First day

They're here!
Yesterday, our alpacas were delivered. We are so happy that this day has finally arrived. Our family gathered early saturday morning to welcome them!

Misty Haven trailer unloading the first two alpacas.

Our herd consists of four females and two crias born in late June.

Oh, and let's not forget about Frankie, the llama.

Inside the trailer

They are now exploring and getting to know their new home. Our dogs are not too sure what to make of them but so far so good.

Aurelia is off to the side and not shown in this pic

Frankie is doing his job and making sure all is as it should be.

We have turned the rocking chairs around so that we can look out the window and see the action...especially the two little crias having fun.

The alpaca book and magazines are on the table and being leafed through daily.

New adventures are always exciting and nerve wracking at the same time...

Stargazer lily

Here is a favorite lily of ours...Stargazer lily. Check here to learn more about this wonderful flower.

But we have a totaly different Stargazer Lily of our own. She is now 9 weeks old. Very busy little puppy. She is now registered as Stargazer Lily.

Breathe

...just breathe.

(favorite orchid now in bloom in my kitchen)

Today, I needed to recharge my batteries.

Today, I needed to recenter myself.

Today, I needed to surround myself with comfort.

Today, had to be zen.

 Favorite chair

 Tea with honey

 Comfort food

(yes, it's a banana and maple syrup sandwich)

 Wonderful hydrangea scent

helps with deep breathing.

Silent frog

just happy to be.

No need to talk.

No need to think.

Just breathe.

Peppermint

Allthough not much of a gardener, I do like to have certain plants on hand for cooking. I have had a mint patch for several years. It's very hardy and invasive so you need to make sure to contain it in a specific area or it will take over your entire space in no time.

My Illustrated herb encyclopedia says that mint helps with digestion by relaxing the muscle of the digestive tract. It is also supposed to ease nervous headaches, including migraines.
Aromatherapists use peppermint's scent to increase concentration, to stimulate the mind and the body and to stay awake.

Mint tea is such a simple thing to do. But I've never done it. I must give it a try before the end of the season.
But I do use mint for other things.
Mint jelly is a favorite of mine. Other members of my family don't care for it too much. I love it with pork but also on a cracker with some goat cheese. Very easy to make, I simply follow the recipe that comes with the pectin box.

Putting a few springs of mint in a water pitcher or a water bottle is also delicious. In no time at all, your water will have a subtile taste of mint. Very refreshing.

Oh, and here is Lily, checking out what I'm up to. She is now 2 mths old and a real little terror! (kidding)

It's almost imposible to take a picture of Lily standing still, she's constantly on the go!  

Still more sun to be had for the rest of the week. Stay cool!

The best BBQ sauce and farm update

Summertime is BBQ time around here. Well, hubby will say it's an all year long activity but you know what I mean.
I came across a yummy BBQ sauce that doesn't have that smoked flavor, which I don't really care for. It does have a good blend of sweetness and zing to make it taste robust enough to pair with a good steak.

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup chili sauce
½ cup rum
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp dry mustard
Black ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and simmer on stovetop for 30 minutes.
I poured the hot sauce in mason jars and put the lids on quickly. This was hot enough to seal
the lid and since the sauce will be used in the next few weeks, I'm not concerned about it spoiling.

I've prepared some extra to give to friends. Give it a try, I'm sure you'll love it too.

Farm update
The fencing is all up. Thanks to the help of family and friends, our fencing is up. It was one of the hottest days to do it, with no wind but the guys stayed well hydrated and kept at it with the sunscreen lotion.

Corners and up and down terrain added to the challenge but they got 'er done!



Of course, when 4 wheelers are involved, it's always a bit more fun !

Not sure what the deer think now that we have considerably reduced access to our yard but they still have plenty of good stuff to eat. They will have to learn to share the land with the alpacas.

Can you see the twin fawns? They are so cute with those spots.