Some Days...

Some days are just like that.  Tessie the Terrible has been getting pretty independent lately.  "I hear you calling me and I'll come down to the barn when I darn well feel like it."  She's always the last one in anyhow, so when she gets snotty I go ahead and clean the back stalls and fill the feed bucket for the next day so as not to waste time.  She finally wanders down the hill and comes in.  Yesterday was one of those days.  I called, I cleaned, I even walked up to head her in the right direction.  Couldn't grab her collar.  I'm out of stall space to isolate her so I can bring her in like Sheila and Inga.  I waited.  She looked at me.  I looked at her.  It was freezing cold out and I was not inclined to walk the pen on icy grass.  "Okay, kiddo.  Last chance."  She looked at me.  When I put the girls to bed last night, Tessie was already walking bowlegged and udders really fill up overnight.  I'll bet she begs to be first this morning.  Robert Heinlein wrote "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress."  Tessie's going to put my name in there somewhere, but I won't be bested by a goat.

Back at the house and trying to thaw out, I pulled the throw over my legs and was immediately joined by Bessie and Celeste.  Who warms who here?  Ralph checked to see, but there was no room left.  I get warm; I get sleepy.  A nap seemed in order.  "Ring ring."  Quick conversation.  Went back to sleep.  "Ring ring."  Some days you can't catch a break.

Yesterday bridges in Placerville were closed due to ice on the road.  Today is supposed to be colder and big winds are predicted that will intensify the chill factor.  Kansas?  I think we've been transported to Fargo!  This is sunny California, for crying out loud.  It's going to be one of those days.