When we woke up this morning, it was so cold! It was 51 degrees in the casita. Brrr! But the good part is that the truism "clear and cold" was in effect. Even at 1 p.m., the sun was out, there were barely any clouds in the blue sky, and the mountains were completely visible. Mount Cotacachi had much less snow than even the day before, a testament to the strength of the equatorial sun! And the gleaming white snow-capped Mount Cayambe was shining in the sunlight as well.

Craig was not feeling well this morning (headache, dizziness, body aches, stomach problems, etc.) We feared that it was an MS attack, and he stayed in bed all day without any energy. But when the kids got home from school (and Antonio got home from guiding tourists on a Lago Cuicocha hike), they were all feeling sick as well. Only Rosa and I were spared (knock on wood!) So it seems much more likely that there is a bug going around, and that Craig has fallen victim. That is actually a big relief!

I heard pigs squealing from my office and looked outside. Rosa had tied up 3 of the piglets, harness-style, using a rope made from braided fabric. Cinnamon was especially unhappy, squealing and bucking. I went down to see what was happening and Rosa said that they need to be forcibly weaned. Their mom Juanita is becoming too thin, and unable to bulk up again because they keep nursing. Why only 3 of the 4 piglets? They only have three ropes. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. I think the one who is not tied up is the runt, and therefore could use some more milk, as opposed to the other three (who include a very fat black piglet!)

It turns out that they are only being weaned during the day (I found this out when three of them, ropes dragging, entered the kitchen during dinner.) At night they are allowed to cuddle with Mom for warmth at bedtime.

Author

Craig and Steph

Created on

Monday 23 January 2017

Posted on

Sunday 11 March 2018

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