Thursday, October 3, 2013

our family cow



Apologies for my long absence here. You, see we've been pretty busy around these parts. We bought ourselves a cow. Yes, a Jersey milking cow!

So I think the whole raw milk thing, and searching out this elusive product, led me to the thought of getting our own family cow. So I read up on it. I watched videos. Lot's of books. Lot's of You Tube and lots of Keeping a Family Cow forum (now that is one helpful sight).

In this house we tend to go through our dairy products like you wouldn't believe. Think of two litres plus a day, plus cream, plus cheese. Not to mention the homemade yoghurt, ice-cream and kefir.

So I got this crazy idea in my head, and in typical Tania fashion, buying our own cow became a bit of an obsession! I searched classifieds for weeks, and we decided to use an empty stable just five minutes down the road (owned by family) which is attached to a six acre or so paddock. The grass has been eaten down by kangaroos and it is not the best grass. We certainly don't live in a typical dairy area. Lush green grass is hard to find. But we had factored in the costs of bringing in feed.




Pat Coleby minerals (animals naturally take what they are lacking) in a Daniel-made feed trough


It wasn't too long before I found a 2 year old Jersey with a 4 week old steer calf only a few hours from here. The owner was willing to deliver as part of the price (as he was also delivering another heifer that day on the way here). So we had our deadline of fences to fix, an electric fence to connect and a four room stable to clean out. I am so very grateful to my hard working, supportive husband who put his every spare minute into getting it all done. I did try to help when I could, but he did the brunt of the work.


Bessie arrived on Saturday with her little calf. She was rather nervous and it took a few days for her to warm to us. She was huge to me, and as someone who has not really been around cattle before, her sheer size has taken some getting used to. Since she wasn't milked daily she had been fine with just the calf to milk her. Which was just as well because it took the good part of a week to build the milking bails in the stable. I had spent several days morning and evening training her to follow the bucket to what would be the milking room in the stable. Now she is waiting for me at the gate.  I've been giving her a good brush daily so I think she is warming to me.



We had decided on once a day milking, which means leaving the calf with mum during the day and then separating the two at night. Then milking in the morning. A little more do-able with a busy family life than twice day milking. I was a little nervous about this whole separating procedure, as the calf is very shy, and cows can be protective. But I need not have worried, as Daniel has proved to be quite the expert calf herder.

Once the milk bails were in we started the milking. First time was as bad I had expected it to be. Bessie was not in a good mood after being separated from her calf. She didn't want to go in the bails until her appetite got the better of her. She fought a little at the beginning and end to get her head out, and tried to kick several times, fortunately we had a leg tie on her, but I do think some of the kicking was actually because of the leg rope.

We'd never milked before, but with plenty of you tube videos under our belt it did not take too long to pick up. Oh, but the sore hands! And short teats. Not to mention how daunting it is sitting under a large animal.







We alternated milking those first few days,with one taking over when the other got too sore. I was so scared of being kicked at first, that I sat as far back as possible. Apparently that is actually more dangerous! So I get right in now, despite my natural apprehension. We've been consistently getting about 3 litres each milking, ending either because Bessie has finished her food and wants to get out, or because our hands are too sore. Usually both. It's been 4 days now, and each day has been easier. It is just a matter of learning the new routine, getting Bessie into that routine and building up those hand muscles. Thankfully the kicking has stopped. But I do suspect that Bessie is withholding a lot of that cream for the calf.




So it has been a bit of a wild ride, but it is something I am glad that we have done. There is an enormous sense of satisfaction in straining out that raw milk ever morning. I never knew a cow could make your life feel more complete, but it really does. They are not only gentle, beautiful animals, but they are also very useful in a practical sense. Years ago I would never have thought in a million years that I would be milking a cow every morning. But here we are.



