It has been a challenging year in 2018 for us here at Kensmyth Alpaca.

We have had some real tragedies with:

• the loss of one of my (human) best friends in a Car Accident,
• the loss of a favourite Alpaca to Uterine Torsion pregnant with a female cria 2 weeks before birthing,
• my Fathers continuing ill health,
• one of our close family diagnosed with a permanent life threatening illness
• I was kicked chipping an ankle bone and requiring stitches (thanks Kirstie for helping me out) – funny how I never heard back once as to how I was from the Colts owner – which left me scarred for life with a wedge chunked out of the back of my ankle and a permanent limp,

• an idiot (sorry but you were) reversed into my car on Christmas Eve

BUT  I am a positive person and we also have had:

phenomenal success with our Alpaca breeding colours and fantastic cria fleeces

wonderful returning and new clients and new friends made every time someone visited

Passed our Licencing (3 councils) for breeding with flying colours and great compliments in early November

safe (eventually) foaling of a colt and filly at Kensmyth, Clay Meadow for the first time

the assured pregnancy for 2019 of our beloved Draught mare at a mere 17.1hh (nearly 17.2 LOL

we have enjoyed good times, bad times, cried, laughed and at all times kept a sense of humour in farming…

so from all at Kensmyth, as it is now New Years Eve, all that remains is to say to everyone…

Happy New Year 2019 – we hope to see you soon and that it brings you all health, happiness and friendship

I am lucky to have had some fantastic gifts from Clients, family and friends so please take this as an opportunity for me to thank you all again!

I think each day of how blessed I am with such a great smorgasboard of friends from all walks of life and of all ages – long may it last.

I always like gifts that give me the opportunity to learn more “of my trade” so to speak so an extra thank you to the provider of these invaluable books –

and for my hubby taking me out to The Greyhound at Siddington for a Goat Curry as a treat from all my cooking…

well we have been crazy busy in the past week as expected and Ollie has the supreme accolade of being measured in now at 6ft 5 inches tall so the tallest of the three boys now – well done Ollie but please stop growing!

Talking about growing – the youngest of the Draughts is going through a ripping time with her rugs as she learns her own size – look out Mum these are headed your way for mending soon!

yup – she was lucky with that one

AND if you think a HAYBAR is a good idea for a Draught Horse at 17.2hh – guess again…

nope – they should not look like that LOL lucky I have a Mr Fix it Husband!!

Well Boxing Day is usually Turkey leftovers but with so little space here, I long ago found a carcass was too much in the fridge so I cook two smaller Crowns for “the Day” and one fits nicely for Boxing Day ready…

and thank you for the super Christmas Cake and Pud Mum – bit too much Brandy this year I nearly lost my hair!

well somebody always needs a lift over Christmas so we take turns hubby and I as to who drives… Christmas Eve was my turn to drive. I took these photos coming back it was so beautiful in the fog…

and then I remembered THAT episode in Dexter where his wife tells him to look at the beauty of the Moon…

This year we have donated money to Charity rather than send Christmas Cards en masse. However, for all our friends, clients, family and everyone we wish the very best of the Season to all of you… it is finally beginning to look a little bit like Christmas is here at Kensmyth too… see for yourself…

the decorations are hand crafted and purchased from Cirencester Market – marvellous are they not?

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all  –

I am often heard saying that the beauty is all around you if you would only open your eyes to see it, as temperatures plummet once more the days are sooo beautiful outside – don’t miss it life is too short and too precious…

I am so pleased that the second love of my life to Alpaca, the Llama are finally getting a look in and would like to thank the person who gave us this fantastic pressie – Marvellous!

no Mum – I have not opened my presents yet, this one was unwrapped with a matching Calender  – FAB

Well it took a wee while for him to adjust to the size of his latest Ball

but very shortly everyone wanted to have a go!

Im on it again – my regret that the continuing Carrot cartoon tales advertising their wares have missed the opportunity for selling Wonky Vegetables… or at least eco friendly. Every Carrot clothed clad – even parsnips now in Red Riding Hood clothing and tales – makes me wonder how many kiddies plates will be left with their Veg this Christmas uneaten LOL.

Anyway – I found these wonky carrots with toes …

went down a treat with the Rare Roast Beef recently!