Mohair in Arizona by Chris

No. 5 Get that leg up and stay in formation...

2009-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the closest I got to them all cleaning on one leg....no. 5 is out of sync.....I told him to stay up with the rest. He didn't seem to respond to me or my camera....oh well...enjoy.

C

1, 2, 3, Everybody up - 4, 5, 6 Everybody down...

2009-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

My Patrolmen do synchronized cleaning...as you can see. I think it is so cute to see them all going up...then all going down.....sometimes they all are standing on one foot....tried to get a picture but I was just not fast enough. This is one of their favorite duties each day...to preen in the warm dry Arizona sun after splashing and chasing each other in their mud hole. After all the fun settles they all gather for their cleaning.

C

Bathroom Dispute...

2009-02-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

In this picture Oyster (The white Llama) arrived at one of the llama's prime poop pile and before anything happened Oreo (The brown Llama) showed up. Oyster was put off and then Oreo was put off....it ended with everyone doing what they needed to do and then go along their happy ways.

I took with picture because I think Oreo may grow bigger then her sister. Oreo has her Mom's (Emmy) build and Oyster has more of Dad's (Phillip the Spitter) build and I wanted to get a picture of them standing next to each other and this seemed like a good time...only after I took the picture did a realize it was a big'ol bathroom dispute.

C

Feed comes but with a hefty price...

2009-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my feed was delivered by Vaquero's. They do an awesome job of delivering and covering....I am just so impressed but, the price of feed is high these days and so are bales of anything. I asked since the price of gas has gone down will the feed price go down and I was told "you know once it goes up it will never come down". I knew that...but thought it couldn't hurt to ask. What is shown is about 800 dollars worth and none of it gets wasted. Even the pellets that fall on the ground get raked up and thrown into the pen for later munching on....it is just too expensive to waste it.

I highly recommend Vaquero for feed and their customer service is awesome. I know this because I have had 13 years of customer service experience and so my recommendations do not come easily.

C

A Picture for Marc

2009-02-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

This is a picture I took for a friend of mine named Marc. I was telling him I think my geese think they are goats because they eat and sleep with the herd. He was surprised so here is a picture of it. I ran across the picture today even though it was taken in the summer the geese still think they are goats. Well they think they can boss everyone around....most of the time the goats give in but, once in a while a goat will turn and all the geese jump in the air with wings just a flapping. Even when this happens it still does not deter them from their duties of inspecting each and every bucket of water or food. The geese (Patrolmen) take their jobs very, very seriously and is the funnest thing to see happen.

C

Standing in front is Easter Lilly...as she was born on Easter Sunday and is just as much of a trouble maker as her mother (Cherry-Berry) was. You just see Cherry-Berries horns in the far bottom right corner of the picture.

Are these sleeping Humming Birds?

2009-02-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

Before the end of the summer I saw what looked liked two puffs of cotton on a branch so I took a closer look. They never moved so I ran in and got my camera. They never even moved as I got as close as I could to take pictures. They were also breathing slowly...you could actually see them breath...it was just fascinating. I think I may have found two sleeping Humming Birds. Please let me know if they are because I have always wondered where do Humming birds sleep? From the feet it looks like Hummers.....take a look and leave a comment please. Thanks, Chris

My babies at One Month old...

2009-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

Here are my babies that were born on December 20Th...this picture was taken on January 20Th. They were one month old in this picture and as you can tell the one next to the small feeder is the one that Flow is not feeding....you can see the size difference. But they are both doing great...and Flow is getting easier and easier to hold....she loves bread...so one slice to start and one to finish....at least I don't have to wrestle her around...and my busted vein is healing. Only a few more weeks and they will be on their own and I can just sit back and watch until the next kids are born....on boy I hope I am ready.... What am I thinking I will never be ready they come when they are ready.

C

While I am here...can you

2009-01-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

Get someone to do a quick pedicure and manicure to ensure my nails are cleaned and sharp for desert digging? Then I would like a slow finger massage and then a big steak to end my night....after that I will go to sleep and pass gas all night long.....I know everyone loves that...

C

PS: Here gas displaces oxygen and could peel the paint off the walls.

My Patrolmen (the geese) think they own all buckets...

2009-01-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here are my Patrolmen (My geese) trying to get Fars out of one of the goats feeding buckets so they can examine it contents. The Patrolmen check every bucket out to ensure the water is fresh and the food is good....sometimes they even fight with a goat to get at the food for inspection.

C

My Fars (Farley) enjoys eating on his knees...

2009-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

This is Fars (Farley, Starving Marvin or the Nut less Wonder) likes to eat on his knees. He is the only one that does this...maybe because his legs or so long. He will even walk on them to get to more food. On my if his belly goes down...even one one hundredth of an inch he is like, I am starving..... He loves to eat. On the top picture facing us is Marble...who loves food just as much.

Sometimes Fars even sleeps with his head in one of the feeding troths...

C

Pellet Belly or Lots of baby???

2009-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

Above is a picture of Angie the Queen...currently she is really pregnant. I was talking to Kathy my friend and she suggested maybe to cut down on my feed because if the goats are too fat there could be problems. Likewise if they are too thin it could cause problems during pregnancy. My other females and her are not due until middle of March or the beginning of April. So I have cut the feed down and she looks better....but boy in these pictures taken before I cut the feed really shows some baby making in Angie...or is that fat making...hmmm

C

Sampson...King of the Hill..Well he thinks so...

2009-01-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here is Sampson...my buck who has impregnated every single female goat I have. He keeps trying to do Farley....Farley is my wether and doesn't like the idea to much.

Sampson walks like he is King of the Hill....not even the geese (the patrolmen) will mess with him. He comes from a high quality line so hopefully his kids will get some of the great fiber he and his dad have.

C

Flow...

2009-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Flow the mother of my first two kids of 2009 and boy she is a tough one. I named her Flow because she has large horns for a female goat...so Flowing Horns...Flow for short. She is seven years old and knows exactly who the boss is......her! I didn't think goats could be so strong but after holding her 2 to 3 times a day for the last month it has changed my mind. I think my bruises are starting to heal. In the beginning...on Dec 20Th, the first few days we wrestled to the ground....thank god she is getting the idea now and is not so hard on me. She has good fiber for seven and I hope that her kids will too.

C

December 20th Picture of Flows Babies.

2009-01-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Flow's two babies about an hour after birth. She did it all herself with no issues. The only problem I had was Angie one of my other goats wants a baby really bad and licked on one of the newborns causing Flow not to feed it but, it turns out that the baby is doing well...I have only suffered a few bumps and bruises and one busted vein....she is s tough one.

C

Flow's Baby pictures from Friday Jan, 17th

2009-01-18T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here are my two babies...they are just so cute. The one on the left that is standing is the one Flow does not want to feed. She is coming along great.

My patrolmen (geese) have not yet figured out how these two new goats got in here without them knowing about it. The babies know to jump out of the way of them and soon will let them know they are not afraid of them and the patrolmen will look for someone else to terrorize.

C

You love me and you know it.....

2009-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was out taking pictures to catch everyone up with what has been going on and the final picture is of my Cherry Berry. She just loves the camera and always has a smile to go with it.

It has been a rough month (Jan) for my Mom and I....her medications being sent from PA took two weeks to arrive and caused some problems for her...and a lot of worry for me. I spent a lot of time on the phone to the Pharmacist and Doctors....in the end we have decided that we are not going to do this process again. Everything arrived yesterday and she is resting and beginning to feel better....I am feeling a bit exhausted but on the mend.

I have lots of baby pictures....Flow is still tough to handle but she is beginning to get the picture when I go out to hold her. I did get the panels from Sydell but have not put them up yet.....somehow they look confusing to me. Kathy will probably have the answer.

Chris

I don't need no fancy clamps...

