Dolly was good at milking again today, but only gave under a gallon again. Until we have another calving, I think I'm doomed to twice each day milking. Weird about cows. They sleep on the straw, then when they stand up, they just poop and then they lay down on it. Probably their version of a hot water bottle ? I have to clean out squashed rolls of poop, it presses all the liquid out, and then she has dark wet spots on her sides and udder which smell poopy. Taken to washing her down a little so that the smell isn't overpowering when I stand next to her at milking. Mabel was a champ this morning. She stepped outside the lower barn door then lifted her tail. Mama not so accommodating. I was setting up the milking bucket so couldn't see her but heard the plop-plopping so I shouted NO at her. Plopping stopped ! She didn't poop in the stall either. Think she understands that it's a no-no LOL.
The newly cleared front entrance hall looks so good without the computer desk crowding it. No if only I can get the rest of the house like that pronto ! One room at a time, Sweetie. One room at a time.
Sad day for Aunt Melody. Her husband Ben died today. Had had a stroke on top of cancer and was doing poorly, but still sad. Thoughts with her. They didn't have any kids together, but he was "dad" to some of her kids. It's going to be a new adjustment for her. My dad was looking forward to spending some time with them in London next month, now he'll just see his sister. He lost his 2nd wife earlier this year, she lost her third husband, maybe they'll be support for each other. But then again, they're Shaws'. Stiff upper lip and all.
Chatted with my cousin Misty last night. She's in Australia and is taking some strain. It's about their 5th move in about as many years since they left South Africa and she says it's the hardest one by far. Thoughts go out to her as well. This emigrating thing is far more difficult than one would expect. You lose your whole support framework and comfort zone.
My friend Teri and her husband have gone to Russia to visit with their son, daughter-in-law and grandsons. How grand is that ? One of the places I'd love to see. Also Japan, Thaliand, Coatia and Turkey. I've been to Hong Kong and some of mainland China, that was awesome too.
Back to the sheep. Looks as if Lacey is on heat. Just seen Mr B shoot across their pasture, to sniff at her just outside their covered area. Shortly thereafter, here comes Prince, clash of horns, and he's between Mr B and Lacey. Don't think Mr B is going to have any progeny in the Spring. All going to be Princes / Princesses ! That's good as I like his white colouring and he has a magnificent fleece. Especially as Nancy died, she also had a great white fleece. I'd like to get more white into our flock rather than the Moorit. Easier to dye if that's what I choose to do. Maybe I should put Mr B and the 3 boy rams in with Bambi and Mabel. Will think about it, but having to clean sheep poop out of the lower barn daily again, not a fan. I'll keep an eye on them. If they start losing weight and condition due to this constant watchful competitiveness, then I'll