After a glorious three day cottage get away, we are back to reality, specifically, the final preparations for both Christmas and the upcoming month long COVID-19 lock down. On the way home from the cottage, we stopped to pick up our online grocery order and also hit up the public library to stock up on books before their borrowing services are seriously curtailed.
We arrived home to a mailbox overflowing with Christmas cards, two visits from neighbours bearing gifts, and two other lovely gifts left on our doorstep. We are so lucky to have such kind neighbours and friends. Thank you everyone!
Once the groceries, books, and cottage luggage were unpacked, it was time to put our farm family to bed. I am well aware that our animals have been little monsters for their farm sitters over the last three days and, I swear, they know that they have been naughty.
On the first night, Charlie the donkey flat out refused to go into the barn at bed time. Our first farm sitters tried twice, even coming back an hour or so later to try to get her in again. No dice. Then our second farm sitter came over much later in the evening to try for a third time and Charlie still refused to go in. She is so, so stubborn. Charlie ended up spending the night by herself outside in the cold. Thank goodness she did not get eaten by coyotes.
The next morning, neither Martha nor Mellie would get up on the milking stand to be milked. Percy and Luna (who have no milk) had no problem jumping up on the stand but the mama goats were playing hard to get. The farm sitters ended up running out of time and leaving without milking the goats.
That night (night #2), Charlie trucked herself into the barn with no trouble at all. Figures. But now Mellie the goat who is always hungry still refused to get up on the milking stand. It did not matter how much grain the farm sitters tempted her with, nor how incredibly full her udders were by this time, she was determined not to cooperate. The farms sitters had to catch her and heave her up on the stand. Mellie was mad! But at least she finally got milked.
Thankfully by the third day everyone seemed to have gotten over their disagreeableness and all the animals finally behaved appropriately.
It is now Day 4 and we are back home. Let me tell you, my animals have never been so good for chores than they were tonight. There was not one rude kick or unwanted jump or hoof out of place. There is no way you will convince me that these beasts don't know that they behaved badly during my absence. It is a good thing that I love these little monsters and that I have very understanding, patient and reliable farm sitters.
Once the farm chores were dealt with, it was time to get to the good stuff: a yule log for dessert, matching Santa jammies, storytime with The Night Before Christmas, putting cookies out for Santa, and hanging the stockings by the chimney with care. All the boys are excited but they still went to sleep immediately. Anyone want to place bets on what time they will wake up tomorrow morning?!
Happy Christmas Eve everyone. I hope you are all putting your feet up and enjoying a glass of spiked eggnog. Wishing you peace and happiness tomorrow with the ones you love most (either in person or online). Enjoy the "most wonderful day of the year"!
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