Windrush Alpaca Farm

What to do on a Saturday after soccer had ended?  Windrush Alpaca Farm in Clovis!  We spent part of our day there and were delighted.
Rosemary Metcalf gave us a wonderful tour.  We started with the rules, no running, no flapping hands and let the alpacas approach you!  We went into the main pen with the mamas and the llamas.  The alpacas are friendly, but cautious creatures.  They sported gorgeous fleeces and colors.  Rosemary held one of the younger brown alpacas for the children to touch.  He remained calm until Conner started towards his head.  Even his "naughty" behavior was mild and when released, Conner commented that he "jumped like a reindeer."
We then went to the "boy pens".  We all hand fed the alpacas and one was brought out to show us proper foot trimming, something alpacas require every two months.  We explored their lovely and unique coats and saw how thick it was.
The whole time we walked around, the friendliest cat in the world was cosseted and held by my children.  The cat, a tom, never once hissed, or even struggled with the kids.  The boys also doubled back to a hay barn and discovered more cats that needed their attention.
We went to the farm shop where we were able to see a blanket, socks, hats and other items made from alpaca hair.  We were educated and delighted all at once.

And how was your day?

The power of Words

Words have power.  From, "I do" to "help" to "I love you", words contain the power to change our world.  My kids are learning all about words.  They have learned one of the best things is when they spontaneously say nice things to each other.  I love to watch the recipient's face glow, and that small smile power their face.
On the other hand, my children have learned that mean words are not tolerated.  That it is far better to not say anything at all.  That slanderous words will get them a sit down.
Unfortunately too many adults haven't  learned this lesson.  While having an opinion is well and good, publicly calling someone out without speaking directly to them first is very immature and uncalled for.  If someone has done something to upset me, by all means I will speak with that person directly. 
My children are learning to speak up, at the moment of an "incident".  "You took my toy and I want it back."  "Don't call me that, it hurts my feelings." "I need my backpack, get off of it."
Maybe all of us adults can learn this simple lesson.  Tell someone, in person, and politely that something is a problem.  If you are rebuked, well, as I tell my kids, you can't control other people, you told them what was on your mind, and the better person will walk away.  Do we really need to make a public note with the person's name?  Sounds like libel to me.
Sigh, kids may be cruel to each other at times, but it is not really calculated in the way it is for adults.  We all need a better filter between thought and deed. 
There is the first stone, I am not qualified to throw it.
I don't think any of us are.


And how was your day?

The Eyes have it

On Thursday, Oct 28, 2010 Conner brought home a sticky squishy eyeball from his Halloween party. He promptly threw it to stick onto the living room ceiling. After James spent an hour shooting suction cup arrows at it, we decided to leave it. November 2, a second eyeball was discovered on the ceiling near the first.
As of November 11, they are both still there. We are officially starting a pool. Leave your guess in the comment box. Winner will receive a batch of pumpkin cookies.

My vote is January 28, 2011.

And how was your day?