Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Cows, Cows, wonderful Cows


It's been a long time since last posting, and I am happy to report that there is no problem - just a busy life keeping me away from this blog (and a third grandchild on the way!) I have been painting, however. In fact, my latest efforts have been mostly cow portraits for fellow cow owning friends of mine.
I have mentioned before that I am a member of a forum that holds on-line conversations regarding the care and feeding of family milk cows (as well as other farm-related critters). We are a diverse, world-wide group that harbors one common trait - we love cows. Like me, there are also many horse lovers and chicken lovers and...you get the idea.
When a member's animal gets hurt or suffers from a cow-related problem, we join forces to help. Member looking for a specific cow to add to their herd?  We help. Got a sick calf?  We help. Topics of interest range from how to help a cow with milk-fever to when is the best age to butcher a steer (and how to do it yourself) to guessing how close a cow is to calving based upon photos of her rear end.
We all also possess the common desire to know where our food comes from and provide the best nutrients possible to our families - by both raising it ourselves or harvesting local wildlife. I have already put a deer into the freezer this year and have several neighbors promising us another pig (the feral pigs around here are multiplying exponentially).
The garden was a rained-out and then a burned-up disappointment this year, but we still harvested sweet potatoes and green beans. Hey, it's boring, but nutritious! There is always next year...
Daily my cows manage to keep me centered and help me remember that our Lord was born in the humblest  of circumstances, yet brought hope and meaning to millions.
May the coming season be blessed for you and bring you joy everlasting.

nodp