The Garden, My Birthday, Crias and Sunday with Scarlett

I spent Sunday afternoon with Scarlett Rose, she had just had a bath and was in her robe when I arrived, then she had a yummy lunch of meatballs and then some play time.

I HAD one lovely red nerine in the garden... Ruby fixed that for me only minutes after this photo was taken!!

Cushla helped my birthday along by giving birth to a black female cria that I have named Rosamund.

Later we had a lovely dinner at the Bowning Hotel :)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Nicholai is growing well:

And so too is Yvette, who is a quiet little soul, and not nearly as boisterous as Nicholai.

An early start this morning, Joeley was in labour but with a malpresented cria, left leg bent back at the shoulder and right leg bent back at the knee.... beyond my skill set to fix that, call for the vet, muscle relaxants and major manoeuvring, then presto, she's here, a little medium grey female cria.  Its been a tough start, her head and neck were very swollen after all Joeley's straining to push her out.  She's recovering slowly, but not able to stand yet.  Think good thoughts for Jemima, she's not out of the woods yet.

Collette was hanging tight with Joeley all morning, despite vets, cars and me also being in close proximity.  After the vets left I helped Collette deliver an enormous (9.46kg) grey female cria, Chiara.  She is a pretty little thing and is doing very well.

Nicholai and Portia are best buds, here hanging out with Pearl, but mostly off on their own.

Portia is beginning to realise that you should be careful what you wish for.  She was at Nicholai from the time he was born to hurry up and get into play mode... now.... Portia has to find her mum Pearl to hide behind because Nicholai wants to play  ALL the time!!  LOL!!

Llama Crias and Alpaca Bath Time

All the llama crias are doing well in their lead and halter class.  Cumberbatch was a late starter, but is now the star pupil :)

Cumberbatch is an huariso (alpaca x llama) and he has the prettiest colouring (with or without the pink Chloromide spray on his neck!!) combined with a lovely fleece, very much a llama in his head.

Bianca is not keen on having the halter fitted, but once its on, she walks perfectly :)

I don't know why she doesn't like putting it on, she looks so good in pink :)

 Jade was 3 months old yesterday and is thriving.  She too is doing well at lead and halter class, but steadfastly refuses to co-operate if I want a photo of that!!

Azzura's son Rhys is a handsome little fellow, and like the others doing well in class.

I thought this piece of farm infrastructure was a drinking trough, but Tiana Rose begs to differ, she sees it more as a bath!!

It was a balmy 16 degrees yesterday, but Jemma was not to left out of the action.  She is day 390 today, and still shows no sign of giving birth, though plainly she huge and uncomfortable!

Maggie, showing off her new fascinator ;-D

And finally, in the garden... I have ONE white nerine, small but perfectly formed..... Canberra was awash with pink ones when I was there on the weekend.

And some purple chrysanthemums: