No, I did not buy an alpaca at auction. However…
This weekend the Boulder County Fairgrounds hosted the Alpaca Expo. You may remember from our trip to the Stock Show this year how enamoured Kelsea and I were with the alpacas. Well, even though Kelsea chose to go to the Mall on Saturday, I decided to fly solo to see the critters.
O. M. G.
There is (almost) nothing I have found that makes me smile more than alpacas. While the Expo was fairly small, I spent almost three hours there, just hangin’ with my alpaca peeps. I made friends with several of the ranchers there to exhibit and I learned a lot of little tidbits.
But mostly, I just kind of hung on the railings of the little corrals and basked in the glow of the beasts. I don’t know what it is about them, but they have amazingly soothing energy. They are calm, expressive, curious, and gentle. Kind of like me, but with more hair and bigger eyes.
I had such a wonderful time that Kelsea and I went back on Sunday. And as an extra-added bonus, we went to an antique auction that was being held next door. If you check out my Life List of Things Yet To Be Done (in Lists), you will see that buying something at auction was one of my life goals. Well, not only did I buy something at auction, I bought somethingS at auction – namely, two pocket knives, a sword, a miscellaneous box of vintage hats, purses and gloves and an amazing piece of folk art – a flying pig, who told me his name was Homer.
My auction number was 339 and I was flapping my little card along with the other pros, aka, Pierre, George, Tommy and a lady whose shop we had visited in Cheyenne last Labor Day. Anyway, the whole thing was AWESOME! And here’s a sampling of the things that I – wisely, in my opinion – didn’t bid on.
As for the alpacas, well, as I said, we learned a lot. And here are a few things we learned that I’ll bet you probably didn’t know either:
Alpacas are very social creatures. You can’t have just one.
Alpacas only have bottom teeth until they are about three years old, at which point they are ready to breed and get their fighting teeth.
When they get bored, they chew things.
Alpacas’ adorable “Hmmmm” humming noise means they are stressed. Or hungry. But I guess being hungry can make you feel stressed.
Like many animals, they like to groom each other, and can often find leftovers in their Alpaca buddies.
The Suri is the most dominant type of Alpaca, although it is the least common type outside of South America.
But there are also some interesting Vicuna-Alpaca mixes (and all alpacas (and llamas) are part of the camel family).
Alpacas chew their cud in a figure-eight shape. And when they swallow a lump of cud (what’s that called?), they immediately bring up another one. If you watch their throats, you can see the one coming down and the other coming up.
Alpacas sit on all four legs, but when it’s very cold, they raise their hindquarters slightly off the ground to increase their warmth.
Alpacas are raised for their fiber and for breeding – several people were weaving and spinning at the event.
They don’t always like being touched on the head because their mothers generally nudged them on their heads to discipline them. They prefer being touched on the neck.
And when a randy male alpaca tried to mount Perfection, he was decidedly put in his place by her spitting most firmly in his face after escaping his lascivious clutches. She is a feisty little beauty. No one can mount Perfection.
Most importantly of all, they give amazingly awesome angel baby kisses. Storm the big white alpaca kissed me several times. (No tongue.) I felt truly privileged.
So it was a lovely weekend. I even tried out Zydeco dancing on Friday night. Not well, mind you, but it was new and fun and great exercise, so I think I’ll try it again. And since the auctions happen once a month, we’ll definitely be back. It will be THE place to furnish the new house!
Have a happy week!
78 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 28, 2011 at 9:44 am
Mikalee Byerman
Homer makes me happy. As do the alpacas!
🙂
February 28, 2011 at 11:01 am
Seasweetie
Me too, Mikalee – btw, love your blog!
February 28, 2011 at 9:49 am
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife
Great pics; thanks for sharing!
February 28, 2011 at 11:02 am
Seasweetie
You’re welcom, Country Man’s Wife – I like how you check Freshly Pressed daily – I’ve noticed your supportive comments on other’s blogs.
February 28, 2011 at 9:54 am
Lakia Gordon
“They are calm, expressive, curious, and gentle. Kind of like me, but with more hair and bigger eyes.” —that was too cute 🙂
February 28, 2011 at 11:02 am
Seasweetie
🙂 Lakia!
February 28, 2011 at 9:58 am
Expressmom
I never knew alpacas were so cute!!!! My son is desperate for an “out of the ordinary” pet. I wonder if I can convince him an alpaca is a better choice than a capybara?
February 28, 2011 at 11:03 am
Seasweetie
I would do it in a heartbeat if I had the merest amount of land, Expressmom.
February 28, 2011 at 10:22 am
whenquiet
I would love to just bask in the presence of an alpaca. Luxurious creature!
February 28, 2011 at 11:04 am
Seasweetie
Don’t know where you are, whenquiet, but the breeders were telling me they often have people coming out to their places to do a few chores just so they can be around the alpacas…
February 28, 2011 at 10:31 am
Aloha
A great article! Lots of great information, and the pictures are gorgeous.
Congrats on FP!
