Sunday, February 15, 2015

Valentine's Day at the alpaca farm.....

Yesterday my friends Holly and Cathy, agreed to go on a little field trip with me to the local alpaca farm.  You have to understand that up until this past Fall I did not even know we had a local alpaca farm.  I happened to drive by it and I was stunned.  Yesterday was open house day at the Golden Spirit Alpaca Ranch and we had to see for ourselves these sweet fiber producers.   The ranch has three properties with over 75 acres and 250 alpacas living there.  The farm was beautiful, large, clean and so well kept.  You can actually buy an alpaca and have it bordered there.........tempting I know.


This is Vera, she was my absolute favorite.  She was so friendly and social, or maybe she was just hungry, I am not sure.  She is just a beauty, look at those eyes!  


Each alpaca had a name tag, here is Vera's.  There was Blueberry and Joy, and of course Merlot.  So many fun names, they made us laugh.


Here is Cathy with Vera.


And Holly is with Vera, too.  Apparently in the 85 pictures I took of the farm, Vera was in about 40 of them.


 Not the best picture of me here, but who could ever look good with Vera right next to them, she steals the show.


I just can't tell you how sweet they all were.  It was such a beautiful day, cool and sunny which certainly helped making living on an Alpaca farm seem like the ideal way to live.  Can you imagine walking out your door to the barn or fenced in area to have a little snuggle with a bundle of soft fleece?  Yes I know it would be a lot of work, but in my fantasy it is always sunny, cool and dry, and I get to snuggle anytime I want to with a willing participant.


Some were inside the barn in clean fenced in areas.


Others were in outside big penned in areas or left to roam in big open spaces.  Really if I was an alpaca I would love this to be my home.  


Look at this hairdo!

Alpaca's are herd animals so if you want one you had better buy a couple of them.  Oh darn that would be such a tragedy owning several of them. You could buy one of these and I promise I would go visit it for you!

It was just the best little field trip.  I plan to take Little Buddy when he is a bit older.  They sponsor these events several times a year.  There was also a little shop, lots of expensive things to wear and cute hats for little ones.  I restrained myself.  As soon as I got home all I wanted to do was work with alpaca yarn not my green, crummy, knit picks crochet blanket.  Ah well I will have to discipline myself to get that blanket done so I can have fun with yarn I love to work with.  And after yesterday that just might be some alpaca. 

Funny, well sort of a sad fact about me, my missing sister, the one who has nothing to do with my family or my sister Claudia, has an alpaca farm in Minnesota.   We have never seen it or actually heard about it from her.  She also knits, which we have never talked about.  Crazy isn't it?

Hope you had a great Valentine's Day and a nice weekend.

52 comments:

kathyinozarks said...

Meredith-what a perfect day. I recently found out that we have an alpaca farm near me too-I need to find someone who would want to go with me.
Their faces are so adorable they make me smile and I want to give them a big cuddle and hug.
So glad you got to go.
sad about your sister-but I know how families can be-I an not happy with my brother and am not speaking to him-or him to me since late last year-it is sad and not a good thing.

Kris said...

Hi Mer. What fun! I would love to have an alpaca or six! Looked like a really fun field trip!!
I am trying to get caught up with blogging friends. Hope you and the family are well!!
XO Kris

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

How fun! I just love their cute faces and eyes and hairdos. We visited one in New Mexico 2 years ago and got a history lesson and a tour. The yarn was pricey but I did buy a couple as a gift for friends. I think it definitely needs knitting to look its best so didn't buy any for myself since knitting and I do not get along. :) That is rather ironic that your sister would own alpacas and you don't get the benefit of it. :( But not a surprise that she is also creative since you and Claudia are very much so in so many ways. Hugs, Tammy

Pammy Sue said...

Very cool that you got to see the alpacas so up-close and personal! Nice pictures.

Unknown said...

Aw, I've never seen alpacas "in person", but they look so so cute and sweet, I'd love to visit a farm like that! And think about wool! Do they spin it and sell it?

Maureen said...

Looks like you had a wonderful day! I love alpacas, they're just too cute.

Unknown said...