2008-10-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Home Deport huge C clamps work just great to hold down my drum carder. Who needs fancy clamps when you can use ol'C clamps to do the job.

C

Spinning Homework Part II

2008-10-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well I decided to continue my Spinning homework and carded three of four batts I colored the other night. It all went well and the colors came out pretty good. The only problem I am having is the same as the other night with the Burgundy one (It is to the right of the moss green in the top photo and above the moss green on the bottom one)...it is still bleeding color...I know I rinsed it well and used enough vinegar because I forgot the first time to put the vinegar in and so the second time I used a lot....something I just don't understand....oh well.....now I need spin some of them.......

Spinning Homework for the Wool Festival...

2008-10-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here is my homework so far for the Spin-in group at Kathy's...I was unable to attend due to a personal illness.....ok a migraine. I get them every so often and Saturday is the third day of it. It is starting to lessen so that is a good thing but, I will still call the Doctor on Monday.

Anyway....the colors are from Wilton's cake dye...I love using it because it always does something unexpected as you can see.....

Starting with the green from which every picture you want to start with here is the run down:
Green is Moss Green....there are some really dark parts maybe black...not sure until it is carded
Copper - The picture doesn't due it justice....it has some strange hues to it
Sky blue - Love it....it split as you can see
Burgundy - Oh this was the one I have issues with...first I forgot to put in the setting agent and rinsed and rinsed until my fingers were turning pink and then I said...hmmmmm I think I missed something because the fiber is going white....well I did.....it was the vinegar so back to the pot it went. The second time worked......hmmmm works when you use the right stuff....but it came out really strange can't tell if the color is right or wrong or split. I guess when I card it I will know.

I am only going to try and put some of them through the carder only once so I don't loose the split colors....hopefully that will work.

I hope the spin-in today went great and hello to everyone in the group.

C

Chris is making Yarn......

2008-10-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Above are pictures of the yarn that I have spun. I think it looks pretty good...I just need to do more....and color more... At least my spinning is getting some consistency.

C

Patiently waiting for Dinner......

2008-10-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

While walking my property one night I looked up and saw that my Palo Verde tree was growing a circle.....after a closer look a spider had neatly and carefully made a web using the Palo Verde leaves as a frame for her web. If you open the picture you can just see the web....I guess she is patiently waiting for dinner....from the looks of it no one has visited yet..........

C

My Niddy Noddy Thingy.....

2008-10-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

These pictures are for me to remember how to use one of these things......these yarn contraptions can be simple but confusing.....almost like a puzzle....the trick is not to cross your hand you are holding it with..

C

Abby the Coonhound goes Lumpless......

2008-10-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

The above picture was taken the night of September 14Th...the night before her surgery to remove two lumps...one from her face and one from her back leg. The Vet has been out to my house several times and has been watching the lump.....this time when he came to check my Llamas knee he said it needed to come off.....so I told him my concerns that she is ten...and I would really feel sad if I loose her under the anesthesia for something cosmetic. He assured me that they would check her blood before hand to make sure she could handle it......This was a scary decision for me because I love her just the way she is lumps and all....but I listened to the Doctor's advice.

Her is the new and improved Abby. As you can see they did a GREAT job and she came through the surgery fine.

The above picture is just so cute...she was not at all pleased by any means to have her back leg wrapped up......She worked it but didn't get the wrapping off. I took it off after 48 hours because her paw started to swell and I was feeding her all the snacks I had in the house. Once the wrap was off I had a spray I used on it for several days after.....thank god she is over weight...she had a tough time licking it, which the Doctor did not want her to do.

Abby said....."Another Picture...don't you have enough"...I said one more....there she is all good to go.

I would like to heart fully thank:
Doctor: Gordon Merayo, DVM
From the Marana Veterinary Clinic
13800 North Luckett Road
Marana, AZ 85653

I don't know what I would do with my protector and companion who eats everything including the trash...

C

So this is some of what the, now removed, Rattle Snake was living on.....

2008-10-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

A few days after 'Operation Removal' was completed I heard some rustling around my front porch flower pots......Well lo and behold the size of that beauty....no wonder the Rattle Snake was so agitated getting relocated....he was fine dining right at my front steps.....

Below is the condo place where some live...man what a life. Now that the predator is gone the apartments and condos are open again.....tell the neighborhood.

I tell ya these toads are just gigantic....I just can't believe in the desert they do so well.....OK, so I have seen a few bugs that would certainly fill them but, come on....I think some of them are five pounds if not more.....they scare me and they don't move to fast either......

C

An Evening Sighting...

2008-09-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

It was about an hour before moon set and it was shinning brightly from the south of me.....I was sitting on the far west end of my main pen watching the lighting to the far north wondering if any of it will come here.... Then I noticed a huge winged bird perch itself on the east end of my main pen directly in front of me about 20 feet. I flashed on my flashlight that I carry and noticed it was a huge Owl. I immediately turned it out because I didn't wan to scare it away. It was huge and eerily quiet. Moth Man did flash into my mind......

As I sat it awe of it....just because its huge wings were dead silent as it landed....it took off as silently as it landed and did a small semi-circle and perched on another poll just a few feet up from where it landed the first time. This time it put my Llamas on alert....they were up but silent...ears up and bodies all ready to act.....watching silently for the next move. I also didn't realize the goats were all watching as well. I guess because the moon light was so bright you could easily see the Owl and how huge it was and so the goats and Llamas would as well. The Owl was on the hunt and saw something in my yard.....probably some rabbits because I have so many that run around...it is the feed that brings them in.

Then without warning the Owl stretched out it's huge wings and took off right at me and the Llamas....silent and majestic as the night it swooped down with its huge wings....they were really big, then over our heads and into the night across my neighbors yard. It was just an amazing sight to see such huge wings with no sound. Even the goats bolted a little....then when it was out of sight everyone settled back into a quiet evening with the moon turning gold as it settled over the horizon. The Llamas settled back on their knees and the goats all dug a bit before settling back down for some sleep.

I didn't realize just how amazing some creatures truly are.

Feed prices are going up...like everything else...

2008-09-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

Feed prices are going up monthly...it seems. I am paying a dollar more then last month....I hope it does not continue to go up each month. It will cost more to feed my goats then it will me. I have decided to offset some feed with feeding straight Bermuda along with my pellets. It seems to stretch the pellet feed for me. The goats don't readily eat the Bermuda like they would Alfalfa....but they do eat it. The Llamas munch on it all the time...even dried out....they like to forage for it. The geese continually eat it as well.....so it doesn't go to waste.

Above is thirty 80 pound bags of half Bermuda/Alfalfa....and then on the left are two bales of Bermuda.

Operation - Rattlesnake Removal is now complete...

2008-08-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the Avra Valley Fire Department for removing the rattlesnake I had in containment last night. I did not realize you need to call 911 for this. The fire department graciously called me back today and left me know that when needing snakes or bees removed to call 911. They stated that once you do this the 911 operator will transfer you to the closest fire department for assistance. They also stated it is illegal to kill them and people should call to have them properly removed and then relocated.

Above, used with his permission to post, is the person from the Avra Valley Fire Department who did the removal today. He was professional and polite and did an outstanding job. The rattlesnake however, was not happy and he was showing his temper by striking and rattling loudly as he was being caught and boxed for relocation.

Again, thank you to the Avra Valley Fire Department for their quick and professional response to my need.
Chris Size

Chris Celebrates his 46th.....

2008-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Chris celebrated his 46Th birthday on Monday, August 25, 2008. He ate his favorite food in front of his plasma TV watching his favorite kind of TV.....the DVD on the Blue Planet a documentary. After sharing his favorite food with his protector Abby he retired for a several hour nap....afterward he groggily went outside and checked to make sure the rattlesnake was still in containment....happily it was. Overall it was a good day for him and he is looking forward to a challenging new year.