Life is short. Get a cow.
(Just a little quote I stumbled upon)









77 comments:

  1. I'm really sorry and annoyed to hear of the response of some people.
    Maybe some people do not understand the difference between beef cattle and dairy breeds. Yes a Holstein or Jersey will look skinny next to a beef breed, but being bred for completely different purposes this does not make them unhealthy or poorly cared for.
    I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job of looking after your new cow and calf, and you will be rewarded with happy, healthy animals and a fresh milk supply.
    x

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  2. I have to second Zara and I am so sorry you had to deal with others unkindness.
    My husband's family had a Jersey milk cow for years and seeing pictures of your beautiful cow brought back wonderful memories.
    Enjoy all the goodness she has to offer.

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  3. It's just terrible that you would receive nasty remarks for your post. I don't often comment but I just LOVE your blog and I for one am very happy that you have your family cow now. I have no doubt that it is very loved and well cared for.
    Blessings.

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  4. So sorry to hear about the haters. I have no doubt that Bessie and her calf are in wonderful careful hands. You can see it in your photos :-)
    Susie x

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  5. I've never commented before but I just wanted to say, I absolutely love hearing about your every day adventures with simple living and the news of a gorgeous jersey and raw milk sent this to a whole new level. Please don't stop blogging! Bec- Melbourne

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  6. You're a strong young woman doing good things!! Xo

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  7. Hi Tania,
    I'm glad you put this post back up as I missed it the first time round...I think it's awesome that your little family has its own cow(s)! We should all be so lucky! They look beautiful to me, and I think you are doing a beautiful thing. Life is short, you're right, so please don't worry about those negative comments. And please don't let it stop you blogging. I might not comment very often, but I always read your blog because I think it's lovely x

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  8. I love your blog. Please don't stop writing just because some people are rude. I have never commented before and I want you to know you are very inspiring. Keep up the great work!

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  9. Oh Tania - I am GOBSMACKED to hear about all the rubbish you were subjected to! Totally un- necessary. Do stay strong (as us New Zealanders say "Kia kaha!") and do keep on bloggingn

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  10. It is easy to say but don't take the nasty annoymous comments to heart - just delete them! Obviously those people don't read your blog. A cow is just like a family addition and with that is almost just as much care and cost. If these people read your blog they would know how much time, effort and money feeding you put in to your family and that would automatically extend to your new family cow. Don't stop blogging, yours is a wonderfully honest and sharing blog.

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  11. I think when you put yourself out there you will get people who will be nasty (especially as your blog gets more 'noticed' in the blogging world). I'm sorry you had to experience that. Bessie looks much loved and I'm sure your competence with milking cows will grow as your confidence does. Everyone has to start somewhere. I love your sincerity and authenticity - please keep on blogging!

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  12. I've missed your lovely posts. So glad you will be sharing your journey. I grew up on a jersey dairy farm, jerseys are skinny. It hurts when commenters are nasty, always makes me wonder, why would they bother?
    Cheers Kate

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  13. Please don't stop writing your blog. I love checking in and hearing updates about your crafting, your home/farm and your family stories.
    Thanks for a wonderful blog.
    Nicola

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  14. I'm so glad the you didn't let some mean spirited people keep you from your blog. Jersey's can be quite skinny at times especially with a new calf just before spring. But generally they bounce back. She doesn't look that bad to m. her coat looks quite good which I find is a good indication. You are such a great inspiration especially for young mums out there.

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  15. Dear Tania, I'm so pleased you're not letting an anonymous hater lure you off your path. Anyone who spent any time reading your blog would know what a kind and caring person you are. And as Kate said, you're such an inspiration to young mums, and older birds too. ; - ) As if you'd mistreat an animal you'd just brought into your farm. pffft.

    I get a hater too, it might be the same one. Mine is from the UK and her comments are usually waiting for me in the morning. I just ignore her now as well as delete any anonymous comment that I'm even half way suspicious about. Luckily, her comments are few and far between now. You have to feel sorry for them. They must be filled with venom. Sending big hugs. xxx

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rhonda and Tania, sorry to hear that there are such annoying people out there who don't value the importance of the information you both provide. I love both of your blogs, which have helped me change my life for the better... From Nurdan

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  16. hi
    I agree with Rhonda.
    I love popping in and seeing how you are going with craft, food or home life. Please keep on blogging and congrats on your new addition to the family.

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  17. Dear Tania - I was so happy for you when you posted the pictures of Bessie and keen to follow her progress in your family setting. I'm so sorry that others have discouraged you. I admire your ingenuity and creativity very much and find inspiration in your beautiful family diary. Please keep blogging. Best wishes, Jenny in Canberra x

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  18. Hi Tania, so sorry to hear about the nasty comments. I wished you blogged more, I love stopping by here and reading about your goings on. It was your blog along with a friends that inspired me to start blogging, and for that I am very grateful. Hope the rest of the week is kind to you. Much love, Elaina xo

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  19. Hi Tania, I'm so sorry that you have had negative feedback from your last post, I was worried as to why it had been removed. The thought that people could be so mean is terrible, just remember that there are so many people out there who love and admire you and would miss you if you weren't around. Although I have never met you, I count you as a friend and admire all that you do. Take care xxBrenda

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  20. I think attacking people on facebook and blogs is just a cowardly way to have a go at people...I have had it recently myself, seems that its a great forum for being nasty...its also a great forum for friendly comments too, so I hope that you continue to have positive responses...I think you are all great for giving it a go...and of course you will be looking after the welfare of the creatures in your care...good luck with your moo moo journey...been a loooong time since I had fresh cream and milk ....its like nothing else...enjoy!

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  21. I thought I was going crazy having read that post that went missing!! I'm sorry you received some bad comments. I've been up your way, and no, its not prime pasture - but you are caring and considerate and I know you wouldn't do anything to put another animal or human through suffering. I do look forward to your milking posts - I have never had milk straight from the source and do often wonder what it would be like ! We go through a lot of dairy too and I can't wait to see if you get enough milk to suits your needs !! Best of luck !!
    Lauren
    X

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  22. Hi Tania, I don't think I've commented on your blog before. I want to say that I LOVE your writings and photos and always look forward to reading all about the adventures of your gorgeous family. Don't let the haters get you down. You are doing WONDERFUL things for and with your family. Perhaps the anonymous commenter is just a little envious?? You could always use the comment moderator if you haven't already. Big LOVE to you! Keep doing what you do. X

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  23. I'm sorry to hear about those people's horrible words. Bessie looks like a typical jersey cow to me. Dairy cows, even the ones in premium condition at the annual ag show have bones poking out. That's they're shape. There's a big difference between a starving cow & one that is naturally on the boney side. We've raised drought calves that were on the brink of dying of starvation (one poor wee mite didn't make it) & Bessie certainly looks nothing like it!! I think it's awful that some people have nothing better to do with their lives then leave nasty comments & messages!

    Our cows have the minerals out to self help too, along with getting their Pat Colby chaff & minerals every day. It's good stuff, isn't it? I find it interesting as the cows/bulls seem to need different minerals depending on what paddock we put them into. One paddock eats copper quite heavily & the others were into their dolomite more. All their levels seem to be up now so they don't eat the minerals as madly as they did at first. Seaweed see to be the one they love most :-)

    Good luck with Bessie! She'll be very well looked after by you and your lovely family!
    Sarah xx

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  25. Dear Tania,

    I'm so sorry that this happened. As you can see you have so much support here and you are such an inspiration. There were so many positive comments on your original Post (the negative one must have come much later?), I wonder if the comment was fuelled by jealousy. Whatever, please just keep on keeping on.

    Mel xxx

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  26. I'm so glad that you re-posted this. I thought it was an interesting approach to food production (ie using some else's spare/vacant land). Really! and I didn't get a chance to say so. Excellent and resourceful thinking!

    I also wanted to ask you, if there are any dairying books you'd recommend?

    And do keep blogging....you candour and honesty are refreshing.

    Nada

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  27. Hi Tania, so sorry you've had to go through that. Personally I loved the post about your cow and learning curve. Wishing you the best in is new adventure!

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  28. Please don't take any notice of such people and do as Rhonda Jean suggests - just hit the delete button.

