Boy was I tired yesterday – that’s why I haven’t posted yet.  We got back at around 12:30am from the TxOLAN Spectacular show in Fort Worth.   We actually placed better than I thought we would since it was a Level IV show.  Every one of the 7 animals that we had there got a ribbon!  Renoir got another blue ribbon – this time in the fleece show.

TxOLAN is a fantastic show and every year there are new ranches who come to it.  And every year there are established ranches that come and try to take all the blue ribbons!  That’s what makes it so good – the competition.  The alpacas that are winning the blue ribbons these days are absolutely gorgeous!  Talking specifically about huacaya’s, the crimp is unbelievable, the brightness is remarkable and the fineness just keeps on getting finer!  That is what we are all striving for.  And then there is that beautiful head that is continuing to show – big top nots, facial hair, etc.  Fabulous.

Another thing I really like about this show in Fort Worth is that my parents who live just outside of Wichita, Kansas drive down to be with us.  Our son, Ross, and his girlfriend, Rachel, who live in the Metroplex came over to have dinner with us on Saturday night, too.  We had a great time at the dinner and at the following Live Auction.  The Live Auction was great and brought in a good amount of money for our organization – many thanks to all who donated auction items.  Our friends Bret and Rachel, who live in Fort Worth right now came to see us, too.  They came last year and didn’t get to see any of the show, but this time they got to see us show animals!  Rachel is busy relearning how to knit and she will be making a beanie for her husband, Bret, out of yarn from our animals. They are so sweet and are expecting a baby in about 4.5 months!  Very exciting times…..

Now, we have finished with our show season for this year.  It’s been great and now we look forward to shearing in late March.