Tag Archives: ranch life

Alpaca – “Fiber of the Gods and Poor Man’s Cashmere”

Posted on June 12, 2013 by cliffhousemom

Aunt Geri here. Fiber enthusiasts like us covet alpaca which has the softness of cashmere, luster and drape of silk, warmth and loft of goose down, and strength and durability of wool.  Alpacas are gaining recognition and popularity for their … Continue reading →

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Marcello loses his Harem, but he gains his Man Card

Posted on May 29, 2013 by cliffhousemom

After shearing, I become concerned with Tulip’s body score. Momma here, with all of Tulip’s blanket gone, it was very apparent she was under weight. It was time for Marcello to gain his “Man Card”. If Tulip had one less … Continue reading →

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Shearing Movies

Posted on May 21, 2013 by cliffhousemom

As promised yesterday, we thought you might enjoy our amateur video attempt showing Scott shearing Morocco. He has our best fiber, and you should be able to see the nice staple length. Kirstin does the skirting afterward. The lady you … Continue reading →

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After we Shear we Skirt

Posted on May 20, 2013 by cliffhousemom

This shearing was Vannie’s first with our family at Cliff House, his behavior and his fleece were one of our best surprises of the day. When he arrived at our ranch he was wearing a modified lion’s cut, but at … Continue reading →

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Shearing Day – May 15, 2013

Posted on May 17, 2013 by cliffhousemom

Where were we on Wednesday? Our apologies, Wednesday was shearing day! There are 365 days in a year, but we will tell you quite honestly, that shearing day is the only day of the year when you raise alpacas. Momma … Continue reading →

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The Things We Do

Posted on May 13, 2013 by cliffhousealpacas_dad

Dad here – Growing up in the city, one of the things I never thought I’d be doing is driving a tractor. With the wet weather we’ve been having, our road has turned into a washboard and pot hole filled … Continue reading →

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Ranch Dog Olive!

Posted on May 8, 2013 by cliffhousemom

As I, Momma, sit at the kitchen table trying to come up with an idea for our blog post today, the sky has turned to grey and rain is falling on our 40 acres of land. Sunday had been a … Continue reading →

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Special Report: Cat Nip Found in the Garden

Posted on May 6, 2013 by cliffhousemom

Momma here this morning with a special report about our sweetie kitties big discovery this week-end. Dad, Jared and I began summing up spring cleaning for the garden on Sunday, and our kitties love to join us when we’re outside. … Continue reading →

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The Barn’s North Door is Open!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by cliffhousemom

Sunday was warm enough to open our upper barn’s north door. Our view of Castle Rock is always a welcome spring sight. The town we live near is named after the rock you see in the distance. The alpacas are … Continue reading →

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Only a Nose Knows

Posted on April 24, 2013 by cliffhousemom

Momma and Dad here, with a note about noses. Our Tuscany aka Tuscaninny, has an immune system that’s not quite right. Because of this, he has been unable to get rid of a runny nose. Dr. Balch gave us a … Continue reading →

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