Long time readers of this blog may remember Rosemary, our Cow-that-never-got-pregnant, and the long agonizing over whether she was pregnant or not, and the pictures of her rear end, and the neighbors weighing in with opinions and advice. Well, this was all something we were eager to avoid with Maude, who was taken to the (unfortunately Angus) bull the day we bought her (and still milking from her previous freshening). So according to dates this would put her due around August 23rd, which means it's time to dry her up so she can rest before having her calf. A couple of weeks ago ED stopped milking in the evenings, but we've been extremely reluctant to stop milking her altogether, as we can't bear the thought of being without that lovely Jersey milk and cream, and us not knowing for sure if she's pregnant! So I finally bit the bullet, and called a vet, who was able to tell us in about 5 seconds that yes, she is going to have a calf! (It took me longer to write the check, I think!) So, no more milking Maude, which is actually great timing, as we're leaving for the beach in less than two weeks, and it'll make life a lot easier for our trusty farm sitter.
Also in yesterday's big news, the girls and their best friend JD decided it was time to get their ears pierced, so a whole mess of us went to the mall in Asheville and did it! We went to Mike's Grill in Weaverville for burgers afterwards, and across the street to the drugstore for ice cream after that. It was a great summer afternoon!