Patches, Pups and A Calf

Highs and lows happen all the time on a farm I'm learning. Last night, Tootsie gave us ten puppies (she added one after I wrote the blog). Overnight, Patches died from what was either bloat or colic. She was my sweet girl and I'm going to miss her very very much. 

But, life goes on and this morning, Maesie finally delivered her calf. He's a boy and bigger than Rory was at birth. I don't doubt it, I really think Maesie held onto him longer than she was supposed to. He's extremely healthy as is his mom. He's actually more curious of us than Rory was at birth as well. I guess when you are born late, you are more cognitively developed. 

I'm going to give a special tribute to Patches tomorrow. For now, I'm going to celebrate life. 

Tootsie the Mama Bear

I knew she was close, and today was the day. Tootsie Roll has had her puppies! Originally, I thought she was done at seven puppies as she stopped contacting, panting, etc. Nope, I came back later and two more were there! Nine puppies and I'm actually not sure if she's done. She wants to be done, she's tired!

All the pups are predominately black and all are healthy. Since she has more pups than teats, I'm going to have to somehow keep track of who has eaten and who hasn't as best as possible. Again, they're all mostly black and jumble up to each other, so it's difficult to make out who is who. Tootsie is a fabulous mom though, so I'm sure she'll figure it out for me. 

I don't have any favorites, but there are a couple who stand out. One is a chunky one compared to the others, another is a wandering one who keeps thinking Tootsie is hiding more food on her back, and another is the explorer who Mom keeps having to bring back to the fold instead of him/her trying to scale the baby pool they're in. 

I'm so proud of Tootsie! 

Rory's Woes

Gator came by tonight and we were able to somehow capture Rory and get him banded. He took it like a champ, but mama Cíarin was scared to death for her boy. Even Brogan came up at one point to see if he should intervene, but then he saw what was happening and he decided to take his manhood elsewhere. 

At the end of this week, Gator will come back and we'll put some Blue Kote on to help him. I'm just so thankful I'll only ever be steering one bull. All others born on the farm will be sold intact. That's not a joy I wish to do again. 

I'm also going to have to figure out something for Patches. She bloats real easily after we get a heavy rain like what happened this morning. Other than hay and the water trough, she doesn't have access to anything that should cause bloat. Does she just open her mouth and guzzle the rain as it falls? At least now I know to keep bloat blocks on hand in the future. I'll have to pick them up tomorrow. 

Another Thing

Every time I think Wonderland is getting to the completion part, more things pop up. A plumber has to come out to check the water heater, the front door needs to be replaced and the bathroom door needs to be planed. Curtains still need to be hung and little decorating touches still need to be added, but it'll happen when it's time. 

The doors aren't really a surprise. When the house was brought back up to level, that particular area was the most out of whack. The water heater is relatively new, but I think when the electrician rewired some things, perhaps that got cut off and the pilot light needs to be relit. I'm getting a licensed plumber out there first to make sure and then go from there. 

Bottom line, the next housing venture I partake upon will be starting from scratch again like the barndo. And yes, I have plans to expand my real estate "empire". My long range goal there is the lake house for short term vacation rental and something in the future for long term rental. I've got lots of plans! 

The completely full lake from the house

Waiting Game

Remember, this is a farm blog primarily and you might learn more than you bargained for when reading. 

There's been a long waiting game going on around here. I've got Maesie ready to calf and Tootsie Roll ready to birth her litter. Well, to me they look ready at any rate. Both are big and round. Both have their mammary glands engorged. And I'm ready for both, but they seem to be happy giving it more time. 

Granted, I'm not the best in tracking these things. When you have so many animals, it gets a little difficult charting when the deed occurred. I thought I knew the ballpark on Maesie, but that passed last month. Now, I'm just winging it as I usually do. Regardless, I'll be having some more babies here soon to cuddle and love on!

My latest piece on perspective. 

Cows drinking water in the distance

Sneaky Cows

My cows will take absolutely any and every opportunity to get into mischief. A week or so ago, the gate was left open and they took that chance to get out. Today, a particularly big gust of wind hit the storage container door open enough that my red headed cows took full advantage. I mean, the wind has to blow just right for it to open, but that's what it did. That door is a pain to close by the way with the latching. 

Inside this magical container is hay bundles. Nevermind there was hay already out for them. Nope, Brogan, Fiona and Flora decided the hidden hay must be tastier. I got out there and shooed them off, but Brogan gave a disgruntled sigh. Never in my life did I think I would be chastising a bull with an attitude, but here we are. At least Fiona took my look of warning and decided not to test me. Flora, of course, acted surprised she was even there like she had just woken up from sleepwalking or something. Y'all have no idea how much personality cows have!

Mineral Tub

The craziest phenomenon yet for the farm has occurred today. The introduction of the mineral tub. Usually, lose minerals have been given to the animals, but the guy at the feed store gave the cows a complimentary mineral tub to try out. I was antsy about trying it as it contains molasses and I've got to be so careful of how much the donkeys eat, but it appears I didn't need to worry. 

See, my cows have big heads with even bigger horns. Even though this is a big tub, only one of my cows could lick from it at a time. One would go up, lick for a few minutes, then walk off. Once that cow had returned to the herd, a different cow would go. They were literally taking turns while also maintaining distance like it was a bathroom break or something. 

At one time, Patches got a brief lick before a cow had walked up. Without any head butting from the cow or any other signal, Patches just calmly strolled away. These are the same animals that kick and head butt each other when they think their portion of hay is tastier! One tub is supposed to feed fifty cows, so far it's looking good. 

Almond Joy 

Therapy

As I've mentioned, I'm in therapy and it's going well. Actually, my therapist has brought up a couple of times for me to become a therapist myself. How I work with people, how I listen to people, and how I care about people. Keep in mind, I've used this therapist off and on for over a decade, so he knows me well. He wants me to think about it. 

He also wants me to get off my duff and begin writing. I've started so many fiction books, but never have followed through with them. He suggests I begin writing plays instead. Even if I didn't use them even if I don't show anyone, just for me to start writing. I know I should, that's just a huge self criticizing task for me. I'm my harshest critic by far. 

I am a voracious reader in case y'all didn't know. I'm a Renaissance woman where I paint, play piano, and write. You won't find me in petticoats and corsets though!

That's my rambling for today. Enjoy a pic of Mounds. 

Roll Call Cow Edition

It's time I give an update of all the cows in a simplified manner. I'll list all their names and say cube and/or pet to identify who is doing what. If they allow both, I consider them social. This means they will eat out of your hand and let you brush and hand pet them. 

Fiona cube pet 

Flora cube pet

Brogan cube pet

Maesie cube pet

Cíarin cube*

Callie cube pet

Josie cube

Dolly cube

Valentina cube

Rose cube*

Rory

Now, Cíarin and Rose will let you pet them or brush them if you have given cubes, but only briefly. Then they demand more cubes. So not too shabby, but I've still got work to do. 

A New Project

Somehow with all my newfound desire to paint, I have created a new project for me to tackle. As I was painting today, I realized that the color wheel I remembered from kindergarten isn't quite enough for what I'm doing now. I'm going to have to make a color chart. 

Granted, this isn't quite farm-related yet, but stick with me. Yellow and blue make green. Primary colors, easy. Green and white make a soft green while green and black make like a forest green. Ok yeah, but then you get into adding a little more yellow to the green and then it becomes a spring green. Add a little more blue to the green and you get a dark teal. Add white to the dark teal to get a lighter teal. It just goes on and on. So when you're trying to remember how to get one shade, you got to remember the mixture. Hence, my next project is to make a chart. 

Now, to tie it into the farm for those who read about the animals. Chickens lay different color eggs. We've got light brown, medium brown and blue egg layers, but our chickens are red, black with white, and all black respectively. They will always lay the same color eggs regardless of how much sunlight or what they eat. But, you will get brighter yolk colors if they have a diet rich in protein. The more you know. Have a great weekend! 

S'mores with her candy bar kids

Fall Road

For most of the day today, I painted. I wasn't the most pleased with this work and I'm starting to get frustrated. So, I'm going to look for some food to try to do tomorrow. Maybe a strawberry? Just thinking out loud. 

At least the animals weren't as frustrating. Mounds is learning how to buck with her horns which is always cute to watch. Almond Joy is all about the loving and petting. I find the boys are like that until they get those hormones. Then the girls become the sweet ones. 

Rory was my only punk today. He played keep away from me and it truly was a game to him. He's got to learn though that I don't chase. I'm too old and too lazy to run after a boy no matter how cute he is. He can lick a cattle cube tomorrow if he doesn't run off again. 