I went to a local one a year or so ago. They are so cute with their mops of hair! The farm wasn't as big as the one you went to, but it was fun. They also had two emus in a fenced area, two horses in another area and had chickens running around. Plus a very friendly cat. The farm was old. But kept up. I love old barns. So much personality. Oh Yeah! I forgot about the two BIG dogs that I had to step over to get into the shop. I am so glad that you had a wonderful day and got out and had some fun in the outdoors.

ellen said...

They are just adorable and I am so glad that you had such a lovely day!

Géraldine B. said...

So cute they all are !!! We have an alpaga farm nearby but I've never gone there ... yet !!! I got this information about this farm ... yesterday ! That's funny your post is about such a farm today !!!!

mamasmercantile said...

What a lovely place to visit, those animals are just adorable with the big grins and posh hairdos. How sad you are not in contact with your sister, time is a great healer you never know...

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh my goodness.. what cute photos you got of those adorable little guys! We have the perfect place for alpacas.. but our fence was old so Dayle pulled it down and now we have a big open pasture. But I also dream of having my own alpaca herd.. of maybe 3. :-) You look much more beautiful than Vera! I hope you have a wonderful day.. it's sunny here! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Anonymous said...

What sweet pictures!

I swear when I got up this morning, the alpaca and I had the same hairdo.

Betsy said...

We have several alpaca farms nearby, maybe I can visit one too! Vera is awfully cute, but even she doesn't hold a candle to you my friend. My Hubby keeps talking about getting 5 acres or so out in the country. It has always been our dream, but now we're getting old and it's hard to have animals when you leave all the time to visit your kids! I just know your little guy will love to see these cuddly and sweet animals. Thank you for sharing all of the pictures.
Blessings,
Betsy

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Is it just me then who finds them really scary and intimidating!
Sorry to hear about things with your sister. Family can be very complicated, can't it.
Jillxo

Between Me and You said...

Funny old things, Alpacas, as are sisters. You'd never think I had two (sisters, not Alpacas!)sometimes. My Mother, rather infuriatingly, always makes excuses for their absenses. Did you buy any yarn?

Suzan said...

I am so surprised that there are alpaca farms in Florida!!! Would think they would grow more wool where it's cold. They are wonderful animals!! We stayed at a Alpaca B&B in north GA one weekend. LOVED IT. Got to shovel poop, AND brush them and feed them!!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Wow, what a wonderful day out. Vera has beautiful eyes xx

Gracie Saylor said...

Hey! For the record, Meredith, you are beautiful! I love seeing some of your friends and "your" alpaca, too.

It is so sad that as much as you have in common with your sister, your relationship is distant more than geographically. I continue to ask God to bless you and yours and me and mine. Being human can be very frustrating and difficult, but I am determined to love...even though it seems impossible sometimes.

Forever hugs to you, Mere, from this Gracie xxxxx

Judy S. said...

Sounds like you had a very fun expedition! Last year DD#1 gave me a whole lot of alpaca yarn from an alpaca fair she and the family attended; it was very nice to work with, that's for sure. Were they selling yarn? At a farm near here, all I bought was an alpaca finger puppet, very cute and never hungry. :>)

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm glad you had a chance to visit the farm. I really like alpacas. There's something about their faces that is so sweet and alert. I'm sorry about your missing sister. I hope that situation can improve someday. I'm probably her equivalent in my own family, unfortunately. I wish it weren't that way but in my case, it's for the best. That's just my case, though. I hope your sister comes around because you and Claudia are both lovely people and she is missing out big time. Hope you have a great week, Meredith.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Wow Meredith did that look fun. I love alpacas too! Always love their hair do's and the variety in colors. Vera was beautiful, I like that red head too! I'm happy you got to go on a field trip, even adult need them ; ) Have a great week, xoRobin

ps. that was a darling photo of you xo

My Garden Diaries said...

Those Alpacas are beautiful!!! Their eyes say it all.....you have to post when you bring Little Buddy there as I can only imagine how much he will love it!! And I am so sorry to hear about your sister....life is crazy sometimes...you just hope in the end people can come together and remember what matters. Wishing you an outstanding week ahead dear friend! Nicole xo

Christina said...