C

Night in the Desert part Three

2008-08-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

I really like this photo...I put it in black and white and it just jumped out at me. It is a creosote branch against the Desert night sky. To me it captures the essence of desert life. Sparse yet strong in its own way. It speaks to the beauty this Desert has while being simple at the same time. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Now this picture may not look like much...more like another hole in the ground but open it up and look carefully at what is inside the hole. It is a female Tucson Blond Tarantula awaiting something, its evening meal or mate...maybe both depending on her mood, to cross her door. I have never seen one in the wild and was excited to find her...it was by accident. Again, I was outside oh about 3am and saw her.....so I watched carefully and saw where she went.....I gave her some time and went back and there she is sitting in her burrow. Females can live many years and create burrows and that have just the right amount of moisture so they don't dry out. The males are the ones we currently see roaming the streets looking for love. If you scroll through my Blog you will see one.....he was probably looking for her the night I came across him......don't know if they met but she seems nice.......for a tarantula that is.

C

Night in the Desert part Two

2008-08-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Above is a cactus that is just doing great...hidden under a bush growing away. Each year it is covered in blossoms and just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Someones entrance to their house. Not sure what lives in it but is sure is round and sturdy. I was going to knock but decided it was too late and they may not have wanted any visitors.

My Mexican fan palm.

Fruit of the Desert. Ripe and ready for picking.

C

Night in the Desert Part One

2008-08-26T00:43:00.000-07:00

Above are my Plumeria's...they are doing just great. This is their first year so they're will be no blooms at least that is my understanding. Had them sent directly from Hawaii....and with a little Spray-N-Grow they are just growing away.

This is just a neat picture of some plant in my small wash on the property. The way it is growing on a large root just caught my eye.

This is my Palo Verde tree on the west side of my house. I hope one day that it gets big enough to shade that end of the house from the afternoon sun.

A small century plant growing away and doing its thing.

C

Here is the Rattler..........

2008-08-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

The first two pictures didn't bother me as much as the third one. He is about three feet long and well fed.....I bet he is the one who bit my Llama Oreo. I try to leave things alone but, he is much too big to be around my house...

Above is where he is now (full containment). I couldn't just leave him wandering my property....Abby has been bit twice in the last few years and Oreo was just bit. I called the Avra Valley Fire Department and left a message.....he is too big for me to mess with and I am not taking any chances to try and kill him.....if I miss I could be bit, Abby or he gets away and gets one of my animals.

I will update with some pictures once the Fire Department calls me back.

C

Reward for her protection...

2008-08-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last night Abby my Coon Hound was doing her alarm bark to let me know there was a rattlesnake in the area. So for her reward she got a big bone.....she chomped on if for over on hour....then she and it disappeared to her top secret location for later munching.

C

I'd like to recognize two dear friends...

2008-08-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

These are two of my dearest friends and co-workers that I knew at my former employer. Mary is on the left and Sharon is on the right. To me they are both great people that mentor and teach well and I hope to know them for many more years.

We worked together for several years....learning, stressing, crying and rejoicing.......and today we all are still smiling and living life to is fullest.

Love,
Chris

A Blossom opens up and calls to the night sky...

2008-08-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

The other night while walking my property I found a beautiful night cactus in bloom. It was just getting really dark and it was almost fully opened. It appeared to be calling to the creatures of the night to come pollen it. It will only last the hours of this night and will burn closed with the suns first rays but, for the moment it was showing in all its glory. I find the night blooming cacti to be have the most spectacular blossoms.

C

Sometimes things go wrong....I worry when things happen.....

2008-08-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday of last week I walked outside and got really scared. As you can see Oreo's face on the bottom is terribly swollen. The first picture shows it the best.

Immediately I called the Vet as asked what should I do. He asked if she was walking around and breathing ok, which she was. He stated to watch to see if the swelling affects her breathing and if it does he will come out.

I checked on her every few hours for her breathing, eating and walking during that time she seemed fine. After a few days she returned to normal like nothing ever happened.

Above is what Oreo normally looks like. I was just so worried. The Llamas, both Oyster and Oreo like to lay and roll in a dust bed they make or sometimes as I call it...lay like the dead. I think something bit her during a roll or a lay......because it was so swollen I am thinking it was a small rattle snake.....I don't think a scorpion bite would have produced such swelling.

Anyway, Oreo is back to normal and so are my nerves.

C

Fiber from my Augusts Shearing.

2008-08-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the fiber that Tor sheared. The quality is not very good and I will ask my friend Kathy to take a feel to see what we can do with it. Although it is kid mohair it is not the best.....these are the kids that Double D sired. As you might remember he went on an extended holiday a few moths ago. I am hoping the my buck Sampson will produce top quality mohair.

C

Shearing isn't just for Goats you know...

2008-08-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

Chris in need of some bad shearing....and wearing his new glasses.

Just like a shearing, starting right down the middle.

All done......oh boy now that is just so cool.....but the fiber has to go..... After looking at my fiber I realized I have some work to do.

Oh...doesn't he think he looks hot.......... Well all sheared up and ready to go.....but the glasses...man what about those glasses.

I decided if it is good for the goats...it can't be bad for me. So my friend Glenn came over and graciously sheared my head. It is much cooler and I am going to keep for at least until the weather cools.

And I kind of like it.
C

Couldn't leave out the Patrolmen...

2008-08-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Above are my 'Five Geese a laying' doing what they do best....supervising. They observed the whole shearing event and highly approved of the process. Above they are outside the main pen getting ready to go on patrol to make sure there is nothing around the area that shouldn't be....if so they will get rid of it, eat it or chase it.....Abby...look out here they come.

C

'Shearing is over...and I know what your going to do'

2008-08-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Oh isn't she just cute...and what a smile. After the shearing she knew what was going to happen.......feeding time. And just look at that smile saying feed me first and the most....because I am cute, I know it, and you love me. Above is my Cherry Berry....she gets her head stuck in more places then I can count. She gets into and behind things she shouldn't but I guess I can't get upset...just look at that smile. Who could resist that look.

Hey, what about me....says Farley.....don't forget about me. I call him my 'Starving Marvin' with the fat belly....he eats just to eat and always wants more. He knew what time it was as well.

Well, everyone got feed and was happy for the night....making a good night for 'Peace in the Pasture'...

C

Who Am I???

2008-08-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

On the 11Th of August, Tor graciously came over in the heat of the day to shear my kids born at the end of December. Their mohair was getting really long and they were getting messy. Well Tor puts one up on the rack to be sheared and states he got a buck. I said oh no it is a doe, look here. To his surprise it had doe parts....but he stated the horns tell him it is a buck, they were too wide. He felt underneath and said... it is both.......male/female. I said.....no way!!!! Can that happen.....Tor smiled a big smile and said I almost got him, but he was right. If you feel way underneath there are nucs's but they are way up inside....he stated they will never come down. So I took this picture afterwards with the hermaphrodite looking at me as if saying 'Who am I'? Now I understand why she is the nosiest goat I have.....she is still trying to figure it all out.

But she is cute even if she has both parts...

This is a behind picture, not that I am into taking behind(butt) pictures of my goats...usually they are not pretty and I mean NOT pretty. To the right is her mom Amber supervising me to make sure I was checking everything out properly.

On the top picture I tole her....I love her just the same as the rest...now stop making so much noise....I got it, both parts....OK already lets move on to something really important like eating.

C

My plant 'Jewels of Opar'

2008-08-11T01:13:00.000-07:00

This plant is call 'Jewels of Opar' because of the different colors it goes through producing seed pods. The sponge got in my way but for the most part you can see the neat color variations that it is going through.

C

After pictures of Operation Separation...

