How's the llama training going you ask...

Slowly.

Willow is quite a little charmer. She is playful and curious. She is getting very comfortable in her new home with her goat family. She shows signs of being protective and you must admit she's easy on the eyes.
But.....
She still doesn't want to be touched never mind haltered and led. I don't know how to progress. I don't know if I should lock her in her little house and force her which could lead to someone getting hurt or if I should try to wait her out. Training a llama is nothing like training a horse or dog. A part of me wishes I had gotten a halter trained llama but then I would miss out on Willow's big brown eyes and her funny playful ways. She also has fabulous fiber that looks brushed even after a rainstorm. I really really like her.
So, once again, I will rely on the internet. I found this training guide and plan to give it a try.
Wish me luck. I still feel like I have to overcome the horrible memory of catching her and bringing her home. She has to learn to trust me. She may never trust Hubby, the llama wrangler.

Yodel eh hee hoo

Willow loves the small hills on the farm that used to be motocross jumps. She stands on top and looks down on her kingdom.

26 & 27

My daughter-in-law turned 26 on the 26th and my son turned 27 on the 27th.
Happy Birthday you two.
I love you.

What Goat Farmers Do In The Winter For Entertainment

Made by Mary Brennan with my new Panasonic ZS10 Lumix camera.

A Tragedy

When we first moved into our cabin on the bay I named a few of the trees in the yard. Yes, I know it's strange but who cares. One tree was across the bay on the edge of the bank. Her shape looked like a girl with her skirts and hair blowing back while she looked out to sea. I called her "The Sister". One day I looked out and she was gone. My favorite was a fir tree that hung over the bay like a huge arm. It became known as "The Strong Arm of God". I loved that tree. It was massive and had a wonderful elbow that eagles perched on. It was really only a matter of time before it fell into the bay but I hoped it wasn't in my lifetime.
Early this morning a crash was heard but it wasn't until the sun came up and I looked out the window that I realized the the view had opened up considerably and something was missing. My tree was gone. Snapped off from the snow and ice, it fell into the bay.
Luckily I took a picture of it yesterday from my window.



This is my view now.




RIP Strong Arm of God...you will be missed.

Milk Test Training

The annual milk test class was held Saturday at our local library. I have taken the class every year for about 4 years and while I learn something new each time I still look at the paperwork like it is the first time I've seen it.
And there is a test at the end. Yes it's open book but a test nonetheless. The multiple choice is a breeze but when we get to the part where we fill in the fictitious information on 4 goats on the herd and barn sheets I panic. Even my reading glasses can't zero in on the itty bitty words that go along with the itty bitty boxes.

I did my best and had my scale calibrated so I'd be ready for this year's milk testing. Thank goodness my milk tester can read the itty bity words that go along with the itty bitty boxes.

Cora Belle are you ready for another year?



She's just kidding? She's ready.

Goose of a Different Color

On my way home from work today I glanced at the Canadian geese in my neighbor's pasture and had to do a double take when I saw a goose of a different color. I ran home and got my camera hoping they would still be there when I came back.
I looked at this goose for a long time trying to decide if it was a domestic cross or an a mutant Canadian goose. Our own white buffalo.



I still don't know for all that looking.

Bliss

Llama Training in a New Year

Part of Willow's training is getting her use to people. Socialize her. Goldilocks took to llama training like a natural.



They soon became good friends.



Goldilocks and my son were home for the New Year and I put her to work training Willow. Willow responded well and I wish I had Goldilocks here for awhile. She has the patience to wait Willow out.



She still won't let us touch her but ohhhhh we sure want to.