Monday, February 9, 2009

Family, Friends, Fiber

It recently occurred to me that I spend a great deal of time blogging about the crisis's, death, and the mishaps in my life. I live a wonderful, blessed, "oh, my gawd, I'm so lucky to be alive" existence. Saturday night I spent the evening with my two grown daughters, (wish that you were with us, Rob) drinking wine, laughing, and yes, crying together. Isn't it amazing that your kids can become your bestest friends? See, I'm blessed...


.....and then Sunday was spent with nonfamily friends who feel like family. Mary and Cary came over for a full day of fiber fun. The picture above is of Mary putting some delicious wool through my carder. Cary and I were watching - and, of course, making suggestions. And this picture over here → is Cary showing us how to draft the fiber off the corner of the batt instead of splitting it like we usually do.

Needless to say, we had marvelous food around since both of these women are awesome cooks (not me). But we had the good sense to keep it upstairs so we weren't snacking all day. Mary's delightful grown daughter, Anna, came over for a while. She made some wonderful banana (I think) bread that was spiced up to taste wonderful.

In the afternoon Billie, my across the street neighbor, came over and Beth with her son John stopped in. Beth and John had been in the barn and get this - weighed alpacas, which John recorded for me. They also trimmed some toes which I have been putting off for waaaay too long. And, now see what a great life I have..... Beth left a big container of white, chicken chili in the frig for me - with toppings - cheese, sour cream, and tortios. (I can't spell that & neither can my spell check)

☼☼☼ And the sun shone all day ☼ ☼ ☼ Ain't life Grand?!?!
For those of you who have inquired about Ivan and his colic - thanks for your concern and good energy. He's fine! Eating, pooping, banging his stall door - back to normal.
And little Jr (Libra) - he weighed 31.3 pounds last Friday. I'm encouraged that now the snow has disappeared, he will be getting green grass into his system. I'll continue to do the 10 ounces of gruel 3 times a day though. His buddy, born the same week, now weighs 81 pounds.

8 comments:

Debbie, Barnacre Alpacas said...

I fancy a drum carder like the one in your photo, doing it by hand is sooooooo slow and I really don't like doing it. I can't convince Paul it's worth the money yet though!!!

Michele / akkasha said...

I think your blog is well balanced despite all you have gone though recently.It is harder to write when things are going well.

I am also jealous of your carder. I lust after one in a big way. But there is no way I can justify the expense for little ol me.

Anonymous said...

Maple---you abundantly GIVE as much as you describe having RECIEVED!! I'm convinced friends & family are the balm that make life easier and more meaningful! We are going to have to have a talk however, young lady, if you continue to stay out 'till midnight drinking wine and playing Wii Fit...that's okay for now, I guess...as long as you keep your grades up!...hee, hee, hee....You Go Granny!!

I wanted to take a moment to remember Smitty here and type that the onions for the White Chicken Chili came from his garden!

Keep "Cardin'" Around and get plenty of FIBER, every day! (smile)

Firefly Nights said...

It's wonderful to have great family and friends. I'm glad things are going well for you.

Unknown said...

I never really thought of your blog as being dark, Maple. It has always struck, and strikes me still, as refreshingly honest, open and real, humourous, informative and brave, and interesting. Life happens and you don't run away from it. I learn from you. Once a teacher, always... ;)

You are indeed blessed with good family and friends. It makes a wonderful difference doesn't it?

And speaking of being blessed... what a drum carder you have! lol

Over The Top Aprons said...

Maple, I just recently learned about the death of your husband ... I am so sorry ... your sharing helps others grieve and go through the process.

You definitely sound like you are on the way with your life. I wish you many more happy days of loving and sharing with family and friends. When you come right down to it, people in our lives who care about us are truly the most important possession we have. God bless, Corline

Claire MW said...

Glad to see you had such a fun, fiber filled day! I have just obtained a drum carder myself, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I'm looking forward to it!

And for future reference, it's "tortillas" (spell check is such a useless tool sometimes, isn't it?!)

Wishing you continued fibery happiness!

Cary ~ My Wool Mitten at Serenity Farms said...

Maple, it was the best time ever and I can't wait till we can do it again! You truly are a generous soul and I came away from the day feeling so peaceful and blessed ;D

Hugs, Cary

Map