2008-08-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

After 'Operation Separation' was completed everyone settled down and I took some pictures. Above is outside my main pen....with Angie my Queen and her kid nestled right behind her. Further down is Marble and then beyond that is Amber, she is the colored one sitting upright and her kid is laying down.

This picture was taken inside my main pen and you can see Maggie in front.....Cherry Berry the orange one and her kid....Lilly Billy....Lilly was born on Easter Sunday and has been a trouble maker ever since she hit the ground. She took right after her mother. Beyond them is Farley my Nubian companion goat. He was done with the festivities long before everyone else. I guess moving some goats....didn't excite his goat....OK, pun on words. At the end is Princess. She is tough and likes to be out of the crowd.

My poor llamas......they were thinking....'What is he doing taking pictures at this time of night'. As you can see their eyes are closed but they looked so peaceful I couldn't resist taking the picture. Well they couldn't have been too upset..their ears are up. Oyster is in the front and is the leader with Oreo behind. They are just so cute.....they have their spitting matches but Oyster still takes the lead every time. Oyster and Oreo cam from Kathy's and are from the same mother and father. The mother is white and the father is black. Oyster is oyster colored except for the black spot on her face and Oreo is chocolate with some white under her chin. Oreo melts my heart every time she looks at me with those big brown eyes that just say 'love me'....just 'love me'. Oyster just wants to rub noses and get kisses. This night is was warm and I guess they found a cool place to sit for a while. I am sure they were up after I went in patrolling their property and taking count of their herd. All in all it was an interesting night and I hope 'Operation Separation' was not too late.

C

Operation - Separation...is now complete...

2008-08-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

Above is Sampson coming into his manhood as I call it. You can see his horns are starting to curl out and he is grunting and doing things I am not going to describe. He hasn't got it all figured out and hopefully he didn't connect all the dots and make babies with my older woman, Flo. I call her Flo because she has large flowing horns for a female and is seven years old. I hope she didn't show him the ropes.....well time will tell. Anyway Sampson has fiber like his father No. Size from Kathy's. I hope he continues to have it and pass it on to his future kids. Notice I stated future......like 2009...not 2008. Sampson....are ya listening.

I was talking to Kathy and stated I noticed that Sampson, the first picture, was sniffing butts. She stated I may have missed getting him separated before making more babies.....oh my. Well this all happened about two weeks ago....I separated that night and it was not easy. Sampson was not liking being moved away from his lady friends especially Flo...he was taking a liken to one of my newest additions....although see is seven she must still have it going on....and Sampson liked it. Hopefully I won't have any babies....but that is what Christmas is all about....gifts and love. OK, I can take all the love but hope the gifts didn't quit make it. Anyway, time will tell.

The Five Geese a Laying were busy supervising the whole operation.....ensuring I did everything correctly and talking me through the whole procedure. The bottom picture was taken after all the work was done and the supervisors were discussing the event amongst themselves.

If Sampson does make some babies they should have awesome Mohair...look at the curls on the first picture.

C

What was once buds are now fruit of the Desert...

2008-08-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

The first picture was taken early in the Spring and the bottom one was just taken the other night. All the buds blossomed and are now becoming fruit of the Desert. Interesting that all of them made it because there are so many.

C

The Long Lonely Road to Love.....

2008-08-11T00:12:00.000-07:00

One night after a brief rain I was walking my property and noticed a creature on a long lonely road looking for love. Above is a male of the Tucson Blond Tarantula out looking for a mate. I even tried to pick him up, yes they are friendly despite what everyone says about them, but he was just interested in staying on his journey.

The males seek out the females....the females keep burrows and sometimes can live up to twenty years sometimes in the same burrow...the males...not so lucky. Once they do their final molt they become sexually mature and will mate then die. Sad but true....their two front legs change so they can mate and are unable to eat and if they are accepted by the female then success and a new crop of babies will be produced.....if not he could end up as dinner. I guess with that in mind who could eat. I couldn't knowing I could be my mates midnight snack......but if you got to go then it might as well be while mating and he was intent on finding his mate. I hope he did.

If you see them know that they are looking for love....sometimes in the wrong places but are really fragile and won't bother you because they are on that long lonely road to love.

C

Thank you for reading my Blog.

2008-08-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all those reading and posting comments to my Blog. It helps inspire me to keep posting and wanting to share my adventures in the world of Mohair. OK, and all the rest of the stuff that goes along with the Mohair including some additions like llamas, geese and a few others as well (Marble).

Thanks,
Chris

I actually finished some yarn!

2008-07-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at a spin-in at my friend Kathy's I actually spun a few bobbins of my mohair. Well today I finished the process by hand washing them and hanging them to dry. Here are the results. I think they turned out well. The second picture is a blend of violet, yellow and some blue sparkles and the third picture is a natural color. It is from my red doe Amber. It turned out very soft.

The next step will be to have someone actually use it to see how well it holds up. I am excited to see my fiber made into something. Now I need to really start carding and spinning. I only have about two hundred pounds to go...and more being grown every day. Kathy was right it piles up quickly if you don't keep using it.

I think I am going to ask my friend Michelle to use it to make something. I will post what she does if she agrees. Eventually I will learn how to make some things and hopefully one day start selling my yarns.

C

The Mighty Protector of my Kingdom!

2008-07-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ready to jump at a moments notice to anything that is entering my kingdom. She is fierce with never ending energy to protect and be ever watchful.

OK, maybe I am stretching it a bit. My Abby is doing what she does best, laying around and sleeping and I wouldn't have it any other way.

She gives unconditional love and follows me all around and I love her just the way she is. Even when the geese chase her around.

Chris

Five Geese a laying in the Rain....ok, It's Six Geese a laying....who's counting anyway!

2008-07-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

A continuation from last nights rain fall are my five geese..... They were like what is all the fussing about...this is perfectly OK with us...more water and mud to play in.

These five geese are my newest addition to my herd. They have settled in just fine and roam around like they own the place. I think they do. They are so funny...if a goat won't move for them they just go right between their legs. I am going to try and get a picture of it....I was just shocked to see it happen and the goat didn't even seem to notice.

Chris

My Llamas just don't seem to mind the rain

2008-07-11T03:08:00.000-07:00

As you can see Oyster and Oreo (the sisters, as I call them) are just relaxing in the rain. They don't seem to mind it as much as the goats. I hope they let themselves dry off a little before taking a roll in the desert for a dust bath. If they don't dry they'll turn into a big mud ball....but I will love them anyway mud and all.

Chris

My Goats are soaked....they'll live

2008-07-11T02:58:00.000-07:00

I guess they gave up trying to find something to get under because they were just standing there....melting in the rain. They so don't like water so this is probably killing them to get soaked. They do have cover but I guess it is just easier just to stand in one place feeling all dejected and wet to the bone. The look on Sampson's was saying 'this is just killing me, don't they know I will melt in the rain'.....I told them I think there is a good chance, probably a very good chance they will survive the soaking even if it does rain all night. It didn't seem to make them feel any better, they didn't even move.

Oh well, they'll live...

Chris

Rain falls in the Desert and my Wash comes to life...

2008-07-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

I couldn't sleep tonight and noticed it was raining a lot....so I ventured out to see if my wash was running. It was running big time and will probably be running until morning. The first picture shows my waterfall that is about halfway through my property. The bottom picture was taken at the end of my property headed towards the wash. There is a lot of water running and we need it. I like to see it when it is full...I think it is neat to have a wash. I will post more pictures tomorrow.

Chris

A Queen of the Night opens

2008-07-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago in a top secret location, even I didn't know where it was on my property, a Queen of the Night was opened. I was surprised to have stumbled upon it. The flower lasted only one night....but it was spectacular. I am thrilled to have it growing on my land. When it is not in bloom the cactus is difficult to see as it looks like the bush it is growing under. You can see this in the second picture. Hopefully I have found it enough times to know where it is so I can keep an eye on it for next year....maybe the blossom will be even bigger. I hope so.

