I've been thinking about the word "chore" which sounds like an onerous task. We talk about morning chores or evening chores, when in fact, these activities are a joyful part of farm life. My morning "chore" is spending time with my milk does as I "extract" delicious, healthy milk. This is a welcome meditation time. It gives me a chance to be focused and "in the moment". If I "flake off" and start thinking about something else... they remind me (a slight nudge or foot dance perhaps).... to bring me back to the present.... where the milking process is "the center of the universe".
Champagne (in photo) is a first time mom and her milk is the favorite in our house because it is so creamy. Her twin daughters, Polka and Piano are nearly identical.
Then there is the night "chore".... putting the kids way from the moms in a pen in the barn, so the moms will be ready for milking in the morning. The little kids know the routine and don't complain. I put a leash on them and they trot along and go into their sleeping pen... enjoying the comeradarie of each other. The moms seem relieved to have some time to themselves.
Kids, from left: Minor, Major, Baritone, Baroque
When goat "chores" are done, I walk around and talk to the sheep, petting them and practicing their names, especially the 57 lambs. Having a theme helps me... I know most of them. Several usually want petting... Piccolo, Percussion, Alto, Organ, Solo, Soprano and Calypso are the friendliest. Calypso and Piccolo paw at my leg if I don't notice them right away. Tuba and Didgerdoo (see photo) watch shyly from a distance. Some adults--Wusong, Lutitium, Juniper, Loretta, and Whoopi also get in line for special attention. And before I know it... an hour has passed... these dreadful "chores" are taking a long time ! Sigh.... guess I have to leave... dishes and laundry are waiting--these are the real chores ! On my way to the house, with sun going down, I finish "chores" by closing the chicken coop for the night and gathering eggs ....mmm ..... future omelets.
They are the shaggy haired, long horned breed known as Scottish Highlands, whose origin is obvious from the name. The calves are teddy bear cute and I couldn't wait to see the new one. I was quickly rewarded as the little red tyke had just gotten up from a nap. It saw me and started mooing for mom. At this point, I didn't know who the new mother was, but Helena revealed herself when she lifted her head in response to the mooing and started walking toward her new babe.
While some mothers are dangerously protective of their newborns our Highland mothers are very gentle, especially Helena who loves to be petted and pampered.
