GET READY

Yesterday was calm and though cold with little sun the animals and I chalked it up as a good day.  We have had so much wind lately that when it is still it feels both ominous and charmed all at once. 

Alex and her haby took their time loading yesterday which was perfectly fine with me, they unloaded beautifully at their new home and once they had checked all the boundaries they came back to their new people for treats.  Everyone is happy. 

How does Ton always know where I am going. no matter who I am feeding or visiting he is always there first. And I am not a creature of habit.  He has an uncanny ability this dog. And he does not dart to and fro watching me for clues then running ahead – he is already there in the corner out of sight staring intently at whoever I am visiting when I arrive. 

Three little pigs. I have probably told you this already but as these girls are going through the winter, and they were late summer babies, they have unlimited food.  I want them fat for the cold. They are obliging. So far doing well. 

Last night I took my night time walk to check everyone and Tima was still not in bed. Tane rose up from his deep straw and complained loudly that his hot water botte pig wife was not back from the fields. 

Upon seeing her empty space TonTon turned and ran for the corn field.  Before I even said “Find Tima.” So I went and brought wood a few loads of wood in for the fire and within about five minutes here came fat Tima (who is seldom allowed in the fields anymore) with Ton behind her carrying a corn husk (he always carries something when he is working) up the drive from the fields. She grunting and complaining and he silently herding her along. I opened the gate, said Bad Tima, Good TonTon and back the dogs and I went to the warm house to finish dinner. 

Yesterday within an hour of Alex the brood mare cow leaving, Aunty Del (above) was seen feeding both calves (below).

Inky (on the right) is sly. She waits until Del’s Girl Bobby is drinking from a front quarter then she quietly, on tiptoes, sneaks in and drains the back quarters.  The cow does not kick her off because she does not even realise tthat here are two calves there – thinking she is only feeding the one.  Being a cow and all. Clever Inky.

Aunty Del is a big dairy cow so she can feed two with no problem – for a while – but I watch her udder closely.  In fact it is good for her udder to feed a couple. 

The compost heap is a favourite sleeping spot for the calves. Warm, and there is always a side out of the wind.

Today I must pack in earnest. I leave for Part One of my journey to New Zealand the day after tomorrow.  So it is time. Packing is funny though – I have to wait for my packing brain to get in gear or it is just a muddled slog. When it clarifies it only takes 10 minutes.  I have a very strict order to the bags after all.  Up until my packing brain comes forth I am only throwing things AT the suitcase.

I hope you have a lovely day.

Love celi

WEATHER: Coming up above freezing again. Nice.  Sunset still at 4.25pm. Paused.

Friday 12/15 0% / 0 in
Partly cloudy. High 36F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.

Friday Night 12/15 0% / 0 in
Partly cloudy skies. Low 29F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.

Sun
7:10 am 4:25 pm

Moon
Waning Crescent, 7% visible 4:31 am 3:08 pm