I brought home a new face this week.
Oh, my! Is it ever the cutest face!
As recent as two years ago I wouldn’t have ever seen myself as a goat-lover. My journey into goats just happened. I had wanted a milk cow for many, many years yet being a city-dweller for most of those years, it simply wasn’t an option. When we moved to the country [Jan. '08] it still didn’t seem a good fit for us but when it was suggested that I give the dairy goat a try, I thought, “Why not!”. I first tried the milk and I couldn’t believe how much I loved it. I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference between that milk and fresh cow’s milk.
Soon after that I was able to purchase a freshened milk goat {Bella}…meaning that she had recently kidded and was currently lactating. I also purchased a doeling along with her.
Was it love at first site? Ya…I’m pretty sure it was. I suppose this isn’t for everyone but now I can hardly imagine not having milk goats. When I lost Bella last month, I knew that I needed to find another milk goat. I also knew that I shouldn’t rush into it. I worried that the sickness that she had could be contagious to the other goats and it didn’t seem wise to bring in a new one too soon and the fact that we were taking a 10-day vacation gave me another reason to be patient. As soon as we got home I became very anxious to find a new girl. Not only did I have Bella’s babies here who consume a gallon of fresh goat milk every day but I really did miss milking. [I have a dear friend who has been providing me with 1 gallon of milk a day for the last month...such sweetness]
On Sunday, I contacted a goat-gal who referred me to another goat-gal who referred me to a goat-gal who referred me to yet another goat-gal who had the perfect milk goat for me…which, by the way, came from the goat farm from the original goat-gal who I had contacted.
So, Sunday night I drove 3 hours [rt] and bought this sweet thing, Dazzle. She has integrated with the other goats perfectly and she is a gem to milk.
What a perfectly, happy day for a give-a-way. You can leave a comment saying anything you want to say or tell me what the perfect animal to own would be. My answer to that would be chickens and milk goats. Either way, leave a comment with this post and you can be entered to win this give-a-way.
What might you win?
Well since it’s my birthday month I want to give away my favorite charm, a bar of soap from the last batch of soap that I made with Bella’s milk and a copy of Where Women Cook [mar/apr/may 2012] sent to me by Jo Packham to share with you. In this issue you will find an amazing 10-page spread about…ME, [it seems I still can't say that w/o a slight squeal] with wonderful photography by Amber Strehle of Tres Birds Photography. This article even includes my favorite picture of Bella and Daisy…the same one you see on the bar of soap.
leave your comment and you will be entered ~ good luck
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I remember when we first moved to the Spokane Valley I was in the 6th grade and for some reason we brought a goat. She was old but oh so gentle. I feel in love with her and she became my pal. She didn’t last more than a year but I will always remember her. I named her Billie and I think she liked that. I love the pictures of your goats and hope to meet them in person someday. Dazzle I must say you are in good hands.
How did I miss this…a 10 page spread in Where Women Cook?! Buying a copy today! Where you at The Creative Connection last fall?
Oh Elaine…I would have to say goats have my heart….I love to watch them romp around….play king of the hill, or whatever may be in their space and bump heads with each other…all in a day of fun! I do hope I win I won’t lie – Your charms…well lets say I’ve ordered a few and your soap…know it’s just yummy to use and the book…well now isn’t that just the icing on the cake! So I’ll say…PICK ME PICK ME!!!! Have a Beautiful day and love on those goats for me!
ELizabeth
It’s fun seeing my girl featured in a great magazine. Being raised on a farm, I’m sure you inherited your love for farm animals from your mom. I always LOVED raising baby calves on a bottle. That could be your next endeavor.
Goodness Elaine,
After reading this blog post of yours I now believe a milk goat would be the perfect the perfect most delightful animal.
Yes, time to let Bryon know!
Pure Sweetness Indeed ~
teach me please, where should i begin ….
Since I live in town my chicken are all I can have. It is amazing how they each have different personalities. If I was out in the country I would have another pygmy goat. Our Pansy was so sweet. I hope you are having a great weekend. I sure am, I’m up in the Skagit Valley playing tourist and attending a wedding.
John and I told each other long ago, “Let’s not give out animals (horses, pigs and sheep) names and they will not become so personal to us. Well we can tell you, after many years, each name and personality of every animal that has walked in our hearts. Enjoy each moment.
Awesome storie!
I too get attached to the animals on the farm, or anywhere, but dont dare tell them their animals!
Thanks for the great read.
What a sweet new addition to your family. Happy Birthday to you.
We just bought a place with 1.2 acres, fully fenced. I’ve thought about goats but someone told e they are escape artists. Is it the same with milking goats?
I have to say I agree with you about the goats and chickens. I love mine too! But I also have to add my sheep to my favorites list as they can also be sweet and their wool provides with an annual supply of yarn and fiber for felting.
My girls were looking over my shoulder when I was reading this post and one of them said, “She takes good pictures.” I think your goats look lovely too.
What a perfect bunch of lovely looking dairy goats! You are learning to take such good care of them. I’m so proud of you Elaine.
So glad to see that Dazzle got another great home! She so looks like her mother! Looks like she is growing fast!
Sandy
Dazzle. Such a perfect name for you. She IS beautiful! My favorite animal I would like to have is a goat. I would take it on walks thru the neighborhood.
You should have told us about the 10 page spread about YOU?? Now I must read it. Suggestions as to how we all might read the article. How nice. And the goat is cute but Bella was precious. I think if I brought another animal home my husband would leave me. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday dear Elaine, Happy Birthday to you. I do like the name “Dazzle”.
I have been reading your blog since I saw the article in Where Women Cook. Love it! Happy Birthday:)
I just lost my Rhode Island Red rooster during our heat wave this year. He was amazing and so beautiful. He was also the best guard dog we could ask for. He watched over his nine hens with tender loving care ( I do mean lots of loving!) and kept them safe. He shared our backyard with three dogs who had to be reminded often that they weren’t in charge. Red was the top dog with feathers. Once we caught him playing tag with my youngest pup. Its was hilarious and I would have won $10, 000 had I gotten it on tape! On our hotest day (109 degrees) I found him laying in his favorite spot. Gone but never forgotten!
I love my chickens! I was actually afraid of chickens for the longest time and decided that needed to change. Following your blog was inspiration to me, you always talk with such affection of your feathered friends. Fresh eggs are so delicious and raising them from peeps was fun. It is very soothing to just sit by their yard and listen to them. Not sure I’m up to milking a goat each day, but you make it sound very rewarding. Thank you for sharing and Happy Birthday!