Because that is who I am.

I love owning and working on a small farm, Because that is who I am.

I love the connection with the animals, Because that is who I am.

I love caring for the sick and helpless, Because that is who I am.

I love the song of the rooster at dawn, Because that is who I am.

I love the humming alpacas and the barking dogs, Because that is who I am.

I love fuzzy nose kisses, & sounds of munching hay, Because that is who I am.

I love watching my grandkids discover new things, Because that is who I am.

I love gathering with family and friends, Because that is who I am.

I love the smell of freshly turned soil and fresh cut hay, Because that is who I am.

I love hard work and farm dirt, Because that is who I am.

I love working with alpaca fleece & the art of creating,  Because that is who I am.

I am not perfect, I am me, and that’s okay,  Because that is who I am. 

By Suzie Radtke

Understanding Yarn Can Blow Your Mind

I was reading the other day and came across a great article about yarn.  It is really comprehensive, I hope you find it helpful.

 There are a few types of yarn descriptions in use today:

·        North American or The Standard Yarn Weight System

·        Tex

·        Metric or English Worsted

North American yarn descriptions are used the most and though they are approximate and less precise than the other two systems, they tend to be more comfortable to use for many involved in the wool crafts.

The numbers will vary somewhat depending on the type of fiber used to make the yarn. The yarn itself may be 2 or more strands also called plies.

The photos below show what we mean by "types" of fibers used. The heavier the fiber the heavier the yarn and it may NOT look to your eye to be a certain weight, but will calculate to the number of yards per pound.

The Standard Yarn Weight System

Categories of yarn, wraps per inch or WPI, gauge ranges, and recommended needle and hook sizes will give you general starting place.

Remember: Many manufacturers have their own standard weights of yarn.

Please note: that a gauge range is difficult to determine, and following the gauge stated in your pattern is the best way to insure success. For instance- One knitter almost always goes down 2 needle sizes from the suggested in the pattern. She is a loose knitter and knows 2 sizes smaller is a good starting point. Learning to gauge saves time and head aches.

A Side note: Steel crochet hooks are sized differently from regular crochet hooks—the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizes.

Chunky Is heavier than Bulky, Can be roving
Knitting = 6–11 stitches per 4 inches on an 8 mm or 11 US needle or larger
Crochet = 5 -9 stitches per inch on an 9 mm or M13 US needle or larger

Bulky Weight Less than 8 wraps per inch - 400 to 700 yards per pound
Knitting = 12- 15 stitches per 4 inches on an 5.5 - 8 mm or 9 - 11 US needle
Crochet = 8-11 stitches per inch on an 6.5— 9 mm or K–10 1/2 to M–13 US needle

Aran Weight 6 to 10 wraps per inch - 700 to 1000 yards per pound
Knitting = 16-20 stitches per 4 inches on an 4.5 - 5.5 mm or 7- 9 US needle
Crochet = 11 - 14 stitches per inch on an 5.5 - 6.5 mm or I–9 to K–10 1/2 US needle

Worsted Weight: 10 to 12 wraps per inch - 900 to 1100 yards per pound;
Knitting = 16-20 stitches per 4 inches on an 4.5 - 5.5 mm or 7 - 9 US needle
Crochet = 12 -17 stitches per inch on an 5.5 - 6.5 mm or I–9 to K–10 1/2 US needle

Double Knitting (DK): 12 to 18 wraps per inch - 1000 to 1400 yards per pound;
Knitting = 21 -24 stitches per 4 inches on an 3.75 - 4.5 mm or 5- 7 US needle
Crochet = 11 - 14 stitches per inch on an 4.5- 5.5 mm or 7 to I–9 US needle

Sport Weight: 18 to 24 wraps per inch - 1300 to 1800 yards per pound
Knitting = 23 -26 stitches per 4 inches on an 3.25 - 3.75 mm or 3 - 5 US needle
Crochet = 16 - 20 stitches per inch on an 3.5 - 4.5 mm or E4 - 7 US needle

Fingering :24 to 30 wraps per inch - 1800 to 2400 yards per pound
Knitting = 27 -32 stitches per 4 inches on an 2.25 - 3.25 mm or 1 -3 US needle
Crochet = 21 - 32 stitches per inch on an 2.25 - 3.5 mm or B1- E4 US needle

Baby:30 to 36 wraps per inch - 2400 to 3000 yards per pound;

Lace Weight:36 to 40 wraps per inch - 3000 to 6000 yards per pound
Lace weight yarns are most often knitted or crocheted on larger needles/ hooks to create the lacy patterns.

