War and Peace

Doggone that Inga!  She won the battle in which we both lose.  She ripped out of my hands to race past Sarah and Adam, the WWOOFers, and neither yelling nor sweet talk would get her in for milking.  Tessie tried the same tactics, but I was finally able to chase her down.  The girls get spooked when anyone but me is in the barn.  I have to explain to others that it will be a choreographed dance:  "Step into that room.  Shut the door.  (I switch out goats on the stand.)  Okay, you can come back in now."  Adam said it was like a magic show.  Both Adam and Sarah did well with the girls, Tessie and Sheila.  As predicted, the temperature began to soar and soon we were all sweating under the metal roof.

Back in the kitchen, we went on to Step Two in the cheese-making process and then put the curd to hang and drain.  Ralph has become a very social animal.  Unlike the goats, he loves company.  Celeste, not s'much.  She didn't come out until our guests had driven away.  Bessie Anne was her usual gracious self.  I'd made a loaf of Black Forest pumpernickel bread to go with the quiche for lunch.  The hummingbirds put on their show just outside the dining room window and quite fascinated Sarah.

Adam was originally from New York and Sarah from Canterbury, England.  They'd met while Adam was working in London, married, honeymooned in Brazil, and were spending a year traveling.  (Imagine!)  They seemed to really enjoy the WWOOF experience.  On leaving our area, they were going to visit friends in Sacramento before going on to Vietnam.  Listening to them was a real-life travelogue.  I had a truly lovely day with this young couple, and sent them off with good wishes, a pound of chevre and a dozen eggs.

Earle came for his milk and eggs, and then Camille came for a quick bite (leftover asparagus quiche) and a chat.  A cooling breeze came up in the afternoon.  It was a very busy day.  I put my feet up at last and listened to the quiet after putting the kids to bed.  Ahh, peace.

I will deal with Inga today.