Chris

Arizona Monsoons bring the rattles out for a bite...

2008-07-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

As I walked out and down my few steps in the front of my house using my flashlight....there he was. Just sitting all curled up waiting for something good to eat. I gently stepped over him and took a picture....then took myself and my dog, Abby back into the house. Abby has been bitten twice....I certainly don't need a third bite.

I showed the snake respect and left it be.....hopefully by morning it will have found something to eat and be on its way.

I was kind of surprised as this is the first Rattler I have seen this year. I have seen three to four king snakes but this is the first Rattler.

Chris

I always knew there were aliens among us....or is that really just my Marble naked?

2008-05-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

Oh my...who took my Marble....and replaced him with an alien one. This is not my Marble...no way.
Then he came over and said.....I am Marble.....WOW...I said..man do you look different all naked and stuff. For a minute there I thought you were abducted by aliens and they gave me somebody else....I am glad it is just you Marble. I would have never forgiven myself if the aliens got you. Then I remembered that Tor sheared him as well. Marble did ok being sheared except for the big pimple on his back that Tor popped....just about made me puke.... The red stuff is a spray used to help heal any minor cuts and nicks so it is not as big as it looks in the picture. Marble is the only sheep I know that thinks he is a lap sheep. At least he will be cool for the hot dry summer ahead.

Chris

Oyster and her sister Oreo - All in the family or is it...

2008-05-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

From the looks of things here....Oyster is like...you had bring my sister here didn't you. You couldn't just love me you had to have my sister to hmmmm, we'll see about all this. Oreo was like....did she say something.....well I am her sister. She just doesn't know it yet.

Oyster is still not so sure about this all in the family stuff. They are actually getting along pretty good. Oyster is letting everyone know she is boss including her sister. She is only using saliva spits...and when she does everyone gets out of her way...or else she will follow you to make sure you got her message. It is cute to see Oyster chasing a goat....Oyster's head all down, the goat on the run bleating and Oyster in hot pursuit. Oyster always wins.... You can also see I had Tor leave her mane...I want to see it grow out and see what she looks like.

Chris

Oreo - The new addtion has arrived and settling in well.

2008-05-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

Oreo arrived on Saturday May 17th. She is just six months old and is Oyster's sister. She arrived by special delivery from Tor. He did a great job shearing her as you can see.

Here she is giving her sister a quick smell. From the looks of it I don't think she is all the sure about Oyster yet...but they both follow each other around.

After the smell I think she is thinking....hmmmm that smell could just be related. I'll need more to be sure. Oreo is just so darn cute...right now she will come and give me a quick smell as well. After seeing me giving loves to Oyster, Oreo might be saying....oh boy I hope he doesn't think he is going to do that to me!!! I said...we'll see...everyone needs loves.

Chris

Cherry and her new baby Lilly...

2008-05-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

She had no problems and did all the work herself.

Doesn't she just look all proud of herself. An Easter baby...

Chris

Cherry Berry has her baby....Born on Easter Sunday.

2008-05-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

So my friends and I decided on the name of Lilly....for Easter Lilly. She is just so cute. I wasn't even sure that Cherry was pregnant but my friend Kathy was right...she was.

Chris

An Arizona Springtime...in pictures.

2008-05-18T21:59:00.001-07:00

I was outside a few weeks ago and took some pics of what I thought would describe in pictures an Arizona Springtime. Above starts what I will call an Arizona Springtime in pictures. This tree just exploded in yellow adding a wonderful color to the desert background.

My big main China Berry just had blossoms all over it this year. I could smell them from twenty feet away...the purple flowers were just beautiful...I don't think the picture does them justice but there are lots of them.

I am not sure what this one is called but it is just coming up from the middle and looks neat as a picture. I find that the stick bugs love them...and at night if you are patient with a flashlight you will seem them walking on the ends of this plant. It is just so awesome to see nature in motion.

This one is just over doing it...come on...a bud at every point and sometimes two. It just must be happy that it is springtime. I hope it doesn't fall over from the weight of them...

I was walking by another China Berry and looked up and this is the sight. A bright green canopy to bring spring in with. It was bright green and just looked so inviting I would have liked to nest in a branch just to bask in the green canopy light.

This cactus was also a happy one...just look at the flowers and all those buds. I really like this one...it has a purple hue all year long and an odd shape to the pads. Don't get too close....it has some long spines and they are not very forgiving and stick well....I have had to pull them out of my dogs (Abby) nose....it sure does look funny stuck in her nose because they are so long. I try to tell her she can't put her nose into everything...one day it may not came back with her.

Here is a close-up of the flowers from the cactus above. They are just beautiful and bring a burst of color to Springtime in the Arizona Desert.

Chris

Buck on the run...Double D what are you thinking!

2008-03-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Last night when I feed everyone they were in their pens and doing fine just eating away. This morning I went to check on everyone and to my surprise Double D was out of his pen and on the run with the girls.

I immediately went outside and he ran up to me all wide eyed with a look of utter joy on face as if to say....look...I got out just like you wanted me to.

Well I checked the pen and found out he bent down the back part of the fencing. I didn't think he could bring it down since it was five feet tall. He did.....so I will need to fix it. Once the feed store that I go to gets more hog panels...his home will be perfectly secure. Well I hope it will be at least secure enough to hold him in.

I called my friend Kathy to ask if my girls who are still nursing could get pregnant. She thinks only Little K...who's baby died or my Cherry Berry could get pregnant...but it is possible that Double D's junk, as I call it is not good because of the temperature. I guess time will tell.....and if I have more babies...it will be a great summer surprise.

I came home from work to assess the situation and decided not to rush the fixing because if his junk is good he was out all day with the girls and given he was with them all day...he had plenty of time to play....so I made the decision to let nature do its thing. I will begin the fixing this weekend.....maybe my feed store got some hog panels....I sure hope so.

I will also post some pictures of my babies on the weekend as well. I got some cute ones.

Chris

Got to start updating again....

2008-02-25T21:50:00.000-08:00

I have pictures taken.....just haven't had the urge to post but I am getting much closer.... I will probably update this weekend...

I have pictures of my one month old babies.....they are just so cute.

Chris

I lost my dad on Jan 16th, 2008

2008-02-10T20:32:00.000-08:00

After twenty eight years of, I want to say battling many heart problems, brain tumors and bone cancer, etc...my Dad would have said just keep moving, he passed away in his sleep at the Mosses Taylor Hospital in Pennsylvania on Jan 16th, 2008. He had a will to live like steal and taught me many things about life and living I could never replace. My mother was my Dad's primary care giver for the entire time......only God knows how she did it. She is just wonderful.....I thought I would have to help her through the grieving process and in turn she is the one who is helping me. She is a person of great commitment and integrity. Fifty two years ago my mother and father promised each other they would care for each other regardless of what came their way......and she has fulfilled that promise many times over. She did so much for my father only God knows all of them.

I would like to pass something we still do as a family each night....even if we can't physically say it to each other we can in our heart.
Each night before we went to sleep we would say we loved each other......if anything was bothering us it was then talked about until we could say we loved each other and once it was settled we said it and then off to bed. My Dad said the reason is, we should always go to bed loving each other because we never know what tomorrow will hold or if we would get that chance to say it again. There were no secrets that weren't shared no problems not talked about and resolved. In fact the night before his passing we talked on the phone and we ended saying we loved each other as we have done my whole life. I will miss him dearly but I know in my heart he is in a much more wonderful place. If there is one thing I would request is that everyone who reads this to do the same. Look beyond and remember that it is only Love that will keep us here and Love that keeps us alive. Mother Teresa once stated a phrase that has had and will continue to have an impact on my whole live and it is: "Love is giving until it hurts."

