It was a warm, sunny day, with temperatures in the low 60’s as I drove out to the farm, where on a previous visit a horse knocked me over and stepped on my foot, putting me in a walking boot for several weeks. I wondered how the horse would react to me (and me to the horse) so I was a bit apprehensive. But when I drove into the driveway a sense of peace passed over me. I was excited to be back helping with the animal chores.
Being among the animals reminds me of one of my favorite PBS series, “All Creatures Great and Small”, stories that come to life from James Herriot’s books. I may not be in Yorkshire Dales England, nor be a veterinarian, but none-the-less the setting is rural and picturesque, and the animals are sweet.
I like putting on my mud boots and leather gloves and getting into the animal pens. Sampson, the dog, takes his place outside the pens, watching our every move… waiting for his special playtime with us after chores.
It’s fun to see the chickens respond to clapping; when they hear the sound (and are shooed towards the hutch) they all obediently climb through the little chicken-size door and we shut them in for the night.
There are two donkeys who are brothers, and they are comical. I’m glad they have each other.
The two goats are feisty and probably anxious to get out into the fenced-in field to graze freely when spring greens pop up through the earth.
The horses just seem happy to have warmer weather to eat outside, and be near each other. The horse that hurt me acted like nothing at all ever happened between us!
Overall it went well, and I’m happy to be back in the “saddle” again.
There’s something about a small farm that charms and soothes the soul. I’m glad there were no hard feelings between you and that feisty horse. Your photos reminded me of when I participated in a program at a local farm during my senior year in high school instead of taking calculus. I loved those mornings outside caring for the animals. Although I am a math geek and would have liked the calculus, I’m not sure I would have used it much. In contrast, those bucolic sunlit times at the farm carved a sweet spot in my soul that will be with me forever.
It’s fun for me to learn about this story from your high school years. I didn’t know this about you!
I’m glad you had that experience.
I can see why you love helping at this farm. Those animals are, oh, so cute, even the horse who stepped on your foot.
Question: Where is the National Quilt Museum? Love that rural-themed quilt.
The animals are wonderful.., and good looking! Especially the copper color horse, and the donkeys, plus the goats….
The National Quilt Museum is in Kentucky. We stopped there on our way home from NC in January. I posted a blog about it after we got home.
There was a kids exhibit, and this farm quilt square was in that section, along with some other wonderful quilt squares made by children.
Valerie, I am proud of you for returning to “the scene of the crime” and not letting fear stop you from the joy of working with these animals. The photos stirred my heart. Animals are such a vital part of our world and I do not appreciate them enough. I loved the way your writing spoke of your joy in working with these creatures of God. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Sheri. On my way home I was thinking what a joy it was to be back at it!
Who knew with all your gifting that you have in you a love to do chores with farm animals? Very cool! It’s also great that you can get back in the saddle! Enjoy an abundance of bonding!
Thank you Starr.
You’re a gift to so many of us and now again all those lucky animals! So happy you are healed and ready to continue doing something you so enjoy!
Thanks Mary Jane.
God is good.