Rock & Eggs

Sometimes, I just like to take pics of a collection of rocks or eggs. Things that are in a jumble and each one unique. Months ago, I took a pic of my bucket of eggs. Last week, I printed out that pic to use has a concept for a painting. Today, I did the painting. 

The painting is not exact, I never wanted it to be. I don't know artistic terms, but I was going for the painting that looks one way further out and more intricate upon close scrutiny. It's just a 3"x5" because I didn't want to attempt this on a huge scale. I'm calling it Rock and Eggs. Art doesn't have to make sense and neither do the titles. Anyway, I enjoyed being a little more intentionally chaotic. The colors weren't exactly what I wanted, but close enough. 

By the way, we didn't get more rain but the animals and I are greatly enjoying the cooler temps. I wore long sleeves today! 

Rain-ish

As per usual, the farm only got a light sprinkle where rain announced everywhere around. More rain might come in later tonight? I'm just going to be happy there's cooler temps. 

I'm going to share a little grievance with shopping I've experienced today. As y'all know, I ran out of paint last week and ordered some more. I eagerly awaited the UPS truck and once it arrived, I was upset that instead of the white acrylic I had ordered in a large size, I got a very tiny tube of watercolor paint in dark brown. I tried to call, but they're on Eastern time and they were closed, but the message suggested to go to the live chat. The live chat online was also closed but encouraged me to leave a message. I tried several times, but it wouldn't submit my message. I get it, this world today hates actual phone calls, but don't give options that don't actually work. It's ok, I drove two hours round-trip to pick up the paint myself, but in store shopping isn't that great either. That's a story for another day. 

Here's hoping for a rainy day and fun painting tomorrow! 

Dolly says to not boop her snoot unless you have a cattle cube

Time Change

I don't know what time it is. All I know is the animals have been fed and the sun has gone down. A wonderful thunderstorm came in this morning and hopefully more rain and cooler temps are on the way. 

This weekend, trees were purchased for the farm. Loblolly Pine, Sycamore, Burr Oak, Mexican White Oak, and a Little Gem. The Little Gem was planted today and depending on weather, more or all will be planted tomorrow. These will hopefully provide shade for the animals, beauty to the farm and a little more privacy. In the spring, I'll be adding an orchard if all goes well. 

Everything is also ready for Tootsie Roll to have her first litter of pups. She's a double registered English Shepherd, Teddy Bear is registered also, and this breed was almost extinct and is an excellent breed. They're incredibly gentle, have great and natural herding tendencies, beautiful coats, and I'm excited about being a responsible breeder of this breed. I know in the past, I was adopt and don't shop, but to help a specific breed that is so perfectly suited for families and farm life, I've made an exception. 

Have a great start to the week. I've almost finished through my stages of grief and moving forward and I feel so much better. 

This is Little Gem (a hybrid of magnolia). Grow well little one!

Halloween 2024

Like most Halloweens, there weren't any tricks or treats with my day. I did get my hair "did" for the six week upkeep, so that was a treat. My girl Shy always makes me feel better. 

I guess the trick on me is I didn't know they came out with a different The Mummy movie. I'm going to watch it tonight even though I'm not a Tom Cruise fan. Actually, I've realized the two Toms I enjoyed as actors as a teen, I've actually come not to like as people. Cruise is one, Hanks is the other. There's been too much Epstein and political issues around Hanks. But, acting is supposed to be good enough for me to forget about the actual person, so I'll see how it goes. 

Have a good weekend. I've actually decided on some plans for this one! 

Rose is a beautiful and sweet girl, but she doesn't photograph well

Rory Bear

I'm just constantly tickled by Rory. He is so much like his father, Brogan, from that age. Well, in the looks department and some of the dopey facial expressions at least. 

So up until today, Rory would get brave enough to touch my hands with his snout before getting skittish. Tonight though, he finally licked a cattle cube from my hand! He still hasn't eaten his first cube even by himself, so this was great. I could try softer foods, but then I worry about the other cows intruding on our bonding moment. My cows are greedy. 

I'm patiently waiting for more art supplies to be delivered, so today I began an introduction on sketching. Where the light comes into play is one of my many challenges, but I've got nothing but time to try. 