Cobweb:40 or more wraps per inch - 6000 or more yards per pound; and

Zephyr weight yarn is finer than Cobweb

You will find spinning weights are a bit different due to the many weights

Wraps Per Inch

What is it and how do you come up with a number?

• Get yourself a ruler, or buy a WPI measure if you want
• Take your yarn and wrap the yarn around ruler for 2 inches
• DO NOT wrap too tightly or too loosely- just a nice even wrap
• Slide the yarn strands so they are touching- not overlapping
• Count the number of wraps
• Divide that number by 2
• This is your wraps per inch!

Worsted Weight Yarn

Worsted wool is nothing to do with worsted weight yarn. Worsted wool is wool which is carded and then combed so that all the fibers are aligned in a parallel manner. Woolen measure or also called Yorkshire wool is carded only, and then spun to create a loftier yarn. Pencil roving that so many hand spinners use and some knitters with the "cakes" are actually a woolen processed "pre-yarn". Worsted wool is usually very fine and used for suits and fine fabric, many weavers use a worsted yarn. Hand knitting yarn is usually a woolen type yarn or possibly a semi worsted yarn.Occasionally, manufacturers will specify "worsted" or "woolen" which means the method in which the fiber was spun, not the weight of the yarn. Most do not!

The Poop Stops Here.

When you raise alpacas you find out that they are fairly straight forward to care for.  There are however a couples of things that can sneak up on you.

One of those things is parasites.  They are silent killers. While cleaning the nursery this morning I spied with my little eye some runny poop spots.  Crias are very susceptible to parasites as there bodies start building their own immunities and stop relying on what they received from their mothers colostrum.  None of the crias will claim it.  I wandered  around for quite a while, peaking under tails and can find no evidence of who is the owner.  No mess on anyone’s legs, no mess under anyone’s tail, nothing to give me a hint to who the little plops belong too.

Now what?  I guess I become a super duper poop detective.  Not my idea of fun!  With 12 little crias running around there are lots and lots of suspects.

Do I have a game plan? Yes and no.

I could glove up and investigate each little suspect, up close and personal......they are so little that is not not fun for anyone.
I could lock each cria up with its mom, one at a time and see what drops.
I could go out before dawn and turn the lights on and then try to watch each paca poo.
Hmmmm I guess the poop stops here...... Stay tuned I give you the scoop on the poop.......
BE WELL & STAY SAFE😊

Why not Alpaca’s?

We are into our 4th week of social distancing.  Wow has it been that long?  One nice thing that has happened is that I have taken a lot of time to think about my blessings.  One thing I am so thankful for is the alpacas that I share my life with.  We have so many visitors pull along the lane in front of the farm and visit the Alpacas.  I have received many notes and messages telling us how much joy these guys have brought to many people.  I am grateful that I have had the opportunity raise these special creatures.  Honestly in some of the hardest times in my life these guys have saved me.

It always surprises me when people ask me, Why Alpacas?  I always think in the back of my mind, Why Not?  Are they not amazing?  There are so many positives that one experiences because of these guys both spiritually and emotionally.  For one thing I thrive on working with animals, I thrive on working outdoors on the farm.  And honestly have you looked at them?   You have to admit they are UNIQUE, curious, darling, funny, gentle, MAGICAL, SPIRITUAL, challenging and rewarding.

When I stand in the middle of my farm with visitors I tell them to listen.  Listen to the silence or sometimes the sweet humming sound they make.  I tell them to feel the atmosphere that permeates the farm.  Sometimes I tell them to notice the smell or the lack there of, as far as livestock goes alpacas don’t have an overpowering nasty  smell.

Have you ever noticed that it is hard to stay upset or sad around these wonderful, intuitive creatures.  When I have been sad or devistated about something in my life, I can go out and sit quietly in one of the alpaca pens and before you know it a soft nose will brush my cheek or a tiny cria will start nibbling on the hem of my coat.

Sometimes it can be heartbreaking when you loose one but for the most part it is a wonderful life style.

I have had to learn many new things and make hard decisions owning alpacas.  Many vets are not super knowledgeable about them, they are just different enough that you need to Empower yourself and learn everything you can.  But even with all the challenges they are worth every minute of your time.

