This morning it was a little windy, but the rain had stopped. Thank goodness! While we were getting ready to go outside this morning, Will noticed a beautiful swan on our beaver pond. We got a pair last spring that stopped for a day then left. We’ve only seen the one so far and hope it’s mate is nearby and maybe they’ll stop and nest. They’ll probably fly onward, but we are hoping. We’ve usually got geese, mallard, and wood ducks nesting out there as well as blue herons and other swamp-loving birds and critters.

Swan

While my knee is healing Will has the job of milking Lace, our cow who just freshened. And with her huge bag, she had tender teats. This morning, she gave five gallons of milk! We’re hoping that she tapers off a little (which she will) soon so it doesn’t take so long to milk her. (Will hasn’t milked cows since he was a boy in school. So his hands aren’t used to it… Yet.)

Lace-calf

Calf

Christian got his first experience milking this morning and that went well. The milk went in the pail and he didn’t get knocked in the dirt! Like every other homestead skill, milking is a learned skill — no matter how many times you’ve seen it done or read about it.

We’re happy that the grass is coming up. The steers and horses are busily munching here and there, finding plenty of tasty new grass. Spring was long in coming but it’s now decided to get on with it all at once. And we’re sure glad to see it!

Our prayers are with folks who experienced the devastation of the Oklahoma tornado. — Jackie

5 COMMENTS

  2. Wendy,

    We’re just starting to save milk, so I now have two and a half gallons in the fridge, waiting to skim off the cream for the first batch of butter. Yum!

  3. Ralph,

    The daddy was a purebred AI milking shorthorn! And he was mostly red roan, too. So he was a huge surprise!

  4. Aww the baby is adorable! I’m so envious of all that milk. Someday maybe. Enjoy your spring Jackie!

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