February 28, 2011 at 11:04 am
Seasweetie
Thanks, Aloha! I was thrilled and surprised to be Freshly Pressed!
February 28, 2011 at 10:49 am
acleansurface
I recently told someone a fact about llamas and after reading this post I realized it should have been alpacas, not llamas.
February 28, 2011 at 11:05 am
Seasweetie
I too was confusing the two from time to time as I talked to the breeders, acleansurface, because I’m more accustomed to discussing llamas with my daughter.
February 28, 2011 at 10:52 am
broadsideblog
What a fun weekend you had! Love Homer!!! Thanks for all the great pix.
February 28, 2011 at 11:05 am
Seasweetie
Thanks for visiting, broadside! Homer is currently residing in the kitchen, but Kelsea was startled every time she walked in on him in the dark last night.
February 28, 2011 at 11:08 am
I Made You A Mixtape
I love your alpaca pictures! I am so jealous, I have never met one in person… but they are so beautiful! I would’ve so bid on the strange vintage glassware.. so cool!…lol…. Love the flying Homer!
February 28, 2011 at 11:27 am
Seasweetie
I thought about it, sayitwithmusic! Thanks for visiting!
February 28, 2011 at 11:44 am
dearexgirlfriend
my buddy has 3 alpacas…and they are all sorts of awesome in person. glad you got to experience them!
February 28, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Seasweetie
I like that, dearexgirlfriend – all sorts of awesome! They do all have their own unique personalities!
February 28, 2011 at 12:32 pm
FinallyFast
What wonderful pictures! sounds like a whole lot of fun.
February 28, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, FinallyFast!
February 28, 2011 at 1:08 pm
thefengshuidiva
Love the pics. I had a textile class that talked about the Vicuna Alpaca. Amazing animals.
February 28, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you, fengshuidiva – I wish I had the knitting gene so I could make something lovely out of the fiber.
February 28, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Delorfinde
I once went to a llama and alpaca farm … they are so cute! I love the baby ones especially 😉
February 28, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Seasweetie
They realy are, Delorfinde – I would love to find a B&B that raises alpacas on the property…
February 28, 2011 at 1:26 pm
ckassociates
I love your article on Alpaca’s and I was lucky to come across a farm during my visit to the mountains a few years ago, and the owner breeds and sells Alpaca’s. Also he sells their fur which brings in really good money. My friend and I learned a lot about Alpaca’s that day and took loads of pictures. Your pictures are great along with your story.
February 28, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Seasweetie
I’m glad you liked them, ckassociates!
February 28, 2011 at 1:30 pm
TheGreatPlainsPoet
You can really tell your affinity for the creatures in the loving pictures you snapped. What a fun and informative post as well. Also, I love the exhilaration of winning a small, not expensive, auction too. Nice work. It looks like you had fun.
February 28, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you, GreatPlains Poet – and it WAS fun!
February 28, 2011 at 1:59 pm
blueeyedgoat
Aren’t auctions fun?! I’m a regular at the local small livestock auctions, and last year I went to a farm auction – came home with some wonderfully useful goat items at bargain prices. Love the flying pig, BTW.
Alpacas are cute. If I had another lifetime, I’d like to breed them and learn to spin their fibre. This lifetime is taken up with raising goats and making goat’s milk soap 🙂
February 28, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Seasweetie
Blueeyedgoat, I can see how auctions can be addicting – it’s kind of like gambling, except you’re sure to win! And isn’t Homer perfect?! Goats are adorable too – I used to think I’d like to have a farm – I guess it could still happen!
February 28, 2011 at 3:02 pm
myra22
Ok well, now I want one. How cute are these guys!?! I want some angel baby kisses!! See what you’ve started?!? Thanks for the post! Cute pictures!
February 28, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Seasweetie
You’re welcome, Myra22 – maybe I can start a new craze!
February 28, 2011 at 3:44 pm
charlywalker
Alpaca’s..very cute and cuddly looking……..make’s me want to trade in my wild puppy…..
spread the humor: charlywalker.wordpress.com
February 28, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Seasweetie
Charlywalker, I think a wild puppy and an alpaca would get along great (after the inital adjustment period).
February 28, 2011 at 3:57 pm
midnitechef
Alpacas are so cute! Thanks for the up-close-and-personal interview with them 🙂 And congrats for getting Freshly Pressed!
February 28, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Seasweetie
Glad you visited, midnitechef!
February 28, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Expressmom
Freshly Pressed!!!! Yay You!!!!!
February 28, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Seasweetie
Expressmom – I know!! I’m so thrilled!!!
February 28, 2011 at 4:33 pm
didiwright
I love alpacas, they have such funny faces and so much character. However, the star of your post must be Homer the blue flying pig. He gives the “when the pig flies” line a whole new dimension. Brilliant!
Congratulations for being FP!
Didi
February 28, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, Didi! I’m so glad you stopped by 🙂
February 28, 2011 at 6:27 pm
chlost
My husband wants cows. Maybe I should make a deal–he can have cows if I can have alpacas. Cute post!
