If anyone is wondering (you EM??) my new cows are doing fine. They have gone from not wanting to be touched to letting me stroke thier necks and scratch thier backs while they eat a small grain treat. While this may not seem a huge deal to most of you, it is a big milestone for me. Next step is to try to convince them to let me brush them and put a halter on them. I would like to be able to lead them to the barn where I will (hopefully) eventually milk them. The younger of the 2 is by far the more shy but also seems to enjoy the attention once she allows it. These critters sure are different to sheep.

Speaking of sheep, I've noticed some of the ewes are bagged up and should lamb soon. I figure they are waiting until David leaves (for 7 weeks!!!) and we have an ice storm. Those who keep sheep will know what I mean.

We took some livestock to market today, kind of a funny mix between a happy and sad occasion.

Kim

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2002

Answers

Kim, this cow business must be fascinating. I had no idea how challenging it must be to "socialize" cows! Glad they are getting used to you.

Re: sheep. Of course they are waiting for David to leave. And they'll wait for the lowest reading on the barometer before they start lambing, won't they? Around 4:00 a.m., right? Convenient...

I hope everything goes well for you. We didn't breed our gals this year, and I'm kind of jealous! But a warm bed in Feb sounds pretty good to me (since I'm working a town job these days).

Keep us posted! (We know you'll be busy doing everything yourself, though!)

-- Anonymous, January 11, 2002

Thanks for the report, Kim! Sounds like you got the touch, girl! That's mighty fast work; you'll probably have less trouble than most getting them used to milking. Lets see how they like their udders touched; be good and ready to move fast, gettin cow-kicked aint no fun. You'll do fine I'm sure!

Know what you mean about the sheep too; had a couple hundred ewes at one time for a few years, and they do have a way of inconveniencing people as best they can. I found cows much easier, though all the different critters have their own charms. I miss em all, cept I really dont miss winter chores, although this winter that probably wouldnt be so bad.

Give your girls a hug for me!

-- Anonymous, January 11, 2002

My gals are supposedly due in March. I can't wait and yet I can! Its my first lambing so I'm plenty nervous. Yee Hah! on the Dexters Kim!!!! I'm so excited for you!! I can't wait for mine! It sounds like such fun!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002