Bee~ Journal of then...

[Farmfresh]

You should make a nice profit on your little cow experiment.

Anytime you can buy low ... make major improvements... and sell high you have made a good decision.

I really would LOVE to have cows someday, but I too realize that with my "little problems" of arthritis and age, I will need to probably have sheep and if a cow is possible I would be most interested in Lowline Angus (which are a miniature breed).

Even T-bone and Jerky should bring more than you paid for them.

 

[freemotion]

It was fun reading about your adventures, but I'm glad you are settled about your decision. It is a lot of work for one woman with a demanding work schedule and a bad back! And more work to maintain a small lot, too. That's why I went with goats. I hauled water every winter for seven years for one small horse, and wouldn't want to do that for a cow! Last winter was so much easier, hauling for three goats and the birds. Smaller buckets!

Glad you had the experience, I envy that!

 

[2dream]

Bee we all do what we need to do. And it is all a lot of work. Sometimes we just have to cut back. I think your original plan was and still is a good one.

You will make anything you undertake work beautifully - you always do.

 

[Beekissed]

I was so afraid you all would be disappointed in me! You guys are great!

I really don't know why God arranged this little sidebar in my life, The Cow Experience, but its been enlightening to say the least. I really hate to part with this cow....who knows when you could ever find one this sweet again?

If this lady buys her, she will be on a farm called Eagle Ranch, a nonprofit farm that has horseback riding facilities for handicapped children. There will be chickens, horses, cows dogs, cats and even a possum! She may have come here to find her way there...who knows? Those kids could see a milking demonstration, taste real milk straight from the cow and it would be a great experience. She would be ideal for this as she just loves to be petted and loved on. She might touch a little child's life and make an everlasting impression with her sweet disposition.

I will tell you, these calves are great to watch....even little Jerky is kicking up his heels and running like crazy. His stool is regular milk stool now and he is getting his own meals on his own steam....and I saw Blossom licking him today! She is such a great mother to these young ones. I so hate to lose her.

 

[freemotion]

Disappointed? You saved a cow and a calf, and are sending a lovely, sweet older cow to a lovely retirement where she will get so much attention. They likely wouldn't have been able to take her in the condition she was in. Then without her, you would not have saved Jerky. Even if destined for the freezer, no baby animal should die like he probably would have.

You had a great experience, will make a few bucks, and got to try something you've been talking about for ages. We got lots of entertainment, too! LOTS!

There is no way that this is a failure of any kind. It was beautiful. Thank you.

edited for D-student spelling...

 

[Beekissed]

Awwwwwww.....now yer gonna make me leak! I'm so glad someone else thought this was a good experience.

I don't think my boy, Eli, wanted to give up on this project and HE is the one who has put the most work into it. But, he realizes he is leaving in July and won't be back in over a year.....a long time to manage this whole animal thing without turning it into something that stresses me instead of gives me peace.

If I had no other job but this one, I wouldn't blink an eye about it...but this whole hospice gig is pretty intense, especially when we need 2 more nurses but don't have them. This week the boss is off and the whole shebang is my responsibility...this means long hours, late night phone calls, running the wheels off my truck and dealing with the home office~an experience that makes sawing off one's arm look like a delightful pasttime!

Thank you for your support, Free! And all you other folks who helped me sort out the priorities and offered kind advice. It was greatly appreciated.

 

[justusnak]

Bee, How could anyone be dissapointed in your decisions? I think I can speak for many of us out there....you made a wise choice. I agree...everything happens for a reason. We might never know the real reason....but sending Blossom to that farm is most likely it. Sounds like a wonderfull place for her. With little kids to oooh and ahhh, over her...she will be in cow heaven I am sure. I think your decision on the sheep is a smart one. They really are low maintenance. I am still feeding mine sheep pellets, but only because Sonny Boy is still technically a baby...and he needs them. I have actually had to mow in thier yard 2X already :/ ...they just can't keep up with the growth. I have reduced thier pellets now....and they seem to be doing better with the grass. Hopeing I wont have to cut in there again this year. We didnt get a cow for the reason you mentioned.

the mud and slop that would result in my green little lawn....

My Hubby wants our place to be functional...but pleasant to look at. ie: no mud holes. ( except in the pig paddock.) Once we can get a pasture up near the woods...we might get a little beef cow to raise. Time will tell. Congrats on your decisions...you can relax now...things will be alot easier and you can concentrate on those boys...growing up! :/

 

[Farmfresh]

Maybe you were given this little cow experience as a bit of stress release.

While you are watching those (interestingly three) babies kick up there heels and get loved on by a really GREAT mom that has gone through some hard times on her own ... (sounds a little familiar huh?) You were able to get a little relief from that hard hospice job of yours and the stresses involved in having your own babies growing up and becoming men (and ones that you can be proud of at that ).

Sometimes God's way ARE mysterious... sometimes you just have to be back aways!

 

[Dace]

Bee, I think you are making the right decision for yourself. You took on a lot and like you said, Blossom passed thru your hands for a reason...there is always a reason things happen

What a wonderful experience, I hope someday I am able to have a cow!

 

[freemotion]

I have a cow almost every day.....oh, that's not what you meant, is it.....