Been a hard month, but, I'm better now...

Hello All,

Sorry to have been away for so long. My father lost his long and hard fought battle with heart disease on Memorial Day. (also my parents' 46th anniversary.) We had a good old fashioned wake (though we're not Irish) at the funeral home. The home's director said we were a refreshing family. Fun was had by all, including Mom who did Dad's eulogy. Great job, Mom.

Just getting over that - on Thursday, during a farm visit, I tumble tail over tea kettle and break of all things - my shoulder! Weird injury - doc said he's only ever read about this injury in books. Not a ringing vote of confidence from the doc, I might add. So, off to see a specialist in Detroit. I hate the traffic down there. Everyone's in a hurry and forgets common courtesy.

On the alpaca front, the pastures are in remarkable shape. All the rain has grown the pastures into the best condition we've ever seen. We are now seeing the babes, due in August, move inside their mothers' tummies. With Dad's passing, new life is something I'm very much looking forward to.

I hope all is well with my readership. I enjoy your emails - keep 'em coming. Sandy

"Going Green" with Alpacas Help

In Michigan, we cut the grass once a week or so in the sping. Well, gas hit $4.58 a gallon yesterday in Michigan. That being said, Pine River Alpacas is looking to save money and if the earth benefits well, good.
As you pull in the ranch driveway you'll see white vinyl fencing on both side of the driveway. It's lovely, easy to put and NEVER needs painting. On the downside - there are posts every 8 feet and the grass around the posts and on the sides of the driveway is growing wild.
I enjoy cutting the grass - usually. Did I mention $4.58 a gallon?
Today was "Time to cut the grass" day. Ugh - $4.58 - I put my thinking cap on.
Here was my solution -
Pulled all the green panels out of the barn and strung them across both ends of the driveway. Turned the alpacas loose on it and drank a glass of lemonade from the front seat of the Ranger.
Tomorrow - I gonna ask if the neighors want to hire my herd... I got lots of lemonade.
Enjoy the weekend - no lawnmower sounds here. :)

Alpacas - Who, What, Why & Where?

Anyone, midsize livestock originally from South America, for the fiber and the tax write offs, anywhere. This is a test and only a test though the words are true.