Stanchion Update, And Deb's Birthday...

It's been kind of a hectic week around here! There's been a little bit of everything going on - most of it good.

Wednesday, May 19th, was Deb's Birthday - the big 4-0! She's been planning things for several months. She even bought a COW for herself for her birthday! Wonder of wonders - a year ago, she wouldn't even come CLOSE to a cow - now she leads Daisy around by a rope, and even gives her HUGS!

It's understandable, though. Prior to our cows, the only experiences she had with them were not very good. Plus, she grew up with goats, which are WAY less intimidating! Here is a photo of her and her cow, Daisy. The cow is just hoping the photo session will hurry up and end, so she can get back to munching grass. Either that, or the neck scratching was especially nice...



Unfortunately for Daisy, she had to endure another round of photos - this time with ME at her side!

It's amazing, but I never realize how SHORT these two cows are when I am working with them. It's not until I see a photograph that I see how "vertically challenged" they really are! I am 6'7" and Daisy comes to just over my waist. Mabel is a few inches taller, but not much.

Maybe we need to get them some platform hooves.....



They weren't real happy with me today, though. It was raining, so they didn't get out to "play" in the yard - they had to stay in the barnyard all day - most of which, they spent in their little shed.

I did make some progress on the stanchion today! I measured out and cut the pieces for the feed pan. It went together pretty easy, once everything was cut. I decided to use an old refrigerator "crisper tray" for the feed pan itself, and cut some sheet metal for "slobber guards".

I haven't gotten it attached yet, but it is ready to go on.



As you can see, the "inspector" couldn't hardly wait until it was done to see if it was "worthy". I still have a couple of little things to do to it (the feed pan, not the cat....), but it can be used as it is.

Just a few more "bits" and the stanchion will be ready for use.

Of course, it has to stop raining, too.....