    We love your blog, even though we are in the UK and don't really know the area you live in, but I love to see your beautiful photographs, and it has been a joy and a privilege to watch Violet in particular grow and develop.

    Keep at it - we love your blog xx

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  29. Love to you Tania!
    Tania R

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  30. Tania,

    The internet is odd. I feel I know so much about you and when you blog you're a friend over for tea and I truly enjoy hearing about you and your family. Although I never seem to actually meet people in real life who share as many common interests as you and I do. Knitting, cutting back sugar and eating whole foods, simple life, sewing, reading, everything.

    I never find friends like that. And yet - you don't know about me, I lurk and I think about starting my own blog but never really get to it. I feel like a weirdo! But you provide happiness with each new post and warmth and the kind of friend I wish to surround myself and my young family with. Please don't stop as weird it must feel to have readers who you don't know. I always eagerly await news from you, blog on!

    Jess

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  31. Hi Tania,
    So very relieved that you have re-posted. My husband and I have just bought a farm and we intend on getting a jersey cow (when I stop being the cow - breast feeding a one year old). Your post was very timely as we are just beginning our research. I have been following your blog for quite some time and i find your posts very inspirational, honest, whole, heartfelt, educational and family spirited. Keep them coming.
    Aimee x

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  32. Tania I have no doubt at all that you are very caring cow owners and that your lovely Jersey cow will thrive with your love and attention.

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  33. Sorry to hear people have been so nasty! I did think the cow looked quite skinny but assumed maybe you'd adopted him from someone who couldn't take care of him (or similar) & would fatten him up in your familys care. Isn't it sad some people jump to the conclusion your the one doing something wrong instead of thinking there may be a legit reason & if knowledgeable on dairy cows offer some great advice! I really enjoy your blog as many do I'm sure & I hope this doesn't put you off blogging.

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  34. Tania I am so sorry to hear that someone took it upon themselves to be nasty to you, I just don't understand why people choose to behave like that and really I don't want to. I think you are very inspirational in the choices you are making towards a simple life and I have missed seeing your regular posting. When I read your post I was really happy for all of you, how exciting having your own cow and how brave you were to milk it, I too would have been a bit worried about the cow kicking. I hope you will continue to share your adventures on your block and your simple life. Take care. x

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  35. Oh no, that sounds awful. I really hope it doesn't dampen your enthusiasm for cow keeping or blogging long term, i do enjoy reading and was looking forward to further cow related adventures xxx

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  36. I'm so sorry about the nasty comments Tania. To me - it is clear just how much care and love you have for Bessie and her calf. How many cows have a mineral smorgasbord ;-)

    Please just ignore the nasty comments. There's a minority out there that seem to find joy in hurting others. I get some amazingly nasty comments on my column in our local paper. Initially I was shocked and hurt - but now I just feel sorry for the people who leave such comments. How sad must their life be to take time to leave such comments.

    Good luck with the rest of your milking journey. You are inspiring. x

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  37. So happy you are back. Please keep writting I love to read your blog. You are avery caring person, the cow is lucky to be living with you and your family. Those people that leave bad comments are just jealous. Ignore them.

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  38. Tania! Big hugs! What sad and cranky people there are in the world. Thank goodness they are far outweighed by the wonderful people! I loved reading through the comments of support above and couldn't agree more, ignore those negative people and do what is right for you. You are a wonderful, inspiring, talented Mama and I love visiting you space and peeking in to your world. xx

    PS. About dear Bessie, can I admit my absolute jealousy? Being lactose intolerant I can only imagine how wonderful fresh milk is and how rewarding it must be to cook with! I shall have to settle for chickens instead... when my husband ever gets around to building my promised hen house... :)

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  39. As someone else mentioned, you've kind of got to feel sorry for people who have nothing better to do than be haters. I'm sad that happened to you! At our recent Royal Show I was actually quite interested to see how 'skinny' the massive dairy cows looked, and they were clearly in prime condition. But they were all hip bones - it was like scaffolding holding up an udder, ha! I admire what you're doing and I think Bessie and calf are lucky to be with your family.

