Friday, August 19, 2016

We have another artist at the farm...

So I wrote this post two weeks ago, left it as a draft, then forgot to post it. So here you go! Better late than never...

This summer, I have a great 13-year-old kid helping out with chores once a week. He is amazing: a hard worker who  always has a smile on his face. The goat pens are so clean after he finishes with them that *I* would be happy to sleep in them. And last week, he made art in their supper bowls!!!


Yes, a beautiful and tantalizing mix of dairy ration, cattle starter, goat grain and black oil sunflower seeds. Those goats don't know how lucky they are!

Meanwhile, here's Queen Daphne looking down at her new minion, Bert...


She has somehow muscled her way to the top of the pecking order and is now herd queen. She's not very pleased with Bert, but the other goats are being kinder to him now. He is a surprisingly tough little dude. We are really smitten with him!

But let's not forget this gentle soul...


Saul is very tolerant of my selfies! He really is the sweetest creature. 

And he loves his cats...



...although he does love to nibble tails...


...which, strangely enough, the cats don't usually appreciate!


And look who's still hanging in there...


Tristan has really slowed down this summer and spends a lot of time sleeping, but he seems content. One of his favourite things on earth is Tim Hortons coffee cups with dregs of coffee still in them! And his good buddy Shawn is happy to provide them. Among other things, Shawn looks after our garden and keeps it looking beautiful. He also runs a CSA called Stonefield Acres which is doing great in its first year!


And he is always kind to Tristan. Tristan loves Shawn back.

Meanwhile, down in the goat pasture...


Henry is sleeping with the fishes. Literally, because there are three (no doubt alarmed) goldfish living in the goats' stock tank!


He does have a selection of pig pools, but apparently this one was more enticing! 
The goldfish are in there to eat mosquito larvae and also help keep the water clean.The pig is not helping.

After his refreshing dip, Henry took a mud bath...



If that's not a happy pig, I don't know what is!



And there's Daphne again, keeping an eye on Monty and Bert.



Monty is doing well. He is 5/1/2 months old and is now acting like an ass at times as he enters adolescence, but overall he's doing well and is quite the charmer...


He gets busy at night, barking at coyotes and keeping an eye on things!


Daphne likes to keep an eye on things too!



And here's the other latest addition...


...Patrick the pig! We let him out with the herd for the first time yesterday and he did very well.


I feel pretty lucky to have all these beautiful animals!

24 comments:

  1. These are some great photos! I do so enjoy visiting all you animals!
    hugs!!

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  2. Oh Natalie. you are indeed lucky to have all those interesting and sweet animals. Daphne cracks me up with her majestic arrogance. And I love Henry's wallowing. I don't know why I've never "met" Tristan. And now Monty? Perhaps I've been off blog visiting too long (about three weeks, on and off) Have a great day. Jo (South Africa)

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    1. Jo, Tristan is almost 14 and I really should post about him more!! And Monty is relatively new. We got him at the start of June. He is growing like a weed!

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  3. Tristan has his own coffee club!!

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  4. And, I feel lucky to have stumbled upon your blog. always a delight!

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  5. I think the animals are pretty lucky to be part of your family. They all thrive when in your care.

    Lucky Tristan, I wish someone would bring me coffee!

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  6. Tristan has grown a kitty cat on the back of his neck. :)

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  7. You are very aware of your critters needs both physical and mental. They look happy and content.

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  8. they are lucky to have YOU as well!!!!! I think that "artwork" is amazing, seriously! As always, love the photos, especially the last one and the silhouette one. xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

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  9. Monty sure is a beauty; I'm jealous.

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  10. They are wonderful photos! What a zoo. But the poor goldfish!!! :-) Piggie is here...tsunami!

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    1. I know, I really need to move them to the other horse tank where they are safe from pig tsunamis!

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  11. confession: I am in love with Saul...

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    1. Awwww! He is pretty irresistible. A real charmer!

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  12. Wonderful photos , Looks and sounds like all are doing well and having a great time on your wonderful farm ! Thanks for sharing , have a good weekend !

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  13. Love, love, love Daphne on Goat Mountain. That would make a beautiful painting.

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    1. Hmmm... need to get my sketchbook out!

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  14. Well, those wonderful animals sure lucked out with YOU!! What wonderful photos of Queen Daphne - the sky is amazingly dramatic.

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!