Self Employed Again

Alpaca Shearing day.

This was not on my bucket list. Nor was it even on my radar. While standing amongst my friend’s cute, fuzzy, stuffed toy resembling, Alpacas she invited me to the shearing to be held months away.

I was forwarned about the process. And, was expecting trauma and pig-like screaming.

And while it looked Spanish inquisition, it turned out to be, well, almost zen

The first order of business; corral the fuzzy creatures into the run in.

Alpacas are wiley, independent and quick. Herding cats anyone? Laughter all around as the wrangling didn’t always go as planned

Once in the run in, they are “blown” to remove as much dust and flotsum as possible This saves the clipper blades.

A little scruffy before. But oh so cute!

After being prepped they are guided into the clipping area.

They are laid on the mats and the safety straps are attached.

If needed, a vet check can also be done.

And sometimes,well, stuff comes out the back. I shall NOT be volunteering for THAT job in the future.

Then the clipping begins. It takes about 6 minutes. Tablecloths are positioned to catch the wool for spinning and knitting. I learned the back wool is the best followed by the neck. Belly wool, rightly so, is tougher, as is the leg wool. This is often discarded. If you want permanent mulch, belly and leg wool does not break down easily.

The head holder also gets cuddle time.

Alpacas have bottom teeth. As with my horses maintenance is required. Good thing they spit instead of bite!

Most all were calm. There were a couple of drama queens.

Most were ready to lose their thick coat.

The wool, not to be saved gets swept up.

Watching the master clip these critters was mesmerizing. It was a ballet between the head holder animal and clipper.

After they look so small.

It is obvious from the reactions of those clipped, there is no trauma.

The spinning and knitting wool is taken to the loft to air.

Next, after our host gave us a yummy barbeque, halters on and head for home.

Oops

The problem with managing two blogs sometimes it causes a glitch. My apologies as I developed my final Prague post on my local trail blog.

You can find it here:

Special Prague moments, and what I learned.

Prague. The metal museum.

This guy caught my eye as we wandered around the cubist architecture of Prague.

With a ten year old grandson, Minions are ever present. Did not expect to see him amongst the ancient architecture of Prague.

The museum is great fun. It transforms scrap metal into sculptures representing all aspects of our collective culture. And, great recycling.

Unfortunately, my aging Android decided it had its own idea of focus. Please forgive the fuzziness. I posted these photos to give you a glimpse of the talent exhibited.

Photo dump

David Cerny, Prague activist and artist.

In a previous post, David Cerny’s pink tank was mentioned. It harbingered the beginnings of an incredible career.

There are tours available which cover his artwork throughout the area.

His artwork guided me to our tram stop in Kinsky Square. As soon as the torso of a tank came into view, I knew it was time to get off.

Cerny installed it to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Soviets occupying Czech lands. Recently this installation was painted blue and yellow in protest of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The babies, located in Kampa, are world famous. They not only wander on the ground, but a few escaped and climbed the Zizkov TV tower.

Our wanders took us by Pegasus, half horse, half aircraft engine and Visavi Zamek, a tipped up pink Zetor 40 tractor.

Should I get back to Prague I shall definitely take a tour of Cerny’s installations and plan a trip to the Mucha museum.

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Prague cobblestones

The cobblestones of Prague are artwork unto themselves.

Some, a standard design.

High heels not recommended.

Art is under foot.

Needless to say, all these cobblestones require maintenance.

Smooth tracks along the river
made walking and jogging easier.

Beautiful, creative, and the added bonus is the stoccato traffic music.

Please like, comment, subscribe, and let me know what you enjoyed about Prague.

Check out my local hiking blog, mikicc.org.

Prague. Walk along the Vltva River.

I love to wander. Whether in the woods of NH, USA, or the streets of Boston. One sees so much more ambling along. Walking down from the castle, (see blog post on Vysehrad castle), is a tricky descent. As an aging American, even hiking down from a mountain top requires focus. The long, steep trek to the river made me second guess my choice of route. Worth it.

Getting to the river road, I headed for the center of town, keeping an eye out for the Charles bridge. The road, Naplavka, runs along the river, below the Rasinvo nabr. This whole day was filled with wonders.

In a few places you must pass through a tunnel. One was big enough to be the setting for a skateboard park!

Weeks prior Prague had suffered major flooding, forcing the removal of boats from the water.

Orange flood barriers are still visible.

Fortunately for all who make a living on the river, and we tourists, the water had receded and businesses were opening back up.

Not sure this barge bar would entice me.

This pink Statue?

