Bleary-Eyed and Semi-coherent

I'm awake, but just barely. Rob and I have been ride sharing in order to save on gas. This means I have to get up two hours earlier. Yesterday, gas prices were at $3.09 a gallon everywhere in town, so we figure if we take one vehicle, it's saving half off our gas! Woo-hoo! Way to stick it to the gas company! I'm sure the profits they'll be losing by us carpooling will send them into bankruptcy immediately! (I may be more sarcastic when I'm tired than I thought.)

There's by a lot of work to do around here, so I actually like getting to work before everyone comes in for the day. I can focus better when it's quiet. However, I may have to prop my eyelids open pretty soon. They seem to have a mind of their own. Must get more coffee....

We've been wanting to get a female guinea pig, and yesterday after work I took the plunge. I went over to a pet store in a neighboring town, and bought a female. In the town where our toy shop is there are no pet stores at all. It's a pretty big town, and it has a Super Walmart. Yet they only sell fish. A person would have to travel over an hour from there to buy a guinea pig.

So, we've decided to breed the guineas and sell the babies. I've been thinking about doing this for a long time, but just didn't motivate to do it. We've had people ask us in our shop if we knew anyplace nearby that sold guinea pigs. So we figured out that, indeed, no one did. In fact, the one pet store that is closer to my job sells them for $36 each. I think it's outrageous. I figure at $15, we could sell them and the kids could have a lovely pet without being overcharged. I'm getting an informational pamphlet made up on how to take care of them. I figure I'll include a little packet of food and instructions with the babies. The only hard part about the whole thing is parting with the babies. They are adorable. Also, I've heard it said that some people buy guinea pigs as large snake food. I think I'll have to post a sign that states "if you're buying this for snake food, I don't want to know." Hopefully, they'll stick to rats and mice. They're cheaper.

Anyway, the guinea pig I got yesterday is already pregnant. The clerk didn't know it, but I can tell by the bulges on both of her sides. I'd say she has about another week or two before she delivers. I've actually seen a guinea pig have her babies at one point. They are very loving, nurturing mommas. They will nurse their babies until the babies are too big to handle. I would always seperate the baby males from the mother and sisters because it isn't long after a baby is weaned that it becomes sexually mature. They multiply fast if you aren't careful. We always gave our babies to our nieces and nephews and friend's kids, etc. They truly are a good pet to have even if space is an issue.

Okay, that's that. Jo asked to name our new girl, so he named her Lilly. I think it was cute. When I asked him why he chose Lilly as her name, he said that in his classroom, they had a lizard named Lilly. So, Lilly it is.

Lilly is an albino guinea. I've never actually seen an albino guinea pig, and I thought she was cool. So, when I post a picture of her, there is no way to remove the red eye. Her eyes are just appear to be red. I'm hoping that one or more of her babies take after her.

That's that. I have to get to work, and I have to get some more coffee before I fall asleep sitting up.

Have a good day, all!