Yes, the names of the folks who own the farm that we went to on Saturday for the goat meeting are ..., Dick and Jane. Isn't that wonderful. Wasn't that your first reading book in school if you went to "grammar" school in the 40's or 50's? (and Spot, the dog. Remember?) Well, this farm is owned by Dick and Jane and I think that Jane may just be the little girl that we remember in all those books that we learned to read from. She grew up to be a teacher. Hummm!, and she's the right age...., hummm!
They live on this farm with two dogs (neither one is named Spot however), a horse, some chickens and the most beautiful flock of Alpine goats you ever saw.
Alpines are very friendly, curious goats. They all have amazingly pretty and varied coats. They are French you know.
The black and white one seemed more curious than the others. He followed me along the fence and came up to me at one point to sniff my camera and my hands. He was smaller and probably younger than the rest.
I wasn't sure who the alpha goat was but I think it's the dark one with the pretty front legs. He was always out in front and everyone else walked behind him. He had "the look"..., more reserved, assured. He was speaking in the language of creatures without words and it said "Who are you and what are you doing here." There didn't seem to be any "attitude" like I get at home. He just had a firm look about him.
Brownie could learn a lesson from this nice, friendly herd of goats. Maybe we need a few more of these critters around our farm so that Brownie doesn't think he's so abused.That big boy goat of mine is always out of snuff over something.
When I first walked out to see the goats I saw this furry critter standing with them in the field. I was quite a distance from them to begin with and I couldn't see clearly (old age and in need of new glasses), so before I say anything else, I want you to guess what this white furry thing is in the bottom right corner of the photo. The first person to comment with the right answer will get a surprise gift in the mail. I will have that person email their address and we will have some fun with this. Go ahead..., make a guess. You have until Wed at 12 noon PST to let me know what you think it is.
I'm sorry, but friends and family of Dick and Jane's can not participate in this giveaway. You probably know what this animal is and that would violate the Families with Goats Act of 2010.
( Remember to click on the photos to see them close up.)
Alpine is a breed of domestic goat known for its very good milking ability.
They are multi-colored and have no set markings. They have erect ears, horns, and a dish-face.
The breed originated in the French Alps. Mature does weigh around 57 kg or 125 lbs. Alpine goats can range in color from white or gray to brown and black. Alpine goats are great for milking and their milk can be made into cheese, soap, and ice cream.
(information from.... http://en.wikipedia.org)
It's a pig! A white, furry cuddly pig.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your blog.
Sandy
Alpaca?
ReplyDeleteAnother great story. I am going to guess a sheep. Have a great day. Madeline
ReplyDeleteJust found you today from JoJo's site.
ReplyDeleteHow well I remember Dick and Jane!
Interesting post and thanks for sharing it with us
Take care
Maggie
Beautiful goats. Mike wants goats. If I ever allow it, I will suggest Alpine goats. I love the black and white one. If I were guessing at the corner animal, I'd say perhaps an Alpaca or Llama?
ReplyDelete~Randy
All those goat pictures are so cute. You really did a great job on getting them in such neat poses. I am not too familiar with the alpine goats, but these are rather pretty to me. We just have plain old goats around here.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming that it isn't a goat. I don't think it could be a sheep. My guess would be a big white dog! I just can't think of any other farm animals that size.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Angela
Such lovely herd of goats, I think they are fascinating critters, so smart, people don't realise they are intelligent animals, unlike sheep!
ReplyDelete