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| "Kuh-ie the Wonder-cow" |
I noticed this picture as I was walking down the hall
yesterday. How appropriate for Dairy
Month. How appropriate for throwback
Thursday. And, how appropriate for
Thankful Thursday, as I will always be thankful for the times I spent with my
cows.
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| ...and how many little girls get to ride COWS? |
Having a milk cow was the fulfilment of a life-long dream. There
was joy and heartache…and LOTS of good milk and butter. I learned so much from
my ten years as the owner/milker of cows.
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Dairy animals require time and commitment that many folks
just don’t understand. I spent hours and
hours and hours milking. I spent hours
and hours and hours processing all that milk.
I think about that every time I reach in the dairy case at the store.
Then, there’s the feeding and maintenance, the near constant cleaning of the barn…and healthcare and breeding. Yes, I learned a lot in those ten years.
Because of the cows, we visited some most interesting farms, got to know the local veterinarians real well and met some amazing people. You should READ this one.
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| Not too many folks have Maasai tribesmen milk their cows |
Life moves on and things change…and there aren’t any cows on
the hill anymore. But, we’ll always have
the memories.
Thank God for cows!
...and the memories.
And...DRINK YOUR MILK!
And...DRINK YOUR MILK!
Masai will also open a cow's artery for a bit of blood to supplement their diet. Of course they are also bravely dedicated in protecting their cattle from Lion's night raids. A fascinating people. I loved your brief retrospective of your times of learning to handle cows and their gift of milk. Many of us don't give a thought to where our dairy products come from. I recall an art teacher mentioning that people should have a cow for their own milk. His words soon made it clear he didn't understand the amount of grazing land, time, care, or maintenance involved, nor even that a cow must have given birth before she can produce milk. I just closed my gaping mouth and kept the peace.
ReplyDeleteThey are truly fascinating people!
DeleteI loved your line "I just closed my gaping mouth and kept the peace." I really, really need to learn to do that. ;)
Hi Barbara. I am new to your blog but Ive read your posts and wanted to let you know you convey your posts in such a way that draws the reader in, as if talking to a friend over a cup of coffee. I am in awe of the hard work you and your family have put in, and it looks like its paid off. Good for you. I am inspired, as my husband and I have become victims of the economy and are too experienced to be hired. I live in the suburbs and over the last few years have turned my yard into a vegetable garden. And we will lose our house. So I find your story comforting not only that others can start with almost nothing, just each other, I find it inspiring as well. Visiting your blog is also like visiting Middlebrook which is nice considering I have only driven thru Virginia and never visited. You are a great representative of your community. I applaude you, and your husband takes wonderful pictures too!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Kellie! and thank you, thank you for the kind words.
DeleteI must say, your comment made me cry a little. I never thought of inspiring anyone.
You and your husband will be in my prayers. It's so scary to start all over again (particularly when that isn't what you had intended).
We have been tremendously blessed and it is a privilege to share it with others. I do hope you'll visit us often.
Best to you and yours!
I felt the truth be spoken, your blog is awesome :). Thanks for your kind words and prayers.
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