Howdy Ya'll

The next day we left out and made our way southwest to central New Jersey.  Once we left Newark, the drive was like stepping into a new world.  We left Texas suffering a three year drought - very parched and hot.  This countryside was idyllic and green.  The architecture of the houses was story book.  We arrived at WoodsEdge Wools Farm where we were greeted with a horsedrawn carriage that took us up to the Star Events Barn.  Ms. Walker is truly a wonderful and gracious host.  I am sure that everything she does is first class. We attended workshops that were very informative and well worth the price of the airline tickets.  We met talented vendors that are now on our "wish list" of places to go and things to buy.

We also were reacquainted with fellow Texans.  It seems we aren't the only folks from the Lone Star State that have developed a love for the Suri Llama.  Cathy and Jim Ramsey were there as well as Danny Keller. It was nice to see familiar faces.  Both the Ramsey's and Danny have beautiful animals.  I have always loved Danny's appy llamas.   He owns Hard Rock's Gaston.  Cathy and Jim own WoodsEdge Chief Justice that they got from Brent Walker in 2005.  If was fun looking over the sale animals and discussing hay sources together.

Through Dinner, we were entertained with a Broadway Style Fashion Show featuring couture fashions created with Suri Llama Fiber.  And one must not think that Llama Fiber is just for Winter Sweaters.  Beach Fashions were exhibited made from a Silk Laminated Suri Fiber.  Such a totally new and fresh look.   Ms. Walker hand picked her models to accentuate the styles.  She even asked Melissa to come back next year to help model.  As a Ranch, we have always produced home fashions.  We as llama owners will no longer overlook the fashion industry for future possibilities. 

The next day, it rained in New Jersey.
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It was cool enough to wear sweatshirts and jackets, and man, did we enjoy it.  We toured WoodsEdge by golf cart.  WoodsEdge Barns were open to us and we were free to roam. Of course, we spent lots of time in the barns and in the pastures.  Brent Walker had a new set of twins that were way too cute for words. We spent time observing them and dreaming that someday, we could experience such a rarity on our Ranch.  They are Suri Fawn and Suri Fancy.  I am sure that Linda will be posting photos as they grow up.  The Walker's animals are beautiful.  We definitely will add a couple of females to Optimizer's herd when the drought breaks.  Suri llama crias are wonderful.  The luster and movement of the suri fiber is unlike any other animal that I have ever observed. It seems to flow as the llama walks. No wonder all of my spinning and weaving friends want to work with the fiber of the extreme suri llama.

As lunch was being served, a delightful man with an accent appeared on stage and claimed to be the Headwaiter.  A few minutes he was back and soon the audience realized that this was a first class act of The Three Waiters.  I can only believe they were staight out of NYC.  The Three Waiters involves hoaxing as real waiters before eventually grouping to form three talented opera singers.  This was such an added bonus.  I was glad we had some theater, since we were not able to see a show in NY. 
And, the Walker's had it right there, just for us. 

The Llama Sale was the highlight of our trip.  These animals were gorgeous in the stalls, but as they were escorted across in stage with handlers in formal wear, their full beauty was revealed.  Biltmore is stunning.   The price that these beautiful and rare animals brought was very high.  It seems these animals are in great demand.  It let us know that our Breeding and Business Plans are definitely on target.