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This Lil Busybody Goes AWOL...
I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone of my blog friends for hanging in there with me this week. I have been glamping, pulling grandma duty, caretaker to two adorable new barn kittens, and now dairy goat milk maid. Such is a day in the life of a farmgirl wannabe like me.
I am brand new to milking goats. I have helped a few friends over the last few months to try to learn because I will be bringing home two Nigerian Dwarf does in December, but I have never milked alone before and I certainly have not milked out a doe by myself. Last night was my first chance to try with my best pals Michelle and Pat beside me cheering me on and helping to secure and feed the does grain while I attempted to milk without a milk stand. Let me just say it was a challenge. The poor patient, gentle animals did their best to tolerate this newby, but it was a long night.
This morning we were at it again before 8am and one of the does attempted to sit down on top of our milk pail. Lol. Did I mention that this is a bit of a challenge for this nube??? Maybe the words "Mission Impossible" would be more accurate to describe the situation. I got only a few ounces into the pail before my poor more experienced friend Pat who has owned her first Nigerians for all of 2 weeks, had to intervene and milk the girls out for me. Pat was AMAZING! I feel so blessed for the friends that I have. I am a bit frustrated with myself. These poor goats are trying hard to be patient, but I have got to learn to speed up NOW.
I must admit, it was pretty funny to watch us this morning though. Without a stand, leaning on the ground, with the doe's rump in my face. It wasn't a pretty picture by any means and the husbands in the neighborhood were all laughing in amusement. It was like the Three Stooges. Atleast nobody took incriminating photos, or did they?
Thanks for listening. If you have any tips of the trade I'd love to hear them. Please don't forget to link up and share what you've been working on this week too.
Heidi
Update- Tonight I got to use the new milk stand that my hubby made today and I have to report that everything went smooth. The does were calm, no hanky panky, and I got done quicker- before the first doe got restless. I milked them out all by myself. Yippee!!! The best part, there are 6 cup sof fresh milk chilling in the freezer now...
Update- Tonight I got to use the new milk stand that my hubby made today and I have to report that everything went smooth. The does were calm, no hanky panky, and I got done quicker- before the first doe got restless. I milked them out all by myself. Yippee!!! The best part, there are 6 cup sof fresh milk chilling in the freezer now...
Here are the rules for the Farmgirl/guy Blog Hop!
1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals, quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!
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Have a great week everyone and thank you so much for all you share here every Friday!
Farmgirl Blessings to all!
I remember when I was learning how to milk goats and thinking..."Am I done yet?" every time I milked. It seemed to take an eternity. Thankfuly I had a very patient goat to learn on. You will be surprised how quickly you will learn. We all have to start as a nubie. You will get the hang of it soon :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mona,
DeleteTonight I milked on the new milk stand and everything went well. These beautiful does are very patient too and I am getting better at it. I milked them out alone tonight for the first time. I was so excited. I am really going to miss these girls when they go back home.
Sounds like you have had a busy week, hope you have a great 4th. Thanks for hosting, Laura
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are having a busy but great time! I do hope there are photos! LOL
ReplyDelete"Glamping" - I've run across this word five times in the past two days! Are we talking about "glamour camping?" I think I do that! I tie on my Route 66 apron, break out the pastel Melmac and serve up dinner in our '68 Scotty trailer. I love it!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, Bo Peep. That's exactly right. Whoever said you have to rough it when camping wasn't very creative.
ReplyDelete