I do love knitting with alpaca. I have some in my stash.... You look lovely on the photo!
I hope that one day you'll be able to visit the other alpaca farm, the one in Minnesota. xx

Babajeza said...

Life is crazy, and it's not understandable sometimes. So who knows? You might visit your sister's alpaca farm one day. Meanwhile enjoy the one in your neighbourhood and the time with friends who love you. Regula

Unknown said...

Those alpacas are absolutely gorgeous-especially Vera! What a lovely day this looks. Have a lovely week,
Best wishes
Alison
farmhousetraditions.blogspot.co.uk

Gillian said...

That is very sad to hear about your sister. I'm sure you'd love to get visiting her alpaca farm and talk about knitting. We went to a very, very much smaller alpaca farm last September on Skye. I bought one ball of the beautiful yarn and crocheted myself a hat. It is so soft and warm.

Amy at love made my home said...

Why is it that I can totally see you with an Alpaca in the garden!!! You would be spinning and knitting and weaving up a storm wouldn't you! Glad that your had such fun with your friends, you deserve some fun times and should plan more days out my dear! It is so sad about your sister when you obviously have a lot in common. I don't know anything about this situation, but hope for you all that perhaps one day contact will be made if you wish it to be. xx

Tanna said...

Oh, such CUTE faces!!! This looks like such a fun place to visit; I'm sure Little Buddy will enjoy it one of these days, too.

Do you think maybe the alpacas and knitting will ever be a road to reconciliation?

I'm knitting with alpaca now and it is heavenly!! =) Hope you have a wonderful week! blessings ~ tanna

HollyM said...

There are some farms around here too though I've never visited any. I've always thought they were so cute. I have knit a pair of alpaca wool socks and they are the warmest ever. I want to do some for my husband.
I have friends with goats for their soap making business and dying to get out to see the babies.
It is too bad about your sister. I have a niece who won't speak to her father and I feel so bad about it.

handmade by amalia said...

What darlings! I can tell they are busy thinking deep thoughts.
Amalia
xo

Susanne Tyree said...

Funny that you would post about this because we have an alpaca farm (Star Gazer Alpaca Farm) and I have passed it so many times and wanted to stop and just stand at the fence and admire those sweet-faced animals. The babies are so darn cute. I know that a few years back they had an open house and of course I was in a rush and couldn't stop. I would love to take my grandson there sometime. It has to break ones heart when there is bad blood between siblings. What on earth could make one so unforgiving that they shun you. Life is way too short. People even forgive others for murder. Some people are truly missing out on blessings. But what can one do when a person does not know why they are being treated like that. About all a person can do is pray. You are in my prayers. Maybe some day her heart won't be so hard. She is missing out on so much. Love you friend ♥
Susanne :)

linda said...

Yes it's very sad to hear you have a sister whom you never see especially as she shares your interests. I would have loved to have been with you it looks like a fabulous day out and Vera is lovely. My friend is visiting Florida for a whole month,( I'm so jealous) I will tell her about this Ranch if it's anywhere near where she is staying I'm sure she would love to visit. Have a great weekend. :) xxx

Carla from The River said...

Hello Friend,
Oh, what a fun post. :-) It looks like a beautiful day. And what a great farm. You can tell they treat the animals well.

Sending you a HUG. We also have something similar on my husband's side of the family. So I know how it feels.
Sending a hug,
Carla

kathy b said...

Oh I love every picture. YOU look great. I LOVE your friend's back pack!!!

I think alpaca are darling. Such big eyed beauties

Mrs. Micawber said...

Mere, I loved this post. Those alpaca have such cute, sweet faces. Late last fall I found out we have an alpaca farm in the next county, and I've been waiting for better weather so I could go visit it. (And buy some yarn and write a blog post about it.) Alpaca is the softest, warmest yarn - so dreamy to work with. And it lasts too - I've had an alpaca scarf for about 30 years now and it's just as good as when I bought it.

You can weave with alpaca, you know.... ;)

P.S. If you do decide to get an alpaca to board there, I think you should have a naming contest.

Vera said...

What a great visit Meredith and, of course, Vera is beautiful and stole the show - LOL. So sad about your sister. Families are strange...I know that much for sure.

