Spring is in California!

 

While the majority of the country is still covered with ice and snow, Californis is enjoying an early spring.   Casey sends scenes in her yard, look at these pretty flowers and plants.

Bunny Buns

Cute bunnies in boxes, what are these?

These are frozen Chinese steamed buns.

This pair have been steamed, ready to eat, what's inside?

The name of the buns is "Rabbit Egg Yolk Bun", so it's sweetened egg yolk custard inside the bun.  Yummy!

 

Carolyn's Cute Creations

Carolyn Sawai just made a fuzzy little puppy!

Would you believe that this puppy is made from novelty pipe cleaners.

Carolyn also made a cute kitten.

The kitten is made of English Angora yarn.

 

Mircle Weeds - Musk Stork's-Bill

During the late winter early spring when the rain comes, these weeds spring up in my yard as well in many yards.   The name of this weed is called Musk Stork's-Bill.  It is almost a mircle weed for rabbits' digestive system.  I have used it for rabbits with stomach stasis, lost appetite, loose stools, ... or just for treats.   I don't use it as a daily supplement, instead it is used when there is reason for concerns.  I've used it for over 30 years and many rabbits have been saved by this weed.   If you see this weed, treasure it instead of killing it.    Here is some information found on the net:
Stork's-Bill Information and Facts
It is said to be edible for human as well and has good nutritional value for other livestocks.

Gven enough space, each individual plant spreads on all sides.

Another look of an individual plant.

A closer look at the leaves.

When pulled out, this is what it looks like.

 

Monique is Over 6 Years Old!

Monique reached her 6th birthday in January.  We missed the date, sorry, Monique.

This is a belated birthday wish and a photo shoot.

Monique has earned 38 legs with 31 BOB and 5 Best In Show during her show career.  She won her last Best In Show when she was just a bit less than 5 years old, and her last BOB at 5 years 7 months old last August.  She is now retired but she still is a beauty.    Here are some of the posts about her on blog over the years:  
Northern California Angora Guild

 

English Angora Freya Wins Best In Show in CO

We received the great news from Andrea Evans that her white senior doe Freya won open Best In Show in Colorado on January 17. 2026.   Freya is bred and co-owned by Andrea and her rabbit partner Kathy Thomas.   Kathy is not at the show due to her celebrating of wedding anniversary.

This is a close up photo of the pretty girl Freya on January 17. 2026.

Freya is no stranger to winning big, she is the BOB at the ARBA convention at Indianapolis in November, and the judge is Travis Finkle.

This is the official photo of the win.   Andrea is partnered with Kathy Thomas on the breeding and showing of this Freya.

 

Travis Finkle Judges Cavies and the Rare Breed Rabbit Show at Vallejo

Judge Travis Finkle travels from Maryland to California to judge at Vallejo.   The cavy show at Vallejo has high entries, 250 per show.   

Betty and Travis get a selfie.    Travis received his rabbit judge's license in 2008 and judged the first WCC show at Monterey in 2009.  See 
Northern California Angora Guild: Katianna Wins All Breed Best In Show
Travis judged Angoras at the 2022 ARBA convention at Reno and 2025 ARBA convention at Indianapolis.     It is a proof that he is proficient in judging Angoras and also well-respected by us wool exhibitors.

In 2009, Travis received his cavy judge's license and he has been appointed by the ARBA president as the chair of the Cavy Standard Committee.  That is the highest honor for any judge.  Congratulations, Travis. 

Double cavy shows at Vallejo, the other judge is Sheryl Newland from Washington.

The cavy corner.

Nicole Rocha has her Show Life booth.  Nicole is also a cavy judge but on this day she is taking care of her booth instead of judging.

This post concludes the photos and reports of the rabbit and cavy shows at Vallejo, CA on January 10, 2026.

 

Carol Grooming French Angora at Vallejo

Carol loves this young French Angora junior doe.

Carol grooms the little girl.

Still young but full of potential.

Littermate sister fawn doe, lots of growing up to do but timing will be good for the importand shows coming up at Reno.

 

Betty Grooming English Angora at Vallejo

Carolyn Sawai takes great pictures.  Whenever she comes to show to visit, there are many beautiful pictures of Angoras being groomed.   Betty is very grateful to have these photos of grooming Raeanna and Raeberta.    

 

Alana’s Florida White Wins Youth Best In Show at Vallejo

When the open Best In Show judging is going on, judge Melissa has picked the youth Best In Show in show A.  It's Alana's Florida White.

Alana and her Best In Show Florida White.  The big rosettes are the prizes for Alana's youth competition wins.

Alana also has the BOB Belgian Hare.   She has 7 breeds and wins BOB and Best In Show regularly with different breeds.

At the New Year's eve show in Washington, her Belgian Hare won a youth Best In Show.

At the same show, her Florida White also wins a Best In Show.

Triple shows at the same show, another Best In Show with Mini Satin.  Three different breeds won three youth BIS.

Alana travels with her mom Christina to shows all over.  Here are Alana and friends at the ARBA convention in Indianapolis in November.

You may notice that all four young ladies are wearing Angora hats.

From right to left: Alana and mom Christina and Lataya Prato who won the open convention Best In Show with her Holland Lop in 2024.