Riseland Llama Farm

15 July 2007 - We had taken our time coming north from Ft. Myers but finally could delay it no longer and drove on up to Talking Rock, GA. Well it is really closer to Ellijay, GA but post offices being like they are, the mailing address is Talking Rock. The name reminded us of a small town in N. Carolina we visited last summer called Blowing Rock but the resemblance ended at the name. Blowing Rock is a thriving tourist town with property values valued mostly in 7 digits and land in 6 digits per acre - Talking Rock has some dozen houses and 3 or 4 businesses (open only on weekends). However, land is still some 30 to 40k per acre so perhaps they will soon catch up to Blowing Rock.

The photos are of some of the animals we help take care of. The llama is a quite gentle animal with hard two towed feet which have to be trimmed periodically. They are fed once a day with an adult receiving some 1/2 to 3/4 cup of a special blend of feed for llamas plus they graze and/or consume some 1/2 flake of hay (called a fold here). As with most animals they have distinct personalities but are easily handled and some are quite affectionate. We have 10 females, 3 adult males and 3 young males at present with over half of the females bred to have their young before the end of the year. Unfortunately, Becky and I will be gone by then but we may pay a quick visit on our way to Florida to check on them.

All of the animals can be shown and over half are prize winners at past shows. We try to walk them and handle all of them frequently to keep them ready for 'showtime' (most shows are in October/November). They also have an Obstacle Class for llamas which several of out animals do well in as they are easy to handle and have quiet personalities. Wish I were going to be here to show some of them but make do with the training and handling.

More to follow......


 
 
 

Perry Georgia

15 July 2007 - We enjoyed our visit with all the kids and friends in Ft. Myers but were ready to get out of the heat (yes, it was already hot). James, Dave and dad had spent several days working on Dave and Lori's shower/bathroom but had to leave the finishing to Dave. Not to worry - he can do it. It is quite interesting to observe Dave go from having little (no?) interest in doing mechanical type things to settling into a husband/homeowner role. Well, perhaps 'settling' is too strong a word but he has amazed the family (mostly James and me) as he takes on more jobs. Guess he just needed to be motivated!!

We traveled north and made our usual 300 or so miles and found a nice little park in White Springs, FL, called Lee's Country Campground. You will see no photos of the place as happened to be there just as the wildfires in Georgia and Florida were at there worst and we were fleeing the smoke. We thought we were out of the bad stuff when we reached White Springs but woke up to a thin layer of ash covering the ground, our truck and the trailer!! We made record time getting ready and departing!!!

The smoke continued into Georgia and we did not stop until we reached Perry, Georgia where we once again lucked out by finding a beautiful little campground. It was run by two brothers, had a small fishing pond and had a policy we have come to really appreciate - one price for everything. They had WiFi, cable, etc. and the price they quoted you included everything on the site (not advertised was pancake breakfast cooked by one of the brothers).

They recommended a visit to a nearby Air Museum and the photos are of our trip there. Well worth the trip if you are in the area!!!



 
 
 

Shots for the Album

11 July 2007 - Wherever we go I try to take a few 'artsy' shots just in case I ever feel like changing profession (is retirement a profession?) so these are a few of my feeble attempts to capture a bit of the ambience of the beach in its 'off times'. There was not a lot to work with on the one day we managed to go to the beach but I found the first and third ones captured my idea of what a beach should look like and the center one just ties them together - well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.


 
 
 

Those Crowded Ft. Myers Beach beaches!

11 July 2007 - After graduation we finally had a chance to try out a couple of the beaches around Ft. Myers Beach. It is really tough putting up with all the crowds but we managed to just squeeze into one of them to catch a few rays and enjoy the sunset. I'm not sure how we manage to be so lucky but Becky and I frequently stumble into areas that can be VERY crowded but since we wander around in the off season, we avoid the tourist crunch most of the time. Not sure we will be so lucky when we return in November!!! Nice beach though, huh?

 
 
 

More Of The Family

10 July 2007 - These shots waited until we were out of the heat and in the cool of Motoko's house so in case you think they look 'cooler' than those previous - it's the temperature - not the personalities!!!!! We had not had a chance to have all the kids together since Dave and Lori's wedding (and previously when Dave brought Lori to Missouri for our first introduction to our new daughter(so we, of course, took the opportunity to capture them on 'film' - well on disc I guess.


 
 
 

All In The Family

10 July 2007 - We, of course, had to have family photos with the new grad and since some of you don't see all of us very often, I thought I might as well let you see how we are progressing these days. Please no rude comments about the 'old man' from those who might just be tempted (can you imagine that?) as he has heard it all already straight from those he loves.



 
 
 

Thank You Motoko!!

30 June 2007 - After graduation, the family (and friends) gathered at Motoko's house for a great time visiting, eating and patting the graduate on the back (alright, we also spent a fair bit of time eating and drinking). Thanks to Motoko for all her hard work (and having it at her house!!!) and to all who helped make it a wonderful afternoon. Thanks to the Culvers also (and to all the times they 'host' parts of the Crawford clan). It seems they are always the host/hostess and we are the guests but it is the price they pay for living nearby I guess. It is much appreciated and hopefully we will be able to return the favor soon.

The photos are pretty self explanatory and do not do Motoko's house justice - what a beautiful place and setting!!

As this is written, Lori is about to go 'on campus' for her last time prior to earning her Masters and we are looking forward to celebrating that event in November when we are next in Florida. Yes, there is the small thing about seeing the new grandchild, but we will definitely make time to celebrate her new Masters!!!! Way to go LORI!!!

Until the next time ....