An Alpaca afternoon.

Probably one of the last things you would expect to find two miles from the beach is an Alpaca farm, but there they are in all their fuzzy glory.

About a year ago I saw a few them grazing on what had become a somewhat neglected gentleman's farm estate.  Like so many places it was divided up  into smaller parcels however; instead of building hundreds of homes on every square inch thirteen acres were purchased by couple that believes in preservation.

The property includes a nice size cape style home, an almost 4,500 square foot carriage house built in the 1930's that the owners preserved and restored as much as possible and a small newer two stall single story barn.  The old grand house not part of the thirteen acres was sadly bulldozed.

When I originally saw fencing going up I was sad. I thought it meant fenced for home construction and was so happy to see it was for animals instead.  That was a little over a year ago.  Then a couple of months ago a sign was posted Alpaca farm open today.  We finally stopped in a got a chance to meet the growing herd and got a bit of an education on both their habits and their the lovely fashions made from their shearing.

Alpaca fiber is unusually strong and does not retain water. It can be spun to be light and airy for summer fashions to heavy and warm for winter without the bulk.When I had the opportunity to pet one of them I was surprised how soft it was.

On the side of the carriage house is a tiny little shop featuring shawls, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves and short coats that were beautifully detailed.

Demand for Alpaca fiber seems to be on the rise which may be in part due to it's hypoallergenic properties and less shrinkage with washing.

They were fun to watch and I hope to back again.

What a mess!

My garage is a nightmare of stuff. 

Me, who used to have closets where clothes hung like headstones according to color and length.

A place for everything and mostly everything in it's place.

Once a month I would do a de-clutter even if it were only a few things.

While I had a lot of stuff it was way, way better organized.

If a towel was folded improperly I would have to fix it.

How I ask, how did I stray?

I always collected things to make things then I stopped making things for at least five years so the need to collect 

things dwindled until there was no more.  

My world didn't have many things that couldn't pull dual duty.

When we purchased our home several antiques didn't fit in it.

I didn't want to part with them. 

DB had stuff I couldn't stand.

The compromise - pick out some new things together.

Then I started making things again. 

Excess shipping supplies were put in the garage.

(Okay, during holiday season tossed into the garage.)

It just seemed to go from there.....

This is just the front of the garage never mind what is up in the rafters!

1) Dress form purchased with intent to recover. Someone scribbled all over the fabric.
2) Picture purchased for the frame.
3) Treasures purchased to sell.
4) Box for recycling center.
5) Regatta Rag™ tote bag stuffed with stuff.
6) Tennis ball so I don't crash into all the junk.
7) Two cartons of stunning presentation boxes.
8) Carved furniture pieces.
9) Work tarp.
10) The coolest antique Kraft wrapping paper stand even the paper on it is old and heavy.
11) An old sled buried behind everything.
12) Box says bubble mailers but it holds boxes.
13) Paper that was in somethings I purchased that gets used to start the fireplaces.
14) A haul of silver plate that I didn't need but ended up purchasing; long story.
15) Box of work stuff.
16) Cool old wood skis I want in the house but has been met with resistance.
17) Heaven only knows what.
18) Clear shrink wrap.
19)  More work stuff.

I noticed a Martha Stewart Living magazine at my parent's home as I picked it up my Mother said oh take it.
While I do not have a building to set up a home keeping space as Martha called it.  I did spy a carton holder in the article by Global supply and thought it might just be the ticket and ordered one.  The unit looked much sturdier then you see in brick and motor stores and it definitely is.

Global shipped it immediately.  It was pretty warm for December and I thought I would put it together myself.  I suggest a second pair of hands so it doesn't take an hour.

I swept out the leaves that had blown in and began putting all shipping items in one area.
I managed to reduce the number of boxes by nine and broke them down for recycling. I decided to put the cart on the side of the garage so I don't have to move the car to see everything.

 

Doesn't look like a big deal but for me to have everything in one area really is.  I can now get a better idea of supplies I have and what I need to order.  I have to figure out something for the packing peanuts instead of the bags. It is not a crisp and neat as I would like but it will do.

As for the rest, that is another day's project.
At least I found the sled!

Santa's seaside row. Christmas by the Sea.

Every Christmas morning Santa puts his sleigh aside and heads to the bay

to launch his competition rowing skull.

I mean really, how else do you think Santa stays in shape during the summer.

Santa Ethan has been doing this for sometime.  I have only seen it once
but, at the time did not know who it was. I also thought my eyes were
playing tricks and, when I realized it wasn't thought it was the sweetest thing.

Santa's seaside row usually takes place before I am awake on
Christmas; unlike households that have small children up at the crack of dawn.

These photos were taken by our mutual friend Daria that withstands
the damp and cold yearly to capture this most heartfelt moment.

Santa Ethan, a rowing champion

 definitely brings a unique touch to the saying
"seaside holiday".

Should you look out onto the bay some Christmas morning
and, see Santa rowing on by you can finally say
so, this is what Christmas by sea is like.


All photos copyright 2011 D. Patrick all rights reserved. 
Published on beach house living with permission.

 Any re-posting, distributing, dissemination etc of these photos whole or in part for any type of use must be granted by the photographer D. Patrick.

Happy holidays

Happy, healthy holidays everyone!