Gifts...

Picture taken on the 31st of a rainbow seen one morning when checking pens. One of those cold days where the snow has a hard crunch and a wind chill to go along with it. Lost a set of twins several days ago, every one in a somber mood as we rarely lose a calf since we literally seem to live with the herd with around the clock pen checks added to the chorework of feeding / bedding etc. A malpresentation with the twins and cell messages not received in a timely manner when I felt something was 'off'. Farm visit from the Vet to deliver them as unable to get the head into place.
So have been milking the cow for past several days in hopes of finding a spare calf somewheres....not many people winter calve. Cats come
out of the woodwork in the barn when they hear the first few pings of milk hitting the bucket.
Some of the kids able to come home this wkend to make it 'our Xmas' with the last of the gift opening. Weather turned out nice. 3 yr. old grandson Cohen a big help with making deserts as well socializing the puppies. They got along just great, kitchen was strewn with puppy toys from one end to the other...play sessions ending with the pups all piled asleep in his lap much to his great pleasure. A visit to the barn to see the new calf as well to the sheep pen and see 'Nick' the lamb.
Something pretty special when you watch a young person interact with baby animals and the natural gentle care towards them.
Children learn so much about life in general given a chance to share their lives with a companion.
That gift is priceless.