Como se Llama....

While browsing through CM Life this week, I noted quite an interesting opportunity listed under "Weekend Events". A Llama show. To be held at our very own Isabella Co. Fairgrounds. Free admission.

Yes, Detroit-based readers, you did read that correctly. Llamas. In these here parts, people actually own animals such as llamas, on their tremendous acreages of land, and they show them as one shows a classic car in a Shell parking lot during the Woodward Cruise. And they get prizes and medals and blue ribbons for things like hairiest llama; funniest llama; llama with best personality; llama with best smile; llama most likely to succeed; llama most likely to live in a house with 7 kids and a white picket fence; etc.

So, this AM, after coffee and breakfast and shower, I packed Evan up and we headed to the fairgrounds to see the llamas. He wasn't terribly thrilled about it initially; in fact, he even said it was "too dark" for him underneath the barn enclosure (which it wasn't dark at all); and the only way I was able to lure him into the mix was point out a booth where one could buy llama-themed merch, such as llama stationary, stickers, stuffed toys, blankets, and so on. Evan chose 4 charmingly homemade llama stickers (someone designed the picture, and then printed them off on their computer); and I bought a winter scarf that better damn well be part llama, it being bought at a llama show. (As a suburban girl, I succumb easily to the charm of homemade things-- as I bought the scarf, I thought, "This is made of llama." Fact is, I wouldn't know if it wasn't-- it could be possum, or goat, or even beaver-- I'm going to tell everyone who asks that it's llama, based on purely anecdotal evidence and very uncritical reasoning).

Anyway, my impression of llamas was pretty good. They seem like gentle and tame animals. Less hyperactive than dogs and more interesting than cats. They have Snuffleupagus-looking eyelashes, and cute pointy ears. Their hair looks pettable: something like Cree Summer's 'do from her first few seasons on "A Different World". If Evan asked for a llama today, I might've said yes.

We were only there about an hour, but it was a very interesting and random hour. It was, as I see it, an experience that isn't likely to be repeated in suburban Detroit, unless you go to the zoo. It's wild country up here, folks. Believe it or not.