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

I'm with you on this Meredith, I would love to have an alpaca farm, in fact I was discussing it only yesterday with elder son! Vera is adorable!
I guess we are all now looking forward to seeing a completed alpaca knit from you!
Caz xx

Chris said...

I have to laugh when I see pictures of alpacas, they are so comical looking! You look lovely!! We have a big yard maybe I can get a couple to keep Archie company lol!! As for families, you just have to wonder what gets into people sometimes. a lot of us have problematic sisters, life is too short . Some people sure seem to get all bent out of shape over the silliest things, they miss the big picture. It's quite sad really . They miss so much. The good news is you had a great day with your friends! Some friends really become your sisters. Take care

Pradeepa said...

How cute! What a great day you had! Little Buddy will love this place.

Willow said...

I have a large bag full of white alpaca fiber. I've spun a small portion of it and made a shawl (the most recent shawl on my blog). I am a bit tired of spinning white alpaca although it is marvelously soft. Maybe if I dyed it?

Your day out on the farm does sound idyllic, doesn't it?

Caffeine Girl said...

I want to visit this farm! Yes, Vera is absolutely adorable. Actually, they are all cute.

So sad about your sister. Family relationships can be so tangled and difficult. I can't imagine a sister missing out on having a relationship with you!

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Thanks for sharing these sweet faces.

Anonymous said...

Oh My!!! I would not have made it out of there without some yarn even though I know I couldn't afford much!!! I love Alpacas and always wanted to have a few. Alas, it will remain a dream in this lifetime because of the fibro. But heck, a girl can dream... :D
I wish I could have gone with you all... perhaps one day...
Hugs always my sweet fiber sister,
Beth
P.S. Sorry to hear about your one sister but at least you are still sisters with her! :D

Ljubinka said...

Beautiful pictures, alpacas are wonderful!
Your bag is so pretty!
Have a great week.:*

elns said...

There is a reason Vera is your favorite and took so many photos. She's definitely social with her interacting with so many people, but really, you're right, she's gorgeous!

Neighborhood Watch said...

I daydream about living on an alpaca farm too, or even being a shepherd, or living in Thomasville and making goat cheese. As a child I wanted to be Heidi. But my husband is a city person and I do not know the first thing about animal farming. So, your pictures are about as close as I am going to get. Thanks!

Acorn to Oak said...

How fun! I love outings like that! Looks like a perfect day and the alpaca are so cute! Vera is such a cute name for an alpaca! Sorry to hear about your sister not being close. :-(

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I love alpacas! I think they are the cutest animals! I can see why you fell for Vera...she's a cutie! We have a couple of alpacas farms near me. One is a B&B owned by one of our local doctors and his wife. I have not been out to see it but it is something I would like to do soon. I am sure you heard about our big whiteout snow on Saturday. We were on our way to columbus to have lunch with my high school girlfriends and had to turn around....the roads were so treacherous and you could not see anything in front of you or behind. It certainly looked like a winter wonderland Saturday and yesterday too. Hopefully we will be seeing signs of spring soon.
Have a good week!
Hugs, Patti

Hedy King said...

Meredith, what a sweet day with the alpacas. I've thought about having a few on our acreage but without Steve, I'd be challenged to care for them. We had lots of various livestock before his illness.
Your mention of your sister makes my heart ache for you and Claudia. My own precious sister has taken me in and cared for me like a queen while I recover from total knee replacement. The weather has us snowbound on a lovely hill in Southern Indiana which feels as remote as a chalet in the Alps. I'm even more grateful for her care, knowing not all siblings share what we do. The family creative streak seems to include her too, a connection remains.

Annie Cholewa said...

Just along the lane here is a field occupied by a small 'herd' made up of two alpaca, a donkey, three goats and a sheep. I must try and grab some pics one day. I certainly woukld love to snuggle the alpaca!

Taci simmons said...

Wow what a wonderful day my friend. Yes it would be a wonderful ideal place to live. I would just need a few people to help with the beautiful animals ... But it does sound tempting. What a lovely way to spend yr day. And I'm sure little B will lobe it when he goes visit.

Liz said...

I would've never thought there would be an alpaca farm in Florida. They are such fascinating animals. Little Buddy will surely love it.