September 29, 2004

Due to computer problems, I am late writing this journal. A lot has happened since August 14th!

I was able to spend 4 wonderful days in the mountains. I was at Soldier Hollow, at the combination Sheepdog Trials, Scottish Festival, and Back of the Wasatch Fiber Festival. It was great to see so many friends. We sold a lot of fiber and yarn, and Clark's new roving of alpaca and silk sold out each day, so he had to make more each evening. Although the first two days were damp, the creativity of the participants was very inspirational. Many customers brought patterns and samples to show me what they would make from our products. Luckily, the Pipers played next to our tent/booth each noon. I was able to take a class to learn to make sweet grass baskets. It was a week later that I finished mine, but the new skill is one to enjoy practicing.

Of course, I succumbed to the drop spindles and jewelry booths!

Meantime, at home, Clark had a successful baby watch. Rupunzel had a cute baby boy, Prince Charming. Laurie gave us a pretty little girl, Josie (Little Women), and Phaedra gave us a pretty golden girl, Andromeda. A great year for us, with 7 girls and 4 boys!

I should explain that I try to name the families in related ways to make it easier to place a baby with mother and other relatives. For example, we started with Athena, so the three generations of her family have Greek or mythological names. Her daughter, Phaedra, has given us Calliope and Andromeda.

The Thursday after the Back of the Wasatch (BOW), the State Fair opened. We were excited to see that Clark was awarded a blue ribbon for his triangle shawl, made on one of the triangle looms that he makes. I earned 2 blue, 2 red, 2 white, and an honorable mention. The lady who checked in the work put me in the advanced category. My spinning is beginning quality, but since I received ribbons, I certainly can't complain.

The fall has been busy with farm visits and getting ready for winter. It's a wonderful time of year to sit on the deck and watch the evening rodeo put on by the crias. The hay is almost all in the barn, the pasture is ready to be seeded, the roosters have been put into the freezer (it's quiet now), and we're ready for the hens to begin laying. The crias have all had their shots, breeding finishes this week (we've had a couple of visiting boys), and I don't need to think about weaning and halter training till next month.

Thank you to those who have responded to this journal with kind words. I didn't know if anyone would be interested.

Sit, Spin, Watch the 'Pacas,
Janet

Close Window

Home . Alpacas for Sale . Yarn and Rovings . Custom Looms. Farm Journal . Farm Photos

Janet and Clark Otterness
Alta Mist Alpacas
13892 South 7300 West
Herriman, Utah 84096
MAP

phone: 801-572-9831
cell: 801-557-4162
email: