Red Poll Photo Album

As I write this, I have five Red Poll cows, one yearling heifer and four calves born this season. One more calf is due:

They've had a good summer, and are fat and shiny in spite of having babies and producing milk:

I give them a small amount of grain twice a day, after which they usually all go over to the stock tank for a drink of water:

And they have a salt block plus a mineral feeder:

But mostly they eat grass, after which they lie down and chew their cuds:

Their red coats glisten in the sun on a lovely summer day:

And the calves tend to hang out together:

I have now fenced them out of the north field and the far south field, both of which I hope will produce some hay this month:

It's a good, comfortable life they lead:

Except for the flies. The flies must be maddening. I do spray them with fly spray, but the cows run away from me when I start. This, by the way, is Rosella. She's almost grown now. In fact, yesterday was her first birthday:

They present a peaceful scene as they graze:

And they are good mothers, concerned for their calves but not hostile to people in any way:

Happy Pets At Home

My pets lead comfortable lives:

And the dogs often get to stay outdoors while I work around the farm. I was greasing the tractor on this day, while Jack and Fergus watched me:

Seamus and Fergus like to lounge in the living room while I'm at the computer:

Fergus and Seamus outside, with the north field in the background:

Daphne and Clover, AKA "The Silly Sisters:"

All five dogs on their ramp, by the Rugosa Roses:

Jack, Daphne, Fergus and Clover:

Bramble has taken over PeeWee's old bed under my computer desk, but Jack wants to sleep in it too. He's afraid to climb right in on top of Bramble, but he tries. Bramble doesn't seem to mind, as he purrs loudly while Jack hesitates:

Fergus, Daphne, Clover and Draco:

A typical backyard scene:

Fergus keeps an eye on me:

And Seamus smiled a great big smile from behind the roses: