The Swine Herd was sitting on a lawn chair, in the shade, just inside his stables. Like an old gunslinger outside a dusty tavern. He was an old man, tall, handsome and vigorous. He unfolded himself from his chair and strode across to open the door of the car as I came to a halt. He was slightly taken aback by the little silver German car, the Italian boots and the French scarf but recovered fast.
We shook hands and talked the small talk as we walked his little farm.
I’ve seen you before, he said as he showed me Sheila’s Uncle.
Oh, I don’t think so, I said. Though we have spoken on the phone often enough I was beginning to think that the pigs were imaginary. 
Oh no, he laughed, they’re real alright. He showed me white pigeons, and little goats and chickens with tails that stuck out at all angles. And some of the muddiest pigs I have ever seen.
Well that is going to bug me, he said, I just know I have seen you before. He shook his head, thinking. He took me into a big modern stock trailer and was shutting the door after us, when he literally smacked his forehead with his hand, and said. Have you ever been to the bantam swap meet.
Oh, I said looking at him. Well, yes I have.
Thats where I saw you, he said.
I knew I had seen you someplace, he exclaimed, very pleased with himself as the piglets scattered in horror, the forgotton door swung open and two of the piglets fell without sound out of the door and hit the ground running. Completely disappearing from view.
That is bad, he said as we scrambled for the opening. He is surprisingly agile for an old feller. He shut the other piglets firmly in. He wanted to swear I could see it in his face but he would not say bad words in front of a lady so He said, as we both ducked down and started looking under vehicles, Well, this is going to be fun. Then he said. Where did they go. Good question.
We stood still and listened then heard the grunt grunt of happy piggies.
So the Swine Herd and I herded the two tiny swine into the barn. I caught one who was literally hiding behind a tank, and if that wee piglet had been able to put her hands over her eyes she would have and she would have said, If I can’t see you, you can’t see me. Instead she put her ears over her eyes and crouched very still in plain view. I believe you are Sheila, I said after I had caught the grubby little runaway and popped her in the box in the car.
Mary’s Cat loves pigs. 
Wee Sheila the Babe settled right in, grubbing around in the straw in her new pen. 
But wait I have a surprise for you.
(laughter) A stowaway. Meet Charlotte. After we had caught them, The Swine Herd gave me such a good deal and reminded me that pigs do not like to be alone. And these two were so intent on coming with me that they had started out early… 
Who could resist these little faces. We will breed them both at Christmas. The Swine herd said I could put them to his boar. (horrible thought at this stage)And in case you think I am being irresponsible… these babies sell like hot cakes! Hereford piggies are the new wave! And before I forget, the gestation period is three months, three weeks and three days. He is a great teacher, the Swine Herd and I am sure we will see him again.
I know where you live, he had laughed, as he held the car door for me, shut it with a masculine snap and smacked the top of the car as though it was a horse! Off you go.
Good morning.
Well, all the baby milk is warming. Kupa is calling. The cats are minding Sheila and Charlotte for me and Minty is working on escaping through her newly fixed gate. Time Miss C got out there.
The light is lovely today, maybe I will do a Farmy walkabout this afternoon and we can take stock tomorrow!
Have a lovely day
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
83 responses to “Introducing Sheila who has spotty ears and .. um, Charlotte.. OOPS”
I can just picture the Swine Herd patting the top of your car. My grandpa used to do that as well. Something comforting about it. Adorable little piggies!
Aw you got two! They are lovely :).
Fabulous little piglets. My wife and I have been oohing and aahing:)
You are such a fantastic writer. Excellent descriptions. I can just imagine myself there… I wish scratching on those cute piggies could be a reality, not an imagination.
They are 2 seriously cute piglets!
It is good to know that your pigs will have nice lives, playing together and experiencing mud and sunshine. I only buy free range pork and bacon because I know some pigs do not have these chances, particularly breeding sows in some factory farm systems which spend their lives locked up in isolation in concrete pens so small they don’t even have space to turn around. Buying free range is really worth it I think.
The cruelty to pigs is beyond belief, I was once shown a breeding installation by a proud farmer and I was appalled, just appalled. Our little pigs have mud in their ears so i know that they were born and raised so far outside.! so good.. c
I miss so much when I’m away for a few days. Even as engaging as your writing is, I sometimes find myself caught up in the photos and having to go back. I love the one of the pig in the back squishing up his nose. And you’re right DIRTY!
That pig in the back with the squished up nose is Sheila! I Forgot to tell you! good catch! c
You paint the old fella so well, Celi.I felt like I was there with you both. Charlotte and Sheila look just gorgeous!
they are slowly getting used to us, I just love their great big floppy ears! c
Congratulations on the newest members of your farmy family!
Aw! All the piggies in the corner look so cute.
I can’t get that children’s rhyme out of my head
This little piggie went to market,
this little piggie stayed at home.
This litle liggie had roast beef
and this little piggie had none
and this little piggie cried weee weee weee
all the way home.
Now you put it in my head and it is BEDTIME!!! c
(sorry)
“The cats are minding Sheila and Charlotte for me”?? 😉 Actually, I’m sure they’re very good babypigsitters..
How nice that you brought both home, Celi, I’m sure Sheila would have been very lonely otherwise. You do realise you’ve picked the two in the litter most likely to bolt given an open gate, right? 😉
That seems to be the way of it around here.. c
Oh, how I would love to hear Kupa calling! And all the animals on your farmy – must be a veritable chorus of wonderfulness!!
Yes, I think of all the factory farm animals, the pigs have it the worst, which is so sad because they are so smart and probably suffer the most but at least we know that these two little piggys will have a wonderful life with you on the farmy and will be able to enjoy much piggy happiness!! They are adorable and thank-you for bringing BOTH of them home!! 🙂
Regarding your last post, I’m so glad you’ll consider taking your new, young, friend along with you to the old folks home…with the right encouragement, of course! :)…You never know…she may find her calling there and if not, I’m sure she will become endeared to the old folks and hopefully, vice versa!!
You should see the day care/elder care relationships here…they both bring so much to each other! It’s wonderful!!
It is school holidays here so i hope she can come along to our next farmy day as i will be taking the pigs!! It was a oerfect idea,, thank you.. c
Soooooo excited about your new piggies!!! They are adorable! Will you train both of them then???
Yes, I have help now so we shall work with both.. however we will see what happens! c