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  40. I enjoyed your post. It's awful when you put your life out there for the benefit of others and they knock you down. You showed careful consideration in your decision to get a cow and I know Bessie will be well looked after. Keep up with your blogging. Warm regards, Tanya

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  41. Hi Tania,
    I’ve been quietly following your blog for a while, but I’ve always been too shy to leave a comment until now. I stumbled across your blog completely by accident one day and I’m so glad I did! It has been very inspiring to me at a time when my I really questioned how my little family & I were living our lives and decided to take steps to deliberately slow down and simplify. I’m sorry you've had a bad experience with nasty comments. Online environments seem to bring out the worst in some people. I do hope you choose to continue writing. Sitting down with a cup of tea and reading your blog feels a bit like catching up with a friend :) Thank you for sharing a small part of your life with us. Joanna, NSW

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  42. Your blog is so beautiful and honest! You are doing an amazing thing for your family, I admire you! I believe that the cow and her baby are in the best hands, surrounded with so much love and care.

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  43. I admire you for putting the post back up with your edit and admitting that those comments hurt. Thank you for being yourself, and keep us posted on how Bessie is doing! She's in such good hands. If ever a cow was blessed, she is!

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  44. I really enjoy reading your blog. I thought the photos showed a lot of love an care in setting up such a nice clean warm shed for Bessie and her baby. Good luck with your House cow and i'm sure she is going to thrive. xx

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  45. I know you are a gentle soul and you probably never swear but sometimes it's good to get your mongrel out, raise your middle finger and let a *F.U.* fly.
    Try it.
    Gets all that negative energy that has been thrust upon you and that you've absorbed, and spits it back out at the haters.

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  46. Tania! I am so sorry to hear that you have had nasty comments on your blog. I absolutely love your blog and often check in to see if you have updated it. I used to be a faithful reader every morning when you blogged often. I miss it! I love your updates and it makes my day when there is a new post for me to read. Your life is inspiring and you are a caring, thoughtful and lovely person. Just judging from all the lovely comments here you are connecting with a lot of like-minded people who love hearing your story. Like Rhonda Jean said earlier, you have to feel sorry for people who feel the need to put out their negativity into the world. It's easy to do over the internet I imagine when you don't have to come face to face with the person. It's sad and I'm sorry you were subjected to it. Please keep blogging! Lucy x

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  47. Some people can be so mean. At the end of the day you are providing a loving home for Bessie and her baby, I have no doubt that you and your family will provide her with everything she needs to keep her happy and healthy and that is all that matters. She will in return provide you with some wonderful goodness.
    Ruth :)

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  48. I so LOVE your blog.I feel like you are a friend. Cows are beautiful animals especially Jerseys with their soulful brown eyes. We milked a cow for many years - milk for ourselves, the leftover milk for the farm cats and pigs, cream into butter. During the war when my husband was a child most country people milked a cow, kept chucks and ducks, grew their own fruit and vegetables. I'm thrilled this way of life is being again being lived. Apart from the health benefits, your children are discovering the joys and responsibilties of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Well-done!! Heather from the Mount.

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  49. Good grief! Some people! I read a blog where she was getting so much negativity that she closed down the comment section (Cold Antler Farm). And then she just boldly blogs on :) Good for her, and good for you!
    I love reading about your world, and hope you continue sharing.

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  50. Well, the 50 comments before me speak for themselves!! But I'll say it too Tania! You rock and I love reading your blog! Somehow I missed this being posted first time round and I too can't believe some people's ridiculous response.
    I'm so intrigued by your venture here and can't wait to hear more about Bessie! :) xxx

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  51. Wow! So sorry to hear of your poor experience with nasty comments. I read only comment #1 and I quite agree. In fact, I lived in upstate NY around a LOT of dairy farms with lush green grass, and your beautiful Jersey's appear just fine to me. We had goats, and our vet said ours were fat, but they looked thin to us! LOL, it is hard to "get an eye for it"! One thing too, to be aware of, is that a fat animal, especially ruminants will have trouble conceiving. So, be careful too of over-feeding in reaction. The one thing I can say is to find a good vet you like and trust, and do what they say! :-) Lots of best wishes for fun and lovely dairy products!! Like ice cream!! Enjoy and keep it up!