I am worried about my mom but, if she could care for two for many years.....she will be able to take better care of herself now. I love her so dearly and didn't realize how strong she is. If it weren't for the love my parents showed me I would have never gotten to where I am today. They also provided another strong message......as they would say; "We brought you into this world to live your life not ours so do and go where you want and we will always be here." Wow, powerful words that they live by even today.
I would like to thank Aunt Flossie and Joanie for their unconditional love and help in getting my mother and I through this time. They are just so wonderful. If it weren't for the love and caring they have for my mom I would worry and wonder whether I should go back to PA but I don't have to...they have it all.....so I love you both so dearly....My house is always open for you whenever you decide to come and visit.
I deeply thank all those not mentioned for their help and support during this time. Al Hughes Funeral home was a blessing. Thank God for the Funeral Director......they are just great at getting to what needs to be done. Without them I would have just put off doing anything...until I don't know when......they are a great help in moving a process that is so hard emotionally.
I would also like to thank Father Fran of St. Ann's Basilica in Scranton, Pa. He did an outstanding service and made it so personal I cried through most of the mass. He is a priest of deep devotion and love and I thank him for that. If anyone get a chance to see Scranton, Pa...Visit the Basilica to St Ann it is just beautiful.
Thank you to Susie Rummens for taking care of my herd while I was in Scranton. She did such a great job of taking care of my new mom's and kids I never worried about them....she was just great. Friends like her are rare in these days......so don't forget to them you love them.....Susie, 'I love you' for all the things you do and wonderful support you give to me in times of need.

Writing this helps me to understand there is still a lot of love around....all we have to do is reach out for it.

Chris

PS....My dad would say.....'Just keep moving'....so I will take his advice.....keep moving.

I missed it again!!! Angie has her baby.

2008-01-13T17:12:00.001-08:00

Well, quarter to five came way to fast.... I dizzily got up and got dressed and laid on my bed for what I thought was a moment....when I looked at my clock it was a quarter to 6....oh my god.... I jumped up and hurried outside....it was foggy with everything just dripping wet. I hurried to the pen....and surprise!!! Angie's baby was out and up. I got in there and started doing my thing. The baby was wet and cold so I first dried him with the towels and then with the hair dryer. The hair dryer was the trick.....during the process I used it on myself a few times.....hey it was cold out there. Anyway, the baby dried nicely and I tried to do my plug and play....but no way.....that baby had a set of lungs on him..... He just did not want any help from me....so I patiently waited and continued drying here and there, a little on me...a little on him...sometimes on Angie.......and wouldn't you know. Nature is just so wonderful....he found the teat and the rest is history and I was exhausted.

My only concern is Angie's baby is only using one of her teats......I got both going but for some reason he favors one side...maybe the milk is better on that side.....better tasting I suppose.

Life is just wonderful.

Enjoy

Angie is down at midnight......oh...I think something is going to happen.

2008-01-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

Oh boy...here we go. It was midnight and Angie is down and pushing. So I made sure everything was in order. I was worried because it was so wet...but I was ready. It really looked like baby was coming when all of a sudden everything stopped and she got up and casually strolled over for something to eat. I stood there dumbfounded.....she looked at me like...'what....I am hungry so I am eating'. Then I didn't know what to do with myself so I started checking on her every 20 to 30 minutes and by.....2:30am...I decided I needed to get some sleep or I would just fall over. She would lay down....do a little pushing then get back up and walk around..... Oh my...this was driving me crazy.....it was so wet....I was like, come on, lets get this going so we can all get some rest....but no. Angie was going to have her baby when Angie was ready. I finally passed out around 2:45 am and set my alarm for 4:45am....it was only two hours....what could happen.

C

Cherry - I'm not sleeping on the wet ground....I am smarter then you think...

2008-01-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

At midnight, Cherry was in the feeding box as it was probably the driest thing in the pen.....she looked at me like was disturbing her beauty rest. She looked at me as if to say.....'can't you see I am in my bed....go away'. I told her I have important stuff to do because I am checking on Angie to see is she is getting ready. So, she turned her head and went back to sleep.

Monday Jan 7th Sunset....Will Angie have her baby?

2008-01-13T16:50:00.000-08:00

The sunset is beautiful but the picture just doesn't capture it all. The colors were just amazing and while the sunset was happening I was worrying about Angie in the rain having her baby. So I decided to get things as ready as I could just in case. Got the extension cord running out to the pen with the hair dryer ready to go...towels, blanket and bucket all ready......now I wait...

C

Angie is going to have babies!

2008-01-07T23:10:00.000-08:00

Angie, my Queen of the Goats is going to have babies either tonight or early Tuesday morning. She is laying down and pushing, however the next moment she is up and walking around...... It is going to be a long night of checking on her.

I have everything ready to go from towels to the hair dryer. It rained tonight so I want to be ready to dry the babies.

Because I have everything ready she will probably wait until I give up waiting and then deliver.....we will see.

Well, when she is ready babies will come.

Chris

This picture is just so cute...Amber's babies

2008-01-04T21:36:00.001-08:00

This makes all the raking, feeding and worrying worth it. These are Amber's babies tonight after feeding from mom. They are just so cute...

Enjoy

Amber has her babies!

2008-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Amber had her babies last night around 7pm. They came out well done and ready to hit the world running and jumping. My neighbor was over helping me dry them and stimulate them to nurse. The boy was easy and the girl seemed to not get the hang of it......but her belly was round so I think she got some before we started. Well today they are running and jumping and doing great.

Enjoy

There is always one trouble maker in the group.....Cherry

2007-12-31T12:48:00.000-08:00

This morning my Cherry Berry was stuck in the fence she is chewing through in this picture. And as you can tell it didn't stop her from going back for more. I tired to put her in with Amber but she was just running around trying to get out....so I let her out...she was driving all of us crazy. She has an ability to get her head stuck in almost everything......she just has to stick her head in every hole or fence......I had to cut the fence today to get her out.... She has 4 acres to eat on but no... she has to have that one particular piece right, ok right......there. I will never be the same.

Enjoy

The Queen eats.....

2007-12-31T12:45:00.001-08:00

You can't tell from this picture but she is big too. She is ready to pop any day as well.

Enjoy

Here is what my first baby pen looks like.

2007-12-31T12:39:00.001-08:00

This is what I made to house the new mother and baby. The baby is blocked by Angie's head....She is my Queen of the goats and as this picture was taken she was inspecting the birth housing to make sure she likes the layout. The unit comes fully furnished with food, water, heat lamp and ceiling. Not bad.....hmmm I think she approved.

Enjoy

Next up for some kids......

2007-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

Amber, my elegant lady goat I think is up next....she is big...so I separated her yesterday just in case. I am going to create a baby pen, which is smaller so her baby and her can bond faster. She isn't showing any signs of birthing but....boy does it happen fast.

Enjoy

Now this is 'Peace in the Pasture'

2007-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

The babies belly was good but I plugged him in for a little more and he seems to be getting the hang of it. He was just a slurping away...and I was standing by like a proud papa. Then when he got full he looked for a place in the sun and collapsed......and I said....'now this is peace in the pasture'.

Enjoy

A baby goat...I'm not ready......I'm not prepared....but nature was.

2007-12-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I walked out to my pen today......and saw a surprise...but it broke my heart....one of my does...Little K had a baby and it was dead....so I stood there looking at it wondering why everyone was so upset.... Well I looked across the pen and there was Princess....on the ground pushing something out... I ran over and then my mind went blank. I didn't know what to do..should I pull it out..let it go or what, I just couldn't think so I immediately called Kathy Withers.....she was my godsend. She said let nature happen and it did. Above you can see mother bonding with baby. The pictures below tell the continuing story.

