THE END OF BEING MAYOR

I guess I should be sad but really you would have to slap the smile off my face, NO MORE MR & MRS MAYOR!!! Actually in a lot of ways we are probably going to miss it. We've met some amazing people and gained some life long friends along the way, in particular Randy and Pearle Price (I love you Kitty) and Richard & Jennifer Kannigan. But, I have to say, I can't wait to watch the Build, Bail & Sail from the Whaler not the Mayor's Luncheon.
It's only 6:30 as I type this and the polls close at 8:00. There are only a few that either of us could honestly say would be good on council or as mayor and I do worry for our beautiful little town. The funny thing is that we can't even vote in Comox because we're now in the regional district. I give it 3 years and I bet that you know who won't be able to stand what's happening out here and will run for that. In the meantime though maybe we can get some travel in and see our grandkids.
On another note I wasn't going to blog until next weekend when the newcomers arrive but I thought I would give those who don't know 'all' a heads up. Next Friday...we do...officially...become farmers! No we aren't getting cows and no I'm not getting my horse, we're getting!!!!! 6 alpacas and a llama (a guard llama, seriously). Now, I know a lot about horses, I now know a fair bit about goats (they are slightly insane, at least mine is), I seem to have very happy chickens (seems if you feed them a little BC Bud you get double yolks) (oh come on, I'm kidding, we have so many freakin' animals who could afford it!!!) But (and mine is getting bigger by the hour) I know nothing about alpacas and llamas. You see this is Heather's fault. Who could possibly say no to a crying Heather? Certainly not her dad or I. It's a long story but we are really excited about being able to help her and her herd out. And sorry Heather but they are our herd unless you are in the Valley.

We are on a learning curve like you wouldn't believe. Our vet couldn't stop laughing. We spent time today buying feed bags, confirming who sold the feed etc. I went with Darcee and a friend to a lady's place who had 2 alpacas and a llama last week. They, or these at least, weren't the prettiest animals I've ever been around. They were filthy dirty, bad teeth, bad feet, one kicked, one was deaf...okay they were all damn cute, well except for that. Hard to believe that's where your cashmere sweaters come from, eh?I thought this was a sheep but apparently it's an angora goat, talk about a face only
a mother could love.

This is a llama and he has the most horrible teeth and feet I've ever seen on an animal. I could be wrong because I know NOTHING but it kinda looked like a case of neglect because I do know that both the feet and the teeth trimmed and filed.

The really good thing was that they do indeedy poop in only one spot. See that's the other thing about becoming a 54 year old farmer, you learn that chicken poop sticks to everything, goats poop and pee on everything and alpacas poop in one place. See there's that learning curve. So stay tuned, I have a feeling the next post is going to be interesting. I'm taking bets that my slightly retarded goat can take the guard llama...crap that vet is going to be a wealthy man...This is the kicking alpaca with an attitude which knowing that they are such gentle animals makes me think he's been abused, not by her but whomever had her previouslyAnd this is little Blue Eyes whom I would love to have, she is terribly shy but so cute!! She is also totally deaf which apparently is a trait in alpacas with blue eyes, who would have known!
Man, I can't wait til Friday!!!!!