Summer vacation is coming to a swift close, now only a few hours left. It's been a relaxing recess of extended sunshine and rejuvenation. This year it was made extra special by the addition of baby goats, goslings and an incredible transformation in the garden. Nothing marks the passing of time more profoundly than the growth of baby animals. Despite a few episodes of heartbreak along the way, I couldn't be happier with this next generation of pets. The following is a pictorial journey of the past four months. The pictures prove once again, that living things are simply amazing, not to mention a joy to behold. Enjoy!
Baby goats, Hazel and Audrey were selected from Nettle Meadow Farm in mid May.
The tiny doelings were only two days old when I brought them home.
They took to bottle feeding fairly well...
...and introduced themselves to the residents of the farm.
The month of May played icy tricks with the weather...
...so the little girls had to live in our house.
Due to their feeding schedule...
...they attended school every day for the first week.
It was a happy time.
At a month old, Hazel became very ill and died, leaving Audrey all alone.
Two new baby goats named Pearl...
...and Ivy arrived to establish a herd for Audrey.
They were tiny too.
The two new kids provided much needed company for Audrey...
...and for me too.
The goats have touched the lives of so many.
Meanwhile, a gaggle of goslings arrived one day in the mail...
...while another hatched in our incubator.
Their first swim was in a dish pan.
Eventually, they graduated to deeper water.
Oh how quickly goslings grow!
Colored leg bands permanently identify each one. Green is Vivian.
When the "kiddy" pool became a tight fit...
...an updated spa with lounge deck was installed.
The most impressive transformation this summer...
...took place in the garden.
Chickens patrol the perimeter in a dry moat, gobbling pests along the way.
At summer's end, sunflowers reach for the sky and garden bounty awaits a fall harvest.
Thank you summer for such glorious gifts that soothe the eye and fill the stomach. May winter be kind to us until you return next year.
