Times Flies

It is true what they say, as you age time flies by faster and faster.  It seems only a few days ago that I was welcoming 2009 with hope and anticipation for a wonderful year.  I thought by this time I'd have several quilts done, Dave's sweater knitted up and ready for Christmas, skeins and skeins of spinning completed, finally getting some beading completed and at least 4 pairs of socks done.  Well, I've completed 2 quilts, started cutting another, the back of Dave's sweater is almost done, I've completed 4 socks and not one match the other, but I have spun up skeins and skeins of yarn!  This was all to raise money for AZLR so was not a bad thing at all!

So, how does one slow down time?  I suppose in a way I can realistically look at my projects and decide what's going to be completed and what can be left for later.  Funds are at an all time low so holiday gifts will either have to be made or be gifted later.  Reminds me of a documentary I watched when an elderly gentleman said how happy he was as a child to receive a fresh orange for Christmas!  He said it was a treasured gift.  I think in these economic times we all think of what really is important.  To me it's my family and friends.  I won't be able to purchase extravagant gifts for them, not even inexpensive gifts.  I'll have to dive through my stash and hopefully get things completed on time.  Here it is already the 9th day of September and before I know it, this day too will be over.  Time really does fly!

So, on that note, I'll post a picture of one of my favorite Christmas trees.  It was gifted to me by a wonderful friend and left at my doorstep on Christmas morning of 2006.  I brought it in and decorated it with what I had on hand: spindles, fiber and handspun yarn.  It's at the top of this post and as you can see, it's a pink aluminum tree!  

I won't add a count down to Christmas since I don't need the reminder.  Things will get done when they get done! 

Llamas & Lupus

Since last I posted we've had Evander, Lavinia and Toro adopted out to the same home.  I do hope it's a good one.  I certainly had my doubts and still do.  Toro is a handful, to say the least.  He did still bite and does have an attitude.  Still, he wasn't all that bad and I do miss him following me around.  I'm sure the boys (llamas) do not miss him one bit since he tried to bully them around.  Kind of funny, him being so small compared to them.  He was like a gnat that kept pestering them!

At the left is Annabel Lee.  She was born in April, not exactly sure of the date but she arrived at the rescue in July.  She's curious and quite healthy considering she was born to a cria herself.  Her mom won't be 2 years old until December.  Her training is coming along quite well!  She won't be ready to go to a new home until she's at least 18 months old.  Don't want a well meaning person over-handling her and thus creating a behaviorally challenged llama.

Top center is Raven.  She was born July 17th in the wee hours of the morning.  Very surprising as her mom had only arrived a few days previous and I had no idea she was pregnant.  Raven was quite small when she was born and most likely premature.  She weighed in at 19 lbs. but has steadily been gaining weight.  Her ears are no longer tipped and she loves to pronk and play with Annabel Lee.  

Yes, I named both in honor of the great Edgar Allan Poe!

Had the Happy Tails festival last Saturday in Pinetop-Lakeside.  It was nicely attended but we will have to see if these potential homes pan out.  Cross your fingers and toes for us, please!  

We also have 3 more llamas arriving on September 17th.  Unfortunately, it's due to this awful economy - the woman lost her job.  These are 3 intact males that I don't think have had any vet care.  They'll be needing vaccinations, fighting teeth blunted and of course, gelding.  There goes what little money we've raised from Happy Tails!  Oh well, I'm just gonna have to brainstorm and come up with some fundraising ideas - soon!

It's been a pretty rough few months, many flare ups and no relief.  Either I stay loopy on percoset or deal with the pain and get things done.  Not much choice, but what can one do?!

I'd like to talk about the proposed Health Reform.  I'm confused as to why so many are against it.  Shouldn't having health care for all be a good thing?  Maybe if our country doesn't send more troops into Afghanistan and the plan for troop pull out goes timely, the funds could then be used for health.  I try not to worry about things, I know worrying only causes stress which then leads to more flare ups.  I did have good health insurance with my job but no more job.  If DH were to lose his job I lose his benefits.  Many of my meds are costly and there's no way we could afford them.  My savings has been depleted, no more retirement funds.  Health issues get in the way of me being a dependable employee.  So, again, no job, no insurance, what's one to do?

I hope to be posting much sooner and more frequently than I have been.  Not even sure if anyone even reads this but it's my outlet!

New sock pattern!

We have a new sock pattern up that benefits Arizona Llama Rescue!  Here's the link:  http://www.patternfish.com/pub/arizona_llama_rescue

This pattern uses Tofutsies in, I believe, the Citrine colorway and it's absolutely gorgeous in person!  I hope you support AZLR by purchasing this pattern.  Thanks!

Llamas, Cactus & Beauty

Occasionally I get to wake up to large, gorgeous blooms on one of my many cactus.  These blooms are absolutely large and gorgeous.  The bees love them as well!  I've more buds coming up and can't wait to see them!  I'm not sure of the name of this particular cactus but I have many of them and the original one was a gift to me from my late mother.  Even in the dry desert one can find abundant beauty!

Today Dave and I sheared 5 more llamas.  Typically I'm unscathed after the process after having done this for well over a decade now.  For some reason, unknown to me, this one particular llama decided I needed a swift kick right smack on my left knee.  OUCH!  I have a huge bruise and am looking more like the grandpa from "The Real McCoy" then anything resembling walking.  Oh well, the llama is comfortable!

So, why do I do it?  For a number of reasons.  I love being around llamas, they need to be sheared and occasionally I walk away with some fabulous fiber.  I've also found if I just sit and do nothing then I feel the pain in every single joint, muscle and fiber of my body.  If I stay busy then I'm too busy to think about the pain.  Llamas are also very zen and help calm and quiet the mind.  Before you know it you're in a deep meditative state!

May is Lupus Awareness Month

Check out http://www.lupus.org and http://www.couldihavelupus.gov 

Did you know 80% of women know nothing of lupus?  Nor are the majority of medical students learning about autoimmune diseases.  There has not been an FDA approved drug for Lupus in over 50 years.  

First Post

21 llamas sheared so far this season!  Will it never end?!  I'm drowning in llama fiber!  I think I have much felting in my near future.  Pictures later - stay tuned!