Sunday, November 11, 2012

Welcome Home!

Yesterday was the fulfillment of one of our big dreams here at Old Cedar Knoll Farm! It was time for the delivery of our Suri Alpaca herd. We had been hoping for this day for years; but we have been preparing for this day for months. Like many other days of late, the day started out with lots of tasks still to complete, but it ended exceptionally well!

Our barn stood ready and it was empty and clean. The original barn was easily 50 plus years old with a very pointed lean and Kevin had devoted most of the past two months dismantling and reconstructing it into a barn that would suit our Alpaca's needs perfectly. It now offers the perfect shelter from the wet weather that Alpacas require with a large rear stall in the back for the males, an extra large front stall for the females and a nice wide center aisle for caring for the animals needs and storage and a place to shear them come spring. When Kevin started to clean it out at the beginning of the project, I couldn't believe how much "stuff" was in that old bar - most of which was already there when we bought this place years ago! But the old structure was worth saving because the roof was sound with no leaks and all the old boards are rough sawn 5/4 oak. Boy I wish we had more old buildings like this on our property!



It was 1:30 in the afternoon when I received the text message from the folks we had bought the herd from that they were about 10 miles away, so it was time to put the dogs in the house and open the gate to our lane. I got my camera ready and waited for the sound of a truck and trailer coming up our gravel road. They had arrived!


Up to this point, I hadn't really allowed myself to get too excited about this new venture, but then it hit me! They were here!




We had laid out the pasture with a gate for the girls and a gate for the boys, so since the girls were in the back of the trailer, they got to get out first. They came right out and seemed to be happy from the minute they hit the ground!


They were no worse for the wear and the 90 minute ride and immediately did their business and starting checking things out and eating grass.


Needless to say, this made us feel extremely relieved and were now able to turn our focus on the boys. The Nulls had saved shots and worm treatments for two of the boys to give us a chance to get our hands on things right from the start, so we got in the trailer and had our first lesson in Alpaca husbandry!


Words can't express how we felt yesterday and how blessed we are that I can finally sit down and write this post. We have our work cut out for us finding our way and trying to turn this little venture to a profit, but I know we are in good hands.

Jeremiah 29:11 

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And like yesterday, today was another exceptional day. Our son brought our two grandchildren over to see the 'Pacas as they call them and spending time with them outside and in the barn and around the farm just made me feel doubly blessed. They are two of the most wonderful little people you could ever want to meet and they are a part of what makes this whole journey we call life worthwhile. They are happy, enthusiastic and full of joy and always make Kevin and me feel so good about ourselves just for having spent time with them.





I think this last picture sums is all up for this weekend. Our grandson Tate just wanted to sit out in the middle of the pasture and be still so the 'Pacas would come visit us. I got to be his cushion and eventually our granddaughter Lyla joined us and I got to be her seat while we just sat there in the bright sunshine waiting for something magical to happen. But for me, the magic had already happened.

Psalm 118  

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

10 comments:

  1. How wonderful and what a perfect day! :)

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    1. Thanks, Amanda! It really was the perfect day!

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  2. What a joyful day!
    Welcome Home to the Herd. I look forward to hearing about the many new lessons and adventures to come your way. Wishing you all peace, health and prosperity...and lots of baby girl alpacas!

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    1. Renate, we both felt such a sense of accomplishment yesterday! It was as if we were finally a real farm!

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  3. Beth, I'm so excited for you! How wonderful that they've finally arrived. I'm really looking forward to seeing all your progress over the coming months.

    Take care,

    Jane xx

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    1. Jane, it was so great to go out early this morning and feed them and interact with them. It was a wonderful way to start the day!

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  4. Hi Bev! Glad to have you and happy to follow back!

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  5. How fun!!!! I enjoyed seeing your new friends! ;0) Visiting from the Clever Chicks blog hop. I joined the party with my "Easy Gift Idea". Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Hi Tanya and thanks for the visit! I will definitely have to check out your easy gift idea!

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