The lighting was bad, but I love his dopey looks

Blurry Eyes

I'm writing this blog around 7am because I didn't get to it last night. Last night, the winds from the south kicked up a lot of allergens and couple that with my working several hours on painting, my eyes were all blurry. I'm ok now, but if I had written last night, I'm not sure what letters and words you would have gotten. 

I'm not the only one who didn't like the winds from the south. We're so dusty and all the animals, while enjoying a breeze, didn't appreciate the dust either. The goats do this snorting thing,, the donkeys stand still and close their eyes, and the cows find the wind breaks. The sheep were safely in the barn. 

When I let the dogs out, even they weren't thrilled. They did their business and came back instead of the usual running around and playing. It was a strong wind, but hopefully that means the winds change direction tonight and bring us rain and cooler weather! 

Bye Twins!

Tonight, I sent the twins home with my friend where I know they're going to be well loved. These twins have been bonded from the start and a lot of times, it's difficult to find a home for them together. I'll have to do it again in a little over a month with Almond Joy and Mounds, but I think things will work out. 

All of the animals have been doing great. Rory is getting more used to me, the kids love me, and even Rose is starting to let me pet her some now. That leaves only Valentina and Jewel to get social with me and I think the only reason they haven't yet is because too many others get in their way to me. Once we finally get a cold front, I'll be able to survive longer out there to give them the chance! 

Artist Retreat

Last month, before everything went south for me, I had taken a painting class that I thoroughly enjoyed. This past Saturday, I attended the second installment of it and I'm glad I went. 

I am working through my five stages of grief because I suffered a traumatic event. It's going to take me a long time, if ever, to recover from it. In the meantime though, I'm looking forward to continuing the monthly art classes and trying my hand at doing art at home. The two pics are what I've done this weekend. The one with the cow was at the art class, the other was my attempt of either a Texas sunset or a Texas moonrise. 

Wonderland

I have all my animals extra attention this morning, as I was spending the rest of the day working on Wonderland. I'm going to have to start going out there in the mornings for playtime with the daylight hours changing soon because they're so much friskier and fun. 

The two I want to mention today are Brogan and Callie. Brogan shows his affection for me by belching in my face. At first, I thought it was just a fluke, but no, it's consistent with him doing that to me. Are there breath mints for bulls? Callie though is my cow licker. She loves to lick my hands as a show of affection. Cows tongues are just bigger versions of cat tongues, if that gives you an idea of the feel of being cow licked. 

Wonderland is coming along. I had let a lot of things slide waiting for my handyman to come back and finish, but now I'm getting it done myself. I'm glad he's busy working, but geez, I could have used him! 

Lake view from Wonderland 

Blowouts & Flats

What they never talk about and what needs to be stressed to anyone considering moving to the country, budget yourself for flat tires! The number of flats and blowouts the vehicles, trailers and even zero turn mower have had reaches in the dozens in three short years. Today, it was a blowout on the trailer when picking up the spent grain. These tires were only two months old! 

Granted, a lot of the issues stem from the mesquite thorns littering the farm, but the pathways have been cleared for awhile now. Could it be because of the unusual heat Texas has been having? I don't know. All I do know is the one local business I give the most money to in my small town is the tire shop. They deserve it, I just wish I wasn't so generous. 

That's the excitement for today. Tomorrow is another day. 

Photos

Sometimes, you just want to take pics...

Pups and the Pasture Pup

Today's objective was to get the pups brushed and bathed. Tootsie Roll was the hardest to brush, her hair takes to burrs like nothing I've ever seen before. Teddy Bear was easier than Tootsie, but he still had a lot of burrs as well. Reggie and Kenzie were exempt from the brushing as they stay burr free. 

Then shower time. Tootsie takes awhile with her thick coat, however she's calm during the process. Teddy was next and he actually did great. Best of all though was Reggie. I just called him and he walked right into the shower, got all lathered up and rinsed and he was done. Kenzie got a bath last week so she didn't have to today. Now there are fluffy and clean pups. For today at least. 

Before I sign off though, I wanted to share a victory with Rory. While everyone else was eating, I sat down by him to get him used to me. After about ten minutes he finally sniffed my hand! Twice! That's way ahead of schedule with socializing them. Either I'm getting better at it or Rory is just advanced. Or both! 

GOAT

For many years now GOAT has stood for Greatest of all Time. In no way, shape, or form am I a GOAT, but I had a GOAT moment with an actual goat. I banded my first goat today! 

