Another highlight of our return was having my life-long Louisiana friends Rhett and Ann McMahon out here. Yep, that's right, after spending two weeks here in Silver a month or so ago, they made the decision to give this place a more permanent try, and so far, love it as we did!
Rather than buy prior to learning the area, they wisely decided to rent a nice home here for the first year. As a result, we all were invited to the landlord's place today to try our "hand" at goat milking. Who'd ever believe a move to Silver City would result in this adventure!
As Francis, our great hostess, took on the first milk-laden mama goat, her pet turkey and loyal milking companion, Henrietta, greeted us all at the barn door and was close at hand to supervise the whole operation.
and, Kim and Ann enjoy playing mom for a few minutes to the "kids"...
Having kept so many critters over the years, things came pretty easy for Kim, who took matter "in hand" with little additional coaching from Francis. However the milking must have triggered the motherly instinct in her, as you can see she just couldn't resist cuddling one of the kids again!
Annie was up next, and after heaps of concentration, discovered that by holding her mouth just right, success was eminent. Wa-la - there is milk in them little things!
Finally, my anticipation and worry that I too would be called upon to try my "hand" at this was fulfilled when Annie and Kim proclaimed "OK Sam, it's your turn". Not wanting to be left "empty handed" so to speak, I grabbed on both sides simultaneously.
To everyones surprise, the old days at my Aunt Vesta's farm helping milk the cows paid off, as an instant double flow rang into the bucket with no coaching or instruction.
I'd have to sum things up by saying it was:
Udderly Fantastic!
