A Visit with Ruby

 On a day in February, 2022 when the snow was falling we had a visit from our Granddaughter, Ruby, and family. They drove from Bowmanville, Ontario to us in Gatineau, Quebec. It is always a great delight to have a visit with family.

Kids will get into anything.

Here Ruby is trying to fill her Dad's boots.

Oops! They just don't fit.

"Dad how do you lift your feet in these?"

    Later in the day, the snow stopped and the day, although cloudy and minus 6 degrees, we went to the farm again, the Alpagas Chelsea Farm that is. Covid protocol of wearing masks was in effect. We learned about the alpaca herd, now down to 15 animals. Apparently during last year 2 of the females were sold to another farm in the area.

Ruby bundled up for cold and Covid protection.

    Ruby enjoyed seeing the Alpacas and petting their soft wool. Alpacas are shorn only once a year usually in May so now their wool is getting quite long. The farm has won many awards for the quality of their wool.

    Most of the alpacas were in a good mood however we did see two of them spit at each other. Spitting is their way of dealing with fear, distress, dominance or a warning to "keep away from my food".  Here are some photos of these lovely animals:

Three colours of Alpacas

Ruby standing by an Alpaca.

Such a gentle looking face -- watch out for the spitting though.

Due to the fact that they only have teeth on their lower jaw they will not bite.

This is the smallest male but the most aggressive. 

Don't get too close or talk to this one, he will spit.

Of course the two gentle guard dogs were a big hit.

They were very gentle and loved the attention.

Ruby giving a kiss through her mask.

Kristen giving the dogs a pat.

    The next day we went to Parc Omega to feed the deer. Ruby was so thrilled to be able to feed them not only through the car window but she also had a chance to feed one when we stopped at the activity area "Land Of The Pioneers". .

"I did it! I fed him"

In the background you can see an albino deer

This one is getting really close.

"Please give me the carrot."

There are all sorts of deer...

... and hogs.

This one can barely reach the carrot

Let's feed some more.

A reindeer

"I am coming"

"I just have to get over this big pile of snow."

"At last. Thank you!"

Aaron feeding the deer at the parking lot.

The deer are vey cautious but will come 

right up to you and get the carrot offering.

Ruby feeds another deer.

Ruby and a "moose".

Here is another example of how the use the antlers that have been shed.

The Verwey Family: Aaron, Ruby and Kristen

Bison -- don't feed them!

Ruby fed another deer. This one has big antlers.

A goat. Be careful around them. They are not like the deer.

They will kick your car.

A majestic male goat looking down on us.

"What's going on?"

Ruby with Grandma

    Although our visit was very short we had a great time visiting with family. Smiles and giggles make it all worthwhile. We always love visiting with our Grandchildren whenever possible.