December 7, 2004

December finds all of us in a rushed mode, I think. There are so many things to do for those we love. Our family has a rule about no Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. The three-year-old is the "rule police" and notices all who decorate in October and early November. That means the children in the family receive an ornament with their pumpkin pie and the season is officially started after Thanksgiving dinner.

The tree is up, the Santa Claus and stocking collections are out, and the nativities await Christmas eve. The wise men are upstairs with their camels, slowly traveling through the house. I thought the deer would be deterred by the lights strung across the yard, but they don't seem to notice them as they bound over.

The other animals are being sociable and love company as they spend days on the "patio" out of the snow and wind. When the sun shines, we take hay out into the pasture and the 'pacas play "fox and geese," following us through snow trails. The chickens seem to enjoy being out as long as the sun is shining. They have found that the south side of the shed is great for sunbathing! Now that they are maturing, the Austrolorps shine teal and purple on their black feathers, the Barred Rocks have beautiful stripes, and Brahmas are so fluffy they look like stuffed animals! We enjoy sharing our eggs, although we don't get pink eggs like our son does.

A new custom (for us) in the cold weather is to have tea. Clark wants plain . . of course . . . but we have enjoyed sharing a cup with many friends, lately, and some of them share a sense of adventure with me. We all loved the "Nutcracker" tea and await its return this season. In the meantime, we make due with vanilla and spice teas with coffee creamer and milk added. I don't know if it's truly tea, but it is warming and comforting.

Projects . . . Oh, my! I must finish a pair of socks, a hat, and two pairs of mittens by Christmas. I'll let you know if I succeed! Clark has been cutting out projects of wood for our daughter and she's painting every day. He wants to make a walnut triangle loom for himself.

Thank you to those who have said they enjoy this journal. I seem to ramble, but am trying to paint a picture of the lifestyle for those of you who are tempted to try it.

Santa will bring me a new spinning wheel, I hope, and I'm sure we will all survive the hectic season, however, I hope everyone has a few minutes to be peaceful and thoughtful as the beauty surrounds us with the close of this year and the hopes for a new beginning. I will spin on the Winter Solstice and feel a connection with those who have cared for animals and provided for their families in this way through time.

Sit, Spin, and Watch the 'Pacas,

Janet

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Janet and Clark Otterness
Alta Mist Alpacas
13892 South 7300 West
Herriman, Utah 84096
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phone: 801-572-9831
cell: 801-557-4162
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