Cindy
I’m lobbying for a 30 hour day 🙂 I would be awesome with a 30 hour day!
Yes, they look so skinny when they’re trimmed! Did they have to be tranquilized? Must have been something to get them to the ground! Glad the folks knew what they were doing – 30 minutes…really?! 🙂
No tranquilizers needed. They were restrained, but treated with care. It was over very fast!
I have so missed you but do understand the lack of time. I just love those girls sweet faces and they do look skinny without their winter coats.
The photo of Junie B covered in straw reminds me of past photos of Doink. I am sure they must be feeling much more comfortable without their coats. They are adorable.
Carol Caldwell recently posted…The lilac is now fully out
Thanks for still sticking around, Carol 🙂 The alpaca’s skinniness combined with the eerie way they move their necks is just plain crazy. Love it!
Joan Hobbs recently posted…The Day The Alpaca Shearer Came
thank you for another great story, it aways cheers me up!
These animals can make any bad day better 🙂
I’ll take whatever posts you care to throw our way. Glad you are doing okay, and I assume enjoying the part-time gig?
They certainly look like they’ve been on some kind of instant diet! If only it worked that way with us! ;0D
Enjoy your weekend!
daisy recently posted…Plant Profile-Blanketflower
I love, love, love the job. Great people, flexible hours, interesting work. Couldn’t ask for anything more. Thanks for checking in 🙂
I’ve really missed your posts Joan, you’re able to bring the animals personalities out so beautifully. I wish you well with your job, and hope you’re able to get the 30 hr week.
Enjoy your Colorado summer, as I hope to enjoy my NY one.
I’ve been waiting for a long hot day and they’re finally here! A toast to summers wherever they are 🙂
Joan, it is nice of you to keep us posted on your blog despite of your hectic schedule. Your alpacas must be so relieved after that saloon job… from cute alpaca-look, to cool camel-look…I like both looks…they look very precious:)