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  52. Hi Tania,

    I’m disappointed that your blog has attracted recent negative commentary as I genuinely regard it to be one of the few shining lights in a blogland awash with ‘advertorial’ and thinly disguised ‘cash for comment’.

    Yours is a blog of integrity, honesty and generosity. I do hope you continue to blog. I so enjoy reading about the realities of the life you and your family aspire to live.

    I’ve never commented on a blog before, but felt compelled to let you know just how refreshing, inspiring and thought provoking yours is.

    Kelli

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  53. So glad you're continuing to blog Tanya. I love reading about your adventures and you're inspiring to me in your simple life. We're all beginners at something & well done for just sharing where you're at. Haters stop wasting your time & find something more productive to do (or constructive if they actually have help to share).

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  54. Hi Tania, What a wonderful gift for your children, they will gain so much from being involved with this project (even to the point of pretending to be asleep on cold mornings rather than help!) After all these years we are hoping to return to having a milking cow simply to allow our grandchildren the experience that will stay with them forever. The previous comments have all expressed the same views as I have been thinking. I love your blog and always look forward to a new post so thank you. Enjoy life, Carol

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  55. Me, I just agree with everyone else's comments and am delighted to see all these people sharing how inspirational your blog is for them. Your blog is truly wonderful and unique and real, please keep blogging. I had no idea dairy cows looked thin either and just thought yours would fatten up in spring, see, it's educational too your blog. I am still as excited for you and Bessie when I commented originally, so please ignore the negative nancys and be true to yourself. mel x

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  56. I went to show my hubby your post about Bessie and discovered it gone I had no idea this was the reason. Just terrible what people think they have the right to say from behind a computer screen. Please don’t stop blogging. I really enjoy reading blog. I love its charm, beauty and simplicity.
    Katexx

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  57. I saw the original post and wondered where it had gone. Why would anyone be so horrible! Jealousy or just plain nasty! I don't know a single thing about cows, but read the post with interest. (And some envy!) Please keep blogging, yours is one of my favourites! Oh, and your kids are really cute :) Have a great day, Kathryn xx

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  58. I'm really sorry to hear you had nasty comments Tania. I think it's wonderful that you have done so much research and bought your own cow (and calf!). They are both lovely. Our Jersey cows look a little thin now too, coming out of a dry winter and feeding calves, but it's perfectly normal. I think human mothers can look a bit like this too!! I'm so glad that you're not going to give up blogging. It seems that these things happen to all bloggers every now and then, but it is a tiny minority of people who feel they need to comment negatively on other people's lives. Thanks for sharing. fiona x

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  59. Sorry to hear that it wasn't just blogger behaving badly as is so often the case. I caught your original post and hopped back a couple of times and was sad to see it had gone.

    So glad you put it back up though..it takes a lot of courage to push forward through negativity. Did I ever tell you that I love visiting your blog? I do!! xx

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  60. HI Tania, the same as many readers I sit down quietly to read about interesting, creative, caring, crafty people in our wider community and you don't know us but I love seeing a snippet of country life and your ongoing adventures, there are always negative people around, the internet just makes them anonymous. Good luck with Bessie. x

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  61. Hi Tania I just want to say I really love reading your blog you are such an inspiration and it would be sad to see you stop blogging just because of some mean, nasty, jealous people, don't let them beat you. I remember when my babies were young and we had a house cow all that yummy goodness, it brought back all the lovely memories. All the best with your lovely Bessie, Julie

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  62. You go girl. How lucky Bessie is to have you xxx

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  63. So glad to see this post is back up! Nevermind the negativity, there will always be crabby people who think they know the whole story or think they can tell you something in a negative way in order to get a positive response. It just doesn't work that way.