Enjoy

Kathy came right over and knew just what was happening and what to do. She asked a lot of questions...well it seemed like a lot of questions of which I had no answers. I wasn't prepared...my pens weren't ready.....I wasn't ready. Well she said lets get started and that is what we did. We trimmed the hair around Princesses teats so the baby could find them. Kathy is just so good. So we did.....next

Baby and mother bonding....kid now standing on his own. He is just so cute. Oh by the way....Kathy asked me to check to see if it was a boy or a girl. Well I did and I said a doe, she said what about the things between his legs. OH, I gasped.....I stated I looked.....she said, did you feel....I said no...... Learning one.....feel for the parts, looks can be deceiving. Next...

More baby bonding.....but we wanted to make sure he was nursing so we did what I am calling 'Plug and Play' or PNP. Next...

Kathy teaches me how to 'PNP' the kid. It is a lot harder then it looks. You would think it would be a simple thing....well I am here to say it is not. Kathy is just wonderful....a few seconds later you could hear the kid suckling......oh what a relief. More to come....next...

Oh boy....it is going to get cold tonight.....so my friend Michelle and I went next store and asked if they had any little baby t-shirt. They did....and they let me have one. This picture is just so cute...me putting the t-shirt on and the mother checking it all out. Me still out of my mind....I was thinking will I get through this. You would think I was the one delivering.......

Chris, me, trying the PNP....looks liked it worked here.

Well lets make sure your attached. Come on it is right there...just grab hold. I had a teat in one hand....the other held the back of his head with one finger opening his mouth and me trying to put all the pieces to play. Oh sweet success.....slurping sounds.....he is getting some......ok, I can pass out now.......whew I am wore out.....well now that his belly is full he finally gets some rest. Next...

Ok, the baby says 'I am done for the moment and leave me to sleep'......I was exhausted....and the baby naps quietly in the warmth of an Arizona sunset. Success for the moment.

Well Kathy informed me that my other does are ready.....so they are now separated. The bucks have been put into their own pens and are not happy about the whole thing.

I am so grateful for Kathy's help today. I thought I would be ready and ok with the thought of having babies.....I guessed wrong. Nature is such a wonderful thing and I thank God for all the wonderful people in my life and all that he allows me do. I learn new and wonderful things about life each day and I look forward to learning much more.

Kathy, thank you for being the person that you are. Thank you for your patience that you have with me and for showing me how to do things.

Well I am sure I will have more pictures and more stories in the next few weeks...as the kids starting coming.....oh boy....... Lets 'Plug and Play'

Chris

I think I am going to freeze.......

2007-12-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, maybe not but I am not liking the cold. I much prefer the warm to hot weather. When I get home from work it feels like it is midnight when it is only 7 in the evening. To feed I am dressed to go on an arctic hike, gloves and all. The goats love the cooler weather, the days are in the 60's and the nights are in the 40's....so it really isn't that cold but for me I rather the 80's and 90's.
My only concern is some of my females look pregnant....oh I hope not.....my buck broke out of his pen about a month and a half ago.....he was with the females for about seven hours....and we all know that a lot can happen in seven hours especially in the goat world with hormones rushing. Well if I kids then it was meant to be......and I will be just as excited with two or more....time will tell.

Chris

What happens to a plant that has been growing in the same spot for three years...

2007-12-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

This Aloe has been growing in the same spot for over three years and I was really nervous about moving it. I needed to move it to clean the area before putting the flooring in place. I thought it would be ok.....but what I didn't consider was it will probably move towards the light because over pulling it in so far.....well it did and it fell over. What a mess. At first glance I wasn't sure what to do with it.....it was just so top heavy. Well I did what I did three years ago when I started the plant...see below.

There it is....all new. Ok, maybe not new but if it grows it will be new..right..I cut the top off...and then pulled off what I could....put root hormone on the stump, which is in the pot about a foot and placed it in a really big pot. The pot at least sixty pounds of dirt it.....I hope it lives..... The other part I picked up and left it in the original pot. Maybe it will grow a new one from the stump.

All this because I started my flooring.....I am building my excuses as to why I shouldn't have started flooring.

Enjoy,

Chris

After five years I have finally started my flooring...Lets Party

2007-12-10T21:19:00.001-08:00

As you can see it is started. Right now I am about half way. It has only taken me five years to get this far...lets celebrate.....hopefully I will continue it right across the house. The only problem I am having is when tapping in some of the planks others come apart and that really gets me going.....but I will keep working on it.

Enjoy,

Chris

Hog Panels for Christmas

2007-12-10T21:10:00.000-08:00

My best friend Susie asked me what I wanted for Christmas.... I said, 'hog panels'. She said, what, that's what you really want and I said yes. So she came over and we went to the feed store and bought some hog panels. Now I can continue to create pens within pens for my goats. Eventually I would like to enclose the back few acres in hog panels....it will keep my dog, Abby in. Well, at least it will make it harder for her to get out.

Oh, by the way....the panels are so big we had to lay them over the truck. Thank goodness for bungee cords.

Enjoy,

Chris

Not only can I eat from this thing, I can get it as well...

2007-11-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

I was out in the pen Sunday evening and caught Sampson enjoying his food so much he decided to get right in it. He was just having his own party......I tried to get a picture of him laying down in it but by the time I got the camera he was up just going to town. Sampson is my second buck and has some awesome mohair. He is one of No Sizes boys.....from Kathy Wither's ranch.

Enjoy,

Chris

Sunday evening in the Love Pen...

2007-11-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening I decided to spend a little time relaxing with my herd. This is my buck Double D kissing up to his mate Angie in what I call the love pen. She is my Queen of the goats and tough as nails. I thought it was just so darn cute to see him nuzzling her......I hope I have some kids from her...they will be my first.

Enjoy,

Chris

Me Carding at the Tucson Wool Festival

2007-11-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

There I am just carding away at the 'Tucson Wool Festival'. It was great.....I am new to carding and Kathy asked if I would demonstrate the process...I agreed and had a lot fun. People had a lot of questions, everything from how the carder works to the violet mohair that Kathy and I dyed. This picture was taken by Kathy and is also on her Blog at: http://uniquedesignsbykathy.blogspot.com/ So, check hers out...she does some awesome work with her mohair. I am really enjoying learning everything from raising the goats to the finish products made of mohair.....boy...I have a lot to learn.

Chris

Spinning? Me? Ok, Well Lets Try It...

2007-11-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I can learn to spin. Kathy has great patience.......keeping the feet and hands going was the tough part.....once I got it going it seemed ok. I tried to do with the left hand pulling and found it to be much easier for me. I look really focused don't I....LOL...

Chris

Chris Learns to Colour! WOW!

2007-11-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

Look at the violet.....Kathy was teaching me to dye the cleaned fleece. I was expecting all one colour, however look at how the violet came out. WOW! I was just impressed....and it was cake dye that did it. The vinegar was the setting agent and the dye is permanent.

The yellow is striking as well. People seemed to like the violet better. I liked the yellow because it is bright. It will be interesting to see how it blends and cards.

Enjoy,

Chris

Help! My Pictures are not working correctly

2007-10-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

I apologize if you click on some of my pictures they do not expand like some of the others. I am not sure why.....I have had some friends that know html look at and I replaced the a tag, however, it only does the small picture and not the big one. I really do not want to re-post or rework all the posts so if you know of an easy fix I would really appreciate if you would let me in on the secret.

Thanks,
Chris

October 15th - The Shearer Leaveth

2007-10-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

It was so interesting when Penny was done and everything was picked and she was leaving everyone, ok Oyster was standing to the side, was looking at us. It was like they were saying 'Bye' for now and we feel much better. Penny did an awesome job and I am very pleased.

Chris

October 15th Shearing - Can I eat this

2007-10-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

This is Farley he is my companion goat when I am not breeding. he was so cute....he just wouldn't leave Penny's blades alone. Maybe he was just feeling left out because he wasn't being sheared....ok he's a goat but like I said before.....I like my reasoning. It may not be right but it sounds good.