February 28, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, chlost! And I think that’s a great compromise, as cows are most excellent too.
February 28, 2011 at 6:38 pm
harpersfarm
I love alpacas. Then again, I am a sucker for furry farm critters. Great story and wonderful pictures. Thanks so much for sharing.
February 28, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Seasweetie
Me too, harpersfarm. Thank you for visiting!
February 28, 2011 at 7:10 pm
lbwebb
I have loved alpacas ever since learning I wasn’t allergic to their wool like lamb’s wool. I have a dream of raising them one day and they will be among our first critters when we finally are able to buy our ranch in Texas.
You pics are beautiful and show the grace and pride of these beautiful animals.
February 28, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you, lbwebb. Best success for making your dreams happen!
February 28, 2011 at 7:49 pm
stylistnc
My kids want alpacas. Great pictures!!
February 28, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Seasweetie
You have smart kids, stylistnc.
February 28, 2011 at 7:49 pm
FOCUS GLOBAL INDONESIAN BLOGGER NEWS
Nice article and Posting
February 28, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you!
February 28, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Ellen
Now I want an Alpaca! Yay for you for being freshly pressed and thanks for stopping by.
February 28, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, Ellen – I continue to love your photos, especially of the dogs.
February 28, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Prose on the Range
I’m new to WordPress and happened onto your page at random. Lovely pictures of all the things for sale at the auction! You have a lovely eye for detail!
February 28, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you, Prose on the Range – it’s a joy to try to capture those details. Welcome to WordPress!
February 28, 2011 at 11:02 pm
makingup3000
I want an Alpaca. I heard they make great pets. If I only had a couple acres!!
Great pics.
February 28, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Seasweetie
Apparently, you don’t need too much space, makingup3000 – one of the ranchers told me he has 100 alpacas on seven acres!
February 28, 2011 at 11:03 pm
aan
hy how cute ilama,,,
makes me wanna ride that things
visit me at :
http://www.aantrending.blogspot.com
February 28, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Seasweetie
I don’t think they’re that sturdy, aan!
March 1, 2011 at 12:26 am
heatherinparadise
Oh, holy crap are those alpacas cute. Now I want one, great. Also, I want those doll heads. I want to put them in a big bowl on my coffee table, like those weird balls made of stiffened twine or twigs or whatever that have gotten so popular in the last ten years or so. Only creepier and more interesting.
March 1, 2011 at 7:38 am
Seasweetie
You sound like you have my eclectic sense of style, Heather. And wouldn’t it be fun to frolick with your alpaca on the beach?
March 1, 2011 at 9:47 am
missredreflection
Love your writing style, this post really made me smile. Just what I needed today, thank you 🙂
March 1, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Seasweetie
I’m glad missredreflection. I hope I can share more things that make you smile.
March 1, 2011 at 10:05 am
new shop « A Stitch In Time
[…] I wish I had a great name like “feeding monkeys in Uganda“, or “of auctions and alpacas“…what great names for blogs…alas, here’s just lil ol me, A Stitch In […]
March 1, 2011 at 10:14 am
beckyspringer
Wow! I love every last Alpaca picture! Congrats on being FreshPressed 🙂
March 1, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Seasweetie
Thanks, beckyspringer! It’s exciting to be Freshly Pressed!
March 1, 2011 at 10:19 am
alexbpop
Very cool and very cute
March 1, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Seasweetie
Thank you, alexpop!
March 1, 2011 at 11:21 am
anne
I have been infatuated with alpacas for quite awhile now… I am trying to figure out a good justification for having a couple…you know, finding a way to make them earn their own keep! Cute pictures…ooooh, and I love Homer! And the strange random glasses…
March 1, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Seasweetie
Can you weave and spin, Anne? Or at least shear them? People do seem to be making a fair living off their fibers. Thanks for visiting – Homer is a great housepet!
March 2, 2011 at 12:03 am
On Being Freshly Pressed « Seasweetie's Pages
[…] must say that I was totally thrilled to find myself Freshly Pressed yesterday! That honor happened once before about a year ago, and I was equally thrilled then. A couple of […]
March 2, 2011 at 12:53 am
TweeCo
Alpaca! I finally know their names!
They are such a nice and kind creatures.
Really want to have them as pet…
March 2, 2011 at 7:55 am
Seasweetie
If only we had a place to keep them, right Tweeco?
March 26, 2011 at 4:32 am
Coco
The first alpaca with the little black beard and hat is possibly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!
xo
March 26, 2011 at 9:05 am
Seasweetie
Glad he could make you smile, Coco!
April 22, 2011 at 1:49 am
Anon
Seasweetie
I like that – all sorts of awesome! They do all have their own unique personalities
April 30, 2011 at 11:08 pm
The Great Western Alpaca Show « Seasweetie's Pages
[…] January. Others may remember that this humble blog made Freshly Pressed with the posting about Alpacas and Auctions back in February. The beasties are playing a more prominent role in my life this year, and I have […]