The Lure of Spring Grass

John has had plenty to do this Spring as another pasture area was added to the farm. Drilling post holes, stringing six foot no-climb fence, and discing the new ground have filled April with lots of new experiences and added responsibility.

With the men working the lowest pasture, it became our duty to handle all the pen cleaning and feeding chores. Yesterday I was in Kaboom's pen-the men were hanging the gate. John was over with the "girls" who are anxious to graze the new, green grass that is currently unavailable due to the wet conditions.

Suddenly John started sputtering and he became quite upset. I looked up to see Princess Nomian and Danko's Irish Rose slipping through the fence in the barn... Patagonia's Alameda was on their heels. Fortunately I was able to divert her, but the two others manuvered around all the barriers I had purposely placed in the doorway, right past our shih tzu, Bootsie, to the green grass up by our motorhome.

John's reaction became more intense when I called down to the men for help. (Those "girls" completely ignored the dish of grain I was offering them-they were totally engrossed in that green grass. ) Although he was yelling at the top of his lungs, he remained in the pen with the other alpacas; they were just as upset as he!

With Bob's help herding the two "mavericks" around the perimeter, I was able to open an outside gate and keep Kaboom busy at the top of his pen-(Kaboom was very interested in that dish of grain! ) They came running in, but now we had two females in Kaboom's pen! When I opened the adjoining gate, the remaining "girls" rushed to roll in Kaboom's shed of dry B's !!!

We were back in the routine....the "girls" got their roll and went back across to their area. John went back to filling the hay wagon.... but, the lure of spring grass is ever-present.