A nod to David Cerny when he and fellow students painted a tank pink as a sign of protest against Communism. I might have to fly a pink flag!

Art and Architecture in Prague. Stop and let your eyes wander.

This seasoned woods hiker found cobblestones a challenge. How do all the joggers do it?

Behind this flood proof window is a popup bar!

The window rotates open. I sat riverside for a wonderful sandwich and the ever refreshing Pilsner.

Between the pubs tucked under the main road that runs above, and the BARges on the river this area must be hopping when the sun goes down.

2021-2022 Years of change

How ignorant one can be when one doesn’t want to believe or tune in to the signals a loved one tried hard to hide.

It has been a while since my husband went to join his hunting dogs in the perfect covert. He and his beloved companions, almost 20 collected over the years, were joined together at our local hunting preserve.

Sarge had donated his body to Harvard Medical school. He liked to tell people he finally got into Harvard. I too shall be going there when my journey ends. FYI, it is a wonderful program. Many medical colleges accept bodies and all your loved ones pay is transport to the designated program. A simple call to the school can give you the necessary documents. Your body helps the school and the cost helps your heirs. If you would like to know how we did it, please message me.

It took almost six months or so for him to be returned. Upon his return, I picked a winter day 2025, before a predicted snow dump to spread the small, individual piles of gun dog and hunter ashes. Memories of points, snuggles and trudging through the woods and fields, accompanied me.

Nowadays, as I wander past that spot it tugs my heart knowing they are together, and someday his remaining hunting dogs will join them.

My thanks to all the Connollys at Red gate farm and Pond view kennels. They have been amazing.

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Vysehrad Castle – a MUST visit.

The artist from whom I purchased my two lovely watercolours recommended a trip to Vysehrad. So glad I listened. My travels have taught me to always get advice from locals.

As a hiker, my preferred mode of transportation is my feet. They led me to:

A very impressive entrance.

The grounds are beautiful, filled with many sculptures, and great views of the river and valley below.

My ultimate goal was to find Dvorak’s grave, my brother’s favorite composer. Google maps is not great for finding a grave amongst many others. I got the grand tour.

They do not look happy to be forever neighbors

Be sure to linger for the 12 o’clock hour, as the music floats above the souls. Hopefully you can hear here:

The Cathedral called and I heeded the call.

A truly magical morning.

As I left, this:

My father’s favorite saying was Pax Vobiscum. I used to call him Poxquo. Always in my heart.

Back to the hotel with a wander along the river. Like, comment and subscribe to keep exploring with me.

Prague Music 🎶

The Czech Republic has given us many notable composers and musicians. Dvorak, Smetana,known as the father of Czech music Janacek, Gassman and Mahler, to name a few. Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni premiered in Prague. The movie Amadeus was partially filmed in Prague.

Street musicians are everywhere.

Take in a concert at the Clementinum mirror chapel, and not just because it mirrors my last name. It is spectacular.

Try for the 18:00 show as the show at 20:00 is only available Friday and Sunday. The organ is phenomenal, so check for a concert incorporating it.

I imagined being the heroine in a romantic novel while visiting the Smetna Concert Hall. Picture sitting in an elegant box, not to see the show, but to be seen. A fluttered fan, a downturned eye, and the young prince across the way is yours.

Below, in the people’s seats we heard about the history of the building. I ogled the lighting director with his good looks and long hair.

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Prague Castle

A cold, rainy, bluster day. Prague Castle and the Cathdral of St. Vitus.

The Castle regally stands with a great view of the city below.

The detail. Such great craftsmanship.

The Golden Lane once housed Castle workers. So named as rumor of manufacturing gold spread. Most notably, it was the home of Franz Kafka.

We did not stop to see the Crown jewels as the line was long. We did get to see the changing of the guard.

And some other guards. Love the cobblestones.

The cathedral construction started in 1344!, it was paused in 1419 and finally completed in 1929.

The stained glass was gorgeous. Photos do not do them justice.

The memorials and small chapels were over the top. No wonder 80% of Prague are not churchgoers. Opulence while the masses starved.

While the Cathedrals of Prague are stunning and definitely worth seeing, there was something a bit poignant about the class distinction.

This guy was using a dust pan to sweep dirt off the floor.

As we left, we peeked into the garden. Even in September, peaceful and lovely.

The evening was open and nearby wanderings brought me to this lovely little restaurant with the most satiating Gin and Tonic. A few nights later, the knowledge was shared with fellow travellers. Those who know me shall not be surprised that we got turned around on the way back to the hotel. Must have been the Gin.