So honestly, Why Alpacas?  I say Why Not??

Playing Vet

When you have a farm with many lives in your care, sometimes it is necessary to play vet.  This happens for many reasons.  Sometimes your Vet is not available.  Sometimes there is no time to call them.  Sometimes money is short and another trip to the vet is just not possible.

Last night we discovered our oldest girl on the farm was not feeling well.  Sweet Stellaluna is a wonderful alpaca and the mother of Uinta Moon.

One of the hard things with alpacas is that by the time they are acting sick it is almost to late to save them.  It is in their nature to be very stoic, which actually makes a lot of sense.  In their native home in South America they are stalked by Puma.  If you act sick you are inviting a predator to have you for their dinner.  For farmers it causes a lot of problems.

When we discovered Stellaluna was in pain and could not catch her breath.  I took her temperature and was surprised it was very low.  Her eyelid color was a healthy pink so that was good.  It was hard to hear her lungs because she was gasping.  The Vet was not available but I knew I had to act.  I decided on a course action because of what I was seeing.  First I gave her something for pain, second I gave her something for pneumonia.  I left her alone for a bit to let the pain killer kick in.  Upon returning I found that she was still in trouble.  She was still gasping trying to catch her breath.  Then I noticed her belly looked big so I treated her for bloat.  While I was giving her the meds for bloat she stood up, so I was able to move her into the barn.  I finished the bloat meds and put a coat on her, gave her kiss and went into the house.  The next time I checked her she felt much better and no longer in pain.  I think she may have just been bloated from eating the ponds falling off of the trees.  We will keep an eye on her for the next few days.  All I can say is that our lives are never boring, there is always something to do.
Stay Home and Be Safe😊

And Then............

Happy Monday.  Quarantine continues, but so does the comforting rhythm of the ranch.  As I worked through my chores this morning it dawned on me that there is no end to the AND THENS. I love Alpaca farming, caring for my flock and doing farm chores. Being outside working is my happy place, but the AND THENS can get out of control sometimes. 

My day usually goes something like this;
First, at dawn I start by letting the moms and crias out of the barn, where they have been safely tucked away for the night.  

AND THEN, I clean and tidy up the baby barns, as I call it. This is where the nursing moms and their crias live who are on special diets.......
AND THEN, I fill the water buckets.......
AND THEN, I check the hay and put out pellets for the mommas and babies........
AND THEN, I check on and feed the grandmas. These are the really old girls that need special care. These are the old girls that struggle living in the larger female herds..........
AND THEN, I check on and feed my old men. Wolfden Wolfheart who is 18 and gets to wander the farm and his buddy CoCo a 25 year old llama that we adopted when his mom had to go to additives living. These 2 old friends are darling, but struggle to deal with the younger males.........
AND THEN, I let Stella out of her night time kennel. Stella is my LSGD that won’t stay home at night, so she gets to sleep in the straw stall. But it’s okay because Greta and Diesel have the night shift handled..............
AND THEN, I clean the 6 stall barn where our open girls live..........
AND THEN, I fill the feeders in this barn, fill the water and put out the pellets. All the while looking at each animal to make sure they are okay and happy.  

AND THEN, I have the boy barn, the dogs, the horses, the laying hens AND THEN, AND THEN, AND THEN!

You get the idea, a farm can fill your day, because no matter how much you get done there are always the AND THENS.............. I guess life is the same way isn’t it....

That is why we need to look at our lives from the outside........in, or from an earthly perspective to a heavenly one.  

We can fill up our lives up with so many busy, good things, that we forget the really important, essential ones...........

Keep your eye on the prize, enjoy your life, but don’t forget the important essential things for all the AND THENS. 

---

Stay Home and be Safe

I thought this poem was so fitting for today.  Stay home and be safe.
Find your bliss.😊

It was written in 1869 by Kathleen O’Mara:

And people stayed at home
And read books
And listened
And they rested
And did exercises
And made art and played
And learned new ways of being
And stopped and listened
More deeply
Someone meditated, someone prayed
Someone met their shadow
And people began to think differently
And people healed.
And in the absence of people who
Lived in ignorant ways
Dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
The earth also began to heal
And when the danger ended and
People found themselves
They grieved for the dead
And made new choices
And dreamed of new visions
And created new ways of living
And completely healed the earth
Just as they were healed.