Goats of all ages seem to sense like spiders when you're coming after them. One of the twins, the male obviously, was in the midst of four others and yet he knew I was angling for him. The first time I tried to grab him, his weight actually surprised me enough that I didn't give enough oomph into the lift. The second time, I had to grab one leg and hold on until he could be fully grabbed and then banded. He screamed in agony during the procedure, but then went right back to eating afterwards. 

For those unaware, banding is taking a specialty rubber band and fastening it above the male sac. With the cutoff in blood flow, in a few weeks the area will literally drop off onto the ground and they are then considered wethers. Unable to procreate. Just another item down on my list of things I can control. Do I want to do it again? Nope, but it's Rory's turn next. Yep, same procedure to make him a steer. 

Here's the upcoming wether 

A Week's End

As the Hunter's Moon rises in the night's sky, I've decided to put an end to this week's blogs. I hope y'all understand how difficult it is for me to write them right now. 

Reggie is going back to early years of being by my side, giving lots of kisses and trying to cheer me up. Yes, the anxiety is back along with the depression, so Reggie has double duty now. His nickname is Best Boy and he truly lives up to the title. I can always count on him to be there for me. 

I'll try to make the blogs better next week and focus on the animals and how they're doing. My heart just hasn't been into it this week. 

Jewel and Rory

Decisions

I'm cautiously making decisions now based on how I've been mulling things over and over in my mind. Because of the rumors, because of betrayal and abandonment, and because my heart isn't in it anymore, I'm going to withdrawal the IRS request for the Chamber and close the Chamber of Commerce I started in May. I had big dreams that I know I would have succeeded in, but this is just part of the fallout. 

I did a lot for the town in five short months, but I've seen how fickle a lot of the residents can be. My time is best spent elsewhere and while this decision weighed on me tremendously, I finally decided to let it go. 

I appreciate those who are sending me texts and private messages caring about me. My life has irrevocably changed and these baby steps will eventually take me somewhere. 

Picture of a random devil's claw that showed up in the pasture (probably from the high winds). At least now I can show y'all. 

Just One

Lately, I've been working on a new mantra to tell myself. I've come up with "just one". Just one thing to look forward to, just one moment in the day to find joy or beauty, just one breath to keep going. 

I wasn't going to even speak of it but after speaking with my therapist today, he thinks I should. As I've mentioned, I'm going through a difficult time right now. Usually, I suffer in complete or near total silence. However, this issue was too big and I reached out to a select handful of friends. Again, I really have a tough time opening up to others that they won't hurt me with my weaknesses. Guess what? One of those supposed friends did just that. She took my pain and threw it back in my face, by text no less. There was no help, no support, no reasoning other than I guess her need to feel righteous. She assumed things that wasn't her place and judged me for how I'm working through things. That's not a friend. That's not even a decent person. 

I, and I'm only speaking for myself, am doing what is best for me right now. I am not drinking (other than the two margaritas last Friday night) because I don't need to mask my pain. I'm not eating the best, but I'm making sure I eat. I sit outside some. I make sure that I get out of bed and shower. I talk with my therapist. I talk with my real friends. I talk to my mom. And I take things as just one. 

Three generations of the same line: Spice, Spice Girl and Fudgie. I had to call her Fudgie because she looks so much like Fudge I kept getting confused!

Progress

Most things in life are beyond our control, but I try to focus on what I can control and go from there. I make my lists (in my mind) and systemically work through them. A lot of stuff has been going by the wayside with the farm and it was time to bring that back into focus. 

I'm only talking about the farm in general, mind you. Y'all know my animals are well taken care of, but that's not everything the farm entails. There is prepping for winter (which I still wonder if we're going to get even close this year to freezing temps), getting all the vehicles/trailers serviced and up to date, clearing out waste of all types, and more. Then there's planning on projects for whenever Gator has time. 

But I always find time to play with my animals. The newborn kids got their snuggles and didn't fuss at all! Callie is not only allowing me to pet and brush her, but she's starting to play with me, too. And Rory is learning that I'm just always going to take pics of him. 

S'mores Kids

For a fun weekend twist, S'mores had twins on Saturday! I've named them Almond Joy and Mounds. Yes, one has nuts, the other doesn't. 