Enjoy,
Chris

October 15th - The shearer cometh - Shearing by Penny Salivar-Jernigan

2007-10-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Penny does all my shearing and is an outstanding shearer. She really cares about her work and treats the animals with respect. She runs on Penny time but she does show up and begins her work immediately. If you need someone to shear for you I highly recommend her. You can reach her at penshearing@yayhoo.com or Mobile 209-996-2970. She lives in Willcox, AZ.

So, below are some of the pictures with the captions below them.

Enjoy,

As you can see from the picture above she has very few double cuts, she had none on my buck above. Penny stated this is like an unveiling. If you take a closer look you will notice how smooth and close her shearing is and it practically came off in one piece. He didn't seem to mind too much and Penny really knows just how to calm and remain in control of the animal.

This is a before and after Angie's shearing, I call her my Queen of the goats. The top picture is what she looks like with six months of mohair on her and below is what she looks like after shearing. She was looking at me thinking I am a new woman.....look out and don't mess with me. I am hoping she breeds with my buck this season. She is tough and she knows what she wants when she wants it. She is also very friendly with humans but, when other goats are around....look out and don't get in her way. She will clearly let you know that she is the queen and you are NOT.

Above is Amber, she is my copper female. She is very regal in the way she walks and lays.....she is a lady. My buck Double D really likes her, I think because of her style....ok maybe it is just because she is a female in heat.....I like my reasoning better.

The above two picture are of her shearing in progress. She was very relaxed as you can see from the positioning....Penny has a way of relaxing the animal and doing what she needs to get them sheared.

And there she is....a new girl on the block. During the summer I was concerned because of her darker color....she was always warm. Now she is fresh and cool. She still walks with style and rubs up next to my bucks pen just so that he doesn't forget about her.....ok maybe she is in heat....I like my reason much better.

Penny knows her stuff about shearing...

Chris

October 15th the morning before shearing

2007-10-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Below are pictures taken in the morning before Penny arrived. The caption below is for the picture above. It is amazing everyone seemed to know something was going to happen. It is like taking your pet to the vet....they just seem to know.

Enjoy,

This is Angie and she is looking oh very fluffy. I am not sure what she was looking at but, I bet she wasn't really noticing me taking her picture.

This is Sampson - he is looking just as fluffy as the rest... His main concern was just having fun... He also was sheared and his mohair is very soft. His father No Size will be proud of his sons fiber.

Above is Oyster my Llama....and from the smile on her face you can tell she knows that she is not being sheared. Yes, it is a smile....take a closer look it is definitely a smile. She is just so darn cute.

This is Abby and she is doing what she does best. She is actually patrolling with her keen sense of hearing ok maybe that is her keen sense of eating... Ok, she is ready at a moments notice to protect her house...ok maybe not on a moments notice but you get the idea. I think she has the best deal in town...eat and sleep. Oh, by the way don't worry about protecting anything.....the most she will do is bark from behind a bush......well you can't have everything. She loves her couch and sleeping and I love her....even if she loves to eat the trash.

This was the morning before shearing.

Chris

What happens when you try to sneak up for a photo

2007-09-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

The days are still warm in Marana, AZ. Today, Sunday it was in the 90's and thought I would take some pictures. The bottom picture I took from the side of the house. On the right hand side of the picture is Double D. He is my oldest buck at about a year and a half. Next to him standing is Cherry Berry......half mountain goat......there is nothing she won't jump on or try to eat. To the left of her is Samson my newest buck. His father No Size has produced some awesome mohair and I am hoping Samson will as well.

So I thought I would sneak out from the patio doors. As you can see from the top picture it didn't work so well. I really tried to be quiet but once Farley....you can see a little of him, he is the black and white one, got one look at me......his belly went off and he came a running. They soon discovered that I didn't have any food but that didn't stop them from trying....so I gave up on the pictures for now.

One day I will get a few good ones.

Chris

Two batts that I created with some help from Kathy

2007-09-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Kathy Withers is just great. Two weeks ago I went over to her ranch to begin learning about carding. The carder that I am using is on the left and to the right are the batts that I created. They are still from Double D's fleece.

The next step for me will be to take the batts back over to Kathy's and start learning how to spin them. Oh boy, hopefully I won't get stuck in the spinning wheel. I can see if now....my fingers all up in the wheel and Kathy saying 'What did I get myself into'.

I am having lots of fun learning new things.

Chris

My Top Secret drying process...

2007-09-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

So, what can you do with a tank full of nothing. Well, make a mohair drying unit out of it. I put a small fan in the middle of the tank inside blowing up.....the top where the mohair is on is a screen mesh....only obstacle is the middle piece of glass. It holds the tank together so I won't bother it.

This is still Double D's fleece that I am working with. After being washed it came out pretty good. After it drys it will be ready for pre-picking and then carding.

OK, so maybe it's not so Top Secret but I thought it was a good idea for me.

Chris

My Top Secret mohair washing process

2007-09-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it could be....somewhere. OK, maybe not. I think it is the orange buckets that make the process or maybe the big spoon. Yep, it is the big spoon that makes it all work.

I was just impressed with myself for beginning to process some of my mohair today. The mohair is from my buck Double D. It was from his second shearing in April of 2007. In the next post you will see my Top Secret way of drying. OK, it could be........

Chris

Are you looking at me...

2007-09-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

I woke up one morning to see Abby laying like she owned the place. I think she does. So I had to take a picture.

The only thing I can think of at 6 am was her saying to me 'Are you looking at me'.

Chris

Whew - What is that smell..!

2007-09-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

On Monday I came home, opened the door to my house and whew…..what a smell. It was something rotten. I thought, did Abby, my dog bring something in….hmmm. I walked through the house going man that smell is just awful but, where is it coming from.

Well, as I got close to the patio…..it became apparent to me. My carrion cactus was blossoming all over the place. When I took a closer look, WHEW……that is exactly where the smell was coming from the cactus…and with the full sun on them they were just a smelling the whole place up. Funny, after the sun goes down the smell goes with it. In a week or two they will have all flowered and smell will be gone for another year.

The blossom is pretty and I like them because they are big.

Oyster - Come back to me - Where are you Oyster

2007-09-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well, once the shearing was done....I was, oh my, where is the rest of Oyster.

I didn't realize their necks were so skinny......Their was like nothing left of her...it took several weeks before she started looking like herself again. Once she started to grow in I felt better....not that she cared but, I did. I thought to myself......I hope someone doesn't she her and think I don't feed her enough....I overfeed that way it is.......but after a few weeks she started looking like MY Oyster again.

I won't be shearing her this October because she will be too cold so she will be sheared in April with the rest of my herd.

This Picture was taken about an hour after the shearing and shots, everyone seemed to be running around a lot cooler and eating like there was no tomorrow.

Oyster is just so darn cute.

Chris

Oyster - Right before being sheared.

2007-09-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

This picture of Oyster was taken in April of 2007 right before shearing.

Boy was I going to be in for big surprise of what she would look like....or should I say, what was left of her.

Chris

Farley - My Companion Goat

2007-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is Farley my companion goat. I got him when he was six months old and had him fixed so I could separate my buck and not leave my buck by himself. My buck and Farley became good friends.......over time that is.

When I took this picture the only thing that came to mind was a song from Christina Aquilera.......'I am beautiful in every single way......words can't bring me down'........

Look at those ears........he makes all kinds of trouble too.....from stampede's to wiping out in the dirt because he is running too fast....but I love him anyway.

He is also the only one who lets me know when his fat belly is hungry.......then I know it is feeding time.....so he keeps me in line. I tell him that I work for goat feed to ensure his belly stays fat.....quick where is the food.

Chris