Overthinking

Alpacas are a test to patience. I have done and refined a mating plan for the year. A few days later, I modified it. But this wasn’t the last draft. And of course, last night I thought of something different again.

I always argue that changing your mind is ok. Rectifying is a virtue. However, this is not what I’m doing here. I think my patience is being tested once more. Twelve months of pregnancy to produce an uncertain cria is a long-winded investment. Time investment. Am I just succumbing to the urge of getting the result promptly?

It’s not a silly task producing your own herd and trying to put it next to the elite. Even more when your animals fall in a class that doesn’t meet the leader’s expectation. Multi is not a colour. I’m not shy, though. Show time is coming and triggering my worries. Measuring up next to the best takes some skill. If I don’t get the best result, I’ll be the gauge for the winner. I’m OK with that.

I am still to discover the result of last year’s planning. I already have two external matings arranged for the next months. Maybe I should relax a bit and savour the moment and dream a bit longer with the babies that are soon due.

But before, I’m going to have a look at some fleeces and some pictures. I might find a perfect genetic match for my ladies. This year, next year… or is this planning obsession part of the dream?