    You and your family are an inspiration. Period. Thank you for sharing glimpses of your lives with us. I do hope you choose to remain in the space :-)

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  64. Jersey cows have the sweetest faces!! Lucky you, enjoy your wonderful dairy jackpot!!

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  65. Sorry to hear you have been getting mean comments on here. From what I have seen it seems to come with the territory of having a popular blog. Glad to see that you put the post back up and didn't let the bullies win :)

    I think your cow is adorable!

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  66. Hi Tania, I am another person who has not commented before but have followed your blog for some time and found it to be honest, inspiring and refreshing. I think that you are creating a wonderful home and memories for your children. I used to live in the country and having a backyard full of chooks taught us so much, as well as providing eggs and enjoyment. Please don't let the nasty comments of a few people upset you - your blog is a lovely gift that you share - thankyou.
    Erin from Adelaide

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  67. Hi Tania, like many others I've been reading your post for a long time and I never comment, but feel I want to today. I'm so glad you reposted about your dairy cow. I know she'll have a happy home with you, as would the people who left nasty comments if they bothered to read you blog often and get to know you and your family as I feel I have from reading it. It must be so easy for some people to criticise another's efforts instead of doing it for themselves. Don't let a nasty few ruin it for the rest. Keep up the fantastic job you do on your blog. I'd feel a bit sad if you stopped. Regards Fiona :)

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  68. Tania you are a brave person simply by choosing to live as you do. Brave people have bullies try to make them lose faith in themselves. Don't lose faith. Keep your chin up, chest out and enjoy living true to your ideals.

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  69. Tania I love reading your blog, and it is one on my list that I check in on every few days. Your photos are gorgeous and inspiring. I've heard it be said that one negative comment can totally erase even hundreds of positive ones. Don't let one mean spirited person ruin what you have here in blog land. It's clear that so many of us get something from reading your blog.
    Melanie in Melbourne

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  70. How absolutely delightful!

    I enjoyed reading of your adventure.

    Laura
    Missouri, U.S.A.
    Harvest Lane Cottage

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  71. Tania - Your blog is one of the best on the web, so beautiful and natural (as opposed to staged pics). Please ignore the haters - there is something missing in their lives if they feel the need to anonymously attack others.

    Anyway, keep blogging because you are doing a fantastic job. It would be such a shame to lose you because of some cowards out there that hid behind a computer screen. Your cow looks well-cared. It's clear from your posts that you are well-read and do a lot of research into your home projects.

    Your blog is beautiful and inspiring. xx Nadia

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  72. oh Tania I am just popping by and sorry to read this. Apalling really but haters gonna hate. Blogging can be a vulnerable thing and the world is full of mean people. Thankfully it's also full of lovely people. Just be true to yourself I guess. Leaxo

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  73. The dark side of blogging - Trolls:( I'm so sorry you had to go through that - it isn't fair at all - you have a wonderful blog that I have followed for a good while now and have found much inspiration from - your gaining a cow has me more determined than ever that we shall one day do the same. Whom-ever commented on the cow's state was obviously very uneducated on cows as they do slim off when lactating and in certain seasons...but the abundance of care you are lavishing on her will have her plumped up in no time at all. Commercial dairy farming is so very unkind to these animals that it is a wonderful thing to see a cow and her calf being cared for so tenderly. Keep blogging and don't let the Trolls bring you down!!

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  74. Look at all those bloggy lovin' comments Tania. Comments because people care and love this space of yours. It's a wonderful space that I love checking in on. Keep doing what you do lovely, and all the best with your beautiful new cow. xx

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  75. Just look at all these great postive comments on your uplifting journey and leave the haters to their own small world. Blessings to you and yours,
    Shani

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  76. Hi, I know this is an old post. I just stumbled upon your blog. I've had goats, but never a cow. I do understand the sore hands! Because cows are much different than goats, I am wondering how you deal with the manure. With goats we get nice little neat 'pellets', not so with a cow! How do you keep the 'mess' down?

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