Lemon juice

My parents have a lemon tree and always end up with more lemons than they can use. Since I'm trying hard to drink 8 cups of water a day, I like to add a little squirt of lemon for flavor. (Or some slices of cucumber, which make it deliciously sweet.)

The "olive oil" type bottle makes it easy to add just the right amount. I decided that it was worth it to buy a little juicer as well. Most of it went into little jars in the freezer. I'm getting into the homesteader mentality of getting stuff in bulk when it's in season, and storing for later.

Chicken fight

I'd only seen minor posturing between my chickens before, but this morning the Ameraucana and the Welsummer were just getting into it when the Rhode Island Red ran between them, pecked the Ameraucana back a few steps, pecked the Welsummer back, then promptly returned to scratching and eating. The two fighters eyed each other but kept their distance. Go Red.

Canning jars

I went to Urban Ore to pick up some PVC pipe and, as usual, went by their kitchen supplies section. I've found some nice glass containers there before. This time I was pleased to find 10 clean canning jars!

I had already been planning to explore pressure canning. One aspect ready to go!

Chicken birthdays

My girls are about a year old now. Happy birthday!

Enjoy it - you've got about two more years before you go into the stew pot!

Alpaca visit

I had a delightful tour of Alpacas of Marin on Sunday. They have a mix of suris and huacayas (as well as a few accidental mixed crias, oops), in a range of colors. She also showed me a few bags of raw fleece still waiting to be processed, as well as finished yarn from her own alpacas. I've been reading alpaca books and websites and watching videos, but getting to interact with them up close helps all the information fall into place. I plan to return to help on shearing day if I'm available. I've also already volunteered for shearing day on another large farm, which will be in April.

I suggest clicking on the pictures to see them pop up in a larger size, so you can better see their adorable faces.

Huacaya females.

Goth suri female. Look at that eyeliner!

Small suri female with another one making a derpy face in the background.

Suri mom and nursing baby.

Huacaya female with the classic fluffy top.

Suri female with unusual white nose.

Huacaya female taking a rest.

Huacaya boys. The black one was gorgeous.

Some sexy times happening among the girls.

Burying my hands into thick fleece.

Pulling the fleece open to see its true color, crimp, and length.

Drying resusable baggies

I hung this string and clothespins for drying herbs, but it's come in handy for reusable baggies, as well.

Scallions

Yuuummm.