Introducing: "Chocolate Chip"

It finally happened . . . and I have been sooo slow to blog about it.

Cocoa Bean delivered her little (Crea) baby alpaca on August 25 in the morning.  A darling baby boy, which we have named "Chocolate Chip". 

Chip has four little white socks, a white headband and beard.  He is darker than Mom and it healthy and strong.

He looks more like his sister (Licorice Whip) than his Mother, even though his sire was an all-white alpaca.  You'll note the same white headband, although Whip only has one white sock.  We were so happy that Cocoa delivered early.  Her due date was September 2, and we were afraid that a delayed delivery would prevent us from attending the Mountainman Rendevouz in Ft. Bridger, WY.  This is an annual event we alway participate in.

Chip's arrival did not stop us from going to the Rendevouz, but Steve almost did.  He was hospitalized with blood clots in his lungs just days before we were to leave.  But his doctor thought the rest would do him good, so we packed up and went anyway, just one day after he came home from the hospital.

These are all pictures of people I don't even know, but I thought their authentic dress was exceptional, and had to give you a looksy.

This is such a fun event.  All of the vendors must only sell authentic period type products, and all those who camp in the Fort, must stay in wall tents or tee pees, with no lawn chairs or coolers.  However, there are lots of venders selling wooden chairs and camp cooking cabinets, along with pottery, period clothes and hats, buckskin hides, and lots more.

Those who come in period clothing, receive free admittance.  This is probably the only reason that I dress in period attire.  This is not really my bag, but Steve LOVES it, so off we go.  We always camp in our 5th Wheel at the improved campground nearby.  Satellite TV, wi-fi, grass and modern bathroom facilities are a must for this girl.  We do lots of outdoor cooking and ride our bikes to the store for ingredients we may have forgotten.

Several years ago, I purchased a basket there, which quickly became the best portable knitting container I have every owned.  Since that time, with lots of use, the basket has started to breakdown, and I am fearful that the bottom will drop out at any minute.

This year I found that vendor again.  Yay!  I now have a new basket, and it cost a whopping $5.00.  This will probably be my last, as the vendor said she could not get them anymore.  I am planning to dye it and put a fabric lining in it.  I'm hoping this will help it to last longer.

Look . . . even Custer was there this year.

As much as I hate to include this picture, here we are, in all of our finery.  My kids couldn't believe that Steve's beard came in all-white this year.  Perhaps I will be making a Santa suit soon.  Note the new basket I am carrying, complete with knitting project inside.  Steve was really tired, so we spent a lot of time sitting and watching the sites.  This gave me lots of knitting time . . .

Here we are with our friends, Connie and Ralph.  Oops, I forgot to take off my watch (not too authentic).  We always travel with them, and we are planning a New England Cruise in October.  Now that is "my type" of a vacation.

I spent most of the weekend working on "Carmine".  Here she is . . . with the sleeves on holders and making good progress on the body.

This is a back view.  This pattern has been a real challenge, but it is moving along beautifully.  It am just about to switch the needles, to make the body shaping.  That was the real attraction of this pattern, as it is a sweater that really hugs the curves.  I can't wait to wear it, and I'm hoping it will hug the right curves, and not accentuate the bad ones.  Happy Knitting . . . . .