Mama and the twins are doing well. I've got three ready to sell this week and now these two will be next in line. People joke about rabbits reproducing, but I think goats have them beat! 

That's about it. It was a hot and dry weekend, but we're supposed to get a cold front this week. Fingers crossed!

Some Improvements

Now that I've got the farm back up and running like it should for the most part, today was about the next item on my list. I finally just shopped online and got everything I needed left for the lake house so to start renting it. I also have to contact an exterminator, but at least the end is in sight. I need to start having income for myself and the farm isn't it just yet. 

After the lake house, don't worry, I've still got tons on my list to do. The animals will need to be dewormed, some things need to be built on the homestead, and some things need to be fixed up to sell. Six weeks from now, I'd like to say that the RV has been sold, all the animals are good, and that I've got enough hay to last the winter. That's goals for you. 

Have a good weekend, I'm going to be brave this weekend. Wish me luck! 

Maesie's selfie

Sweet Fiona?

Y'all know Fiona isn't my friendliest cow. She and I have always had a healthy level of respect for each other. Mainly, that she knows she can give me a look and I'll back off. But no, she'll always let me brush her and sometimes pet her side. Side note: the side doesn't have horns or kicking legs. 

Today though, she wanted love. I was in the mule and she brought her whole gigantic head in for me to pet her anywhere I wanted. I even got both my hands to framing her face and she was enjoying it. I can't explain it, but we had a moment and that meant so much to me. 

All the other animals enjoyed their usual petting and brushing, but that Fiona. She gave me that connection I've wanted with her for so long. 

Rory The Runner

All my cows like to run when they're in good moods and when it's feeding time, but Rory loves to run all the time! Cíarin, his mama, has given up on keeping an eye on him and she only moos for him when it's time for him to eat. Sadly, he runs from me when I try to pet him as well, but I'll keep trying! 

We're finally back to the spent grain run which all my cows are thankful about. They had to go two weeks without and apparently that was cruel and inhumane. I have been scolded by several of them for my tardiness, but they'll be happy to learn this is one of three pickups this week! 

Bewety is over her devil claw adventure from yesterday and tomorrow, they'll be allowed back out in the pasture. I searched everywhere for those things, but I have a feeling I'm missing them. Hopefully the sheep know to stay away from them now. 

Devil's Claws

There's a weed on my pasture either called Devil Claw or Devil's Claw. Either way, it's very aptly named. It breaks off into these wishbone, almost metal-like clamps. Poor Bewety and Ewenique got into them. 

Ewenique comes right up to me and allowed me to get them off of her. The poor thing had them over her mouth like Hannibal Lecter. Bewety took two days to get hers off. She's super fast and those things will slice you even with gloves on. But I finally trapped her and got both of the ones she had off. One was on the belly, the other was near her bum wrapped around her leg. They're both fine and I only have one cut. 

They didn't allow any pics to be taken, rightfully so, therefore you get one of Callie who is finally letting me brush her forehead. 

Back From Black

For those who don't know, the past two weeks I've been hit with some personal issues. It was a very dark time for me and I'm still working through things. However, my farm continues and I need to continue for the farm. 

Unfortunately, a week after Fiona's daughter Skye was born, she passed away. My rudimentary assumption is that she was born premature and was not absorbing the nutrients she needed to survive. She had tried nursing from Mom and when I saw she was weakening, I switched her to bottle. Everything was done for her that could be done, but she wasn't strong enough. That didn't help me already being in a dark place. 

But life goes on and the animals have shown me how resilient they are. Rory is doing excellent and is a fan favorite with all the other animals, especially Dandy. He loves to run and dance and he's heartwarming to watch. I'm hoping more babies are on the way and that they're born healthy.

Fiona's A Mom!

Saturday, Fiona gave birth to a very tall and lanky girl! Mama is fiercely protective and already an excellent mom to her, but I did get a chance to hold her when we fed the group. I have no shame, my cows love their food and I use it to my advantage! 

Fiona did see me though and came charging from the back pasture, but we already had the mule in gear and was away before she got there. The little one is a chocolate dream! Now, I've been told their brown coloring can change after the initial baby coat, but I've got a feeling she's going to stay a dun. I'm going to have to discuss with my friend who has already staked claim on the first heifer what her name will be. Right now, she's the Little Coo. 

We still have two mamas left to drop, but who knows when that will be? Exciting!