A Very Full Weekend

Friday we went to the zoo with Small's pre-K class. It was storming, and we had hoped that it would pass after the educational program that was held inside at the zoo. They read a book about a lion and how many different animals he could scare and then they got to touch a lion's skull, a wort hog's skull, a gazelle horn (she called it a horn not antler) rhino skin, lion's mane, and something else that I can't remember. Then we were free to roam around the zoo. The storm hadn't passed.

Most of the families headed to the children's zoo, but since we have most of the animals in the petting zoo, we decided to head straight to the lizard house.

Small loved it






For a long time we had the zoo to ourselves, then other schools started showing up and spoiled it. The rain cleared, but we were no longer having fun. My husband was elbowed in the crotch, and the child yelled at him like it was his fault. We were pushed aside by parents and kids, and the disrespect that the majority of these people were showing was really getting under our skins. We saw most of the animals by then any way, so we left before our entire day was ruined.

Small has declared that his favorite animal is now the rhino. Why? Because he sprayed all the rude people that pushed in front of Small so he couldn't see. (yes, sprayed ha!)




The three of us spent the rest of the day cuddled up on the couch watching movies until the two older boys came home.

We were told to expect severe showers all day on Saturday. That didn't happen. Because of the threat, I didn't do too many outside chores, and spent the day with the house opened up and working inside.

Sunday, I was busy trying to finish up the inside chores, when our buddy Hooter showed up early. We were very surprised to see him. He was visibly upset, and said he hadn't gone to sleep yet. He tends to be a night owl, as he is a single man and likes to drink. He was sober. We didn't press him for any info, and took him out to see Courage and he hand fed the Dexter's. We found out later what had happened. I do adore him, I just wish the other females in his life could see what I see in him. He is so worthy of being loved.

Hooter left and I went back to chores. My brother shows up. We had a few beers and did some outside work. He really enjoys working outside here.

I finally rode Sammy. I have heard horror stories about her, and was expecting to get thrown. Instead she walked with a steady gait, much smoother than Sunny. She responded well to commands. I no longer have a fear of riding her, and will gleefully do so everyday. I took her out to the cows, where Mama and Eddie knew what was up. The calves however hadn't a clue. Urth thought it was play time, and would run up, kicking her heels and bucking "catch me catch me!" Sammy did well once she figure out what I wanted from her.

My brother also got to ride her. It was his first time ever on a horse. He declared that he loved it. He was stiff and unsure, but I think after a few more times, he will be comfortable and be able to enjoy it more.

I milked Murrial! yep you read that correctly. Yesterday we separated out Courage and easily milked Murrial. She got right into the stanchion, but she didn't relax enough for us to efficiently milk her. We only got a quart and 1/2 a half pint. She is so much easier to milk than the Dexters. I was worried because my hands start to hurt while milking the Dexters, and if I can't milk out 1 gallon, how on earth will I milk out 3-6? But she takes little effort to draw from, and once she excepts me as a calf, and relaxes more, I foresee a comfortable milking relationship.