Introducing Sheila who has spotty ears and .. um, Charlotte.. OOPS

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