Oh lordy it’s been so long. Self-preservation on my end. I love writing about the animals so much but there’s been no time to do it the way I want to. I’ve missed all of you. I’m back to give it another try 🙂
Everyone in the barnyard is doing well. I will soon write about trying to potty train the alpacas, the new chicks and surrounding drama, broody hens everywhere, the goings-on with the older hens, Keela’s bad leg.
But let’s start with Brandy, the goat who decided that the summer of 2016 was the time to learn how to open gates.
At first I thought it was me. My routine has changed with my wonderful now-not-so-new job. Sometimes, during my last morning visit to the barnyard my brain has already left for work. A few times Brandy ended up on the backyard side of the fence, and a few times locked in the very small “human side” of the shed where the broody hens sit and the hay is stored.
How did she get here?
Hmm. Could I really be that absent-minded?
We went on a lovely vacation to the beach and Very Excellent Neighbor Joy took care of the animals. She said Brandy got out once, and she was concerned because she was so careful to latch the gates. None of the other animals were out. Only Brandy.
Hmm.
Then one morning I watched as that crazy goat put her front hooves on the shed gate, stretched her not-so-long neck up and over the top and started flicking the latch with her nose. I didn’t see her unlatch it, but when I went out to check on them before work, she was in the garage knocking over all the feed containers.
Ha! Now I knew what was up. That gate got a lock, and human that I am, I patted myself on the back and called that mystery solved.
Until the next day when I came home from walking Keela, opened the door to the backyard to let her out, and saw this…
Jester, hanging out under the clothesline!
And this…
Doink, thinking he won the grass lottery!
Sammy, looking confused, as usual!
Damn.
Let the roundup begin.
Let’s go everyone. Back to the barnyard.
Come on big boy.
Brandy cuts in line.
Look at Doink’s face! He’s looking longingly at that grass.
Jester was not going to give up so easily.
OMG! I can’t believe this!
Can I come in? Please?
All good things must come to an end…Brandy seems to be plotting her next move…
So now the green gate has a lock on it. Human 1, Goat 0. Then the next day, there was this.
Why won’t it open like it did yesterday??
I’ve got to get up at the break of dawn to outwit that crazy goat. Good thing I’m an early riser!
That’s hysterical! Never a dull moment with animals! Glad you got it figured out before someone got hurt!
Me too. I don’t think Keela would intentionally try and hurt anyone, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to test that theory.
It’s wonderful to see a new post about the goings on in the barnyard. I hope time will permit more frequent updates, but I can understand why you don’t have much of that.
I was once blessed with goats, and if there’s a way to get into trouble, there’s the will to do it. Best of luck.
They do seem to attract more than their fair share of trouble 🙂 I love them all the more for it!
So happy you are back. I follow you on instagram but is not the same. I love the stories.
Thanks! I hope to stay back. Maybe with cooler weather approaching and fewer outside chores I can find a good time to write again!
So glad to know you are “hanging in there”! Missed you and all the fur/feather babies.
It’s a fun group out there in the barnyard. I can’t imagine life without them!
So glad you had time to update us on the barnyard! I think of you often and was missing reading about Doink. All of your animal babies have a wonderful life with you.
Thanks for sticking around while I work out a writing time that I can stick with. I do love sharing my animal stories!
Hahahaha, I’m laughing now, looking at the picture of Very Good Hubby leading Doink & Brandy with a carrot! But I know about goats on the loose! Such a smart one, that Brandy!!! Thanks for the laugh today! Bless you and all the animals!
Double ha, that’s me leading with the carrot and VEH taking the photos 🙂 (I crop myself out of everything I can.) Those goats are too smart for their own good!
My theory is that Doink is the brains of the operation and Brandy is the muscle…they are great buddies, aren’t they? Your house yard does look very lush, like crack for goats and pigs! It’s great to get an update on the news!
Ha! I bet you’re right. They probably discuss their plans at night, all tucked into Doink’s bed 🙂
Love reading your posts!
Thanks so much!
I hope you are back to stay. I miss you so much.
I just need to find the right time and place to write and stick with it. I’m working on it!
so nice to see your posts, it’s tough keeping all balls (we won’t discuss what kind) in the air. I will take in every small bit you are able to put in writing. You always mae my day.
🙂 Those pesky balls, I agree!
OMGosh, that is too wild. So good to see you here. I was just thinking about you the other day and hoping all is well. I can see, you are now even busier, keeping up with that crazy goat and her shenanigans! Enjoy your weekend, Joan!
daisy recently posted…Roasted Okra
Hey Daisy! We are busy around here 🙂 I am definitely going to try your roasted Okra recipe! I’ve only got a little, my plants didn’t grow well, and roasting them sounds yummy!
It is so good to have you back, I have missed you and your animals. Those goats are amazing escape artists! I love the lure of the carrot. I look forward to a catch up of the rest of the animals when you get the time. Have a good weekend.
Carol Caldwell recently posted…Integration day
It’s good to be back 🙂 I hope I can keep it up!
LOL. Animals are crazy. But we love them anyway.
Matthew Bull recently posted…Como Obtener La Visa a Estados Unidos Fácilmente
True!
Glad you are back! I have missed your barnyard stories! My goats are put off another season so I will have to live vicariously through yours :0)
The truth of old folk sayings are written all over this post. The carrot or the stick with the carrot working wonders. Along with the anthropogenic thought process cast on your buddies – the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Of course the grass is greener outside this commons. But misses on the slander of not having the sense God gives to goats. Brandy is no dummy.
Glad to see you back blogging! Funny critters, what an escape artist!