In a lowly cattle shed

moomin · Post by **moomin** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 11:13 pm

[and I can assure you mine is a lowly cattle shed, mostly held together with binder twine, still cows don't worry about the wallpaper, they are just concerned with comfort]. My cows have access to a barn and a paddock in the winter, they usually choose to come in for the night.
I have just been out to do last rounds on this crisp, frosty, starlit night.
I had to pick my way through a warm carpet of black, with occasional red patches, laid down on a bed of fresh straw.
Calves were snuggled up together in their "creche corner", older animals were mostly in their family groups.
Nobody got up as I squeezed between them, what a wonderful place I was in being so trusted by these kind and gentle creatures.
The air held that special scent all who keep cattle will know and love, was this the first scent that baby born in a lowly cattle shed over 2000 years ago smelt?
I like to think so.
How privileged I am to be able to keep this lovely breed and to have such a relatonship with these little cows.

Thankyou so much for your website Mark and through it may I send to our Dexter friends worldwide Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes for 2010.
Di

nuttalls · Post by **nuttalls** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:28 pm

hiya di, what a nice story that was, only just read it, been busy with pigs piggling all on different days,then sleeping,it nearlly made me cry i know the feeling , jean jordeth

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:43 am

Thank you, Di, for writing this, as that is just how it is here. Everyone comes into the barns towards the end of the day and I love that "sigh" as they lie down and snuggle in for the night. However stressful my day has been, this time in the evening is very special.
Reading your words have given me that happy "evening feeling" first thing in the morning! Thanks.
Happy 2010 to everyone and their Dexters

CarolineL · Post by **CarolineL** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:55 pm

Thanks for this lovely story Di. (Just having a catch up on the Forum). It really makes you remember why it's worth carting all that water and feed when everything is frozen up. There's nothing nicer than calling the cows in to a bed of fresh straw and watching them settle down for the night.
All the best for 2010.
Caroline