Reprinted during Spanish flu
Pandemic, 1919
Photo taken during Spanish flu

Day 1 - Virtual Farm Tour

We are in our 3rd week of our social distancing, so for the next several days we will be doing a virtual farm tour.  This Red Barn is an iconic part of our farm.  It is the heart of shearing and everything fiber on our farm. I hope you are all staying safe and out of harms way. We will get through this challenge. Be Well 😌

My 10 most favorite things.

I hope this post finds you well. Yesterday I was challenged to list my most favorite things. I have a hard time with this because there are so many things that I truly love. But I will do my best to narrow things down.

1 - I love the fact that I believe in a Heavenly Father that knows me.
2 - Family.
3 - Connecting with people.
4 - The smell of rain in the high desert.
5 - The smiling faces of our sweet alpacas.
6 - Being outside.
7 - Cold crisp weather. And never temps over 90’.
8 - Creating new things and always learning.
9 - Being positive, glass half full.
10 - The silence just after a snow storm.
Bonus -
11 - My mountain bike. The joy oF riding trails anywhere.
12 - The sweet smell of horses.
13 - The sound of horses munching on there hay in a dark barn.
Please stay safe and find your bliss. 😊

Raccoons! Are you kidding?

Happy Tuesday. Last night was quite an adventure. While closing barns up last night, I walked in on 2 huge raccoons that were dining IN on my cat’s food. There was no food in the bowls so these 2 guys had figured out how to undo a screw top, pet food container. I have found the top open a couple of times recently and figured someone had just forgotten to close it. In hind site I now know I was mistaken. Anyway I chased the offenders out of the cats room and shut the door. These 2 did not want to leave the barn however. They scattered and tried to hide. I grabbed a broom and started hitting things and yelling, trying to make enough noise so that they would leave. I saw 1 scoot out the door but was not where I could see if both left. Well I shut the barn door hoping for the best. Soon I realized that one guy, a HUGE raccoon was still in the barn. My cats are looking at me like what??? I re-open the door and start yelling again, NOTHING, this raccoon doesn’t care at all. He goes to the back corner where my son has some moving boxes temporarily stored. I can’t get to him back there. Soooo I start making my way back to the corner, climbing over and around boxes. There is a lawn chair in my way, so I thought I could step on part of the frame and clime over it, as I try the stupid thing breaks and I find myself down on the ground all tangled up in the ———— chair. I slowly untangle myself and climb out from the mess. I am now really mad and limping so I am really yelling at the raccoon who is looking at me laughing I am sure. So I yell louder and smack him with the broom. Finally the beast runs out of the barn. Now I have to climb back out of the boxes, shut the door, and limp back to the house. I bet you are wondering why I just didn’t shoot them right? The answer is that I thought if I missed they would bleed all over the inside of the barn. In hind site it might have been a better plan, ouch. 🤣☺️Be well.

Quiet Reflection

Happy Monday everyone. It looks like we may be in for a quite April. I am working on projects that have been on the back burner for a while. The alpacas don’t seem to have any notion that the world is in crisis. As long as they get their daily hay and supplements they are happy as clams. Even though I live a very quiet life, I am feeling the social distancing. I wonder what kind of a psychological tole this is going to take on everyone. On the bright side alpacas are so good for your soul. It is almost impossible to feel sad or blue when you are around them. The online store is doing well and for that we are so grateful. 😌Stay well.

WOW - 2 days in a row, I am on a roll. We are about 2 weeks into self distancing in the Covid 19 pandemic. So far none of our loved ones have contracted it. Life must roll along on a farm and it does. Presently we are involved in pasture management. This is tricky for us because we have limited turnout pastures, and a whole bunch of alpacas that want to enjoy them. Spring can be so tricky. The new grass that emerges is delicate. It is so tempting to let the animals out to enjoy it, but you can’t do that. The grass should be at least 3” deep before we want to let them at it. If we want healthy grass for the entire summer I need to be patient now. Isn’t it interesting that to get the most out of almost anything there is a right way to do things. There are very few shortcuts. But how can you say no to the darling faces that are pleading to be turned out. ☺️Stay safe.

Well here we go, I am going to start, regularly writing this blog. There is much to say and so many wonderful experiences to share. I am doing this thing for me. I will share my thoughts, my feelings, the things life has taught me. I have had this blog since 2010! That is 10 years and I have only managed to write in it twice, TWICE! I am ready. 😌Be safe.