Farm Girl in the Making

Last week Leah spent part of a morning with her Papa taking care of some errands that needed to be done. Coming home full of excitement over all that she had seen had her eyes sparkling and words tumbling out of her mouth. Papa had made a stop at a local farm to pick up some fresh Jersey milk and butter for us. The milk cows were up close to the barn and she was able to see them clearly and pet a month old calf in the barn. While there the gobblers that are penned up near by began strutting their stuff and gobbling to no end. Papa reported she was thrilled and unsure where to look first with all the activity around her. Even the roosters joined in the poultry chorus, not to be undone by the "big" boys. A stop at one of the local fire station gained her much praise and a quarter from one of the firefighters for some "m.m.'s" from a machine. Their last stop was at the feed store for some grains and feed for the chickens. Inside the owner had a very large Rhode Island Red rooster in a cage that was making it's self known to all the customers. So much to see and do in just one morning for a future farm girl.

Then this past week we made a trip to Alabama to look again at some property we have been considering for our own future dream farm. On this trip she was able to see the countryside and all the livestock present in just about every yard we past by. She loves to see animals where ever we are, a true nature lover like her Nana. ;) At one of our friends home she was able to get close to some Mommy cows and their babies. Watching them eating their "lunch" with messy faces tickled her.

She wanted very much to go through the gate and "pet them". Not understanding why that was not a good idea with the 800 lb. mommy's inside. But one of the babies did feel brave enough to peek out from behind it's protective mountain and let us get a better look at it.

Leaving this farm after getting her fill of watching cows we travel just a little ways down the road to another friend's place to see his horses. Where she got the best treat of the day. Not only did she get to see his horses up close but he offered to let her ride a pony just her size. That was not something she was anxious to do at first, as all she wanted to do was to just "pet" them.

After a quick introduction to the 35 year old pony and some assurance that Nana was going to be right by her side, she sat on top of it with wide-eyed wonder.

Several laps around the barnyard and she was a satisfied customer, giving commands to the pony to "giddy up" and enjoying the ride tremendously. When asked about getting off she gave a quick flat no and began to tell us she did not want to leave. Our gracious host assured her that she could come back anytime to ride as often as she wanted to. Our little farm girl was quite tired after her day's adventures and promptly fell asleep in the truck on the trip back home. Memories made that will hopefully carry her farther into her love for life. I see a chance to ride together in our future, as I love to ride myself. I have always wanted a horse and thought one day if I ever had the space I would get one. Until that day comes I have an open invitation to ride here at this farm with someone who loves horses more than I do and has a fondness for little granddaughters too.

Living the life through the eyes of a 2 1/2 year old.

Deborah