If you were not already convinced, this announcement may confirm the fact that I am certifiable!   Jim and I were in Maryland for the weekend and when I spoke to the gal who farm sits for me she told me we had a new addition.  Of course I thought one of the sheep had dropped early but no - this was something else entirely.   Meet Annabelle.

 

     

 

 

        At church I mentioned that it would be fun to bottle raise a calf.  Well, be careful what you wish for!  One of my neighbors had a hefer die unexpectedly leaving a 2 week old calf.  Most serious farmers do not want to fool with bottle raising calfs so he remembered what I said and dropped her off.  He did not, however, leave the instruction sheet.  Fortunately Maureen, an old farm girl, managed to get Annabelle to take her first couple of bottles.  When I got home it took me  a bit to get the hang of feeding using a half gallon bottle.  But I managed although Annabelle looked like she had taken a milk bath.  We both have a routine now and she comes quickly when she sees the bottle.

 

      Now I know cows get big but I sort of hoped she might be a midget.  Not true. Steve tells me that she will likely reach 1100 pounds after a couple of years.  Her daddy is a pure bred Semental (sp?) and mom was a mixed hereford/angus.  This may be the beginning of my cattle operation.......

 

      Golda thinks she's found a new playmate and I've not stopped her from trying to jump on top of Annabelle.  I figure once Annabelle puts a little size on her Golda might think twice and anyway - Annabelle needs a friend.  She is in with the ewes but they seem to know she is not one of them (surprise!) - in fact they think she's pretty crude - leaving those messy, smelly piles.  

 

      So - more to come.  A movie is in the works.